11.09.23 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

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Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

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FREE • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

VOLUME 90, NO. 45

Big changes for Tiny Road? Oakland Orange County is conducting a Roadway Conceptual Analysis study to evaluate improvements. PAGE 2A.

A force for good

residents fight rate increase Residents in historic Oakland are fighting the increasing annual fees for mail delivery and say they shouldn’t have to pay for a post office box when home delivery isn’t an option. SEE PAGE 6A.

YOUR TOWN VETERANS DAY EVENTS PLANNED

Amy Quesinberry

Kurt Gies was named District 1 Citizen of the Year for Orange County.

The American Legion post commander and 25-year U.S. Navy veteran was chosen by Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson. STORY ON PAGE 4A.

Slap happy Billy Flanigan will be roasted in a benefit for the JDRF. SEE PAGE 5A.

SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES

Bloom & Grow society takes flight with Flora’s Fiesta. SEE PAGE 7A.

There are several opportunities to honor our heroes for Veterans Day this year. The city of Ocoee will hold its 21st annual Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Castillo will be the keynote speaker. Ocoee resident Sherri Gladney will sing the national anthem. The Ocoee Middle School Wind Ensemble will play a medley of songs, and an Ocoee High School band member will play taps. The First Academy also will host its annual Veterans Day Celebration at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, in the Worship Center at First Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando. This year’s celebration will be highlighted by the school’s salute to Vietnam veterans with special guest decorated Vietnam veteran and four-time Super Bowl champion Rocky Bleier. In Windermere, the Rotary Club of Windermere has planned two events Saturday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day. The first is an observance ceremony in conjunction with Mayor Jim O’Brien, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Lone Sailor Division and Family Church Windermere Campus. It takes place from 10:45 to 11:20 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in front of Town Hall. The ceremony will include a flag presentation, moment of silence and musical number. The community is welcome to attend. That evening, starting at 7, the Rotary will host the Windermere Rotary Wine & Cheese Tasting at Town Hall to benefit veterans. For tickets, visit ticketstripe.com/windermererotary.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

County considers Tiny Road roundabouts NEWS EDITOR

Orange County hosted a community meeting to discuss the Tiny Road Roadway Conceptual Analysis study Thursday, Nov. 2, at Bridgewater Middle School. The RCA study is to evaluate improvements to the existing twolane section of Tiny Road from the southern property line of Bridgewater Middle School to Tilden Road, which is about two miles. The study also evaluates improvements to the intersections of Tilden Road, Orchard Hills Boulevard, Hamlin Groves Trail/Cypress Hills Road and Bridgewater Crossing Boulevard with Tiny Road. Improvements may include intersection upgrades; improvements to bicycle and pedestrian access and mobility along the corridor; and other improvements such as amenities, landscaping and sustainability. The study also will assess social and environmental impacts associated with proposed road improvements. The improvements are intended to enhance traffic flow and safety in the area for all users. By the end of the study, a final pre-

ferred alternative will be presented that incorporates public input with technical evaluations assessing the net benefits of the improvements. Construction for the project is estimated to start mid-2028. District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said safety is the No. 1 priority. “As we look for places that need improvement … (it’s important) that we do it in a way that’s thoughtful for all users and hopefully the quality of life that we signed up for,” she said. STUDY SYNOPSIS

Ian Phyers, Orange County project manager for the Transportation Planning Division, said safety, mobility, comfort and connectivity were the user needs identified for the improvements. Currently, Tiny Road is a paved, two-lane roadway. The alignment has several hills throughout the northern portion of the corridor that limit sight distance. There is an existing 10-foot multiuse path on the east side, from the southern limit of the project to before the State Road 429 overpass. County zoning identifies the land use in the area as Planned Development District, Citrus Rural District, and Combination Mobile Home and Single-Family Dwelling District. The city of Winter Garden zones the area as Planned Unit Development and Single Family Residential District.

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ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS

Although alternatives were presented at the meeting, the second meeting, planned for early 2024, will showcase the preferred alternative method. “Access management and safety is an important part of the process,” Phyers said. “We have looked at different approaches to this roadway, and one of the approaches is a roundabout.” Phyers said roundabouts have fewer conflict points compared to conventional intersections and can promote slower speeds through the intersection and along the corridor; crash severity can be reduced compared to conventional intersections; pedestrians only cross one directions of traffic at a time as they traverse a roundabout; and unlike conventional signalized intersections, roundabouts are not affected by power outages. Phyers said pedestrian hybrid beacons also can be used at roundabouts to help with the crossing of the roadway. The preferred Tiny Road typical section includes two 11-foot-wide travel lanes with a 22-foot raised median, 10-foot-wide shared-use paths on both sides, a design speed set at 35 mph and a closed d ra i n a ge system

with stormwater ponds. The preferred alternative analysis for Bridgewater Crossings Boulevard, Hamlin Groves Trail and Orchard Hills Boulevard is a roundabout. The preferred alternative analysis for Tilden Road is a traffic signal shifted east, which would create dual left turns onto Tiny Road and onto Tilden Road, with a multi-use path (east side) that would continue across Tilden Road and connect with the future trail project. SAFETY FIRST

Wilson said the county has an ongoing problem with street racing. “Everyone who lives in this county has felt like they’ve lived in a dragrace zone at some point,” she said. Resident Denise Martinez asked for a barrier to be placed under State Road 429. “Having ridden my horse under the 429, years ago before there was all the traffic that’s on the road now, that is a very scary place to be,” she said. “If you’re going to have kids walking under 429, there needs to be some sort of protective barrier or something for them and better lighting. … When a car is driving by, you need a barrier between you and that car so that they can’t accidentally swerve over.” Brian Sanders, chief planner for Orange County’s Transportation Planning Division, said the traffic analysis is a 20-year design evaluation. “We were under the impression, starting

n Existing year average annual daily traffic volume: 9,000 n Opening year 2028 AADT: 15,700 n Mid-design year 2038 AADT: 25,100 n Design year 2048 AADT: 34,600 n Existing level of service: stable traffic flow n Pedestrian/bicycle counts along Tiny Road from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: 37 pedestrians, 18 bicyclists n Safety and crash history 2015 to 2021: 21 injury crashes, 12 property crashes, one fatality, 18 night-time crashes, one pedestrian crash and one bicycle crash

off, that likely this could be a fourlane roadway; that’s the whole reason why we started this,” he said. “As we projected out the full analysis and consideration, it did fit the design year suitable as a two-lane roadway.” However, resident Linda Sibley said solutions are needed now. “We’re looking at 2028, but all of us are experiencing the situation now in 2023,” she said. “I hate this roadway, but I have to use it. … Something has to be done now for this area, because if we don’t, somebody else is going to be killed or seriously injured. … This is too long to wait for this.” For more information about the study, visit tinyroadstudy.com.

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TRAFFIC ANALYSIS

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

NEWS BRIEF TFA, CHURCH FACE LAWSUIT

YOUTH MOVEMENT West Orange High School student Alexa Bishop has spent many hours teaching reading skills to children in the Eight Waves program. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

he Christian Service Center has recognized a West Orange High School student with the Orlando Youth Volunteer of the Year Award. Alexa Bishop won the community award for her volunteer work with children who need extra help with their schoolwork and reading skills. “This was part of our inaugural Christian Service Center awards,” said Bryan Hampton, director of development and communications with CSC for Central Florida. “We wanted to introduce the awards to shed the spotlight on people who are doing good in the community. … Alexa is a well-spoken, humble and inspiring teenager.” Bishop tutors elementary students at Eight Waves, a nonprofit organization in Winter Garden that invests in the lives of under-resourced families, and she also works with students at West Orange High in a new lunch mentorship program. “By acknowledging the selfless acts of service performed by our volunteers, we create a culture of encouragement within our community, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and participate in acts of kindness and service,” CSC executive director Eric Gray said in

Alexa Bishop spends hours tutoring and mentoring to students in programs at Eight Waves and West Orange High School.

the banquet program. The ceremony was held Oct. 13. Bishop began volunteering with Eight Waves last year and already has logged hundreds of hours as a reading buddy and homework helper. She spends her summers chaperoning field trips, as well. “Typically, with the students at Eight Waves, I will play fun games, chat with and color with the students,” Bishop said. “After some social activities, then I will read to/ with them, practice our grammar and fundamental skills, help with homework, and mentor. By the end, we will have more fun time and do physical activities outside, like playing tag.” Citizens were nominated by the

public for the CSC service awards and assessed by a panel of 10 volunteer judges. Eight Waves meets at the West Orange Dream Center and partners with the Christian Service Center, which provides meals for the afterschool program. Kelly Carr, director of operations and programs for Eight Waves, said she nominated Bishop because of her dedication and work ethic. “There are so many adults (who) don’t even do what Alexa does as a 15-year-old, and she has just dedicated so much time and has helped our organization immensely,” Carr said. “Last year, she came every single day and every opportunity and dedicated probably more hours than any other volunteer in our program. In the summer, most teenagers are hanging out with friends, but not Alexa. “She gives up so much of her time with a smile and truly enjoys the work we are doing,” she said. “She’s so reliable as a volunteer, and we can always count on her. She will rearrange her schedule so she can be there.” “I love to volunteer at Eight Waves because it gives me a chance to develop relationships with the youth in the community,” Bishop said. “I always have amazing conversations with the kids, and I am able to teach them things along the way. Simultaneously, I am able to help them with subjects that can be a challenge they face during school. All in all, it’s always a great time to volunteer.” “She’s amazing and has been such a great help and is so unique as a teenager, what’s she able to do and what she can contribute,” Carr said.

