02.29.24 West Orange Times & Observer

District, union at odds over health insurance

“We are committed to using every possible dollar for salary increase, but our historic 9% offer is only possible by addressing the surging cost of health insurance.”

— Maria Vazquez. Orange County Public Schools superintendent

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez called it a “historic” raise for teachers.

But for the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, rising insurance costs still are an issue.

Vazquez on Feb. 22 announced a 9% to 10% raise for teachers.

“This is the largest salary offer ever in the history of Orange County Public Schools, representing a $103 million investment in our teachers,” she said. “I’m inspired every single day by the work of our teachers who are dedicated to providing the tools necessary for our students to be successful. They deserve this raise.”

Vazquez said 90% of its teachers are rated “highly effective” and would receive a 9.7% pay increase, retroactive to the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. The overall increase ranges from $3,775 to $7,950 per teacher, with the average increase being $5,400 annually.

However, the same day of Vazquez’s announcement, the OCCTA issued a statement of its own.

“OCPS has been unmovable in demanding steep premium and plan design increases to teachers’ health insurance — seeking to impose an overall health insurance rate hike of over 60%,” OCCTA officials wrote in a prepared statement. OCPS

and the OCCTA have been at an impasse since August 2023 regarding compensation and benefits for the current school year.

The two sides presented their cases in front of special magistrate Barry Goldman in November; he recommended the insurance hike not be adopted. OCCTA officials asked the district to accept all of Goldman’s recommendations to settle the outstanding collectivebargaining agreement.

However, during her press conference, Vazquez said “surging cost” of insurance makes that impossible.

“We are committed to using every possible dollar for salary increase, but our historic 9% offer is only possible by addressing the surging cost of health insurance,” she said.

Vazquez said the reason OCPS must increase insurance costs for its teachers is because it would cost the district $65 million not to change the current benefit plans and rates for the 2024-25 school year. It is unsustainable for OCPS to keep up with rising health care costs because of its self-insured status, she said.

Vazquez also said the alternative

would be to shift coverage to the open market. That move “would unquestionably and significantly increase costs for all employees,” she said.

In its statement, OCCTA officials said insurance is the “only issue that remains at impasse.”

OCCTA officials estimate the latest OCPS offer would see an annual premium increase of “thousands of dollars for some teachers.”

OCPS officials have disputed this statement.

“Insurance premiums would only increase between $0 and $646 annually, for employee coverage (or about $32 per paycheck), with payment not beginning until September 2024,” OCPS officials said.

Beyond that, OCPS officials said its employees will have the opportunity to choose a no-cost insurance plan.

The issue of health insurance increases during this negotiation has been contentious on both sides.

“The district’s characterization of these changes as insignificant is misleading and insulting to teachers, many of which are living paycheck to paycheck,” OCCTA officials said.

“Regrettably, there appears to have been some misleading information regarding the individual impact of these health care changes,” Vazquez said. “We’ve heard from our teachers that they are expecting a 64%

increase. That is simply misleading.”

Much of this dispute has taken place on social media, with OCCTA supporters arguing that the OCPS’ estimated increase is for only the employee. When taking into account family coverage, the increase will cost anywhere from $2,709 to $3,459 annually depending on the plan.

“Too often, public officials shower praise upon teachers but don’t support these dedicated educators when it comes to critical issues,” OCCTA President Clinton McCracken said. “Teachers are looking for the School Board to do the right thing and not sneak in an enormous health insurance increase on the very last day of a contract.”

OCPS has not increased its insurance rates in four years and has contributed an additional $110.85 million to cover expenses during that period. And even with the proposed changes, the district expect to spend an additional $40.8 million on insurance next year.

The two sides are scheduled to present their arguments to the Orange County School Board March 5, before the board renders the final decision.

Train museum showcases Dining in Style exhibition

AMY QUESINBERRY

COMMUNITY EDITOR

Long before there was Brightline and Amtrak, local folks wanting to ride the rails had to rely on companies such as the Atlantic Coast Line and the Tavares and Gulf. One of the most memorable experiences of any passenger train ride was enjoying a fancy meal in the dining car.

The Central Florida Railroad Museum, in downtown Winter Garden, takes visitors back to the golden age of passenger trains and gives them a glimpse at the finer side of transportation dining in its new exhibition, “Dining in Style: The Golden Age of the Railroad Dining Car.” The display was produced by members of the Central Florida Railway Historical Society: Ken Murdock, Holly Matzelle, Jerry Honetor, Dutch Johnson, Rick Sumner and Mike Forrester.

“We’ve never done anything like this (exhibition), and it just seemed like the right time for the society to put together such an exhibition based on so much of what we have in the museum,” said Forrester, society president.

The exhibit includes dining car tableware, menus, books, and promotional and reference material used by the railroads from the 1930s through the 1960s.

A large percentage of the pieces in the showcase came from the family of Chapman S. Root, whose grandfather invented the Coca-Cola bottle. Root refused to fly after his father was killed in an airplane crash. He started buying railroad passenger cars in the early 1970s, and they soon became the mode of transportation for family vacations. … His railcar collection eventually grew to four plus a yellow Chessie caboose, which is on display at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum on Plant Street. Two of his passenger cars and some of his railroad memorabilia are on display in Daytona.

After his death in 2000, the family donated most of his railroad china and other memorabilia to two museums, Forrester said, including the railroad museum in Winter Garden.

“The dining car was a hub of activity on the train,” explains an exhibit sign. “Breakfast, lunch and dinner

were social events, and guests often wore their finest attire while enjoying their meal, which they selected from an extensive and train-specific menu.”

Atlantic Coast Line’s Florida special menu, from about 1968, offered a selection of hot meals — ranging in price from charcoal broiled sirloin steak and onion rings for $5.50 to roast leg of young lamb with mint jelly for $3.50 — as well as a la carte items, including sliced ripe Florida

IF YOU GO “DINING IN STYLE:

a.m. to

tomatoes for 60 cents, celery and olives for 40 cents, sardines in oil with cole slaw for $1.80, and shrimp cocktail for 85 cents.

