08.31.23 West Orange Times & Observer

Event parking, noise at center of discussion

ANNABELLE SIKES

EDITOR

NEWS

Windermere leaders convened to discuss the impact of events held in Town Square at the Town Council Workshop Tuesday, Aug. 22.

Public Works Director Tonya Elliott-Moore said as the town was working through the proposed pavilion discussion, it became apparent there was concern as to the frequency and size of various events held in Town Square.

The most common concerns voiced by residents regarding events are parking, noise and attendance by non-Windermere residents.

“We were hearing some concern about the types, the amounts, the size, the scope, the scale of some of our events … what we want our events to be and look like and what we want our processes to be,” Mayor Jim O’Brien said. “This is not to say we don’t want all these events; it’s not to say we don’t want more events. It’s to say, ‘What is the level of impact?’ (It is to) assess each event for the level of impact to the community and the target audience, and whom it benefits, etc., to make sure that we’re being smart with the events that we support and select.”

SEARCHING FOR SOLUTIONS

To assist the surrounding residents, Elliot-Moore said staff has met and is searching for ways to try to minimize the impact of the events.

Possible solutions include reducing the size, frequency and scale of the food truck events; ensuring entertainment is strictly adhering to the noise ordinance during events; and working with the Windermere Police Department on the possibility of adding additional off-duty officers for event nights.

Another option would be continuing to eliminate food truck events, which the town has done for June, July and August.

Furthermore, the town could require any additional events with more than 1,000 attendees to submit a special event permit and have a public outreach/work session prior to going to Town Council for approval. Public Works could purchase signage to identify areas where no parking is allowed for events; and staff could continue to look for additional areas where parking can be accommodated.

Elliott-Moore said staff will continue to work with the residents surrounding Town Square but would like some additional guidance from the Town Council relative to events.

Current events include Food Truck Night, Elder Luncheons, Craft Beer Fest, Arbor Day Tree Giveaway, Windermere Wine & Dine, Windermere Art Show, Windermere PetFest, Operation Easter Bunny, Cops & Bobbers, Run Among the Lakes, and Holiday Hoopla.

For private Town Hall rentals, Elliot-Moore said staff is working with the police department to ensure renters are adhering to the noise ordinance.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Council Member Mandy David believes the requirements of any additional events more than 1,000 attendees are a good idea — with a few concerns.

“My only drawback with that is for Parks and Recreation their events are to fund for improvements at the park, and I know that their events are highly attended,” she said. “So, I just have a fear that’s going to limit them unless the town is interested in giving more funding for improvements of the parks.”

Council Member Tom Stroup asked if there was an opportunity to move some of the larger events to OUC park, while resident Donna Steele suggested using the Windermere Recreation Center for events.

Although the park would cost additional funds, Elliott-Moore said these are possibilities the town can consider.

Council Member Andy Williams enjoys the town events and believes

because they have grown throughout the years, there may be ways the town can help to better accommodate and assist the event organizers to minimize impact.

Parks and Recreation Chair Nora Brophy thinks parking needs to be addressed.

“We could probably add some special event parking,” she said. “I know that’s a big complaint that people have, and I understand it. … I live downtown, and I don’t like people parking in front of my house. But I think with some more work with the town, maybe we can do better on the parking, and that should be a big help.”

CT Allen, leader of the Windermere Wine & Dine, is not sure if it is these specific town events that have the major issues.

“If you really drill down to this issue, there are events run by residents who are volunteering their time who are residents and live here full-time and are giving back to the town,” she said. “Food Truck (Night) is not a town resident-driven event. I think that is a situation that should be looked at a little bit more closely.”

Resident Rick Mitchell believes the town should not change or eliminate the events.

“Come on guys: This is three events,” he said. “You’re … bending to the minority. When you buy a house … near public property in Town Hall, you’re going to have this stuff. It’s like three hours. It’s like two to four hours each. It’s not a big deal.”

Stroup, who lives in the downtown area, said most of the events happening in the town now were not present 25 years ago.

“We have to continue to address this as things happen,” he said. “We can’t just say, ‘Well, you shouldn’t have moved downtown.’ These are issues that are a real concern. … All we’re saying as residents who live downtown is that we want a voice to speak for our neighborhood, which is downtown. All of us, most of us, do go to these events, and I don’t want to nix any of them, to be honest with you. I like them all. All I’m saying is just some rules and regulations for them so we can enjoy them, too.”

Council Member Tony Davit loves what the events bring to the community, but he also cautioned the council against listening to a few individuals as opposed to the whole town.

“What we’re hearing is a lot of vocal opposition to these events from folks (who) live down and around the downtown (area),” he said. “I love the idea of trying to locate other areas to try to hold some of these events. … Do we need to tweak parking? Absolutely. But what I caution is trying to parse out what is the event that we’re going to hold versus the events we’re not going to hold based on some point system or some arbitrary judgment on it, because there’s some very vocal opposition.”

Oakland to receive $320,900 state loan

The money will be used as back-up funding for the town’s alternative water project in case there is a shortfall in utility revenues.

The town of Oakland submitted a state revolving fund loan application in April in hopes of securing $320,900 to be used as back-up funding for its alternative water project.

The application has been approved, and the Town Commission voted in favor of the mayor signing the loan agreement during the consent agenda portion of the Aug. 22 meeting.

The project will allow the town to cease using potable water to take care of irrigation needs. The plan is to harvest untreated stormwater, filter and treat it, and then send it out to customers who live in neighborhoods with dual piping in the homes.

A closer look

Sweet Peeks Imaging takes 5D images to give parents a chance to clearly see their baby’s features.

and his or her features as soon as they are developed.

Expectant mothers can see realistic images of their unborn baby at a new business that has opened near downtown Winter Garden. Jessica Ledford, a registered diagnostic medical sonographer, said she created Sweet Peeks Imaging to give parents a chance to visualize their baby and bond with him or her before birth.

The prenatal imaging studio offers elective ultrasounds in 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D and HD in a variety of packages.

The 5D option gives parents a cleaner look at their baby and allows for better image resolution, better depth perception, more enhanced facial feature recognition and a virtual light source.

“Pregnancy is truly such a magical season,” Ledford said. “From tiny kicks to big rolls, there’s a whole lot happening in the womb.”

She has dedicated her career to being a registered diagnostic medical sonographer and said working with expectant parents and their families has been such a rewarding journey. Most of the patients she encountered at the obstetrics and gynecology office where she has worked are interested in seeing their little one

At Sweet Peeks, the entire family can go to the visit. It’s a simple process, she said, and it takes about 20 minutes.

“I felt like COVID changed a lot with the health care community, and I felt like this gave an opportunity to get personalized again,” she said.

During the pandemic, physician offices stopped allowing family members to accompany the pregnant mother during the screening.

“You want to be able to share your excitement — especially for a firsttime child or grandparents of the family,” she said. “I want them to feel like they are a part of a special time. I tried to make my studio very comfortable, relaxing and homey.”

Ledford has been a registered sonographer for almost 14 years. She has worked in the hospital setting in radiology and with private-practice OB-GYNs. In fact, when she was pregnant with her own children, who are now 7 and almost 9, she performed 4D imaging on herself.

Ledford, 35, said her interest in sonography started in high school when she took an early childhood class. In her senior year at West Orange High School, she said, she did her class project on the up-andcoming new fascination with prenatal imaging.

“That moment specifically was the reason I went to college for ultrasound,” she said. “I went to Florida Hospital’s College of Health Sciences, which is now Advent University. And I found out ultrasound was much more learning than I expected. I thought it was just about babies, but you can ultrasound anything.

“I always felt specifically pulled in this one direction,” she said.

Ledford is the granddaughter of Ralph and Jodie Suggs, of Winter Garden. Her grandmother was a registered nurse, so hospital work runs in the family.

“I’m fourth generation from Winter Garden, and I take a lot of pride and I want my community to know that they can feel safe and they’re in good hands with me,” Ledford said. “I want providers to know they can feel confident in recommending my services to my patients.”

SWEET PEEKS IMAGING

855 E. Plant St., Suite 1700, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 9474407

WEBSITE: sweetpeeksimaging. glossgenius.com

HOURS: Currently 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday, and by appointment, with future plans to open Tuesday and Thursday

The town had budgeted $200,000 in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget, which provided for more than half of the $319,000 design fee. According to Public Works director Mike Parker, the state revolving fund loan money would only be used if there is a shortfall in utility revenues that would preclude additional funding from the Enterprise Fund. Parker said when construction is set to begin, the design loan could be rolled into a construction loan if needed. The town has been pursuing other funding opportunities for construction of the alternate system.

The consent agenda had several other items that were approved.

The commission approved the designation of Pam Dwyer, principal of Oakland Avenue Charter School, as the person responsible for responding to a request for appointment of a special magistrate for parents to address unresolved disputes involving the student’s health welfare or safety.