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Courtesy photos

A lawsuit filed Friday, Nov. 3, accuses the First Baptist Church of Orlando of failing to protect a student at The First Academy. According to the suit, between 2014 and 2016, the female student was sexually abused and groomed by a teacher, Harriet Sugg. The lawsuit alleges the church and school knew about the relationship but did not take steps to stop it. The student was 15 years old when the abuse began, the lawsuit states. Sugg, 54, on Oct. 11 was charged with five counts of sexual activity with a minor. She was released from the Orange County Jail on a $25,000 bond. According to the suit, filed by attorney Andrea Lewis, Sugg met the victim in 2014 at TFA. Sugg served as a mentor to the student and eventually began spending time with the student outside of school. Sugg bought the student tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. The relationship turned sexual in 2016; the student was 17 years old at that time. The suit states school staff, students and Sugg’s husband reported the relationship to TFA administrators. Sugg was fired in May 2016; however, school officials did not report the relationship to law enforcement or the victim’s parents, the lawsuit states. Sugg and the student continued a relationship until the student was 19. The victim reported Sugg to the police in 2022 and again last month. First Baptist Orlando Senior Pastor Dr. David Uth and TFA Head of School Dr. Steve Whitaker published an official statement on the school’s website. “We are deeply saddened to address the allegations of sexual abuse that occurred approximately seven years ago involving a former female high school teacher and a female high school student at The First Academy,” they wrote. “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness and want to assure our community that we are committed to the safety, well-being and spiritual development of our students. “Our top priority has been and will continue to be a nurturing and Christ-centered environment where students can grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually,” they wrote. “We understand that trust in our institution has been shaken by these allegations, and we want to acknowledge the pain and concern this has caused in our community. “Given that this is an ongoing investigation, we are limited in what information we can share right now, but we will provide additional information as soon as we can,” they wrote. “While we must protect the privacy of all involved, we will strive to provide updates to the community as the situation develops and as it is legally permissible. “We ask for your prayers, understanding, and support during this difficult time,” they wrote. “First Baptist Orlando and The First Academy do not tolerate any form of sexual abuse or sexual harassment. Nothing is more important than protecting the safety and well-being of our students.”

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

Observer “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

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The West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange. Courtesy photo

Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson, left, and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, right, congratulate Kurt Gies on his honor. With him is his wife, Lana.

Kurt Gies named Citizen of the Year “ … I truly believe Winter Garden, Florida, started this cause nationwide. Other Challenge 22 (events) are popping up across the country. … Awareness is not me telling you, it’s you taking that information and sharing it.” — Kurt Gies

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

range County commissioners from each district name one citizen to honor for his or her extensive community work throughout the year. This year, District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson selected Oakland resident Kurt Gies for the Citizen of the Year Award. Gies is a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and now serves as the commander of American Legion Post 63 in Winter Garden. After learning how many veterans are lost every day to suicide, he founded Challenge 22, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funding lifesaving mental health treatment. “Mr. Gies is a perfect example of the community leadership that makes West Orange County a better place,” Wilson said. “Kurt’s intentions are so straightforwardly good: He realized the need to de-stigmatize and treat veteran post-traumatic stress, so he decided to address that need head-on. His work through Challenge 22 and American Legion directly benefits thousands of veterans, and his events draw crowds from near and far to Winter Garden for all the right reasons.” September is Suicide Awareness Month. In 2016, Gies received a notice and a challenge to get a group of people together to walk in honor of the 22 veterans who commit suicide every day. The first Challenge 22 walk had one participant: Gies, who, at the time, was post chaplain. “I walked alone, and I said, ‘I’m not going to walk alone next year,’” he said. When Gies created Challenge 22 seven years ago, it was founded under the umbrella of the American Legion, which is a 501(c)19 and doesn’t allow for many organizations to make a tax-deductible donation. So far, Challenge 22 has raised $400,000 for the awareness of veteran suicide. This year, Challenge 22 was incorporated as a 501(c)3, and Gies said it has opened up the nonprofit to applying for county grants and accepting matching funds from large organizations such as Walt Disney World. More incoming funds means help for more veterans, he said.

While grateful for the honor, Gies is uncomfortable being singled out. “It’s humbling to me, it’s kind of embarrassing, because I don’t do this for that (recognition), and there’s so many people who work their tails off, so for me to get something for all they did seemed a little odd,” he said. “What we’re doing is actually making an impact,” Gies said. “I’m not about the money raised … I’m about how many lives we impact.” Challenge 22 puts veterans in touch with organizations that can directly help them with traumatic issues that are mental, physical, social or spiritual. “We tell our veterans, you pick the solution because there is no one size fits all,” Gies said. “It’s all paid for, and then if that’s doesn’t work, pick something else. … The family members are just as impacted by it. “The nonprofits we fund directly, we have 11 or 12, in their reporting back to us — we figure it’s just over 10,000 veterans, first responders, active duty and family members, those people we consider high risk for suicide, and not one of them has attempted suicide,” Gies said. “I think it’s just a recognition of what we’re doing is having an impact. … I hope that it will open doors for future growth, that people who didn’t see it before will see it now and say they want to get involved in it.” Gies is seeking folks to sit on the organization’s board and help connect it to even more community resources. Visit challenge22walk. com to join. “As we’ve matured (in seven years), we’ve identified strengths,” he said. “The board has transformed this from a cool event to something that is now professional. … I truly believe Winter Garden, Florida, started this cause nationwide. Other Challenge 22 (events) are popping up across the country. … Awareness is not me telling you, it’s you taking that information and sharing it.” His goal is to see Challenge 22 in every state. “We know we’re on a path here that is working,” Gies said. “We just need to take it from community to community to community.” “We’re incredibly lucky to have Kurt here in District 1,” Wilson said. “A Citizen of the Year Award doesn’t begin to encapsulate my appreciation.”

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CHALLENGE 22 The seventh annual Challenge 22 ruck walk and program begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, with registration and music by the Josh Gilbert Band and ends with a 3:45 p.m. Legion Riders Tribute 22-mile ride. Opening ceremonies begin at 10, and the 2.2-mile walk kicks off at 11:15. A block party fundraiser with music by local band Beemo, food, beer, raffles and booths begins at 12:15 p.m. The event takes place near the American Legion Post 63, 271 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Challenge 22, a nonprofit organization founded by American Legion post commander Kurt Gies, aims to stop post-traumatic stress suicide of veterans. According to Gies, 22 veterans commit suicide every day. For information or to register, visit challenge22walk. com. Gies said his goal is 2,200 walkers. “I’d love to have that shoulder to shoulder standing for that cause,” he said. Last year’s monetary goal was $100,000, and $115,000 was raised. Fundraising continues through Dec. 31. Gies has plans to expand Challenge 22 and host a golf tournament in the spring.

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RECKLESS DRIVING ENDANGERS LIVES Dear Editor: I am concerned about the reckless driving that seems to have plagued the city of Ocoee. Kids are speeding up and down Adair Street, Flewelling Avenue and Ocoee Hills Road. I am sure there are others. The renewed city park on Flewelling Avenue has apparently become a catalyst, attracting juvenile miscreants and their vehicles. I’ve witnessed car engines revving and vehicles recklessly speeding and endangering both lives and property until late into the evening. And where is our fair Ocoee Police Department? Occasionally, one may see a marked unit patrolling these areas, but these sightings are few and far between. Why not use unmarked vehicles to catch these lawbreakers in the act? Months ago, one of these kids was racing north on Ocoee Hills Road and hit a power pole at the intersection of Flewelling

NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES Dear Editor: On a crisp, damp Friday morning recently, I heard the garbage truck rumble through my Oakland neighborhood. A jolt of fear spread through my body. The garbage can was full to overflowing, and I told my wife twice the day before I would put it on the curb. It was most definitely still sitting in the garage, exuding the foul odor of meat and produce packaging. Fearing for my marriage, if not my life, I dashed to the garage, slapped the garage-door opener, seized the garbage can and took off running down the road after the garbage truck. The garbage man following the truck turned and saw my chubby frame barreling down the street. He must have taken in the gravity of the situation,

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

Avenue and Ocoee Hills Road. The crash snapped the pole and knocked out power to approximately 300 homes in excess of six hours. Thankfully, the driver was not injured but fled the scene and eluded police. Again I ask you, where are the police and what are they doing to eliminate this dangerous menace? Why not enact a curfew and keep these delinquents at home and let their parents do some parenting? How long until there is another crash? How long until more property is damaged and one of these drivers lose their lives? I have lived in Ocoee on and off for the past 45 years. I have never seen such rampant lawbreaking, apparently without consequences. These kids just don’t care about others, because they know that they can get away their reckless activities without fear of any consequences for their actions. GLENN R. TREANOR OCOEE

because he shouted, “I gotchu, Bro,” and thumped his chest in manly affirmation, like this was the very mission he had been waiting for. He ran to meet me halfway, grabbed the can, dashed back to the truck and hurled its rotten contents into the back of the truck as if it didn’t weigh 60 pounds. He then set the can down on its wheels and delivered it flying back to me with a visibly filthy, gloved thumbs up. I waved and yelled back a thank you. Standing in the middle of the road in wet “Rick & Morty” socks and long “Pikachu” Christmas pajamas, I realized I was in the presence not of a mere garbage man but rather a garbage hero. Thank you, garbage hero! DR. JONATHAN PARKER WALTON OAKLAND

Flanigan to be roasted in Comedy for a Cause The Happiest Man on Earth will be the subject of a show to benefit the local Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

COMEDY FOR A CAUSE WHEN: 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 WHERE: Fredster’s Dinner Showroom, 1720 Fennell St., Maitland TICKETS: Available at bit. ly/3ub2kvG and at the door. $20 theater seating, $25 for dining FOR INFORMATION: ultimatebands.rocks

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Courtesy

Billy Flanigan — known in West Orange County for his long career at Walt Disney World and his famous pandemic-era bicycle “Flanigrams” — will be roasted in a benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Greg Taillon is producing the Comedy for a Cause event, which he calls a tribute to the Dean Martin Celebrity Roast comedy series of the 1960s and ’70s. The Central Florida Friar’s Club anticipates an exciting evening of jokes and witty banter from a plethora of impersonators and hear the music of iconic favorites. The musical lineup includes Them Sweeney Boys — a throwback to the “Heehaw” television show — playing fast-paced country and bluegrass and the Randy Morris Quartet bringing its jazz and Dixieland classics. Robbie Pigott will serve as the roastmaster. “When I was asked to be the subject of this roast, I was truly honored,” Flanigan said. “I was such a big fan of the Dean Martin roasts back in the day and look forward to the laughs at my expense. I have a great sense of humor, so I’m ready. I don’t know the impersonators, so I’m curious how that will work.”