“From table linens and sparkling silverware to delicious entrees and impeccable service, dinner in the diner was truly a memorable occasion during a trip,” the exhibit shares.

“The refined luxury that travelers experienced from the late 1930s through the 1960s was the golden age of passenger trains.”

Lending the dining cars their reputation for excellent food were the dedicated crews — the chefs and waiters who worked long hours in small, hot kitchens preparing and service four-course meals prepared from scratch — all while moving at 90 mph. The glory of traveling by railcar reached its peak in the 1960s and never regained its momentum. This was when the interstate highway system was being built and airlines were adding routes, creating alternate modes of transportation for travelers.

In an attempt to keep rail travel alive, Congress created Amtrak to operate all long-distance passenger trains, as well as the northeast corridor between Washington, D.C., and Boston. Amtrak was in charge of all but two passenger train routes in the country by 1971. Today, it continues dining car service, but the services vary by train — and the menus likely are quite different from those offered during the golden age of the dining car.

Walter Toole has opened his 13th store in Central Florida and is planning for a 14th in Windermere.

opening in that area of West Orange County was simple: There was no other hardware store in the vicinity.

“Our roots have been in Winter Garden since 1983, and we knew that there was opportunity for growth in the Hamlin community,” Toole said. “We wanted to deliver a neighborhood hardware store that was focused on serving the Hamlin and surrounding Horizon West community.” This location features a larger store than the original one on South Dillard Street in Winter Garden, with 10,000 square feet of space inside plus a 3,000-square-foot garden section. It sells everything the other Ace Hardware stores have available — hardware; paint; home-improvement products; and services such as key cutting and propane refill — but it also has merchandise not found at the other locations, including vacuum cleaners and German kitchen knives, as well as a bigger selection of plants.

A grand-opening sale takes place this weekend, March 1 through 3.

A special event is planned from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2, and vendors from grill and tool companies will be on hand to talk to customers; food vendors also will be giving out free samples. The first 100 custom-

ers will receive an Ace Hardware swag bag, and free five-gallon buckets will be handed out while supplies last. What’s more, almost everything that can fit in the bucket will be discounted 20%.

According to Marketing Manager Susan Stratton, the closest hardware stores also are owned by the Tooles — in Winter Garden and on Hartwood Marsh Road at U.S. 27 in Clermont.

Rounding out their 13 stores are a second one in Clermont, five in Orlando and one each in Groveland, Maitland, Winter Park and Oviedo.

Another store is in the construction phase in downtown Windermere.

Toole attributes his continued to success to his devoted team members and his loyal customers.

“We have a terrific team of career employees that are passionate about delivering our Ace brand promise to our customers,” he said. “We do this every day, and we believe we will continue to be successful if we stay focused on the customer service experience. This has been our passion for the last 40 years.”

NAILING THE FIRST STORE

The Tooles got their start with the local hardware store in 1983 when they bought Bray Hardware from Evelyn Bray Lease. Her father, George W. “Buttles” Bray, and his brotherin-law, M.Y. McMillan, founded McMillan-Bray Hardware Company on West Plant Street in 1906. After several years, Bray sold his interest to McMillan, who continued in the hardware business until he sold out to the Joseph Bumby Hardware Co.

In 1920, Bray, who had been working in the fruit and vegetable broker-

age business, returned to the tool industry and opened Bray Hardware Company.

During World War II, Bray’s wife assisted him in the store. When he died in 1949, his children, George Bray Jr. and Evelyn Bray Lease, took over the family business. A year after the Tooles purchased Bray Hardware, the business joined Ace Hardware. As more locations were opened, all of the stores became part of the Toole’s Ace Hardware chain of stores.

Courtesy photo

Toole’s Ace Hardware is open and ready to serve the Hamlin community in Horizon West.

Amy Quesinberry

Walter Toole and his wife, Patti, have opened their 13th Ace Hardware store.

Surf park makes waves in Horizon West

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Even though Horizon West sits at least an hour away from the Atlantic Ocean, residents soon may be able to catch a few waves right in the community.

Ocean Sports Development is seeking to build a 43-acre surf park at 7902 Avalon Road, a site formerly used as a landfill at the corner of Avalon and Schofield roads.

The project has been in development for a few years, and Ocean Sports Development representatives met with residents for the first time during a community meeting hosted by Orange County Government Feb. 21 at Hamlin Elementary.

“We’re really excited about this project and delighted to be here and meet with you all and answer some of the questions you might have, but

also to start the process of communication,” said Greg Lee, a representative of Ocean Sports Development. “These meetings are all about making sure that we’re meeting with you frequently and providing you with opportunities to let us know how you feel about this and give us some feedback. … (We want to) make sure that by the time we do get to a public hearing that you all will feel like this is something that you’ve seen multiple times and you’ve had a chance to really understand what kind of project this is going to be.”

According to developers, the park’s main attraction will be a surf pool surrounded by a sand beach and pedestrian promenade boardwalk. It also will include retail and restaurant space that offers a beach atmosphere.

According to documents submitted to Orange County in December, the pool will measure 850 feet by 475 feet

and the beach will be 80 feet. Those documents also note three volleyball courts and a 27,350-square-foot athletic facility. The park will include two retail buildings at 19,950 square feet each, two tiki bars, some smaller retail buildings, a restaurant and a picnic pavilion.

The plans also show 585 parking spaces, 20 handicap spaces and 14 bus spaces.

Resident Keith Stephenson said he is excited about the proposal.

“There’s so many reasons to be in favor of this project,” he said. “A park like this is not only perfect for local businesses and the kids and adults in this area that are looking for more entertainment, but there’s also a lot of surfers — like myself — (who) have to travel to North Florida or the East Coast to surf. In addition to that, this area is the destination capital of the world … and there are going to be

people who are interested in carving out a day or half-day to come over to our community to go to this park, and that is going to help our local economy. When you have a productive business like this, especially in sort of this type of suburban area, it’s going to drive more retail businesses, it’s going to help restaurants do well, and I think it’s going to help increase property values. But mainly, I’m for this because it’s just a fun and clean source of entertainment.”