Commissioners appointed Public Works director Mike Parker to the MetroPlan Technical Advisory Committee as the town of Oakland representative. Commissioners approved an agreement with Central Florida Arborcare, which uses the contract pricing set in the contract with Orange County for townwide tree and arbor services.

IN OTHER NEWS

n The commission appointed Nancy Ross to a three-year term on the Planning & Zoning Board and Matt Sutton as alternate.

n Mayor Kathy Stark read three proclamations declaring September Healthy Selfie Month and Hispanic Heritage Month, and Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 National Preparedness Month.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

CONSENT AGENDA

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Amy Quesinberry

Jessica Ledford is licensed to perform 2D, 3D, 4D and 5D ultrasounds on pregnant mothers.

Courtesy

A 5D image gives expecting parents a clear look at their baby.

Red Rocks Worship to perform in Winter Garden Observer

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Tyler Roberts was only a teenager when his father, after being diagnosed with oral cancer, took his own life. This kind of thing wasn’t supposed to happen to them. His family was active in church; his father even played drums there.

In the weeks that followed, Roberts locked himself in his bedroom for hours every day. He put on a purple and pink Hillsong Worship CD with Darlene Zschech on the front, grabbed his guitar and began teaching himself to play.

That’s when he realized it wasn’t the music itself that was healing him. Rather, it was the presence of God.

“My room was probably the only light in the whole house,” Roberts said. “If you walked outside of my room, it was chaos, confusion and darkness. I credited the light all to God.”

Roberts, 34, now serves as a worship leader at Red Rocks Church in Denver and plays acoustic guitar for Red Rocks Worship, the music ministry at the church. Red Rocks has penned many songs that have become staples in the contemporary Christian music scene. And this Friday, West Orange residents will be able to see Red Rocks live at Kingdom Culture, 12201 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. The concert is in support of Red Rocks’ 2023 release, “Ascend.”

“I’m involved with church music, yes, but it’s not the music; it’s about the way I connect with God,” Roberts said. “We believe every one of these songs can be an anchor for people wherever they are and so that’s the why. We go out and do ministry. We want to be a refreshing spirit to maybe those that are a little tired and weary. Just trying to point people back to Jesus.”

MAKING HEAVEN

MORE CROWDED

Red Rocks Worship’s Winter Garden performance kicks off its “Ascend” tour.

“We’re thankful to be a part of anything that lifts up the name of Jesus,” Jon Rearden, serve team pastor at Kingdom Culture, said. “As a church, we were portable for so long that when God gave us a permanent facility, we committed to using it for His glory. When Red Rocks approached us about coming to Winter Garden, we considered it an honor to have them use this facility, and pray that it will be a great night in our city.”

Red Rocks Church, a multi-campus congregation based in Colorado, was founded in 2005. It is one of the fastest-growing congregations in the country.

The church houses nine locations, including Colorado, Texas and Belgium. The campuses also include three God Behind Bars locations, where the weekend messages and worship experience are streamed into the church’s partnering prisons.

Originally from southern Indiana, Roberts and his wife moved to Denver 12 years ago so he could take the position of associate worship leader at the church.

RED ROCKS

WORSHIP

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1.

Doors open at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Kingdom Culture Church; 12201 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden

TICKETS: itickets.com/ events/474533?aff=BIT

WEBSITE: redrocksworship.com

RED ROCKS

WORSHIP

TRAVEL TEAM

Tyler Roberts: Worship leader/

acoustic guitar

Kory Miller: Worship leader

Jes Parsons: Worship leader

Jessi Robertson: Worship leader

Matt McKenzie: Drums

Zach Hartgraves: Bass

John Meding: Electric guitar

Scott Miller: Keys

Courtesy photos Red Rocks Worship is the music ministry at Red Rocks Church.

Although the church started with one campus, the organization rapidly expanded and hired new worship leaders at each location.

Roberts said the locations were having trouble coming together as one church with one sound. That’s when he decided to gather all Red Rocks worship leaders together every Friday for prayer and songwriting.

“It’s kind of funny now that Red Rocks Worship, the brand, the label, the movement, was really born out of us just trying to figure out how to get along and how to come together and unify on songs for our church,” he said.

No matter the song, no matter the medium, the group’s goal is simple: It wants everyone to know the only way, the truth and the life found in Jesus.

“Fill This Place” was the first song the group wrote as a team that they all fell in love with and that worked at the church locations.

As part of an online and TV special program called “Holiday Hangover,” put together for the Sunday after Christmas so nobody had to come in, the group used a couple of songs from the church.

After one of the worship leaders suggested putting the music on iTunes, Red Rocks Worship rose to No.

1 on all the Christian Gospel iTunes charts for its “The Rooftop EP.”

Shortly after, Sony Music Entertainment’s Provident Label Group called and asked to meet with the group. Red Rocks Worship signed with the label in 2017.

The group released recently its fourth big album with the label called “Ascend.”

ASCEND

This year’s tour will start in Orlando before heading to Gainesville and Miami. The tour will take a short

break before continuing on to Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.

The Red Rocks Worship travel team includes Roberts; Kory Miller, worship leader; Jes Parsons, worship leader; Jessi Robertson, worship leader; Matt McKenzie, drums; Zach Hartgraves, bass; John Meding, electric guitar; and Scott Miller, keys.

While the moment of performing on stage is fleeting, Roberts hopes instead to be a voice God can use to get people through the hardest times of their lives. In fact, it was only a few years ago when Roberts himself was going through a crisis, and he even though about leaving ministry.

But, he said God reminded him of those days in his teenage bedroom, guitar in hand.

“I really felt like God told me,

“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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‘Hey, do you remember that CD and how in the darkest time of your life those songs got you through? Go be that for someone else.’” Roberts said.

“The title of the album was called ‘Blessed.’ For me, my why is because I believe in the Lord. I believe that Jesus is the one and only Savior. I have experienced Him. I have seen things that I can’t unsee, and I can’t go back from that. I just can’t. I’m all in.”

Roberts said what Winter Garden residents can expect is simple: church.

“We’re going to have church,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter what you did yesterday, it doesn’t matter what you did five minutes ago, it doesn’t matter what you were planning to do tomorrow, it doesn’t matter what walk of life you come from. We’re going to lift up one name, and that is the name of Jesus.”

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Easy as pie

V Pizza is an authentic, Italian pizzeria brand known for serving artisan meals, including pizza, wings, pasta and craft cocktails.

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Trenton Postell is leading the team at the first V Pizza location in Orlando with his passion for serving others.

Postell, 41, is the franchise owner at the new Lake Buena Vista location, which opened earlier this month. The new location joins others in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.

The 4,300-square-foot restaurant seats about 160 diners and includes a dedicated bar and patio space.

V Pizza is an authentic, Italian pizzeria brand known for serving artisan meals, including pizza, wings, pasta and craft cocktails.

Customers can expect pizza sauce made from hand-churned San Marzano tomatoes, dough made from highly refined Italian wheat flour, and toppings such as real bufala mozzarella and prosciutto di parma.

In addition, the food is cooked in Italian, clay brick ovens that heat to 900 degrees.

Paul Scott, owner of V Pizza, said the Lake Buena Vista location was chosen because he knows the people in the area love good food.

“Orlando’s food IQ is one of the highest in the nation,” Scott said. “The locals here are well-traveled, understand food quality and appreciate authenticity, just like we do. It’s a natural fit. ... Regardless of the cost or difficulty of sourcing items, we’ll get the best items in the world for our Neapolitan pizza, wings and cocktails. That’s what makes us unapologetically authentic.”

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

Postell, originally from Daytona Beach, has owned and run small business franchises for more than a decade.

He attended the University of

V PIZZA

8586 Palm Parkway, Orlando PHONE: (407) 778- 1776

WEBSITE: vpizza.com/ locations/lake-buena-vistaorlando-fl

Florida, where he played football and met his wife, Starr.

The couple moved in 2007 to Jacksonville, where they lived for 15 years.

Postell worked in the financial industry — for Scott at a mortgage company.

In 2014, Postell left the company to start his first business in child care called Impact Learning Center. The center now has four locations in Jacksonville.

V Pizza and ILC opened in 2014 in San Marco.

Postell said V Pizza has always held a special place in his heart.

His child care center was the first organization to partner with the restaurant’s nonprofit, V for Victory, which supports local families going through cancer treatments. ILC hosted an art auction, and $1,700 was raised for the nonprofit.

The nonprofit started when Scott’s son, Charlie, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 3 years old.

V for Victory allows diners to add donations to their checks for the nonprofit. All customer donations go toward providing meals and every day services for local families battling cancer.