Billy Flanigan will be the subject of a roast.

Flanigan has been a singer, actor, dancer and entertainer at Disney for more than 40 years; Taillon has been a technician at Disney for 35 years. The two met while working at the Hoop Dee Doo Revue. Two of Flanigan’s children have Type 1 diabetes, so all the fun of the evening serves a bigger purpose as a benefit for the local foundation. He will sit on the stage while being roasted by comics and impersonators representing Lily Tomlin, Red Buttons, Phyllis Diller, Jonathan Winters, Don Rickles, Foster Brooks and more. The Orlando Rat Pack — “Dean Martin,” “Sammy Davis Jr.” and “Frank Sinatra” — also will make appearances. “We’re combing all these actors with some of Billy’s friends who are actors,” Taillon said. “They’re going to come up and say nice things.” Before starting his own company, Ultimate Entertainment, Taillon worked for Norwegian Cruise Line and worked with multiple comedic impersonators. “They got in my head over the years,” said Taillon, who was a sound technician and repeatedly heard

the performers’ shows. “I thought I could write based on these characters something that would relate to Disney and Billy. I wrote the jokes for all these.” Taillon hopes to host more shows next year with other Central Florida personalities. “If people want us to roast their CEO, we can do that,” he said. “(Billy has) a huge personality and smile,” Taillon said. “Billy was just a joy to work with; he’s super talented, super bubbly. He’s a celebrity in the world of Disney, so we’re hoping to get a good Disney crowd there. It’s just going to be a fun night.” “I’m really looking forward to seeing who is going to be there on the stage, doing the actual roast, who will show up to be in the audience, and, most of all, how much money we’ll be able to raise for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation,” Flanigan said.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

ZIP CODE HISTORY

Amy Quesinberry

The Oakland Post Office has 600 boxes to serve residents who don’t qualify for home delivery.

Stamp of disapproval AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

hen Donna Reed first moved to the historic area of Oakland 28 years ago, she was informed she could not get home mail delivery and could only receive mail through the Oakland Post Office. The annual fee for the box was about $30, she said. “There was no way to get mail unless I paid,” she said. This year, the renewal rate is costing residents $176. Many of those living in this older, downtown section of the town are on a fixed income and cannot afford the box rental. Some of them simply don’t receive mail. Reed, who lives north of downtown in the historic area, has had enough and appeared before the Oakland Town Commission in September to voice her opinion and ask some questions. “(Regardless) of what agreements we had in the past, we have to do something,” Mayor Kathy Stark said at the Sept. 12 Town Commission meeting. “Communicating with the post office is very hard. We have yet to find someone who will sit with us and sort through what we need to do. And we have asked.” Town officials have spoken with Winter Garden postal officials and to U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster about the issue. “We will stay on it,” Stark said at the Sept. 12 meeting. “Any of the solutions that are out there — big pros and big cons — so we’ve got to figure out what we can and cannot live with. We don’t want people to have to pay these outrageous fees.” Reed, a retired firefighter, embarked on a complicated journey of phone calls, emails and meetings with the local postmaster all the way up to the U.S. Postmaster General. What she has received, she said, has been a series of dead ends, fingerpointing and uncooperative postal employees. But she is not stopping. Reed is going up the chain of command in search of answers. She has emailed and met with Bert Ip, Oakland’s postmaster. 34760 VS 34787

“I said, ‘We have 600-plus residents in the historic part of Oakland who have 34760 ZIP code, and we don’t have mail delivery,’” Reed said. “When they started building all around us, they ran out of post office boxes, so they started home delivery. We should have always had home

delivery as we grew. … Nobody who lives in the town of Oakland should have a 34787 ZIP code. They should have made the decision to add post office boxes or have home delivery.” According to post office officials, the town does not want home delivery. But the town can find no records of any conversation or official ruling to corroborate that statement. “I have looked through all of our digital archives (includes agendas, minutes, resolutions, ordinances, etc.) regarding the post office and home delivery (and) was not able to find any documents regarding the issue,” Assistant Town Manager Elise Hui said. “I was able to find the lease agreements between the town of Oakland and USPS dating back to 2008 (original agreement) but nothing that discusses home delivery or lack thereof.” One week ago, Reed posted the following on Facebook: “I have filed a record request to get a letter the post office says exists from 2000 stating the town does not want carrier delivery. The (post office) says they have it but won’t show it to me. … Once I get that letter, I will post it so everyone will know.” One day later, Reed posted on Facebook: “I am waiting for a letter from the post office from a records request and also have filed two more. The new ones are the contractual agreements between the USPS and UPS and FedEx. They have a contract that they pay USPS for SurePost and SmartPost (last-mile final deliveries). So then, why does the post office still say they won’t deliver third-party packages to a Group E box?” “It plainly says it on Form 1093 from the USPS: ‘If you don’t have carrier delivery, you can be issued a post office box for free,’” Reed said last week. “Obviously, you have to change from the post office box you have. … You have to change your address, and you won’t be eligible for package service. You know how FedEx and UPS they have a thing where the ‘last mile,’ they drop off to the post office and the post office delivers to you or puts it in your post office box. “Then they have the nerve to tell them you won’t be eligible for that service, so if you get that package and you don’t have that post office box, we won’t deliver it to you,” Reed added. “The officer in charge, the postmaster in this post office, has known all along that if we don’t have carrier delivery that we should get it for free,” Reed said. “So why did they defraud us all these years if they knew that was their policy?”

GETTING ANSWERS

Reed sent an email to Ip on Oct. 24 thanking him for his conversations with her and asking him several questions: “In the USPS Domestic Mail Manual 4.1.1, it states by word, ‘Post Office Box service is a premium service offered for a fee to customer and for No fee to customers who are not eligible for carrier delivery.’ So, as it states either way, it is a premium service. So then why would we all lose premium service? “Why would I lose my size 2 box and have to go to a size 1? In the USPS Domestic Mail Manual 4.5.3 (a), it states, ‘Group E customers are assigned the smallest box that reasonably accommodate their mail volume.’ Also when I moved here I wanted a size 1 and it was told to me there were none available. “Also I will sign up for my free box today and will also keep the paid box I already have. Before you say I cannot do that, it says I can in the USPS Domestic Mail Manual. In 4.5.3 (c), ‘A customer must pay the fee for each PO box requested in addition to the initial free Group E Box.’ “Why is this just now coming to light? As a supervisor in the USPS, you and the other previous OIC’s have always known that this should have been a free service, yet you have elected to not tell the 600+ residents. This should really be a case of defrauding the people because you gladly took our money and continued to raise the fee knowing we should have been given the opportunity for a free box. You elect now to bully people when they come in by telling them they have to change their box, thus, change their address, and they won’t have a premium service, which, by your own policy, is incorrect.” Ip responded the same day: “First, I want to start by saying everything that the employee told you is correct and were passed down from the district and headquarters level. We will have to move your box to a smallest one, which will be a size 1; you are currently in a size 2. We are slowing letting people know about it because that was how I was instructed to. We did not want all 600+ residents coming in all at the same time, so we are splitting up in groups. We currently have enough size 1 boxes for the residents that are interested in switching over to a Group E box. A lot of them that inquired are not switching because they would lose out on the premium services.”

‘YOUR POST OFFICE BOX IS SUBSTANDARD’

Another resident has joined Reed in this campaign. Ed Kulakowski has lived in historic Oakland since 2015. “When I first moved in, I was told I had to have a post office box because they didn’t deliver here, and the charge was $50 or something,” he said. “Our post office people have known for many years that they should not be charging people for post office boxes. but they have been collecting fees at an ever-increasing rate.” Kulakowski said he received a notice in his mailbox that he “may be eligible for a free post office box.” He filled out the appropriate form and returned it to the post office. And then he received another notice that said, “your post office box is substandard.” “You’re giving me a box and saying it’s substandard?” he said. “This is just plain wrong. This rule has been in existence for quite a while, and they have been willingly taking my money. … I would certainly like to see all my fees refunded. I’m not holding my breath, but I think that will be fair compensation.” Kulakowski also shared his thoughts on Facebook: “I went to the PO with my new PS Form 1093 today. Yes, they will give a ‘free’ smallest size box. If you have a larger one, you’ll be assigned a new box number, of which they say they have many. But here’s the wrinkle — for the free boxes they won’t accept UPS, UPS SurePost, FedEx or other shippers that most of us use. “These are accepted only for premium (paid) boxes,” he wrote. “The address also has to read PO Box ###. The method many of us have been using, like Box 123 or #123, will be returned, if I understood Mr. Ip correctly. This is the lowest level of customer service I can imagine.” As for Reed’s public records request, she expects to hear by Nov. 27. She also submitted a request for the post office’s contracts with UPS and FedEx. “We are thankful for the residents who have spearheaded the efforts to communicate with the United States Postal Service,” Stark said. “Even though the post office and mail delivery operate under the authority of the federal government, the town has attempted for years to navigate the decision-making process at the U.S. Post Office, including meetings with federal legislative delegates. While the issue is yet to be resolved, we are closer to a solution than we have been, thanks to our committed and determined residents.”

The town of Oakland originally was assigned the 34760 ZIP code. Home delivery was not an option at the time, and the small post office in the town square had 600 mailboxes. As the town grew and housing subdivisions were built starting about 2000, the post office quickly ran out of boxes and couldn’t handle the larger volume of mail. The solution was for new residents to receive mail through the larger post office in Winter Garden. This also meant the addresses in the new subdivisions — Johns Landing, Johns Cove, Winters Landing, Trailside, Oakland Park, Oakland Trails, Longleaf at Oakland, Hull Island at Oakland and the future Briley Farms, as well as the Avenue on Oakland apartments — would have an “Oakland 34787” ZIP code. At the center of the controversy is the increasing annual fee being charged to residents and businesses who get their mail at the post office. They argue it’s not fair they have to pay for mail delivery when home delivery isn’t an option for them.