As a surfer, Stephenson also is excited about the proprietary wavegenerating technology the company is touting, which promises to provide surfers with a unique experience.

“Their wave-generating technology is substantial, because as a surfer, you’re relying on so many different variables to create perfect and consistent waves,” he said. “With what they’re saying is that they’re going

to be able to manipulate not just the bottom of the pool but (also) the wave itself (which) is sort of the gamechanger. … Not only will they be able to make consistently great waves, they’ll also be able create different types of waves.”

This type of consistency is something surfers long for in the ocean, and according to Stephenson, it will attract surfers from the coast inland to the park.

“I would say surfers from the coast would absolutely come over here for this park,” he said. “Nothing can replace surfing in the ocean, but because of all the dynamics that go into a good day of surfing, the opportunity to have that all happen at the beach is so difficult and so rare, that surfers are going to come over here for the quality and certainty of the wave. … But when there is a swell like that at the beach, there’s nothing that replaces paddling out and surfing there. It’s hard to replace the feeling of seeing a dolphin or a manta ray jump or seeing a spinner shark or just being out there with nature. Nothing replaces that, but this park is certainly going to be a great addition for surfers everywhere.”

Although there was a generally positive attitude toward the project, the community did have some concerns. Chief among them was traffic.

“Orange County does not require dedicated turn lanes,” Horizon West resident Laurie Forrester said. “If you don’t require dedicated turn lanes, what happens? Traffic backs up. … On their renderings, their turn lanes did not appear to be but maybe nine or 10 cars deep. So once nine or 10 cars pull into that lane to make that turn off of Avalon Road, everybody else is going to have to stop because they will not have an opportunity until the cars in front of them go.”

Forrester said the county’s traffic policies aren’t the best match for the area and don’t take into consideration unique factors, such as alternate rush hours caused by Walt Disney World.

Ocean Sports Development representatives said a definitive a construction start date has not been set.

“Once we get our approvals, engineering and permitting, that’s something that’s going to take several months,” Lee said. “We would anticipate getting that completed maybe in early 2025 and hopefully start construction in 2025.”

Developers of the new surf park off Avalon Road hope to create a desination for both locals and tourists.

City of Ocoee approves opening of Lakewood Avenue extension

The Ocoee City Commission also adopted rules and procedures to govern commission meetings and more.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Assistant City Manager Craig Shadrix said it was a rare opportunity, and indeed, the Ocoee City Commission on Feb. 20 approved a measure not seen often.

During its most recent meeting, the City Commission approved an amendment that opens the Lakewood Avenue extension at Ocoee Village Center to the public — despite several outstanding permits and certificates of completion that must be addressed.

“There’s nothing about what’s before you that’s standard,” Shadrix said about the amendment. “Lakewood Avenue is not open, and it’s been over two years. … This is one of those rare opportunities that we see every 15 to 20 years.”

The city in October 2023 entered into a utility use agreement with the developers of the Ocoee Village Center, a mixed-use development located on the four corners of State Road 429 and Clarcona-Ocoee Road. At that time, the developers had not finished all off-site improvements needed to achieve a Certificate of Completion. However, although the road had not been finished, the majority of the utility work had been completed to a level that would allow the city to operate the water and sewer infrastructure along the realigned Lakewood Avenue extension.

The agreement allowed the Allure multi-family development to be granted temporary certificates of occupancy and the city the right to operate the off-site utility improvements along Lakewood Avenue. The developers were responsible for all costs associated with maintenance and repairs until the Lakewood Avenue extension was transferred to the city.

At this time, there are several outstanding permits and items that must

be addressed before the permit for offsite work can be closed and the Certificate of Completion issued. No Certificates of Occupancy can be authorized until the Certificate of Completion is issued to the developer. Although the developers are working to resolve its issues, the city estimates that to take 60 days.

The commission also approved an interior alteration permit for the Chipotle restaurant at the center. However, no other permits or Certificates of Occupancy will be issued until all work necessary for the off-site Certificate of Completion is finished and issued.

Ocoee Village Center will include a 43,000-square-foot grocery store, 7-Eleven, medical office building, restaurants, retail stores, 320 apartments and 232 townhomes.

RULES AND PROCEDURES

Commissioners also passed a resolution establishing officially the commission’s rules and procedures.

City Attorney Richard Geller drafted this resolution at the request of Commissioner Scott Kennedy.

The document outlines for the commission rules and procedures for meetings, agendas, conduct and decorum, use of commission chambers, travel, and the city’s website.

“Of all the municipalities our law firm represents, this is the only one where the governing board does not have rules and procedures that have been adopted by a resolution,” Geller said.

The document outlines rules regarding public participation, including procedures when a person is deemed disruptive.

“The mayor may call out of order any person who fails to make germane comments or otherwise disrupts the proceedings,” the document states. “When a speaker has been declared out of order by the mayor, they shall

IN OTHER NEWS

n The Ocoee City Commission, along with acting Ocoee Police Chief Vincent Ogburn, discussed the installation of school zone speed-enforcement cameras.

Because this was solely a discussion about the possible installation of these cameras on Clarke Road, there was no vote on passing this decision.

n The commission also discussed a request from a resident of Sleepy Harbour to designate it as a golf-cart community. The discussion led to an over-arching conversation about Ocoee’s general policy on golf carts, with no specific approval being passed.

cease speaking and be seated immediately. If the person refuses to be seated when declared out of order and/or if the person continues to disrupt the meeting, the mayor may order the person removed ... by law enforcement for the remainder of the meeting.”

The document also officially prohibits the use of the City Commission Chambers for individual or personal use, any uses relating to political campaigns, or for-profit use.

CHARTER AMENDMENTS

The commission held the first of two readings regarding eight charter amendments.

The amendments focus on clarifying the powers of the commission when it comes to determining the eligibility of candidates. This discussion follows former Commissioner George Oliver III’s successful appeal to be on the ballot for the seat he vacated to run for mayor.