“We watched him go through that, and we went through it with him; it was devastating,” Postell said. “Even though he had the means to take care of his son, out of that experience, he didn’t just think about himself and getting his son better. He saw all of the families that struggled that didn’t have the opportunities and means that he had to take care of his son.”

HEART TO SERVE

In 2019, Postell said God called the family to move to Orlando. The family originally lived in Winter Garden

before buying a house in Windermere. Although the couple had a dream of starting more child care centers, Postell said he had a chance to open other businesses.

He refers to himself as a jack-of-alltrades entrepreneur.

“I love people,” he said. “People are what I do. I love serving people. I love helping people make their dreams come true or even find their purpose. As a business owner and entrepreneur, you have the opportunity to really be around people all the time.”

Postell said he learned his love and care for others from his mother.

“She’d give the shirt off her back for anyone,” he said. “I got the chance to watch her live her life in service to people. She was always the servant of our family, her work, her church. I got to see that example.”

When Postell came to Orlando, Scott asked him to start the first Orlando location of V Pizza.

Postell said because of his belief in Scott and his family, as well as his passion for the business, its food and authenticity, it was an easy decision.

“Paul and the team at V Pizza have always been like family to me,” Postell said. “We really are a family, and that’s why family service is one of our top priorities. … I’m excited to open this restaurant to lead something I feel has

purpose while providing a high-quality product.”

At the first meeting Postell held at V Pizza, the first thing he told the employees is they will be servants for the community.

“We serve each other, and we’re going to serve our customers,” he said.

“At the root of hospitality is service and generosity. You can have amazing food, amazing products but if it doesn’t come with a servant’s heart, it doesn’t really matter.”

Last month alone, V Pizza provided 2,109 meals with a retail value of $39,874 to V for Victory families dining across their 10 locations.

COMING SOON

V Pizza will be run with the help of Tyler Parker, general manager, and Zachary Cummings, assistant general manager and bar manager.

While Postell takes on his new business venture, his wife will serve as COO and executive director at the child care center.

Postell is honored and privileged to bring the first franchise location to Orlando.

“We want our V Pizza family to grow, but we also want locals to bring their families and their kids and create memories here,” he said. “Food brings people together.”

Postell and his wife have two children: Tianna, 16; and Treven, 19. The family also took in two nephews and one niece when they moved to Orlando: Joseph, 16; Jasmine, 20; and Joshua, 22.

All of the children have worked at one of the family’s businesses throughout the years.

When he is not working, Postell enjoys watching football, spending time with his family and fishing on the Butler Chain of Lakes. He and his wife participate in the Facebook group “50 First Dates,” through which they enjoy 50 new first dates every year.

Buy 1, Get One FREE!

Photos by Annabelle Sikes Trenton Postell is the franchise owner at the new Lake Buena Vista location.

The 4,300-square-foot restaurant seats about 160 diners and includes a dedicated bar and patio space.

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

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God

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

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah

241 N. Main St., Winter Garden

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

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135

Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

Sunday Service: 10:05 AM

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

The days are long, but the years, they’re oh-so short

sensitive,” I said. “Don’t worry: You’re doing great.”

Over the next half-hour or so, we snaked through our church’s parking lot. I advised him on everything I could — turning, parking, stopping, signaling. He touched all the buttons and levers as I told him what each one did.

MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

In the days I spent pre-writing this column in my head, I’ve tried — unsuccessfully — to come up with a better intro.

Better than going all the way back to when our 15-year-old son was born — five-and-one-half weeks early. He woke us in the middle of the night, and after a panicked phone call to our doctor, my wife and I were sitting, bleary-eyed, in a room at Bayfront Medial Center in St. Petersburg.

It was April 26, 2008; Lyric wasn’t supposed to arrive until June. We were supposed to have another month and chance to prepare. And with all the naiveté that comes with being a first-time parent, I was sure I would have been prepared given that extra time.

But within hours of arriving to the hospital, we met our beautiful, tiny boy. He had a head full of hair. And dimples! Somehow, when I held him, he felt both too light and like the weight of the world — all at the same time.

Then, I made the mistake of blinking.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Sometime between his 14th and 15th birthday, Lyric changed from looking like that baby boy at Bayfront Medical to the handsome young man he is becoming.

But, as he gingerly let his foot off the brake for the first time, I caught a glimpse of my boy.

Wasn’t it just yesterday that we were hoping to get 40 milliliters into his tiny body? Wasn’t it just yesterday that he and I worked together to become the baby swaddling champs of the Southeast?

How, then, is he behind the wheel? And what’s more: How is it possible that he has to adjust the seat because he needs more leg room?!

The day before, Lyric was sitting inside the DMV at West Oaks Mall, smiling at a camera for his learner’s permit photo. He beamed with pride as he held the card in his hands for the first time, snapping a photo of it to text to his buddies.

“Whooaaaaa,” he exclaimed as our family SUV idled forward.

“OK, now touch the brake,” I said.

We lunged forward as the car froze in place. We both laughed.

“I told you — it’s kind of

I reveled in the moment — overexaggerating praise as he almost made it into a parking spot or completed a right turn without hitting the curb.

I didn’t take as many photos as I did in the days we spent in the hospital. And I suppose that’s one of the reasons I’m writing this down: I don’t want to forget these moments.

When Lyric was done for the day, we switched places and went on home. I’m quite sure I was beaming at least as brightly as he was when we told my wife how great he had done.

“It’s just like playing ‘Forza,’ isn’t it?” I joked with him.

COMMITTING TO MEMORY

When my wife and I became parents, we always knew we weren’t raising kids. Rather, we were raising adults. But Lyric is fewer than three years away from that, and there are plenty of days I question whether we are succeeding. Every day, there seems to be more lessons — more things I forgot to say. His questions are getting harder to answer. Life is getting more complicated.

Just like how nothing could have prepared us for becoming parents to a newborn, the teenage years also are throwing us for a loop. Gone are the days when we had all the answers. So, too, are the days when a hug or bowl of ice cream could make everything better.

But, in their places are the moments when an entire auditorium falls silent as Lyric performs a solo piano piece. Or when, for his birthday, he chooses to dress up for dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House with his parents. And much too soon for me, it will be when he walks across the stage to receive his high school diploma. Lyric was a tad more comfortable behind the wheel when we went out driving the next evening. Already, his accelerating and braking were smoother, and we even crossed the street into the parking lot of his former elementary school. And with cones blocking the way, he had to execute a three-point turn, which he did to perfection. “That was amazing!” I screamed. “I couldn’t have done it better myself!”

The sun was quickly setting, allowing dusk to pull its curtain over the parking lot. We turned on the headlights before he crossed back over into the church parking lot for a few more minutes that this dad is desperate to remember.

Winter Garden hosts first FY 202324 budget workshop

The General Fund revenues budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 totals $82,768,911. This is an increase of $31,920,525, or 63%, when compared to the budget for the prior year.

SIKES NEWS EDITOR

The city of Winter Garden hosted its first budget workshop for Fiscal Year 2023-24 at the City Commission meeting Thursday, Aug. 24.

The General Fund revenues budget for FY 2023-24 totals $82,768,911. This is an increase of $31,920,525, or 63%, when compared to the budget for the prior fiscal year.

The budget reflects no change in millage rate — set at 4.5 mills.

Winter Garden Baptist dedicates new preschool

AMY QUESINBERRY

COMMUNITY EDITOR

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Winter Garden Academy early childhood education center was held Sept. 14, 2022, with children’s sand pails and shovels, so it’s only fitting the Aug. 26 ribbon-cutting took place with preschool safety scissors.

First Baptist Church of Winter Garden held the dedication of its new preschool and childcare center for ages 5 weeks to 4 years old Saturday morning. Pastor Tim Grosshans led the ceremony, with remarks from Winter Garden Mayor John Rees, who attends the church, and preschool director Luz Velez.

Rees called it a well-built facility and a beautiful addition to the city of Winter Garden.

“(This school) is going to start these children off, learning and knowing about Christ at an early age, and as they go forward, they’re going to be a positive influence, not only just in our city, our community, but (in the world),” he said.

Velez said she’s blessed to be leading the new preschool.

“The building is beautiful, the heart behind the people that actually wanted to build this building is amazing,” she said.

Families in attendance toured the facility — and children checked out the playgrounds — following the ribbon-cutting.

WINTER GARDEN ACADEMY

“Pastor Tim had the vision of parents picking up their children and hearing them sing about Jesus as they drove home,” project leader Bill Gavin said. That was five years ago. Today, the $6 million facility has been completed with the most modern equipment and design.

On the construction team are GC Keator Construction, architect Becky Bell with SMA Architect and Interior, civil engineer Selby Weeks with Kilma Weeks Civil Engineers, and preschool consultant Nelson Eagle. The 12,738-square-foot building fits 154 students in 10 classrooms. There are two infant rooms, an indoor play area, an outdoor playground partially under a roof and placed on top of artificial turf, a full laundry room and shower, and three shared restrooms throughout the facility. In addition, eight of the classrooms have two restroom stalls and sinks.