USPS DOMESTIC MAIL MANUAL These are excerpts from the United States Postal Service Domestic Mail Manual. n Section 4.1.1 Purpose: Post Office Box (PO Box) service is a premium service offered for a fee … to any customer and for no fee to customers who are not eligible for carrier delivery. n Section 4.5.2 Fee Group E — Free PO Box Service: Customers may qualify for Group E (free) PO Box service at a Post Office if their physical address location meets all of the following criteria: The physical address is within the geographic delivery ZIP Code boundaries administered by a Post Office. The physical address constitutes a potential carrier delivery point of service. USPS does not provide carrier delivery to a mail receptacle at or near a physical address. … “At or near a physical address” is defined by reference to how carrier delivery is established in a particular locale or ZIP Code.

OrangeObserver.com

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

Students with the Eight Waves program and Oakland Avenue Charter School paraded around the park during Flora’s Fiesta.

Garden Club celebrates Flora’s Fiesta AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Children with the Eight Waves program participated in Flora’s Fiesta in the downtown Winter Garden Butterfly Park.

Students from Tildenville Elementary School and Oakland Avenue Charter School released monarch butterflies in downtown Winter Garden as part of a celebration in the butterfly park.

Garden club president Brenda Knowles and Winter Garden City Commissioner Lisa Bennett addressed the crowd. “Over the years, we have worked together to plant trees, encourage pollinator gardens and support the beauty of our community through horticulture,” Knowles said. “Congratulations to the Bloom & Grow Garden Society on the birthday of Flora, the magnificent monarch butterfly sculpture that we are so proud to feature in Butterfly Park,” Bennett said. Students from Eight Waves performed a butterfly-inspired song and dance, and then children from Tildenville and OACS released several boxes full of monarchs.

Windermere Med Spa & Salon

The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Central Florida

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The Bloom & Grow Garden Society held a special celebration Wednesday, Oct. 11, to mark Flora’s permanent place in Butterfly Park near the splash pad in downtown Winter Garden. Flora is a metal sculpture commissioned by the garden club four years ago, and “Flora’s Fiesta — Birthday Party in the Park” celebrated her fourth year in the park. Butafrog, the frog-butterfly mascot for the garden club, greeted guests and participants before children from Tildenville Elementary School, Oakland Avenue Charter School and the Eight Waves program walked in the Parade of the Monarchs around the park and splash pad.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

REAL ESTATE

Courtesy photo

The home at 11049 Bridge House Road, Windermere, sold Oct. 16, for $5,900,000. This estate features more than 10,000 square feet of living space and is positioned along the shores of Lake Butler. The sellers were represented by Chris Christensen, Compass Real Estate.

Reserve at Lake Butler Sound estate sells for $5.9 million

home in the Reserve at Lake Butler Sound

The condo at 5129 Eaglesmere Drive, Unit A01, Orlando, sold Oct. 16, for $160,000. Built in 1974, it has one bedroom, one bath and 591 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.

HORIZON WEST ASHLIN PARK

The home at 11644 Ashlin Park Blvd., Windermere, sold Oct. 17, for $530,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,320 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

Orange-area residential

The townhouse at 11999 Water Run Alley, Windermere, sold Oct. 16, for $430,000. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,569 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

real-estate transactions

EDEN ISLE

community in Win-

dermere topped all West

Bridge House Road, Win-

The home at 13842 Orange Crest Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 20, for $645,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,530 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

dermere, sold Oct. 16, for

ENCLAVE

from Oct. 16 to 22. The home at 11049

The home at 6379 Swanson St., Windermere, sold Oct. 18, for $900,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,804 square feet of living area. Days on market: 242.

$5,900,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, five baths, three half-baths and 10,112 square feet of living area. Days on market: 450. The sellers were represented by Chris Christensen, Compass Real Estate. These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange. DR. PHILLIPS

AVALON AT TURTLE CREEK

The home at 10617 Holly Crest Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 16, for $735,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,039 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three. BAY LAKES AT GRANADA

The home at 8772 Granada Blvd., Orlando, sold Oct. 20, for $495,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,724 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six. HIDDEN BEACH

The home at 6542 Hidden Beach Circle, Orlando, sold Oct. 18, for $525,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,815 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

HAWKSMOOR coldwellbanker.com

The home at 9225 Holliston Creek Place, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 20, for $1,275,000. It was the largest transaction in Horizon West from Oct. 16 to 22, 2023. The sellers were represented by Sheryl VanDuren, Coldwell Banker Realty.

HIDDEN SPRINGS

The home at 5748 Tamarack Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 17, for $710,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,344 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five. The home at 7631 Pine Springs Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 20, for $665,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,324 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32. LAKE CANE HILLS

The home at 5616 Clearview Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 18, for $380,000. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, one-and-onehalf baths and 1,486 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24. LAKE MARSHA HIGHLANDS

The home at 7289 Lake Floy Circle, Orlando, sold Oct. 17, for $376,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,307 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40. PARKSIDE

The home at 8077 Chilton Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 17, for $945,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,754 square feet of living area. Days on market: 67.

PHILLIPS BOULEVARD VILLAGE VISTAME

The home at 5206 Vistamere Court, Orlando, sold Oct. 19, for $1,395,000. Built in 2019, it has seven bedrooms, six-and-onehalf baths and 4,636 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10. SAND LAKE HILLS

The home at 6256 Blue Clay Court, Orlando, sold Oct. 16, for $550,000. Built in 1982, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,928 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three. SAND LAKE SOUND

The home at 6115 Bimini Twist Loop, Orlando, sold Oct. 19, for $1,260,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,460 square feet of living area. The townhouse at 6090 Bimini Twist Loop, Orlando, sold Oct. 19, for $652,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,303 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four. SANDY SPRINGS

The home at 7933 Palmdale Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 16, for $630,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,179 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.

SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 76 High Sale Price: $5.9 million Low Sale Price: $160,000 TOREY PINES

The home at 8812 Torey Pines Terrace, Orlando, sold Oct. 17, for $1,100,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,107 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18. VISTA CAY AT HARBOR SQUARE

The condo at 4814 Cayview Ave., No. 10313, Orlando, sold Oct. 19, for $482,500. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,247 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26. VIZCAYA

The home at 8118 Firenze Blvd., Orlando, sold Oct. 17, for $1,850,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 6,244 square feet of living area. Days on market: 124. WINDHOVER CONDOMINIUMS

The condo at 5864 Peregrine Ave., Unit D03, Orlando, sold Oct. 18, for $195,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, one-and-one-half baths and 999 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.

The home at 16741 Olive Hill Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 20, for $633,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,608 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five. HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 15752 Sweet Lemon Way, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 18, for $690,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,571 square feet of living area. Days on market: 120. INDEPENDENCE

The home at 15174 Evergreen Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 16, for $545,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,216 square feet of living area. Days on market: 71. LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 6642 Duncaster St., Windermere, sold Oct. 16, for $535,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,624 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. LATHAM PARK SOUTH

The home at 9193 Bradleigh Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 16, for $680,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 3,004 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

MEZZANO

The townhouse at 7339 Mazzano Lane, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 18, for $436,930. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,860 square feet of living area. PRESTON SQUARE

The townhouse at 7028 Ventnor Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 16, for $470,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,980 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12. The townhouse at 6701 Helmsley Circle, Windermere, sold Oct. 17, for $395,000. Built in 2008, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,436 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18. SILVERLEAF RESERVE BUNGALOWS

The home at 72 Citrus Leaf Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 16, for $525,025. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,114 square feet of living area. Days on market: 36. STOREY GROVE

The home at 11072 Robert Frost Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 18, for $690,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,722 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight. SUMMERLAKE

Courtesy photo

The home at 8118 Firenze Blvd., Orlando, sold Oct. 17, for $1,850,000. It was the largest transaction in Dr. Phillips from Oct. 16 to 22, 2023. The sellers were represented by Chris Christensen, Compass Real Estate.

The home at 15613 Porter Road, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 18, for $535,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,089 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven. The home at 4525 Blue Major Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 17, for $635,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,965 square feet of living area. Days on market: 142.

The home at 16041 Hampton Crossing Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 16, for $650,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,113 square feet of living area. Days on market: 112. The home at 9552 Nautique Lane, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 16, for $629,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,477 square feet of living area. The home at 16590 Point Rock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 16, for $607,740. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,489 square feet of living area. Days on market: 34. The townhouse at 13525 Sagestone Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 16, for $408,740. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,567 square feet of living area. Days on market: 63. WATERMARK

The home at 9225 Holliston Creek Place, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 20, for $1,275,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,897 square feet of living area. Days on market: 48. The home at 10396 Austrina Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 20, for $471,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,657 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19. WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 11930 Otterbrooke Trail, Windermere, sold Oct. 18, for $870,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,152 square feet of living area. Days on market: 52.

OCOEE

BROOKESTONE

The home at 370 Covered Bridge Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 17, for $615,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,580 square feet of living area. Days on market: 52. LAKEWOOD MANOR

The home at 101 Clinger Cove Road, Ocoee, sold Oct. 20, for $365,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,448 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

WINTER GARDEN

MCALLISTER LANDING

BRADFORD CREEK

The home at 14523 Sunbridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 18, for $949,900. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,205 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

UNINCORPORATED ORANGE COUNTY

WATERLEIGH

LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 9483 Westover Club Circle, Windermere, sold Oct. 17, for $745,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,004 square feet of living area. Days on market: 91.

SUMMERPORT

The home and land at 1457 Avalon Road, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 16, for $300,000. Built in 1930, the home has three bedrooms, one bath and 698 square feet of living area on 2.8 acres. Days on market: 215.

WESTOVER CLUB

COVINGTON PARK

redfin.com

The home at 16689 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 20, for $1,750,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from Oct. 16 to 22, 2023. The sellers were represented by Krushna Patel, Keller Williams Realty at The Parks.