These amendments would bar anyone in the future from replacing themselves as their own successor while opening the opportunity for a wider view of the commission’s power.

Winter Garden moves forward with wastewater facility expansion

The commission approved several items pertaining to the expansion of the Crest Avenue Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The Winter Garden City Commission on Thursday, Feb. 22, approved several items pertaining to the expansion of the Crest Avenue Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The plans for the expansion were first brought by staff before the commission Thursday, Feb. 8.

Staff said there is need for the expansion of the facility because the city’s population has increased 36% since 2010. According to data, staff expects the city will exceed the current permitting capacity of 4.75 million of gallons per day annual average daily flow by 2030. Staff is proposing the city expand the facility to 7.5 millions of gallons per day.

The estimated total cost for the project, as of the 30% design phase in March 2023, would range from about $94,950,834 to $113,616,704.

At the recent commission meeting, officials approved two resolutions relating to the expansion.

Under federal tax laws, if the city uses any of its own funds to pay for some of the costs of a project — which is to be ultimately financed with proceeds of tax-exempt debt — the city must adopt an “official

CELTIC FESTIVAL APPROVED

The Winter Garden City Commission approved the Celtic Festival special event by Crooked Can Brewery for March 15-17 at Plant Street Market.

Southern

intent” resolution to preserve its ability to “reimburse” itself for the funds it expended for the project.

By adopting the first resolution, the city will preserve its ability to reimburse the utilities fund if it uses some of its own money to pay for costs prior to the issuance of debt.

Staff said the city will start purchasing some of the items for the project prior to the issuance of debt.

The second resolution authorizes the city manager to apply, execute if approved and pledge water and sewer system revenues for a State Revolving Fund loan in the amount of $5,873,757. The loan is for the construction, equipment, materials, demolition and related procurement for the membrane system supplier, which is the first guaranteed max price package for the expansion.

The other regular business items approved in regards to the expansion are the hiring of Carollo Engineering to provide a utility bond report in the amount of $77,024, the hiring of Raftelis to provide a water and wastewater rate study and financial feasibility report in the amount of $152,950, and awarding a purchase order to Wharton Smith for GMP 1 for the purchase of membrane equipment for the WWTF upgrades in the amount of $5,107,615.

Courtesy photo City staff estimate

Is this new Florida law overly intrusive?

Florida Form 6 requires more detailed financial disclosures from elected officials. More than two dozen municipalities and more than 70 elected officials from across Florida are suing.

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

The new Florida Form 6, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis this year, is facing two lawsuits.

More than two dozen municipalities and more than 70 elected officials from across Florida are part of the lawsuits, which allege the law is “highly intrusive” and unconstitutional.

Several local municipalities in West Orange County are exploring their options as to the possibility of joining the lawsuit.

WHAT IS FORM 6?

Form 6 is a full and public financial disclosure filed by county candidates, including commissioners, constitutional officers, school board members and judges. This form is usually filed directly with the Florida Commission on Ethics, unless it is during the year the office is up for election.

In the past, Florida’s ethics laws have required local elected public officials to disclose their primary sources of employment each year. Officials elected to city and town governments filed a Form 1 disclosure, which required them to list assets and liabilities of more than $10,000, as well as sources of income and property holdings. But it did not require candidates to specify dollar amounts.

However, the new legislation’s form requires net worth, assets and liabilities exceeding $1,000, and an itemized breakdown of all sources of income that exceed $1,000.

More than 100 elected officials have been reported to have stepped down due to the new law, including a previous council member locally in the town of Windermere.

The first lawsuit was filed Thursday, Feb. 15, in the Leon County Circuit Court.

The complaint, filed in state court, states the form violates city officials’ right to privacy under the Florida Constitution. The lawsuit called the added disclosure “an unwarranted intrusion into the privacy of municipal elected officials” and an unnecessary safety risk. It states the airing of personal financial details could make officials targets of robbery, identity theft and extortion.

A second suit, filed in federal court, contends it violates their right to be free of government compelled speech under the U.S. Constitution. The complaint states the added financial disclosure “does not prevent or even ameliorate” conflicts of interest or public corruption and does not increase public confidence in government.

The complaints both were filed against Florida Commission on Ethics members who enforce the law.

The complaints argue there are lessrestrictive means available to accomplish the “compelling state interest” of evaluating conflicts of interest and deterring corruption.

Officials who fail to file the form can face a civil penalty of up to $20,000 and potential removal from office following an investigation and public hearing, according to the complaints.

Unlike county and state officials, many city officials, primarily in smaller towns and municipalities, receive little or no pay for their service.

LOCAL IMPACT

At the October Windermere Town Council meeting, former Council Member Molly Rose announced her resignation. She cited the new financial disclosure requirements as the reasoning.

“I was in my 12th year as a Town Council Member and have also held

“All of these positions were completely volunteer. I believe that the information being requested is an infringement on my family’s privacy. This information becomes public record. …”

— Molly Rose, former Windermere Town Council member

“(Although) it may feel invasive, we are making decisions that affect the public on a daily basis. Financial disclosure is a tool for the public to make sure that their representatives don’t have ulterior motives when making those choices.”

— Nicole Wilson, Orange County District 1 Commissioner

positions in the Development Review Board and Long Range Planning Committee for many years,” she said.

“All of these positions were completely volunteer. I believe that the information being requested is an infringement on my family’s privacy. This information becomes public record. So, not only can anyone find out where I live — which they can do now anyway — but also (the law) provides information on what might be found at this residence that is valued at $1,000 or more. So, it creates a greater security risk.”

Rose said she does not see how compiling and releasing this kind of information would highlight any illegal activities by a public official.

“It’s just a waste of time and resources,” she said. “Maybe there is a reason for the state making this change, but it isn’t to encourage small town governing, in my opinion.”

At the February Town Council meeting, council members opted to have the town attorney draft a resolution to add to the March Town Council agenda pertaining to joining the litigation.