The facility was designed with many extra features, such as special door hinges that can’t pinch little fingers; pint-sized toilets, furniture and refrigerators; and, storage outside each classroom for car seats and strollers for children who are dropped off and picked up by different people.

There are several rooms for every age, and each hallway and classroom wall is a different color to help children find their rooms. Children are sorted by age and class name: Infants, Bumblebees and Caterpillars; Toddlers, Busy Bees and Sunshine classes; 2-year-olds, Dragonflies, Lovebugs and Bear Cubs; 3-year-olds,

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

A plaque will be affixed to the preschool building. It reads: “To God be the glory, Winter Garden Academy. And Jesus said, Let the little children come to me and don’t stop them because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.

“In appreciation of Bill Gavin, without whom this building would not have come to be.

Dedicated Aug. 26, 2023.”

Mighty Ducks and Pandas; and preK, Cuties. A few openings remain. For more information, visit wgacademy.com or call (407) 573-8037 to schedule a tour.

MEET THE DIRECTOR

Velez has 27 years of preschool experience, and is excited for the inaugural year of the preschool and getting to do what she loves in a Christian setting. This year’s

program will include chapel time, in-house “field trips,” guest visitors to participate in activities with the children and a small spring festival.

“This year we’re starting slow,” Velez said. “We are fully staffed, and we want to make sure the school is full as well.”

Next year, there will be a full calendar of activities and events for the year-round program, she said. This will include an open house, monthly activities, fall and spring festivals, and a Christmas program; as well as programs centered around grandparents, parents and friends.

The director lives in Orlando and is married with three children and five grandchildren.

“One of my favorite things is spending time with family; it doesn’t matter where,” Velez said. “I just love it.”

Her “family” has now expanded to include a large preschool of children from West Orange County.

“I feel very honored to be here … putting God first in everything that we do, and making sure that we never lose focus that is not about any of us,” she said. “It’s about what He wants for us and to be able to impact not just on this community but all the lives of the children we will be touching.”

City Manager Jon C. Williams said the city is in sound financial condition.

“We continue to maintain a low debt burden and a responsible level of fund balances,” he said. “This budget serves the citizens of the community well by providing the funds necessary to maintain and improve the city’s infrastructure, ensure qualified and responsive fire and police protection, and provide those amenities that define our community.”

BRIGHT FUTURE Williams said the budget showcases a slight increase over last year’s and FY 2023-24 presents the city with both opportunities and challenges.

“The proposed budget is balanced, includes (more than) $49.8 million in capital expenditures across all funds and maintains a 31% fund balance in the General Fund, which is consistent with our fund balance goals,” he said. “Our primary goal is to continue fostering the growth and well-being of our community while ensuring responsible fiscal management. This budget proposal aims to strike a balance between the provision of essential services, targeted investments and prudent financial planning. This budget is a culmination of extensive analysis, careful consideration and the shared vision of our community.”

Williams said the city has experienced welcomed economic growth as key economic indicators continued to move in a positive direction.

“Revenue projections are strong due to increased real-estate valuations, new construction and consumer spending,” he said. “The city also boasts a healthy General Fund reserve of $17.4 million, or 31% of the General Fund operating expenditures. Economists predict a mild recession is anticipated sometime in the next 12 months, but our healthy financial reserves will help us navigate unforeseen events ahead. The city’s financial status is strong and continues to grow, generating sufficient revenues to meet increased costs for quality municipal service delivery standards that our constituents have come to expect.”

William said the most significant source of the increase in this year’s budget is from the addition of $24.5 million in grant funding. The funding consists of $18 million from the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds, $1.2 million from the firefighter Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program and $5 million from the West Orange Healthcare District program.

The General Fund operating revenues, not including grant funding, increased 14.7% — $7.5 million — over last year’s budget.

The largest revenue source in the General Fund budget is ad valorem taxes in the amount of $24,081,464, which is based on the current millage.

Although the current rate is maintained, ad valorem property tax revenue will increase by $2,730,358 as a result of the 12.8% increase in Winter Garden’s property values.

“We have funded the budget to ensure robust economic development and strong public safety,” Williams said. “The budget funds a commitment to meet the continued need for infrastructure improvements and provide high quality services to the residents, businesses and visitors of the city. Consequently, operating expenditures are expected to grow approximately 13.6%, or $6.67

IN OTHER NEWS

n Mayor John Rees read a proclamation recognizing Sept. 15 as West Orange Healthy Selfie Day.

n The city approved unanimously an agreement for Construction Manager At Risk services for the permanent Fire Station 21 to McCree Design Builders.

n Commissioners approved unanimously a final plat for the Winter Garden Cemetery re-plat at 13460 Lake Butler Blvd.

n City Commissioners approved unanimously a site plan for a 5.47-acre parcel located at 1504 Avalon Road. The applicant is proposing to develop the site with three buildings including a 4,200-square-foot dental office building, a 10,630-squarefoot multi-tenant commercial building with a coffee shop housing a drive-thru and a future third building on the corner currently proposed to be a restaurant.

n Winter Garden commissioners approved unanimously the Sigma Cycling Consultant Charity Bike Tour special event at Veterans Memorial Park from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16.

n The city approved unanimously $65,540 to Murray Design Group to develop east Winter Garden through the Streetscape Conceptual Redesign Plan.

million, and the capital budget has increased by $31.7 million, with the majority of the new capital funded by grant and contributions funding.” Williams said in addition to providing funding for essential governmental services, the city has been able to include funds to start addressing several other community projects with the use of grant funding and other sources of revenues.

These major initiatives include the Tucker Ranch Health and Wellness Park, the east Winter Garden revitalization and the city’s traffic management program. Regarding long-term financial planning, Williams said the projected unassigned fund balance in the General Fund at the end of FY 2024 is budgeted to be $17,362,642, bringing the unassigned fund balance to 31.2% of General Fund operating expenditures.

“During the years when General Fund revenues increased at exponential rates, the city maintained the fiscal discipline to keep operating growth at a conservative level each year and moved the additional funds to capital investments, increased city services and savings,” he said. “Over the last decade, the city’s unassigned reserves as a percentage of reoccurring expenditures has continued to be above the goal of 30%. This balance will serve the city well if projected revenues are not met or if there are any unexpected expenditures that the city will have to pay for such as natural disaster recovery.”

William said the city is widely recognized as a well-planned community, successfully balancing the provision of exceptional levels of service, a welcoming business climate and an extensive array of amenities.

“We were able to maintain the quality standard of excellence thanks to our dedicated employees who work incredibly hard, day after day,” he said. “We continue to maintain a conservative budget by controlling costs without compromising the services that add value and serve the city well.”

The next two budget hearings will be held at the beginning of City Commission meetings scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, and Thursday, Sept. 28.

ANNABELLE

The new facility on North Woodland Street, Winter Garden Academy, will provide early education to children ages 5 weeks to 4 years.

A dedication plaque to be affixed to the outside of the building expresses appreciation to project leader Bill Gavin, right, who was instrumental in bringing the preschool to downtown Winter Garden. With him are First Baptist Church pastor Tim Grosshans and preschool director Luz Velez.

Photos by Amy Quesinberry The classrooms are designed with respect to the size of children. The 3-yearold class (top) has plenty of space for learning and free play. The infant room (bottom) has multiple stations for entertainment and relaxing.

CURRENT SITUATION

Commissioner Wilson: ‘Get these kids playing football here on Friday nights’

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The Windermere High School auditorium was at capacity Wednesday, Aug. 23 — filled with students, teachers, parents and neighboring residents there to hear an update on — and show overwhelming support for — the proposal to build a permanent onsite football stadium. This requires an amendment to the existing special exception for the school.

Orange County Public Schools and Orange County Government held the joint meeting, which included detailed PowerPoint presentations and a Q&A session. District 1 County Commissioner Nicole Wilson and School Board Member Pam Gould represented the county and OCPS, respectively. Other speakers included Jad Brewer, of OCPS Facilities; architect Patrick Rauch, of SchenkelShultz; and lighting designer Bob DeCouto, of MUSCO Lighting.

The school opened in 2017 on Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Windermere. Because of a compromise struck with homeowners in the Oxford Moor community, all home football games have been played a mile away at Deputy Scott Pine Community Park. For six years, parents and students have voiced concerns about the safety, parking and other challenges faced on Friday nights.

“I am thrilled that Commissioner Wilson has really partnered in bringing this back to the community after some of the challenges we’ve had in the last several years, not only for the school, but for the community and, especially, for the kids,” Gould said.