OCOEE HILLS

The home at 1200 Center St., Ocoee, sold Oct. 16, for $350,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,209 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15. PRAIRIE LAKE VILLAGE

The home at 2491 Great Birch Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 19, for $369,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,514 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. PRESERVE AT CROWN POINT

The home at 3017 Stonegate Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 17, for $515,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,030 square feet of living area. Days on market: 42. TWIN LAKE WOODS

The home at 771 Marlene Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 18, for $335,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,138 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14. WESMERE

The home at 163 Longhirst Loop, Ocoee, sold Oct. 22, for $615,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,434 square feet of living area. Days on market: 41.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE NEWBURY PARK

The home at 9048 Leeland Archer Blvd., Orlando, sold Oct. 16, for $610,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,411 square feet of living area. Days on market: 29.

ISLEWORTH

The home at 9826 Laurel Valley Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 18, for $5,500,000. Built in 1987, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two halfbaths and 7,067 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13. The home at 6029 Louise Cove Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 20, for $4,100,000. Built in 2002, it has seven bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths and 7,145 square feet of living area. RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 1636 Glenwick Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 20, for $1,090,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,178 square feet of living area. Days on market: 156. RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND

The home at 11049 Bridge House Road, Windermere, sold Oct. 16, for $5,900,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, five baths, three half-baths and 10,112 square feet of living area. Days on market: 450. SILVER WOODS

The home at 9385 Palm Tree Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 16, for $510,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,489 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

The home at 439 Silverdale Ave., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 19, for $510,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,844 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four. EAST GARDEN MANOR

The home at 219 Charlotte St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 19, for $358,000. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, one-and-one-half baths and 1,325 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11. EDGEWATER BEACH

The home at 17649 Washington St., Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Oct. 20, for $375,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,423 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. G.T. SMITH SUBDIVISION

The home at 424 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 16, for $500,500. Built in 1923, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,262 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10. ISLAND POINTE

The home at 1057 Island Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 16, for $527,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,078 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10. LAKE COVE POINTE

The home at 427 Tierra Verde Lane, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 17, for $702,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,368 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.

The home at 3326 Current Ave., Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Oct. 18, for $573,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,224 square feet of living area. Days on market: 146. The home at 741 Caterpillar Run, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 20, for $660,000. Built in 2019, it has seven bedrooms, four baths and 4,700 square feet of living area. Days on market: 174. The home at 1468 Juniper Hammock St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 17, for $660,000. Built in 2019, it has seven bedrooms, four baths and 4,700 square feet of living area. Days on market: 87. TWINWATERS

The home at 16689 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 20, for $1,750,000. Built in 2016, it has eight bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 5,283 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven. VININGS ADDITION

The home at 412 S. Woodland St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 18, for $374,900. Built in 1940, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 612 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six. WINTER GARDEN

The home at 12204 Marshall Farms Road, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 18, for $335,500. Built in 1948, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,140 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five. WINTER OAKS

The home at 711 Climbing Oaks Court, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 17, for $525,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,836 square feet of living area. Days on market: 44. WINTERMERE POINTE

The home at 2320 Wintermere Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 19, for $850,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,290 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

WEST ORANGE BUTLER RIDGE

The home at 5003 Autumn Ridge Court, Windermere, sold Oct. 17, for $955,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 6,126 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

WINDERMERE BALMORAL

The home at 9041 Balmoral Mews Square, Windermere, sold Oct. 18, for $1,200,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 4,763 square feet of living area. Days on market: One. redfin.com

The home at 370 Covered Bridge Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 17, for $615,000. It was the largest transaction in Ocoee from Oct. 16 to 22, 2023. The sellers were represented by David Dorman, Century 21 Professional Group.

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SPORTS HIGH

In her senior season at Windermere Preparatory School, golfer Alicia Qian is finishing her high school career on a high note. Page 2B.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Foundation Academy running back J.T. Bronaugh finished his season with 1,950 all-purpose yards.

Foundation Academy’s doit-all athlete J.T. Bronaugh finished his senior season for the Lions with 1,950 all-purpose yards and 25 total touchdowns on 112 total touches. He also got it done on defense — 43 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. With these kind of numbers, it’s no wonder why Bronaugh has Power 5 offers from the likes of Minnesota and Kansas.

Foundation swimmer Emma Sundermeyer, an Alabama commit, finished her final swim season with two Class 1A, District 4 championships in the 200-yard individual medley and 500-yard freestyle; two Region 2 championships in the 200 IM and 500 free; as well as a second-place finish at the 1A state championships in the 200 IM and a fourth-place finish in the 500 free.

After claiming the Class 4A, District 4 boys and girls swimming championships, Windermere High continued its amazing run by bringing home both Region 2 championships Thursday, Nov. 2.

For the second consecutive year, Horizon boys cross country won the Class 3A, District 3 championship. This season, the Hawks scored 79 points, led by junior Girmay Buck’s fifth-place finish and Jacob Finch’s eighth-place finish. Mason Paulsberg (11th), Brenden Ketelsen (26th) and Christian Mitchell (31st) were Horizon’s other three scoring runners.

Despite it being in the mid80s and the football playoffs just getting underway, the winter sports season is right around the corner. Basketball, wrestling, soccer, weightlifting and competitive cheer fans can start getting ready for the action as soon as Monday, Nov. 13.

Photos by Sam Albuquerque

Olympia senior outside hitter and University of Tampa commit Laney Perdue led the Titans to a historic 2023 season.

Set up for success Yes, she has the stats. But Laney Perdue’s legacy will go far beyond being the best hitter in Olympia volleyball history.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

aney Perdue is the best hitter in Olympia High School girls volleyball history. Her school records in both career kills and single-season kills — 1,043 career kills and 468 kills in 2023 — all while leading the Titans to a 22-7 record, back-to-back Class 7A, District 5 titles in 2022 and 2023 and the program’s first Metro Conference Championship since 2007 all prove that. But that is not what is most impressive about the University of Tampa commit. It’s also not what’s most important to her either. Her impact and leadership of a young Olympia starting rotation is what truly makes her special and what she cares about leaving behind. “Her legacy here will be always putting the team first,” Olympia coach Semei Tello Ponce said. “She’s the most unselfish player I’ve ever coached. She’s always willing to help others, which only makes her better. When younger players are struggling, she goes back to her beginnings and how she felt when she was a younger

Olympia girls volleyball players and sisters Laney and Eliza Perdue have enjoyed playing together for the Titans.

player, and she shares that knowledge and coaches them through whatever is happening. “A lot of times, more experienced or more selfish players would let those younger players deal with it on their own,” he said. “That’s not her. She’s always trying to help other players just be better.”

TEAM LEADER

When Perdue looks back at this season, sure, she acknowledges her own personal accolades and records broken. But her face quickly lights up when she moves on to point out what the team was able to do. SEE PERDUE ON PAGE 2B

SAM SESSION

THAT SAM I AM: Meet the Observer’s new sports editor SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Sam Albuquerque, his wife, Sarah Dornas Albuquerque, and their Yorkshire terrier named Skulí, pose for a photo at their son, Noah’s, baby shower in Apopka.

It was the fall semester of my freshman year when it happened. I was sitting on a classic wooden bar stool in the only non-general education class of my early college career. The class — Architectural Design 1. It was the only class I chose because of my desire to be there (and not for the sake of meeting some degree requirement). And yes, I’m talking about you, every math class I’ve ever taken.

We had our first big project due later that week, our first shot at a 3D model. You see, these models take a long time to physically build — at least for first-time architecture students. So, most of us came to class early each day that week to work on them. While we worked that day, a few of my classmates started gathering around one another and pulling out these long, slightly see-through pieces of paper from their portfolio binders and began to pass them around. They started to laugh, talk

and generally have a nice time. Naturally, as part of this cohort, I felt curious about what was happening and figured I’d join the fun, so I made my way over. When I got there, I saw the papers they were passing around were drawings — which seems standard in an architecture classroom. But these weren’t renderings of the next great skyscraper to mark the New York City skyline. Nor were they takes on the great bridges of the world. And they SEE PASSION ON 2B

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

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

Alicia Qian In her senior season at Windermere Preparatory School, golfer Alicia Qian is finishing her high school career on a high note. Qian took home the individual Class 1A, District 6 championship and led the Lakers to a second-place finish after shooting a 70 (-2).

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week? I feel incredibly honored and motivated. It’s a recognition of hard work, dedication and success in sports.

THE BASICS

What do you like the most about playing golf? The uncertainties out there on the course keep my day fresh. Different factors including weather, course conditions, mental factors, strategy and swing consistency could highly influence your game. Some days, you might not have the best swing, but you get some lucky shots. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing golf? Never give up. You never know what’s going to happen until the very end.

Age: 18 Sport: Golf Grade: Senior School: Windermere Prep

look forward to the most in the next 10 years? Who is your favorite superhero? Why? I admire Spider-Man for his witty personality and his commitment to using his powers responsibly for the greater good. Who is your favorite super villain? Why? The Joker. He embodies chaos and a mastermind of unpredictability. His dark humor makes him an iconic and captivating antagonist.

What is your favorite non-golf hobby? Piano. Before focusing on golf, I played competitive piano for 14 years.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Teleportation. I really enjoy traveling. With the superpower of teleportation, I’m able to travel to many different places in a short time.

What is your favorite subject in school? Why? Physics. The class has the best vibe out of all the classes I take in school. Mr. Mac has a great sense of humor, and he is very responsible.