“The Form 6 disclosure requirement is above and beyond current disclosure requirements and an additional barrier to attracting qualified elected leadership for small towns and municipalities,” Mayor Jim O’Brien said. “Our elected leadership receives zero compensation to serve our town and commits an extraordinary amount of time to do so. The town of Windermere has already experienced one resignation from Town Council due to this new requirement. I have asked town staff to explore all options available to amend the current requirement and provide those options for council discussion and possible action.”

In the town of Oakland, Mayor Kathy Stark said the fixed fee of $10,000 to join the lawsuit — regardless of population or fiscal budget size — poses an obstacle.

“Due to the substantial joining cost, the town is unable to participate but remains keenly interested in the eventual outcome,” she said.

However, not all are concerned about the new law.

District 4 School Board Member Pam Gould said she has been required to provide her financial information for the entirety of her time in office. She said although this is not new, she believes some of the questions seem like an overreach.

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said she does not take issue with the new disclosure requirements.

“I cannot speak for those in other positions of municipal government, but I gladly provide any financial information I am asked to disclose,” she said. “(Although) it may feel invasive, we are making decisions that affect the public on a daily basis. Financial disclosure is a tool for the public to make sure that their representatives don’t have ulterior motives when making those choices.”

Winter Garden city commissioners declined to comment. However, in February, City Attorney Kurt A. Ardaman brought the lawsuit to the attention of the commissioners. Ardaman said the commission can opt to join as a whole commission or as an individual commissioner. The commission will continue to have discussions with Ardaman regarding this topic. Officials in the city of Ocoee did not respond to requests for comment by press time Tuesday, Feb. 27.

Keene’s Pointe estate sells for $1,775,000

Ahome in the Keene’s Pointe community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Feb. 18 to 25.

The home at 8217 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 22, for $1,775,000.

Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,900 square feet of living area. Days on market: 45. The sellers were represented by Maria Ubillus, Folio Real Estate.

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

HARBOUR

The home at 8148 Lake Serene Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 22, for $899,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,755 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

HERITAGE BAY AT PHILLIPS LANDING

The home at 9050 Dancy Tree Court, Orlando, sold Feb. 23, for $1,107,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,203 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

KENSINGTON PARK

The home at 4811 Keeneland Circle, Orlando, sold Feb. 23, for $1,100,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,478 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

PHILLIPS GROVE

The home at 10060 Covered Moss Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 20, for $1,130,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,877 square feet of living area. Days on market: 55.

VIZCAYA HEIGHTS

The townhouse at 8712 The Esplanade, No. 22, Orlando, sold Feb. 23, for $520,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,503 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

HORIZON WEST

THE COVE AT HAMLIN

The home at 15548 Gwinnett Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $600,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,930 square feet of living area. Days on market: 138.

ENCLAVE AT BERKSHIRE PARK

The home at 13617 Darchance Road, Windermere, sold Feb. 20, for $520,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,147 square feet of living area. Days on market: 160.

HAMLIN RESERVE

The home at 6449 Makrut Lime Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 22, for $544,330. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,979 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 7189 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 22, for $515,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,138 square feet of living area. Days on market: 57.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 14738 Old Thicket Trace, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $530,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,212 square feet of living area. Days on market: 56.

The townhouse at 14452 Pleach St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 22, for $380,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,448 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The townhouse at 7665 Ripplepointe Way, Windermere, sold Feb. 20, for $495,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,212 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The home at 13211 Vennetta Way, Windermere, sold Feb. 21, for $595,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,175 square feet of living area. Days on market: 37.

The townhouse at 12730 Salomon Cove Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 20, for $422,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,644 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 6850 Duncaster St., Windermere, sold Feb. 19, for $487,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,094 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 10204 Love Story St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 23, for $730,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,573 square feet of living area. Days on market: 71.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 7767 Purple Finch St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 21, for $588,500. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,481 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

The townhouse at 8163 Red Stopper Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 21, for $455,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,725 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

SUMMERLAKE RESERVE

The home at 9415 Emerald Berry Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 23, for $621,340. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,041 square feet of living area.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 11072 Sound Shore Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $626,740. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,489 square feet. Days on market: 13.

•

• Do not mix different or unknown materials together.

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

• Use boxes with dividers for easy packing and transport.

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

realtor.com

WINDERMERE

The home at 16155 Mangrove Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 21, for $570,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,489 square feet. Days on market: 36.

The home at 11060 Sound Shore Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $492,740. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,689 square feet. Days on market: 100.

WICKHAM PARK

The townhouse at 12974 Kegan St., Windermere, sold Feb. 22, for $390,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,536 square feet. Days on market: Three.

OAKLAND JOHNS LANDING

The home at 435 Largovista Drive, Oakland, sold Feb. 20, for $499,900. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,248 square feet. Days on market: Three.

LONGLEAF AT OAKLAND

The townhouse at 1410 Planted Pine St., Oakland, sold Feb. 22, for $375,000. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,472 square feet.

OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 1551 Stone Arrow Court, Oakland, sold Feb. 23, for $799,900. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,107 square feet. Days on market: 56.

OCOEE

ADMIRAL POINTE

The home at 600 Statenville Court, Ocoee, sold Feb. 23, for $663,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,103 square feet. Days on market: Five.

CHESHIRE WOODS

The home at 405 Mickleton Loop, Ocoee, sold Feb. 20, for $490,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,861 square feet. Days on market: 87.

CROSS CREEK

The home at 438 Drexel Ridge Circle, Ocoee, sold Feb. 23, for $515,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,858 square feet. Days on market: 184.

EAGLES LANDING

The home at 2787 Eagles Landing Trail, Ocoee, sold Feb. 22, for $590,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,845 square feet. Days on market: Five.

MCCORMICK RESERVE

The home at 3496 Gretchen Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 22, for $510,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,056 square feet. Days on market: 159.

WYNWOOD

The home at 2332 Greenwood Oak Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 22, for $463,990. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet. Days on market: 122.

The home at 2353 Greenwood Oak Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 22, for $460,990. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet. Days on market: 94.