“I go to a lot of these type of meetings for development, but being here gives me great joy, being on this campus,” Wilson said. “My heart is with this community in understanding that for this community to feel whole we needed to revisit the

site plan … for the kids.”

The proposal is to build a permanent stadium with 1,852 seats on the current track and practice field — 1,068 seats on the home side to the east and 484 seats on the visitor side to the west. There also would be the potential for 300 expansion seats.

The project would include an 1,872-square-foot building, ticket booth, restrooms, concessions, announcer’s booth, athletic storage containers and a full athletic field lighting package of four 80-foot LED light poles to replace six existing 40-foot poles. The basketball court and long jump area would be relocated.

Site access would be from Winter Garden-Vineland Road. It was determined there already is ample parking.

Games would begin at 7 p.m. Friday and end no later than 11 p.m.

Dance director Patricia Barra was among the teachers who spoke.

“If the community needs a school, then the community needs a stadium,” she said. “(It’s) a place for the community to make memories. Our alumni endured an underwhelming experience, busing to their home games without tailgating and traditions.”

Another teacher, Jessica Moore, urged the decision-makers to bring the stadium to the school.

“We do have a bit of a mentalhealth issue that I don’t want to ignore here at Windermere High School,” she said. “It would improve mental health … to have the stadium here.”

Three Student Government Association members spoke, saying Windermere High is one of the only OCPS schools without an on-campus stadium, the students’

Homecoming “isn’t even truly at our home,” and “Windermere High has been denied the right to build a tradition of championship culture.”

A resident of the Oxford Moor community stood to say her neighborhood no longer opposes the stadium, but residents are concerned about lighting and noise.

“What we’re asking both the planning committee and OCPS, as part of your planning, we are requesting that you consider some sort of noise mitigation,” she said.

“At the very least, we would like to request another landscape barrier that is taller than the landscape that is there.”

The residents also asked OCPS and Orange County to consider positioning the loud speakers so the sound faces the stadium and field as much as possible.

“The two staffs are talking about

Deputy Scott Pine Community Park has 1,320 stadium seats, a field house building with locker rooms, restrooms and concessions, 205 on-site paved parking spaces, and a parking lot entrance with no traffic signal.

There are multiple challenges that arise: There is nowhere on site for spectators to shelter during a storm or lightning event; there is traffic congestion; the typical parking demand for events exceeds the available parking, and the overflow parking on the soccer field damages the turf; and spectators use the area across the street for overflow parking and drop-off, which creates a safety issue; folks are parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.

further noise mitigations and how to promote the tree growth and take a look at what other options are available,” Gould said.

A Lake Cawood Estates resident said his community also is not opposed to the stadium but asked for concessions on the lighting.

“We’re hoping there can be some movement to the game slightly earlier,” he said. “Our neighborhood is 200 feet from the site. We’ve had neighbors request if the stadium could be moved farther east. Our main point is we’re very supportive. We’re happy for the stadium to be here, but (because) of the settlement agreement is we’re hoping there can be some kind of agreement.”

The project will go before Orange County’s Board of Zoning Adjustment Sept. 7, and the public hearing is tentatively planned for the Orange County Board of County Commissioners’ Oct. 24 agenda. If it is approved by the County Commission, procurement and construction would begin in November, and the stadium would be ready for Friday night games by August 2024.

At the end of the meeting, Gould spoke to the students: “I am proud of you. Not only are you articulate, (but) our future is bright.”

“I can’t wait to get out here for a game,” Wilson said.

Courtesy

If approved, the football stadium at Windermere High School will be situated on the current track and practice field.

Isleworth

Ahome in the Isleworth community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Aug. 12 to 18.

The home at 5048 Latrobe Drive, Windermere, sold Aug. 14, for $12 million. Built in 2023, it has six bedrooms, seven baths, two half-baths and 9,500 square feet of living area on 1.53 acres. The selling agents were Monica Lochmandy and Michelle Corbin, Isleworth Realty.

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

DR. PHILLIPS

BAY LAKES AT GRANADA

The home at 8019 Jozee Circle, Orlando, sold Aug. 18, for $400,000. Built in 1980, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,765 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

BAY VISTA ESTATES

The home at 9728 Kevinview Cove, Orlando, sold Aug. 18, for $680,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,492 square feet of living area. Days on market: 34.

DELLAGIO

The home at 8220 Via Vittoria Way, Orlando, sold Aug. 14, for $1,200,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,201 square feet of living area. Days on market: 93.

ESTATES AT PHILLIPS LANDING

The home at 8849 Elliotts Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 15, for $1,065,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,652 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

GRANADA VILLAS

The home at 8215 Rolla Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 18, for $550,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,622 square feet of living area. Days on market: 159.

MILLIONAIRES ROW

The home at 9369 Charles E. Limpus Road, Orlando, sold Aug. 14, for $2,150,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,733 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB

The home at 6300 Coopers Green Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 18, for $750,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,226 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

The home at 6715 Bittersweet Lane, Orlando, sold Aug. 18, for $565,000. Built in 1979, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one- baths and 2,265 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

RUBY LAKE

The home at 11154 Lemon Lake Blvd., Orlando, sold Aug. 15, for $1,196,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,521 square feet of living area. Days on market: 25.

The home at 11190 Lemon Lake Blvd., Orlando, sold Aug. 16, for $1,150,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,012 square feet of living area. Days on market: 42.

SAND LAKE POINT

The home at 10106 Holcomb Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 15, for $690,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,425 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

The home at 10117 Brandon Circle, Orlando, sold Aug. 14, for $610,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,925 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

TOSCANA

The home at 6996 Brescia Way, Orlando, sold Aug. 16, for $685,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,813 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

GOTHA CITRUS OAKS

The home at 9412 Bud Wood St., Gotha, sold Aug. 17, for $354,900. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,555 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

FIRE CREEK AT GOTHA

The home at 10163 Brocksport Circle, Gotha, sold Aug. 14, for $1,572,880. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,097 square feet of living area.

HORIZON WEST

HAMILTON GARDENS

The home at 16269 Firedragon Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $665,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,872 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 16099 Black Hickory Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 16, for $1,025,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,546 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

The townhouse at 15214 Sunrise Grove Court, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $415,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,844 square feet of living area. Days on market: 50.

INDEPENDENCE/

SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 14625 Old Thicket Trace, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $615,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 3,076 square feet of living area. Days on market: 29.

The townhouse at 5738 New Independence Parkway, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 16, for $426,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,910 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.

The townhouse at 14773 Driftwater Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $412,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,617 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

The townhouse at 14443 Prunningwood Place, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 15, for $360,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,228 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

MERRICK LANDING

The townhouse at 644 Merrick Landing Blvd., Windermere, sold Aug. 16, for $373,500. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,387 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

NORTHLAKE AT OVATION

The home at 11225 Pixie Mandarin, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 15, for $797,187. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 3,696 square feet of living area.

OVERLOOK 2 AT HAMLIN

The home at 15036 Andrew Alley, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 18, for $580,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,524 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

STOREY GROVE

The townhouse at 15779 Water Spring Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 15, for $485,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,000 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 7908 Iceland Gull St., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $615,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,750 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

SNAPSHOT

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 11722 Gray Rock Trail, Windermere, sold Aug. 15, for $760,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,677 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.

WINDING BAY PRESERVE

The townhouse at 11102 Hanlon Terrace Alley, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 15, for $425,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,868 square feet of living area. Days on market: 91.

OAKLAND LONGLEAF AT OAKLAND

The townhouse at 2219 Gopher Tortoise Terrace, Oakland, sold Aug. 14, for $400,000. Built in 2020, it has two bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,503 square feet of living area. Days on market: 21.

OCOEE FOREST TRAILS

The home at 2399 Laurel Blossom Circle, Ocoee, sold Aug. 14, for $455,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,047 square feet of living area. Days on market: 95.

GREENS AT FOREST LAKE

The townhouse at 2574 Red Spruce Way, Ocoee, sold Aug. 18, for $400,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,801 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.

MCCORMICK WOODS

The home at 3448 Gretchen Drive, Ocoee, sold Aug. 15, for $465,600. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,022 square feet of living area. Days on market: 52.

OCOEE HILLS

The home at 1303 Pinewood Lane, Ocoee, sold Aug. 14, for $325,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,790 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

PRAIRIE LAKE RESERVE

The townhouse at 1468 Groundsel Lane, Ocoee, sold Aug. 17, for $375,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,781 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

RICHFIELD

The home at 2709 Estep Court, Ocoee, sold Aug. 14, for $401,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,753 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

VILLAGES OF WESMERE

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 10A

WINDSOR LANDING

The home at 262 Calliope St., Ocoee, sold Aug. 16, for $700,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,885 square feet of living area. Days on market: 29.