What are three places you would like to visit? France, Finland and Greece.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? My phone for connections, a stack of non-fiction books for mental wellness, and food and water for survival. What is your favorite movie? “Titanic.” For me, it’s not just the romance between two protagonists. I also learned about various aspects of human nature.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? A bunny. Bunnies have a gentle nature, and they appear to be pleasant every day with boundless energy. Does pineapple belong on pizza? Not an option — for me at least. — SAM ALBUQUERQUE

If you could have dinner with one person in the world who would it be? Taylor Swift, without a doubt. If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go? Why? I would go back to eight years ago and be more gentle to myself, because I used to be too tough on myself, which led to me later getting burnt out. Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your 10-year-old self? Every situation is a gift; it just comes in different forms, and it’s all about how you perceive it. Sometimes, life may seem tough, but you can learn from those experiences and make yourself stronger.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

“I’m just happy that I was able to leave something behind for other girls to carry on,” she said. “Even though we didn’t win states, just to go further than we did last year was amazing. To win districts two years in a row, win metro — which hasn’t been done in a long time — to beat Windermere, which we haven’t done in seven years, was such an awesome experience.” One of the reasons she has emphasized leading the team in an unselfish manner is because her teammates are family — both figuratively and literally. Her younger sister, Eliza Perdue, is part of the young Titans core that grew tremendously under the senior Perdue’s leadership. “It’s been really rewarding to get to play with her,” Eliza Perdue said. “It’s made me happy, because I know it’s a privilege that not many people get. To be able to bond with my sister on the court … is a great memory for me.” For Laney Perdue, though, similar to her ability to score points, her leadership skills were developed through her effort. “I really worked on it this season — especially encouraging my younger teammates,” Laney Perdue said. “In the beginning of the season, this was a really, really young team. I’ve only ever played with girls my age, where we are all at kind of the same level. But with this team, I really had to take ownership and work on my

SISTER ACT

And she succeeded. Just ask the younger Perdue sister. “I tend to get in my head a lot, and my sister just knows how to get me out of it,” Eliza Perdue said. “I don’t know how to explain it, but every time I got in my head, she was able to just like say a few words to me, and I’d snap out of it.” She doesn’t have that effect on just Eliza Perdue. Laney Perdue seems to be the vocal leader of the entire team. “On the court, she just gets really focused; she knows what she wants,” Eliza Perdue said. “She’s very, very vocal. She likes to talk a lot on the court. … She’s also very positive. Always making sure we stay out of our heads. Saying things like, ‘You got it,’ or when we make mistakes, telling us we got the next one.” But according to the little sister, Laney Perdue isn’t hyper-focused at home. She’s been known to crack a joke or two. “When she gets on the court, she get focused like, you can tell that she’s different than when she’s at home,” Eliza Perdue said. “She’s actually like, really, really funny and very sarcastic. Completely different than how she is on the court.” VERSATILITY KEY

Often, the phrase, “A jack of all trades is a master of none,” is

thrown around as a negative, usually insinuating a person isn’t great at anything, just mediocre to good at a lot of different things. The issue with that thought process is that it’s missing part of the original saying that adds this bit at the end: “But oftentimes, better than a master of one.” On the court, Laney Perdue’s success can be boiled down to that phrase: She’s a jack of all trades. “I would consider her almost like a Swiss Army knife,” Ponce said. “She’s not just going to go up there and power hit every ball. She knows when to tip the ball, when to roll shot, when to use the block, when to use her power, so that keeps defenses on their toes. “Because she has had to play many roles throughout her high school and club career, she’s had to learn how to how to score in many different ways,” he said. The other attribute that elevates Perdue’s game to a special level is her work ethic and intelligence. “She has such a high volleyball I.Q. because of having played different positions,” Ponce said. “She’s able to anticipate what her opponents are thinking because she’s played that role. She knows what a middle blocker is going to do, because she’s had to do that. She’s had to play as a right-side hitter, so she knows how move and think … and it’s helped her game.”

Passion fuels new editor CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

definitely weren’t anything similar to the collection of chicken-scratch squares and lines that outlined my eventual first 3D model (which earned me a pitiful C- from my professor). These were pieces of art. Paintings of beautiful landscapes, flawless portraits and a black-andwhite drawing of Mickey Mouse that is permanently seared into my brain. I was in shock. Everyone in that room was an artist, except me. As I stared at one drawing more beautiful than the other, I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to say. So I didn’t, I just left. In that moment, I realized something about myself — and not just that I wouldn’t become an architect. I realized something much scarier. I had no idea who I was. Why did I ever think pursuing a career in architecture was a good idea? Besides being obsessed with the TV show “How I Met Your Mother,” where the main character was an architect, I had zero connection or understanding of the career. So much so that I failed to realize that architects — who are paid to design beautiful structures like libraries, bridges and skyscrapers — should have at least enough artistic skill to complete a Bob Ross video tutorial. The questions came flooding into my head. Who am I? What do I love? What am I going to be when I grow up? Am I going to be a disappointment to my parents? That last one killed me. When I was 3, my parents packed up our lives in Brazil and moved us here to Central Florida to give me and my brother a shot at a better life. To think that I could take all they sacrificed for me and not do something special with it just destroyed me. That’s when “it” happened. I decided to get to know myself. I know that doesn’t sound crazy, but when I say “get to know

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leadership skills. I needed to just be encouraging my team all the time on the court and be that type of leader.”

myself,” I mean it in the most profound way possible. I spent the next year or so intentionally analyzing everything. From the macro sense of asking and answering questions — Am I happy? What do I truly love in this world? What do I believe in? To the micro, like trying what felt like 100 different Chipotle burrito variations to determine which is my favorite (it’s double white rice, both beans, half chicken, half steak, sour cream and cheese). Oh, and if I’m eating at home, I’m putting ketchup on it. Feel free to join everyone I’ve ever shared a meal with in judging me; it’s a crowded bunch. Not only did I go through this exercise, but I wrote all of it down. Every time I felt happy, I wrote it down. Every time I was in a bad mood, I wrote it down. Every time anything made me feel any sort of way, I wrote it down. And yes, I know I’m more than 700 words in and haven’t mentioned sports, but I’m getting there. I promise. Eventually, I learned enough about myself to start answering some of the big questions. The first was that torturous one we ask children who barely know how to tie their shoes: What do you want to be when you grow up? When I tried to answer it, I realized that what I wanted most out of life was to be happy — which took a while, a whole lot of prayer and a beautiful blessing from God named Sarah, my now wife. And to be happy in my life, I probably needed to be doing things I loved. Other than my faith and the people I love, there were two things 19-year-old me loved: Music and sports. And although I could handle my own on the guitar and sing well enough to notShannon get kicked out Till, Agent of the church choir, I knew Fowler’s Grove 3279that Daniels Rd Winter Garden, what I really wanted to do FL — 34787 make Toll Free: 855-742-1591 music — was never going to pan www.shannontill.com out because of, you know … general lack of talent. I chose sports.

By that time in my life, after years of being a mediocre athlete, I never felt like playing was even close to reality. What I loved about sports, even as a kid, was to talk to my friends about it. I still remember those classic talk radio arguments at the lunch table or on the bus. I remember coming home after school and immediately turning the TV to ESPN to watch my favorite commentators and see the highlights from last night’s games. I love sports. So, I thought, “How hard would it be to become the next Stephen A. Smith or Scott Van Pelt?” Turns out, it’s really hard. Those two are incredibly talented and extremely hard workers. But regardless of my lofty expectations as a starry-eyed teenager, terrified of becoming an adult and of the rigors of this industry, I stuck with it and have had some amazing experiences and opportunities. I got my start in sports as part of Orlando City SC’s grassroots marketing team. Later, I broke into sports media as a producer for ESPN 580 Orlando and then left that job to pursue my master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University — or as I like to call it, the Hogwarts of journalism — or most recently spending the last two years in South Carolina covering high school sports for the Spartanburg Herald-Journal. But of all my amazing opportunities in this industry — because of that moment in that architecture class and that ridiculously amazing but equally frustrating Mickey Mouse drawing that haunts me to this day — this one, that brings me home again, is the one that makes me feel the most blessed. I am honored to be the next sports editor of OrangeObserver. We’re all in this together. com, the West Orange Times State Farm hasand a long & Observer thetradition Southwest of being there. That’s one reason Orange Observer. I look forward to why I’m proud to support sharing stories aboutWest the amazing Orange county.. athletes in our community.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

THAT’S A WRAP: We recap the 2023 football season SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Photos by Sam Albuquerque

Horizon beats Windermere, wins Battle of the Groves Led by its defense and running back Jamarie Pierre, for the first time, the Hawks bring home the rivalry’s new trophy, the Smudge Pot. SAM ALBUQUERQUE

It was another phenomenal season in West Orange and Southwest Orange full of great teams, tremendous student-athletes and the best fans in all of Florida. Only two teams — Olympia and Dr. Phillips — have a chance to make a postseason run this year. At 8-2, the Titans finished first in Class 4M, District 5 and are No. 3 seed in the playoffs. The 6-4 Panthers finished second in Class 4M, District 5 and are the No. 6 seed. Olympia and DP will face each other in the first round of the 2023 FHSAA Football State Championships at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at Olympia. To celebrate all that happened in the 2023 football season, here’s a quick overview of the 2023 regular season for all football teams in our coverage area.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DR. PHILLIPS (6-4, 3-1) Finished second in Class 4M, District 5; No. 6 seed in playoffs TOP PERFORMERS LB/DL Damien Jackson, senior Stats: 39 tackles, five for a loss, four sacks, three interceptions and a fumble recovery

RB Romelo Ware, senior Stats: 1,314 total yards and 17 touchdowns on 145 touches WEST ORANGE (3-7, 2-2) Finished third in Class 4M, District 5; missed playoffs TOP PERFORMERS ATH Larry Miles, sophomore Stats: 899 total yards and two touchdowns DB Artavius Riley, sophomore Stats: 48 tackles, 10 for a loss, two sacks, three interceptions, three passes deflected and three forced fumbles WINDERMERE (3-7, 0-4) Finished fifth in Class 4M, District 5; missed playoffs TOP PERFORMERS RB Isaiah Nell, senior Stats: 1,174 total yards and 14 touchdowns OL Noah Wright, junior Stats: Zero sacks allowed, 30 pancakes

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

THE FIRST ACADEMY (6-4, 0-2) Finished third in Class 1M, District 2; missed playoffs

SPORTS EDITOR

In 1995, former Orlando Magic big man Shaquille O’Neal led the young franchise to its first-ever playoff series win by eliminating the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs. It was the last Celtics game ever played in the Boston Garden — the Celtics’ famous former arena. After the Magic win, O’Neal said this: “The Boston Garden is now closed.” With a new on-campus stadium on its way in 2024 for Windermere High School, the Wolverines’ matchup against West Orange County rivals Horizon (5-5, 0-3) just so happens to be their last football game at Deputy Scott Pine Community Park. And, well, Horizon running back Jamarie Pierre echoed what O’Neal said many years ago, when asked about the Hawks’ 28-13 win over Windermere (3-7, 0-4). “It’s closed, man. It’s never going to open again,” Pierre said. This win moves the young rivalry’s overall game record to 3-0 in favor of Horizon. “It feels amazing to win this game three years in a row,” Horizon coach Dennis Thomas said. “We’ve dominated them; there’s nothing else you can say about that.” KEYS TO SUCCESS