The home at 2306 Coachwood Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 22, for $458,990. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

The home at 2341 Coachwood Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 22, for $448,990. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,672 square feet. Days on market: 42.

The home at 3515 Briarwood Grove Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 22, for $421,990. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,504 square feet. Days on market: 32.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 8217 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 22, for $1,775,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,900 square feet. Days on market: 45.

The home at 11854 Camden Park Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 21, for $1,110,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,620 square feet. Days on market: 21.

RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 11550 Delwick Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 22, for $770,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,843 square feet. Days on market: 43.

WINDERMERE CLUB

The home at 2833 Butler Bay Drive N., Windermere, sold Feb. 20, for $1,750,000. Built in 1991, it has five bedrooms, six baths and 4,265 square feet. Days on market: Three.

WINTER GARDEN

CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 1959 Bay Clover Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 23, for $722,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,163 square feet. Days on market: 47.

CROWN POINT SPRINGS

The home at 1517 Spring Ridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $575,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,638 square feet. Days on market: Four.

CYPRESS RESERVE

The home at 14236 SunRidge Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $648,900. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,810 square feet. Days on market: 65.

DEL WEBB OASIS

The home at 13670 Splashing Isla Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 19, for $454,230. Built in 2024, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,579 square feet. Days on market: 48.

FULLERS CROSSING

The home at 1061Woodson Hammock Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 22, for $430,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,985 square feet. Days on market: 56.

ISLAND POINTE

The home at 1036 Island Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 23, for $516,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,843 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

J.L. DILLARD SUBDIVISION

The home at 28 E. Tilden St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 21, for $497,000. Built in 1948, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,300 square feet. Days on market: 48.

LAKE APOPKA SOUND

The home at 14414 Shaman Way, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Feb. 20, for $658,990. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,998 square feet. Days on market: 110.

The home at 2033 S. Old Killarney St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $637,990. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,830 square feet.

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 15113 Johns Lake Pointe Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 22, for $1,200,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 5,501 square feet. Days on market: 120.

VERDE PARK

The home at 17851 Gourd Neck Loop, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Feb. 22, for $780,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,554 square feet. Days on market: 130.

The home at 10060 Covered Moss Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 20, for $1,130,000. It was the largest transaction in Dr. Phillips from Feb. 18 to 25. The sellers were represented by Christopher Lyons, LPT Realty.

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

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

Starke Lake Baptist Church

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

www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org

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

www.VBCOCOEE.com

Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God

Pastor Graham Chancey 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

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Christian Brothers Automotive Ocoee

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Christian Brothers Automotive Ocoee. Located at 1140 Maguire Rd in Ocoee, Christian Brothers Automotive has sought to change the way customers think about auto service by providing knowledgeable, honest, and genuine car repairs since 1982. Since that time, they have assisted countless individuals and families with their auto service needs and gotten them back on the road with as little hassle as possible. To learn more, visit https://www.cbac.com/ocoee/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Waters Car Wash

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Waters Car Wash. Located at both 193 S Kirkman Rd and 3965 S Kirkman Rd in Orlando, Waters Car Wash carries out its mission to provide our customers with a clean, dry and shiny vehicle, using the purest of water, and the most advanced and ecofriendly cleaning technologies in the world!

To learn more, visit https://waterscarwash.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Excel Psychiatry

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Excel Psychiatry. Located at 1002 S Dillard St Ste 110 in Winter Garden, Excel Psychiatry provides the highest quality care in an easily accessible format. They strive to keep their pricing low to help patients receive care they may not otherwise be able to afford. While they provide telehealth services, they are now providing Spravato treatment as well!

To learn more, visit https://www.excelpsychiatrywg.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 15-year anniversary of Gochi Japanese Kitchen

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 15-year anniversary of Gochi Japanese Kitchen. Located at 14195 W Colonial Dr in Winter Garden, Gochi Japanese Kitchen has been providing Winter Garden with the highest-quality Japanese favorites. Raw a-la carte options like nigiri, sashimi, rolls, uniquely crafted noodles, and yakiniku/yakiyasai BBQ grill options. Need space for a special event? Ask about their private dining room and catering options.

To learn more, visit http://www.gochijapanesekitchen.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Poke Burri Orlando

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Poke Burri Orlando. Located at 12615 W Colonial Dr in Winter Garden, Poke Burri Orlando serves up the perfect combination of traditional Japanese sushi and American comfort food. Their menu features fully customizable poke that allows you to create the perfect meal for your tastes.

To learn more, visit http://pokeburri.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of SB Prime

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of SB Prime. Located at 15501 Towne Commons Blvd inside the Stoneybrook West Golf Club clubhouse, SB Prime invites you to grab a meal and drinks and enjoy panoramic views of the course. Stop in after completing your round or your workday, or book your next event with SB Prime.

To learn more, visit https://stoneybrookwestgolfclub.com/#prime

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

SPORTS

1

The Florida High School Athletic Association has released proposed bylaws updates to allow its athletes to be financially compensated for their names, images and likenesses. Similar to the NCAA’s establishment of what is known as NIL, high-school athletes soon could receive money from third parties not affiliated with the schools.

2

The FHSAA boys individual regional wrestling tournaments took place Feb. 23 and 24, and there were plenty of West Orange and Southwest Orange athletes on display in the state’s three wrestling classifications. In Class 3A, West Orange High’s Raymond Cavey finished second in the 126-pound weight class, falling in the championship match by a 4-3 decision. At 157, Olympia High’s Madden Bourst won by pin in the third-place match. In Class 2A, Horizon High’s Matteo Lasorsa finished fourth at 190 and in Class 1A, The First Academy’s Ethan Reilly finished third at 113 and Nicholas Bittner finished fourth at 150.

The four will compete in the state championship Feb. 29 to March 2 at the Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola.

3

At the annual Meet of Champions track and field event Feb. 24 at Deputy Scott Pine Community Park, the Ocoee High’s boys team and Olympia High’s girls snagged top honors.