WINDERMERE BALMORAL

The home at 9135 Balmoral Mews Square, Windermere, sold Aug. 17, for $1,768,000. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, five-and-onehalf baths and 5,519 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

ESTANCIA AT WINDERMERE

The home at 1214 Estancia Woods Loop, Windermere, sold Aug. 17, for $1,550,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,396 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11402 Camden Loop Way, Windermere, sold Aug. 15, for $1,294,175. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,880 square feet of living area. Days on market: 327.

WINTER GARDEN

CAMBRIDGE CROSSING

The home at 12441 Scarlett Sage Court, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 17, for $675,000. Built in 2002, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,276 square feet of living area. Days on market: 67.

CROWN POINT SPRINGS

The home at 1521 E. Spring Ridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $440,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,039 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

The home at 1571 Spring Ridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 17, for $406,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,426 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.

ESTATES AT LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 4728 Weatherbell Road, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Aug. 16, for $1,047,370. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 4,272 square feet of living area.

GLENVIEW ESTATES

The home at 611 Glenview Court, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 16, for $480,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,643 square feet of living area. Days on market: 54.

ISLAND POINTE

The home at 1040 Chase Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $455,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,938 square feet of living areas. Days on market: 13.

LAKEVIEW RESERVE

The home at 163 Zachary Wade St., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $505,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,732 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

MCCALISTER LANDING

The home at 1499 Juniper Hammock St., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 18, for $670,000. Built in 2019, it has seven bedrooms, four baths and 4,192 square feet of living area. Days on market: 95.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 970 Lake Brim Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 15, for $1,108,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,653 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

ORCHARD

The townhouse at 13866 Golden Russet Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 18, for $385,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,666 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

STONE CREEK

The home at 1833 Eagle Beam Road, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 16, for $410,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,541 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

VILLAGE GROVE

The townhouse at 1311 Sand Lime Road, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 18, for $265,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,144 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

WESTFIELD LAKES

The home at 12007 Radbourne St., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $641,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,401 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

The home at 433 English Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $646,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,410 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Maple Street Biscuit Co. - Hamlin

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Maple Street Biscuit Co. -Hamlin. Located at 16027 New Independence Pkwy in Winter Garden, Maple Street crafts next-level, scratchmade comfort food to overcome the world of boring breakfast. With every breakfast, lunch and catered event, their fresh ingredients, that quirky take on comfort food, and a sense of community go well beyond basic. To learn more, visit http:// maplestreetbiscuits.com.

West Orange

Chamber of Commerce

celebrates the grand opening of The Grounds Guys of Dr. Phillips

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of The Grounds Guys in Dr.Phillips. The Grounds Guys is a full-service grounds care, lawn care, and landscaping company serving commercial and residential customers. With their free estimates, flexible schedules, and eco-friendly techniques, it’s their goal to offer beautiful solutions we can all feel good about. To learn more, visit www. groundsguys.com/doctor-phillips.

West

Orange Chamber of Commerce

celebrates the 5-year anniversary of the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 5-year anniversary of the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange. Located at 1200 E Plant St Ste 200 in Winter Garden, The Foundation for a Healthier West Orange invests in and champions initiatives that support the health and well-being of our community. A trusted community leader, the Foundation brings together an engaged network of business, government, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, not-forprofits and healthcare professionals. The vision of the organization is to cultivate the healthiest community in the nation. The Foundation is guided by three values for its work in the community - health and wellness, innovation and access. To learn more, visit https://fhwo.org/.

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

Congratulations on Membership Milestones to:

15 YEARS

Winter Garden Wheel Works

10 YEARS

ADT Security & Fire Services

Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association

Southwest Orlando Eye Care

5 YEARS

Barley & Vine Biergarten

Bio-Tech Consulting

JMC Concrete Cutting & Demolition Inc. Massey Services, Inc

The home at 970 Lake Brim Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 15, for $1,108,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from Aug. 12 to 18. The selling agent was Ashley Boyd, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty.

The home at 262 Calliope St., Ocoee, sold Aug. 16, for $700,000. It was the largest transaction in Ocoee from Aug. 12 to 18. The selling agent was Beth Gravilla, Keller Williams Classic Realty.

GAME OF THE WEEK

LEGACY CHARTER VS. FAITH CHRISTIAN

A new mindset

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Nine of Legacy Charter’s 26 football players not only are new to the team, they’re also new to the sport.

“We don’t take too much time allowing the new kids to get acclimated,” head football coach Zachary Fox said. “We kind of just throw them in right away, and we kind of expect them to get their understanding as they go. We have a rule with our seniors: Every time a new kids comes in, they have to hang out with a new person the entire practice. So, every water

break during individual drills, they just let them know right away they are part of the family.”

For the Eagles, a new season brings in many changes — new head coach, new offensive coordinator, new players and a new mentality — and all have been positively received by the players.

“Our O-line has very much improved since last year,” linebacker and running back Jake Threadgill, 16, said. “Everything is going according to plan. Coach Fox keeps us on a very disciplined schedule, making sure we are ready to go.”

Because of its small roster, Legacy’s players have had to learn how

New House Bill 225 allows Hawks swimmers to compete

Despite the Horizon High School swim team being canceled this year because of a lack of a coach, new legislation allows them to compete as part of other schools’ swim teams.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

After a promising 2022-23 season during which the girls team earned a district championship, Horizon High School won’t have a swim team this year.

“We could not find a coach,” Horizon High Athletic Director Adam Miller said.

Miller, who came in as a replacement of founding Athletic Director Scott Drabczyk, said the school posted the position in several job-searching sites and spoke with a number of faculty members in an attempt to fill the position left open when coach Rachel Barkowitz left.

However, the search yielded no suitable candidates.

“It takes a special person to

OTHER GRIDIRON ACTION

to play both sides of the ball and understand how to read the field differently according to the position they are playing at any given moment during games.

“We have seven guys who start both ways, and everyone on our team rotates on offense and defense,” Fox said. “Just letting them know that there are a lot more opportunities to fulfill and experience (to acquire) rather than being in a big school, where you are just set to one side of the ball. Here, they are able to get that experience, as well.”

For wide receiver and safety

SEE LEGACY ON PAGE 2B

FRIDAY SEPT. 1 n 7 p.m. Dr. Phillips vs. Timber Creek n 7 p.m. Foundation Academy at Cocoa Beach n 7 p.m. Horizon at Lake Howell n 7 p.m. Lake Buena Vista at Cypress Creek n 7 p.m. Ocoee vs. Wekiva n 7 p.m. Olympia at Oak Ridge n 7 p.m. TFA vs. South Lake n 7 p.m. West Orange at Apopka n 7 p.m. Windermere vs. St. Joseph Academy

was the head baseball coach at Powell High School in Tennessee. He also was an assistant baseball coach at Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky, where he coached as third base and hitting coach.

1The Windermere High girls varsity volleyball team earned the first win of its 2023-24 season after defeating The First Academy, 3-1, during a home, nondistrict, game Monday, Aug. 21. The Lady Wolverines won the first set 25-15, lost the second set 20-25, and won the third and fourth sets 27-25 and 26-24, respectively.

2

Windermere Prep announced recently the hiring of Logan Dalton as the new head baseball coach for the Lakers’ baseball team. In addition to coaching baseball, Dalton also will act as Lower School physical education instructor. Prior to arriving to Windermere Prep, Dalton

3

The West Orange High School boys golf team will compete at The Hex Tournament at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the Orange Lake Country Club, 8505 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee. On the girls side, the Lady Warriors will face Boone High School during an away tournament at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Ventura Country Club, 3333 Woodgate Blvd., Orlando. 4

The Horizon High School boys varsity cross country team won first place at the Ocoee preseason meet. The boys earned 33 points overall. On the girls’ side, the Lady Hawks finished second with a total of 37 points. 5

The Olympia High School boys varsity golf team defeated Horizon High School 176-150 during the first meet of the 2023-24 season Thursday, Aug. 24, at the MetroWest Golf Club.

Lake Buena Vista High School junior Lucas Restrepo is a threat on both offense and defense. Page 2B.

At Legacy High School, players are learning both sides of the ball. This brings a multidimensional approach to the way the Eagles play the game.

With a young and fresh team this year, the Legacy Eagles are working on a new, disciplined brand of football.

Andrea Mujica

Andrea Mujica

LAST WEEK’S RECAP

Legacy Charter (0-1), 12

Lucas Restrepo

Lake Buena Vista High School junior running back and linebacker

Lucas Restrepo has been playing football for three years — since his freshman year of high school. Restrepo contributed to the win the Vipers had against Liberty High School during the Kickoff Classic game Friday, Aug. 18, with six tackles, one tackle for loss, two sacks and two quarterback pressures.

Tell us about your years as a football player.

I grew up playing soccer, but I didn’t really like it, because there was not much aggressiveness. So, I decided to play football.

What is your earliest memory playing football?