Not only did the junior running back metaphorically close up shop at Pine Park, he also accounted for all three of the Hawks’ offensive touchdowns — one of which put the proverbial nail in the coffin at the 1:28 mark of the fourth quarter — to catapult Horizon to victory over Windermere on Friday night, 28-13. “Jamarie is simply one of the best backs in the state,” Thomas said. “It’s just amazing what he’s able to do with the ball. We just make sure

LB Jerard Smith, senior Stats: 92 tackles, six for a loss, one sack and a fumble recovery HORIZON (5-5, 0-3) Finished fourth in Class 3M, District 3; missed playoffs TOP PERFORMERS LB Bo Kenney, senior Stats: 103 tackles, 21 for a loss and five sacks RB Jamarie Pierre, junior Stats: 1,468 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns on 218 carries LAKE BUENA VISTA (4-5, 0-1) Finished second in Class 2M, District 4; missed playoffs

to get him his touches and he makes us look good out there.” Pierre, though, points to the big guys up front when asked about his three-touchdown night. “All credit to my O-Line, man. They did a great job blocking for me,” Pierre said. “I appreciate them a lot. When I found those holes they kept making from me, I was able to shoot through it and it was touchdown every time. I’m happy to have them.” On the other side of the ball, led by senior defensive back Brandon Cruz, the Horizon’s “dark-side” defense came to play. The secondary caught three interceptions, with Cruz supplying two of those — one of which he returned for a touchdown. “Our defense stepped it up today,” Thomas said. “We just worked hard this week. … I think the three teams that we played before tonight prepared us for this game.”

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

Throughout the game, it always felt like the Wolverines had a chance to win, especially in the first half after scoring first and keeping the game tied at 7-7 for most of the third quarter. But according to Windermere coach Riki Smith, he felt his team didn’t take the few shots it had and it cost the Wolverines the game. “I just think we didn’t take advantage of our opportunities when they presented themselves,” Smith said. “We’re really young — we have 10 seniors. … They played hard, but they don’t have that experience. We have to take advantage of the opportunities when they present themselves, and we didn’t tonight.”

TOP PERFORMERS LB Sean Adekunle, junior Stats: 42 tackles, eight for a loss and three sacks ATH Micah Wilson, junior Stats: 812 total yards, 13 touchdowns, three interceptions, one fumble recovery and three passes deflected OCOEE (4-6, 1-3) Finished third in Class 4M, District 5; missed playoffs TOP PERFORMERS ATH Joshua Guerrier, junior Stats: 744 total yards, five touchdowns, 38 tackles, two for a loss, three sacks and one interception DL/LB Michael Mcclenton, sophomore Stats: 202 tackles, 45 for a loss, 31 sacks and three forced fumbles OLYMPIA (8-2, 4-0) Finished first in Class 4M, District 5; No. 3 seed in playoffs TOP PERFORMERS LB Arden Payne-Tonge, senior Stats: 45 tackles, five for a loss and two sacks

TOP PERFORMERS ATH Julian Anderson, senior Stats: 47 catches, 754 yards, 12 touchdowns, 28 tackles, 10 for a loss, two sacks, six forced fumbles and one interceptions LB Kyler Priester, freshman Stats: 44 tackles, 10 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced and recovered fumble FOUNDATION ACADEMY (7-3, 1-1) Finished second in Class 1M, District 2; missed playoffs TOP PERFORMERS ATH J.T. Bronaugh, senior Stats: 1,950 all-purpose yards, 25 touchdowns, 112 total touches, 43 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles QB Michael Dove, junior Stats: 2,025 total yards, 35 touchdowns and three interceptions OL/DL Drew Flournoy, senior Stats: 63 tackles, 17 for a loss, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 24 pancakes LEGACY CHARTER (2-6) Sunshine State Athletic Association TOP PERFORMERS QB/CB Liam Lamprecht, senior Stats: 1,168 total yards, 11 touchdowns, caught two interceptions, and made 10 tackles — two were for a loss. LB/RB Jake Threadgill, junior Stats: 73 tackles, 11 for a loss, two forced fumbles, one interception, 310 total yards and one touchdown. WINDERMERE PREP (1-7) Sunshine State Athletic Association TOP PERFORMERS ATH Braden Haas, senior Stats: 624 all-purpose yards, seven touchdowns, 23 tackles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Michael Eng

One of DP’s statement wins came Oct. 20 against the always-tough West Orange. The Panthers D was able to hold the Warriors to just three points, giving DP a 10-3 win.

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Tanya Williams is the principal at Crenshaw Academy. Williams’ duties range from college counseling, to discipline, to teacher training and everything in between. Head of School Brenda Crenshaw said the kids at the school love Williams, and she is an encourager who works closely with all the students.

What brought you to your school? I was looking for a full-time teaching position after having gone parttime with the birth of my first child. What do you love most about your school? Our students, of course! What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being able to see progress with a student. What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? Probably an accountant. Who influences you? Brenda Crenshaw. She has trained me as a member of our administration team. In addition to Brenda, I absolutely love the ideology of Dr. Brad Johnson, an education and leadership motivational speaker.

What is your favorite children’s book and why? “Winnie the Pooh,” because I love the relationship between Pooh and Piglet.

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REPORT CARD POSITION: Principal TIME AT SCHOOL: 20 years

What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to learn new crafts. I am never good at them, but I love the learning process. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To be invisible, because it provides a level of anonymity. If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why? Taylor Swift, because I am a total Swiftie! I also love Billy Joel and Sting! What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student? Tuna fish sandwich in my Strawberry Shortcake lunchbox. I had it so much that I can no longer eat tuna! What is your favorite holiday and why? Thanksgiving. I love being surrounded by people I love. Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch? I lived in Connecticut. Her name was Stacia. Yes, (we are still in touch) but only through Facebook. What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors? I was in band, Spanish club and environmental club. I won first place in the archery contest — ha! — ANNABELLE SIKES

SCHOOL

BRIEFS PRAIRIE LAKE TEACHER A STELLAR AWARD FINALIST

Prairie Lake Elementary School teacher Sara Hudson is one of five finalists for the Orange County Public Schools 202324 Teacher of the Year award. Hudson is a fifth-grade English Language Arts teacher at the school. A teacher with 11 years of experience, Hudson is known for creating a culture of high expectations in her classroom. “In addition to bringing Level 1 students up to proficiency in a single year, she has helped her students go beyond

reading standards by discussing topics such as immigration, health care and climate change,” OCPS officials said in a press release. “She creates a welcoming environment with monthly family nights and develops deep relationships with students that last well beyond their time in her classroom.” Hudson leads the school’s cheer committee and plans events. In her grade-chair role, she pushes teachers to help their students excel, increasing fifth-grade ELA scores to above the district average. She has facilitated professional learning communities and now hosts monthly development sessions. In addition, she has helped create a house system that transformed the culture at a previous school and helped shape district science assessments. The winner will be announced at the Stellar Awards Feb. 2, 2024, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Volunteer Sydney Faulkner handled transactions at the pumpkin patch.

Renata and Rodrigo Wanderley attended the fall festival with Liz Wanderley.

Summerlake Elementary students enjoy fall fun Above: PTO volunteers handled the check-in table and various other stations at the Summerlake Elementary fall festival. Right: Kamila Lembert took a seat at one of the photo booths at the festival.

ummerlake Elementary School offered a variety of entertainment options at its fall festival Thursday, Oct. 26. Families enjoyed a petting zoo, corn maze, inflatables, a bake sale, pumpkin patch, bowls of chili and photo booths during the evening. Some students opted to attend in costume for added fun at the event. — AMY QUESINBERRY Right: Hannah Macormic passed under the limbo bar, even in an owl costume.

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LINDA GAIL DELUCIA DIED OCT. 21, 2023.

LOUISE MILDRED SAPP FOWLER DIED NOV. 1, 2023.

Linda Gail DeLucia, 76, of Ocoee, Florida, passed away Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, with her loving husband by her side. Linda, more affectionately known as Mrs. D, was born in 1947 to the late Ruth and J.P. Bruce, attended Ocoee schools, was a lifelong resident and a pillar of the community. She worked as a Paraprofessional at Spring Lake Elementary for 37 years, retiring in 2009. She was actively engaged in various city and school extracurricular programs and supported the U.S. Army as a proud parent and grandparent. She was known and loved by many in the community. She never knew a stranger. She loved animals, travel, books, movies, rainbows, napping, cardinals, lunch with the SLERPS and her spoiled dog, Inka-Belle. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Steve; daughter, Sonya DeLucia (Dave); son, Scott DeLucia; former daughter-in-law, Julie DeLucia; three grandchildren, Corey Godlewski, Paige Graham, Loralei DeLucia; one great-grandchild, Waylon Graham; three sisters and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Nov. 11, 2023, at the Tom Ison Senior and Veteran Center, 1701 Adair St., Ocoee, FL 34761. Casual, bright attire required! The first hour will be programmed with the remaining time left to mingle. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation online at donate. cshospice.org.

In Loving Memory of my sister, Louise Mildred Sapp Fowler, who passed away Nov. 1, 2023. “Leroy & Vivian Pittman & Family” — We Love You and miss you and will see you again one day.

Families and friends met up for the morning festivities.

Pastries sweeten morning at Lake Whitney Elementary

ARTHUR JAMES “ART” MACK SR. DIED OCT. 25, 2023.