On the boys side, Ocoee’s Tyler Hunter, Marvin Brown and Cameron Gilreath brought in a combined 59 of its 125.5 total points — with Brown winning the boys 100-meter dash and Hunter winning the 110-meter hurdles. Other standout performers from the event were West Orange High’s Gary Davis, who won the 400-meter hurdles and finished with 20 total points, and Daven Tolbert, who won the triple jump and finished with 21 total points. The two led the Warriors to a second-place finish. Foundation Academy’s CJ Bronaugh also had an outstanding outing helping the Lions win the 4x100 meter relay and finishing second in the 100.

For the girls, Olympia’s Omaria Gordon, Eliana Oquendo and Aubrey Frost led the way in the Titans’ 11-point win over Ocoee. The three combined for four first-place finishes, four silvers and one bronze. For Ocoee, Micah Hannah and Leneah Green led the Knights with a combined three first-place finishes, two second-place finishes and one third-place finish. Horizon High freshman Abigayle

WINNING MENTALITY

Ocoee High’s wrestling team adopted a new focus in its preparation — win at home. It culminated with three championships this season.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

As a whole, the Ocoee High wrestling program had a historic season. The boys team won both the duals district championship and the team district championship at the individual tournament, while the girls won the team district championship at the individual meet. Each of these three championships was a first for the program. So why did this season see the Knights break through? Well, it’s been three years in the making.

“It’s been a growing momentum over the course of the three years I’ve been here,” said Pernell Croskey, Ocoee girls wrestling head coach and boys assistant coach. “We had quite a few returners, but we have a young squad that was hungry. … I think because they saw how close we were last year, finishing as runners-up last year, they just came in with a hunger. They didn’t run away from the work, which we were glad to see because

Foundation coach to bring Friday Night Lights to spring tourney

After receiving a new heart almost two years ago, Denzel Irvin is thriving as a football coach and business owner.

19-like symptoms.

It turned out his heart was only functioning at about 10% capacity. Now, with a new heart and new perspective on life, Irvin wants to use this experience to help others in a similar place.

“I just want to show people that

SEE

it took a lot of work for them to get here.”

But before Croskey could help guide that hunger, his teams needed to buy into the concept of winning at home.

And no, he doesn’t mean winning home matches.

“We adopted a mantra of winning at home,” Croskey said. “So everything we do at home before we can out against the world, we have to be winning. So in practice, we have to be winning, we have to be winning in the classroom, winning in the hallways, always winning. And so when you win at home, it makes it more likely that you’re going to win on the road and when you’re out in public.”

This philosophy that Croskey and the entire Ocoee wrestling coaching staff have implemented is less about the student-athletes’ performance on the mat and more about developing them as people.

Because of that, many of the wrestlers view this team in a deeper way.

Windermere Prep’s Grace Lopez placed fourth at the FHSAA Class 1A girls weightlifting state tournament. Page 2B.

Ocoee girls wrestling program is

Courtesy photos

Ocoee wrestling’s historic season is just the beginning for the young program

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

Windermere Prep junior Grace Lopez not only excels in the weight room as a leader of the Lakers’ girls weightlifting team during the winter sports season, but also she is a captain of the competitive cheerleading and sideline cheer team.

THE BASICS

Age: 17

Sport: Girls weightlifting

Grade: Junior School: Windermere Preparatory School

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Grace Lopez

For the girls weightlifting team, Lopez had an amazing end to the 2023-24 season. In the FHSAA postseason meets, she won the Class 1A, District 10 title in the 119-pound weight class, traditional category — while leading the Lakers to their third consecutive district championship. She also won the Class 1A, Region 1 individual championship at 119, while Windermere Prep finished third in the team competition. And to cap off her season, she placed fourth during the Class 1A state championship tournament.

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

I’m extremely proud and honored to be highlighted and represent the school.

What do you like the most about weightlifting?

The feeling of everything — like hitting a lift or the encouragement from others.

What accomplishment from this season brings you the most pride?

Placing fourth in the state (tournament) for my weight class and first in the district and regional this season for traditional lifts.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from weightlifting?

Not everything will always go as planned or the way you want it to.

What is your go-to pregame meal?

Either fast food or a Pub Sub.

What is your go-to pre-match hype song?

“Only” by Nicki Minaj or “Look Back at It” by A Boogie Wit da Hoodie.

What is your favorite nonsports hobby?

I really enjoy reading or spending time with my family.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Global politics, because I find a lot of the case studies we learn about fascinating.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

A book to read while I tan, sunscreen so I don’t burn and a boat to leave the island.

What is your favorite movie?

“Tangled,” I’ve loved it since I was little, and I just think the storyline and characters are super cute.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

My family friend, Lisa, because she was like an aunt to me and was always fun to talk to.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

Probably when America

was still the 13 colonies, so I could see how things were back then.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self? Don’t focus so much on the little things because they won’t matter later.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be? Did you get to do what I’m dreaming of now?

Who is your favorite superhero? Batman, because he’s funny.

Who is your favorite supervillain? The Joker, because I think his backstory and everything is interesting.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? The ability to read minds because I always want to know what people are thinking and want to say.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go?

Bora Bora because it’s beautiful, and Alaska or Iceland to see the Northern Lights.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be?

A giraffe so I could see super high and be super tall.

What is your most controversial food take? Probably that chicken cutlets taste better with ketchup than plain.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Definitely not.

— SAM ALBUQUERQUE

Ocoee High wrestling celebrates historic season

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

More than just a sports team, but a second family.

“Being part of this has been a very good thing that’s happened in my life,” senior girls wrestler Melanie Saucedo said. “It’s been incredible to see how many girls have come through in these three years and helped improve the program. Just seeing how this team has built itself from the first year is probably why we’ve had the success we’ve had this year. …I’m just very proud of my team, and of how much effort we put in. To me, this is not just a team; this is my family.”

Part of that family concept manifests itself in a simple way: The coaches hold the athletes accountable for what they do on and off the mat, and the athletes support one another in that expectation.