My earliest memory playing football is probably my first touchdown. It was during my sophomore year.

What do you love most about football as a sport?

I love the aggressiveness of the game and the amount of opportunities you have in the sport. It’s a very enjoyable sport, and there is a lot to learn, as well.

What do you believe football has taught you on and off the field? Football has taught me discipline and hard work. I am able to learn my full potential and use my full potential while I learn a lot about myself.

What do you believe is the most challenging thing about football as a sport?

Probably the physical and mental aspects of the game. It’s a rough sport. It’s not an easy sport, and that’s why I enjoy it so much. It’s a nice challenge to have.

Do you have a favorite drill at practice?

I like to practice the “Oklahoma Drill.” It’s a contact drill.

What do you think makes you a unique player on the football field?

I think my work ethic, because I make sure that I work harder than anybody else. I go to the gym after practice, and I make sure I’m not doing the same thing as everybody else. I’m doing extra.

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team? Showing by example. Showing

Legacy embraces change for 2023

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

THE BASICS

Age: 17 Sport: Football, wrestling, track and weightlifting Positions: Running back and linebacker Grade: Junior School: Lake Buena Vista

everybody that hard work pays off and making sure everybody also is working as hard as they can and not slacking.

How do you feel about your team so far?

I feel good. It feels nice knowing that the team is finally more disciplined and more focused — and ready to play accordingly.

What is your favorite hobby?

I love going to the gym and lifting weights.

What do you like to do on the weekends? I like to spend as much time with family or working. I am a lifeguard at Aquatica Orlando.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? I would bring tools, a tent and shoes.

What is your favorite type of music? I like to listen to reggaeton.

Who is you favorite superhero?

Why?

(I like) Batman, because he’s realistic.

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

(I’d like to be able) to fly — save time.

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

I’d like to go to Greece, Australia and Japan.

Vaughn Scusa, 17, this season is the first time he has stepped on a football field. However, already, he’s showing growth on both sides of the ball. And it all starts with the right attitude.

“I just try to power through and go with the mindset that if I can push myself to be as strong after as I was before … I can focus on the next play and focus on doing better,” he said.

The team’s mentality — and scheming — changed, as well.

“We’ve definitely put an emphasis on keeping everybody together and putting in new standards, and our playbook changed a little bit, too,” Fox said. “We were just a basic defense last year, because we had the offense for it. But, this year, we just have to get a little more complex within our scheming. … (We need them to understand) that when we go out there on Friday nights, it is 11 on 11, and our 11 just has to be better.”

The Eagles aim to be strong on both sides of the ball.

“Offensively, we look good, because we are so multidimensional, so that definitely helps a lot,” Fox said. “But, we have to make sure our spacing is correct and not just letting up routes or stopping blocks because the play may be away from us. That’s something we still need to work on a little bit.”

And, being competitive on the field comes with understanding that every practice is just as important as every game.

“We treat every game like it’s playoff game,” Fox said. “We treat every practice like it’s a game, and they have to have that same mentality (during games).”

GAME OF THE WEEK

Ocoee (0-1), 0 Apopka (1-0), 2

HIGHLIGHTS: After four quarters, Ocoee and Apopka had played to the lowest score possible — 2-0 — in a football game. This game was a defense fan’s dream, with both teams giving the other’s offense fits throughout the night. Of the Knights’ 86 tackles, 11 were for loss. Sophomore Michael McClenton had 19 solo tackles and four for loss (including one sack). Cornerback and strong safety Jeremiah Byrdsell completed 13 tackles — six solo and one tackle-for-loss.

UP NEXT: The Knights will host Wekiva Friday, Sept. 1.

OTHER RESULTS

THURSDAY, AUG. 24:

CFCA (0-1), 0

Hardee (1-0), 69

UP NEXT: The Eagles will host Boca Raton Christian Friday, Sept. 8.

FRIDAY, AUG. 25

Dr. Phillips (0-1), 60 Lake Mary (1-0), 76

UP NEXT: The Panthers will host Timber Creek Friday, Sept. 1.

Foundation Academy (1-0), 62

Tenoroc (0-1), 6

HIGHLIGHTS: Foundation Academy broke the school record Friday night for most points scored in a game in a 68-6 beatdown of Tenoroc. Quarterback Michael Dove went 6-for-7 for 166 yards and four touchdown passes. He also added a rushing TD. Running back J.T. Bronaugh found the end zone four times during the game — twice by rushing, hauling in a 45-yard pass and a 70-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Wide receiver C.J. Bronaugh had 99 yards and three touchdowns.

UP NEXT: The Lions will travel to Cocoa Beach Friday, Sept. 1.

Horizon (1-0), 42

Freedom (0-1), 27

UP NEXT: The Hawks will travel to Lake Howell Friday, Sept. 1.

Lake Buena Vista (1-0), 21

Gateway (0-1), 0

UP NEXT: The Vipers will travel to Cypress Creek Friday, Sept. 1.

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic (1-0), 22

UP NEXT: Legacy will host Faith

Christian Friday, Sept. 1.

Olympia (0-1), 21

Wekiva (1-0), 24

UP NEXT: The Titans travel to Oak Ridge Friday, Sept. 1.

The First Academy (1-0), 27 Crescent City (0-1), 13

HIGHLIGHTS: The First Academy football team earned a 27-13 victory against Crescent City. The Royals’ passing game was strong, with quarterback Jack McKissock going 13-for-18 for 230 yards. Wide receiver Julian Anderson hauled in six catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns.

UP NEXT: The Royals will host South Lake Friday, Sept. 1.

West Orange (1-0), 41 Oak Ridge (0-1), 6

HIGHLIGHTS: West Orange High School conquered Oak Ridge with a score of 41-6 Friday night. Quarterback Jack Reilly went 13-for-26 for 150 yards. Running back Avis Brown Jr. carried the ball nine times for a total of 80 yards, while running back Jayden Ammons carried the ball six times for 60 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, the team had 33 tackles, and defensive end Lemuel Robinson had a sack.

UP NEXT: West Orange will travel to Apopka Friday, Sept. 1.

Windermere (1-0), 41 Colonial (0-1), 0

HIGHLIGHTS: Windermere shut out Colonial, 41-0, to open the 2023 campaign. The Wolverines had an incredible game on offense — totaling 273 yards on the ground. Isaiah Nell carried the ball 13 times for 169 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, the team posed a constant threat to the Grenadiers; defensive end Carson Toughey led the team with 11 tackles. On special teams, kicker Lucas Glassburn totaled 400 yards on seven kickoffs.

UP NEXT: The Wolverines will host St. Joseph Academy Friday, Sept. 1.

Windermere Prep (0-1), 8 Seffner Christian (1-0), 28

UP NEXT: The Lakers will host Seffner Christian Friday, Sept. 1.

Horizon girls volleyball sweeps Ocoee

The Horizon High School girls varsity volleyball team earned a 3-0 win against Ocoee High School during its first district game of the 2023-24 volleyball season.

The Lady Hawks won the first set 25-14, the second 2520 and the third 25-14.

Horizon was scheduled to travel to Osceola High School at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, after press time. Ocoee was set to travel to Oak Ridge at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, after press time.

ANDREA MUJICA

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

Hawks join Warriors, Wolverines

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

dedicate the time and invest the time for our kids and studentathletes,” Miller said. “And, I think with coaching in general, sometimes it’s just hard to find coaches at any given time in any sport.”

In past years, this situation meant the school’s swimmers would not be able to compete. However, thanks to new state legislation, members of the Hawks teams will be able to swim as part of neighboring schools’ swim teams.

House Bill 225, which went into effect July 1, authorizes “traditional public school students to participate in interscholastic and intrascholastic activities at certain schools; revising the requirements for students to participate in such activities.”

“It doesn’t benefit us, so much as it benefits the (athletes who weren’t) going to have the opportunity to swim at the school they were at because there wasn’t going to be a team there,” West Orange High Athletic Director Todd LaNeave

said. “If this were last year or the year before, those athletes from Horizon that do swimming — they’d be stuck. … (So), this is much better than the alternative, where it used to be they didn’t have (the chance to swim at other schools.”

The Windermere High School swim team welcomed 10 Horizon students to try out; only three made the team. In total, there are 29 boys and 20 girls who are part of the Wolverines swimming team this season.

At West Orange, three Horizon Hawks attended tryouts, and two made the team. Overall, the Warriors have 29 girls and 22 boys this season.

Despite Horizon not having luck on finding a coach for this season, Miller said the school already is searching for a new swim coach to lead the Hawks in the 2024-25 season.

“When we have a swim team next year, any student who swam elsewhere this year will have to come back,” he said. “Unless they made a full move. … All our programs are a priority.”

The Horizon High School girls swim team brought home the first district title for the team last season.