Arthur James “Art” Mack Sr., departed this life on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, in Detroit, Michigan. Arthur was born on June 9, 1944, in Winter Garden, Florida. He attended Charles R. Drew School and later owned his own retail store. He is survived by two daughters, Taniesha Alston and Michelle Mitchell; two sons, Arthur Mack Jr. and Eddie (Carmalita) Keith; four brothers; and 13 grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at New Inspiration Missionary Baptist Church, 617 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. A service of celebration will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at the church. Interment: Edgewood Cemetery, Apopka. Postell’s Mortuary Pine Hills Chapel is providing service for the Mack family.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

OCT. 30, 1975 TG&Y stores were once found in many small towns, including Winter Garden, where it was located in the Tri-City Shopping Center at the corner of Highway 50 and Dillard Street. The store sold everything from snacks to toys to clothing. The local shop had a large fabric section, where seamstresses — professional and amateur — could purchase materials such as permanent press bleached muslin, double knits and kilt cloth. The store had rows and rows of bolts of materials, and in 1975, that included a lot of plaids and stripes.

85 years ago

D.E. Briney, proprietor of D.E. Briney Chevrolet, and members of his organization invited Winter Garden citizens to inspect the new Chevrolet models at their showrooms across from the Atlantic Coast Line railroad station.

60 years ago

In October and November, Florida Power Corp. gave its customers two large bath towels, two hand towels and two wash cloths in their choice of colors if they installed a new electric dryer or a new washer-dryer combination. City Shoe Repair advertised men’s and boys’ heels at 89 cents and half-soles as low as $1.99. The Bill Bardoe Ford automobile dealership on West State Road 50 advertised a 1962 Galaxie four-door for $2,295 and a 1962 Ford Fairlane with low mileage for $1,995.

FROM THE ARCHIVES This Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who served in various American wars and military operations. Be sure to stop by Veterans Memorial Park on South Park Avenue this week to pay homage to those who unequivocally defended our hard-won freedoms.

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.

40 years ago

Payne Stewart shot a five-underpar 67 on the Magnolia Course in the final round of the Walt Disney World Classic to win the $72,000 first-place check. This was his second PGA Tour victory and his biggest prize ever. The West Orange High School Homecoming queen and king were crowned: Robin Hammond and Doug Martin.

The West Orange Junior Service League’s Debutante Ball was set for Nov. 26, with the intention of debuting 14 girls: Kelly Ammerman, Sabrina Bennett, Karen Blankenzee, Carolyn Boltin, Rutledge Bradford, Karen Crabtree, Kathryn Hall, Nannette Hughes, Sonja Jones, Kerry Kennington, Kimberlee Layne, Barbara Spears, Deborah Stout and Paige Winters.

35 years ago

Deborah Manuel, new principal of Windermere Elementary, was ready to appear for a third time in the Queen Kumquat Sashay, the offbeat parade preceding Light Up Orlando. Her husband, Jim Manuel, an Orlando attorney, was a Sashay pioneer forming one of the original units, the Tourist Liberation Front, with the marchers throwing hotel soap to the crowds.

crossword

celebrity cipher

NETWORK RERUNS by Annemarie Brethauer, edited by Jeff Chen 59 Cain’s brother 60 Up to the task 1 One on the invite list 61 State capital VIP 2 God, in Islam 65 Chicago airline hub 3 Really ridiculous 66 Fedora and fez 4 Strategically planted 67 Produced, as per the plants Bible 5 “Yeah!” 68 Digital gathering place? 6 Crowned head 69 Has the inside scoop 7 Back down 70 Gulf between Somalia 8 Egg pouch and Yemen 9 Winter bug 71 “Professor T.” airer 10 Took some measured 74 Stephen King novel steps? about an author with 11 Sale limit, in brief writer’s block 12 King with a golden touch 75 Root beer brand 13 Donkey 76 Energy-focused org. 14 Scaly lizards 77 Service that might take

DOWN

15 Ruffles 16 Farm bleats 17 Egg on 18 “East of ___” 26 All by oneself

ACROSS

38 Apple device

1 “Passages” author Sheehy 39 Worried sick 43 Jacket fastener 5 Droll 45 “Gave it my best shot” 8 CA home to Warhol’s “Triple Elvis” 14 Infuse, as with emotion 19 Radius neighbor

47 Three, in Tijuana 48 Gardner of “Show Boat”

72 Big name in cough drops 103 Rome’s ___ Way 73 My Chemical Romance, 106 Get ___ of (kiss for one goodbye) 75 Make like “Bob & Carol & 107 Virtual assistant to Ted & Alice,” perhaps 79 “Scarborough Fair” herb

49 Like calls from the ocean 81 Fleshy-leaved plant 51 Capital of Thailand? 82 NYPD alerts 20 Yes, in Lyon 83 Destinations for EMTs 21 “Ironic” singer Morissette 52 Kept in the email loop, 22 NBA or NFL position 23 Panache or oomph 24 Corrida cheer 25 Pepperoni or salami 27 Ocean base? 28 Enterprise’s console

29 Millionth of a meter 33 Let the tears flow 34 Nordic ___ (dark genre) 35 Apple or acacia 36 Spent

86 Cataclysmic 88 Lake Ontario people

40 Tuesday fare 41 Second-to-last word in

89 Ari Gold’s “Entourage” job 90 “Oh My ___!” (manga

many fairy tales 42 Plod through a shallow pool

series) 93 Serving no practical

43 Hit by the 45-Down Brothers 44 Silly billy 45 Ronald or Ernie of R&B 46 Article in some hip-hop

for short 84 College city plus its sur53 Skye of “Say Anything...” roundings, collectively 54 Creme brulee’s cousin 55 Voice of Rapunzel, in “Tangled”

87 Sandra of “Gidget” 88 Feature of a giraffe 90 Clumsy person

115 Like autumn air 116 Outfit for a baby 117 Word that can precede

49 Virtual game people 50 Renowned

91 Charged particles 92 Miserly McDuck

“sheet” or “shelf” 118 Gets (by)

94 Drum in Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues” 95 Woofer’s sound?

119 Fencing gear 120 Santa Maria, for one 121 Once known as

52 Camp bed 55 Willie nicknamed the “Say Hey Kid” 56 Buckingham Palace

96 Subject of an awkward talk, for some parents

122 Informal meetup, in slang

68 Jimmy Cliff’s genre 71 Leashed animal, often

Triangle 79 Faints like a diva 80 Year, in Monterrey 84 Sunbathing results 85 Gymnast Korbut

109 Like some dirty shots 113 Tank filler 114 Chevy model that can be titles interpreted as “doesn’t go” 47 Amendment covering in Spanish states’ rights

58 Humdrum 60 Separated 30 No. cruncher 31 Cascadian volcanic peak 62 Break bread 63 Pig’s pen 32 T.H. White novel about 64 “I’m so excited!” King Arthur 37 Corp. head honcho

many 108 Track shape

you for a ride 78 Star in the Summer

51 Oceanic tuber

protectors

purpose 94 Corrupting gifts 95 “Now it makes sense!”

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. “ZCYX ... NCDVPH IX BC LTSC TP WJRVFTYVWP TPH NCXZWPXVJVRVYG YW ZNCXCNSC TPH PINYINC TPH OTNC MWN TRR RVMC.”

ETDCX ONWDBCRR

“AKI AR FDI VIKMHFNIL RAC CIRTLNKE FA VMCFNYNVMFI NK VAHNFNYL NL FDMF XAT IKS TV WINKE EAOICKIS WX XATC NKRICNACL.”

VHMFA

“P UYEOOC OXGY NYMJ. MDYC’UY OPVY FDPOHUYS. MDYC VSXR PW CXB UYEOOC OXGY MDYI XU SXM. CXB FES’M WXXO MDYI.”

HXSSE HXBZOEJ Puzzle Three Clue: R equals W

Don Shaw, principal of Hiawassee Elementary School, faced a dilemma after the school carnival when no one could figure out how to drain the dunk tank, which was tremendously heavy and had no plug. Shaw solicited the help of Ronnie Paquette of The Car Store in Winter Garden to pull over the tank with his wrecker. Calvary Christian School celebrated Homecoming with its ninth-grade court: Becki Oswalt and Ken Rushing, Cathy Pritchett and Eugene Flannery, Jennifer Beck and Mike Mask, Lynn Morris and Gary Walls, Terri Mooty and Gary Parish, Marie Catrett and Ross Smith, and Debbie Wise and Mark Ezzard. Beck was crowned the first Homecoming queen of Calvary, and Oswalt was first runner-up.

Puzzle Two Clue: O equals V

50 years ago

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Puzzle One Clue: J equals B

W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

sudoku

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

97 Adler who’s a frenemy of Sherlock Holmes 98 Chow down 99 Ghost of a crumb 100 Bring to mind 101 Downspout spots 102 Radically reduce, as prices 103 Cleric, in Limoges 104 Cuffed one, perhaps 105 Ballet bend 110 Carpool lane letters 111 Tall tale 112 ___ Aviv

11-9-23

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This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Sudoku answers

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Made for where you live. Here!

Puzzle Two Solution: “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” Plato

Puzzle Three Solution: “I really love pets. They’re like children. They know if you really love them or not. You can’t fool them.” Donna Douglasrr

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

BAPTIST

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

Saturday, November 11, 8:00 am to 12:00 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 City of Winter Garden will host a free document shredding event for its residents to commemorate America Recycles Day. Crown Information Management will provide safe and secure document shredding. You can watch your documents get shredded, plus all shredded material will be recycled!

HELP US CELEBRATE by pledging $13 for 13 months

When: Saturday, November 11, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm or until the truck gets full Location: 848 E. Plant Street (Across from the Winter Garden Library)

years!

*Must bring proof of residency.

Let your spare change make a change.

SCAN HERE TO PLEDGE

http://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ https://www.facebook.com/matthewshopeministries

XNSP21470

611 Business Park Blvd, #101 Winter Garden FL 34787 (407) 905-9500

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE? CALL (407) 656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

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Flip the page for more sales and specials!

Saturday, December 2

Strolling Dickens Carolers

Hand-Drawn Holiday Caricatures Children’s Holiday Story Time

www.cwgdn.com

www.downtownwg.com

1:00 – 4:00 PM

Outdoor Vendor Booths with Holiday Goods & Gifts Pedestrian Only Holiday Wonderland

@ofﬁcialdowntownwintergarden