Andrea Mujica Horizon Hawks will gain more experience this season.

Courtesy photo

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

OFFICER LUIS VELASQUEZ SUNRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Master Police Officer Luis “Lu” Velasquez is the new school resource officer at SunRidge Middle School. The job duties of an SRO have changed, and they now are more oriented to provide safety and security for the students and school staff by being aware of possible threats that can come from both off- and on-campus.

“Officer Velasquez has been an amazing addition to our Eagle family,” Principal Amy McHale said. “He jumped in quickly to help the team ensure our students had a safe and happy start to the school year. We quickly learned that we can count on a smile on a daily basis from Officer Lu. We are excited to continue our partnership with the Winter Garden Police Department to ensure a safe learning and working environment at SunRidge Middle.”

What brought you to your school?

What brought me to this school was a change of pace from my previous assignment and the opportunity to be an SRO, (because) I have been certified by the state of Florida as one since 2007.

What do you love most about your school?

I love the fact that I can be a positive role model to most kids with good attitude and examples of tolerance. Hopefully, this will get viral within the school community and will spill over to their homes.

What is your motivation?

My biggest motivation is my family and the fact that we now enjoy each other (very much) each and every weekend. My previous assignment only gave me every other weekend.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to develop and sometimes change the image of law enforcement for some people — especially the ones who have had negative encounters and fail to provide a second chance to most of the law enforcement professionals.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I truly enjoy the company of my family and planning the next trip or adventure.

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

I had two favorite teachers at school. The first one was extremely knowledgeable (a bit sarcastic sometimes), but a really good mathematician. The second one was a chemistry teacher who helped me a lot, since chemistry was not my forte.

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

I actually wanted to be a psychiatrist or a psychologist. However, law enforcement has given me the opportunity to study people and human nature on the job (handson, so to speak).

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies have changed over the years. I now like to bike instead of running. I also like to walk briskly, because my right knee reminds me of all the abuse I have given it

REPORT CARD

POSITION: School resource officer TIME AT SCHOOL: Since August 2023

over the years. I also like extreme adventures and fast rides; I just have to be a little more careful and take precautions to avoid injuries.

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

I would like the power to easily persuade and convince people positively because it would make it easier to overcome some of the ideas and misconceptions we all have. Another good superpower would be to control time.

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

I listen to just about all types of music. From smooth jazz, to rock, to Latin, to country, classical, reggae and pop. This question is not difficult; it’s impossible to answer!

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

My lunch was packed from home and usually consisted of a meat, a carbohydrate (such as) beans with rice and a small salad. My favorite snacks were mango shreds or assorted fruit bowls. As far as treats, ice cream was always my favorite.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is New Year’s. This is a holiday to spend with family. As a child I used to like Christmas better for obvious reasons (presents).

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

My best friend was this guy by the name of Gustavo, and he still is my best friend. He resides in Colombia (South America), but we communicate on the phone often.

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

I used to be an awesome soccer player, and I won several medals and trophies with my team.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Otters ease into new year with Back-to-School Bash

Water Spring Elementary School celebrated the end of the first full week of the 2023-24 school year with a Back-to-School Bash Friday, Aug. 25, at the school. The event featured food trucks, games and an inflatable bounce house — which all added up to big-time fun for Otters and their families.

As

— MICHAEL ENG

Above: Water Spring PTO

President Renata Miranda made sure to show off her limbo skills at this year’s event.

Left: RedFork Marketing had plenty of prizes for children at its booth.

Renzo Hamilton-Miller and Jason Harvey, both 6, had a blast playing Connect 4 together.

Right: Alex Gerardi, 10, caught some big speed zipping down the inflatable bounce house slide.

Wrena Angle, 5, had no problem traversing this piece of playground equipment.

ELISHA KAY SMITH

DIED FRIDAY, AUG. 18, 2023.

Ms. Elisha Kay Smith, age 44, of Ocoee, Florida, passed away Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.

Elisha is survived by her son, Gaven Smith and wife, Gabrielle; parents, Kay and Gerome Smith; brothers, Gerome Smith Jr. and Charlie Kibler; and sisters, Joanne Madewell and James, Jennifer Smith, and Kay Anne Madewell; along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Ms. Elisha Kay Smith were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at Wyatt Funeral Home Chapel, Opp, Alabama, with burial following in Shady Grove Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Reo Pugh officiated.

Michael Joseph Crawford was born on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. He was welcomed back into the arms of God on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023. DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory — West Orange Chapel, Ocoee.

Douglas Howard Walker, 64, of Winter Garden, died Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Gar-

Pauline (Polly) McCoy, 90, died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden. A private graveside committal was held followed by a memorial service in Winter Garden.

Foundation adds sizzle to new school year

Foundation Academy hosted a Welcome Back BBQ to kick off the start of the 2023 football season Friday, Aug. 18. Lion families and friends flocked to the school’s gymnasium for a night of fun prior to the game versus Bell Creek Academy. Attendees enjoyed live music from Foundation Steel, food from Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ, photo opportunities with the school’s mascot, and the chance to explore the fan shop for spirit gear. The event was hosted and organized by the Athletics Booster Club, which promotes school spirit and activities at the school.

den.

The Foundation Academy cheerleaders were ready to take the field.

The Foundation Academy Athletics Booster Club hosted and organized the Welcome Back BBQ.

Right: Brayden, Katie, Rachel and Anna McInturff attended the event as a family.

Left: Addison Davis and Eva Elder enjoyed barbecue from Ellie Lou’s before the game.

Dani Belanger helped to lead the school’s mascot around for photo opportunities.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

ORANGE HISTORY

THESE OLD TIMES FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

90 years ago

Emory Bronson and cowboys from Kissimmee and other cow towns planned to ride ’em hard in a rodeo (pronounced ro-day-oh) at Roper’s Dairy. The show was to properly start with a parade up and down the main streets of Winter Garden.

85 years ago

Patrick Arnold, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Arnold, Lakeview High School 1938 graduate, was set to preach his first sermon at a community youth rally in the Winter Garden Baptist Church.

The Rev. Shuler Peele addressed graduates of Lakeview High School, class of 1938, prospective college students and high school seniors on “Is it Sissy to be Religious?” Ocoee voters approved a $10,000 bond issue in Tuesday’s election, money to be used as the sponsor’s share of a $50,000 gymnasium and manual training unit at Ocoee High School.

55 years ago

Boy Scout Troop 223 of Windermere was charged with the responsibility of guarding Egret Island, a bird sanctuary in Lake Butler. The program was under the direction of the Florida Audubon Society and under the guidance of Scoutmaster Carl Patterson. Star Scout Billy Hart was in charge of the project, and his helpers included Tommy Burnett, Tim Tinsley, Ronnie Russ, Craig Nesbitt, Kirk Barley, Rick Lamb, Dan Diehl and Allan True.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

This photograph, taken Aug. 31, 1967, shows Windermere’s Town Hall as it appeared 56 years ago. The building began life as the Woman’s Club, which evolved from the Civic Club. The organization for ladies later became the Community Club after it was moved from Fenwood Park to the intersection of Main Street and Fifth Avenue. Construction on the building began in 1922.

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

The new professional building on North Dillard Street was completed and ready for the medical practices of Dr. Wayne L. Goldbold and Dr. Lawrence Aubry. A beautiful three-tiered fountain graced the front by the entrance.

40 years ago

Four Ocoee Big Leaguers were chosen for the District XIV AllStars team: Brent Casteel, Randy Lee, Brent Hazen and Dean Hazen. Their team won the Regional

Big League Tournament without a loss and then became the USA South All-Stars that finished fifth out of 11 teams.

20 years ago

The Winter Garden team was ready to face the Ocoee team in the old Geezers Centennial softball game in Winter Garden. Hoping for a win were John Rees, Ward Britt, James Shelton, coach G.J. Casteel, Dan Irions, Jack Quesinberry (who was hoping his team would win so Ocoee Mayor

THROWBACK THURSDAY

AUG. 27, 1954

Businesses have been advertising in the local newspaper for decades. In the Aug. 27, 1954, issue of the Winter Garden Times, Pounds Motor Co. and Winter Garden Hardware featured their equipment and accessories for sale.

At Pounds, customers could purchase a modern Hunter window fan that had two speeds and could be reversed for ventilation or circulation. At the hardware store, the latest in floor sanding and polishing could be rented for homeowners to tackle their own refinishing projects.

Scott Vandergrift would have to kiss the camel), John Hurst, John Claflin, Dudley Clyatt, Dan Burt, Willie “Chico” McBride, Jim Turner, Larry Grimes, Hollis Holden, Jerry Chicone and Joe Whitehead. Orange County responded to concerns of Big Sand Lake residents by installing four pumps to reduce flooding. The water level had reached 97.5 feet, more than 7 feet above its normal elevation.

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