“The community that we have is special,” junior girls wrestler Yamii Herring said. “We’re all just people who are there for (one another), who encourage (one another) to keep pushing, even when you don’t feel like wrestling, because sometimes it does get hard. The mental side of the sport is difficult, so having people be there for me and pushing me is great. People who just help me keep going, even when I want to give up.”

Croskey knows what Herring said is true. Wrestling is a difficult sport.

“It’s just pain, you know?” Croskey said. “So when we can get our kids to understand that in wrestling, you’re going to have bumps and bruises and aches. But if you want to be great, you have to overcome those things. … And when you do overcome that pain, overcome those barriers, as you get through it, then the goal of trying to reach those pinnacle achievements becomes easier.”

Herring, who transferred to Ocoee this year, is seeing the benefits. Not only did she win the individual district championship in the 235-pound weight class and became the only Ocoee wrestler to earn a spot at states this season, but also she’s has seen growth in the classroom — holding a 3.3 GPA.

“Wrestling here helped me grow ... by making me focus on maintaining my GPA, making me stay positive and helping my attitude and how I talk to people,” Herring said. “Coming to Ocoee just helped me improve in a lot of different ways. … I feel like it helped me be more humble. I still have my moments sometimes on the mat, but at the end of the day, I know that we are all just people who have emotions. So I try to be humble and have good sportsmanship.”

On the boys side, Silas Metayer felt a similar growth in his short time as part of the Knights program. The former football player only has been wrestling for a few

months, but through his dedication to the process, he already has become a record-breaker.

At the district championship, Metayer won the individual crown at 190 in dominant fashion and became the first Knight to win a district championship by winning every match via pin. He attributes his quick success to the people within the program.

“It was my first time wrestling, so I started out a little bit iffy, a little bit shy,” Metayer said. “I didn’t know what to do at first, so my coaches and my teammates really helped bring me along throughout the season in a lot of ways, by showing me the ropes and not just helping me become a better wrestler but to become a better man.”

Ultimately, that’s what Ocoee wrestling has been all about and why the program should take the next step as it continues to grow.

“We challenged this group to fill the voids left behind by some heavy hitters (who) graduated last year, and they stepped up,” Croskey said. “That combined with stressing to them the expectations that we have as a program was key for us. But now, we want to get even better next year and beyond. It was great to be district champions, but I want to be the regional champion, and I want to take multiple people to states next year. And I know these kids will put in the work to get there.”

Life after a heart transplant

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

there is actually life after a transplant,” Irvin said. “On April 25 ... it’ll be two years since I had my surgery, and a lot of people think once you have a heart transplant, that life is kind of subsidized, or it’s not really like what it was before. And I just want to kind of put (it) out there that there is something great on the other side.”

One of the ways Irvin is going about showing that there’s life beyond receiving a transplant is by giving back to the game he loves.

That’s why he started his business, Get Active Performance Training, to help train and develop the next generation of players. And he’s also using his experience to inspire those around him to not take life for granted.

“What I went through was nothing short of a modern-day miracle,” Irvin said. “So when people hear my story, even if they weren’t believers,

even if they were not close to God or had a relationship with God, they have to at least wonder if God is real, because man couldn’t have done that. … Through this whole thing, people are able to see God’s grace and power through me, and that’s been the most rewarding thing for me, to see Him glorified through my story and it helping people.”

Irvin hopes to continue to share his story and inspire the next generation through the first Under The Lights 7-on-7 football tournament Friday, March 15, at Foundation Academy.

“Most 7-on-7 tournaments are in the morning or during the day,” Irvin said. “What makes this event different is that it’s a Friday Night Lights-type of thing. The Under The Lights tournament is all about bringing that Friday night highschool football feel to the offseason.”

The event for students under 18 is the perfect crossover for Irvin, who

can combine two passions: coaching and developing young football players and using his platform to give back to the community and share his story.

The biggest thing I learned from this is to be grateful for everything and how perspective is everything,” Irvin said. “You never know how much we take for granted until those things are taken away. You start to see life through a different lens. Things like the ability to walk, to eat normal food every day, the ability to put on clothes, to even have a job. … What happens when that’s taken away from you?

“When I lost those things when I was in the hospital on bedrest, man, it was so hard,” Irvin said. “All I wanted to do was take a walk, was to eat normal food. … My perspective switched from saying, ‘Man, I have to go to work,’ to ‘I get the opportunity to do these things now.’ So I just want to make sure all the opportunities I get count.”

Courtesy photo Ocoee girls wrestling celebrated winning the first-ever district championship in the program’s three-year history

West Orange, Southwest Orange squads named regional champs

With the winter sports season coming to a close, six teams in West Orange and Southwest Orange won FHSAA regional championships last week.

In girls basketball, Dr. Phillips High (25-4) beat Oak Ridge High (14-13), 58-51, in the Class 7A, Region 2 championship; and Central Florida Christian Academy (24-3) topped North Tampa Christian Academy (22-3), 47-29, in the Class 2A, Region 2 title game.

CFCA will face Miami Christian (1413) in the state semifinals, and DP will play Winter Haven High (23-5).

Windermere Prep (23-7) will be the area’s lone representative in the boys basketball tournament after beating Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy (21-7), 67-60. The win marks a second consecutive final four appearance for the Lakers.

Three area soccer teams also moved deeper into the postseason. For the boys, both Windermere High (16-1-1) and West Orange High (13-4-1) won their respective regional championships, while the Horizon High girls (15-3-1) — in the program’s third season — won the 5A, Region 2 championship.

— SAM ALBUQUERQUE

PHMSA Environmental Review Notice of Availability

In cooperation with the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, Orange County, Florida, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), has prepared a Tier 2 Environmental Assessment (EA), as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, for the proposed replacement of approximately 13.13 miles of vintage steel and vintage plastic polyethylene (PE) pipe in multiple areas of the system with modern polyethylene pipe. PHMSA published a Tier 1 Nationwide EA for the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program (NGDISM) on November 9, 2022. The stated purpose of NGDISM is for municipality or community owned utilities to repair, rehabilitate, or replace its natural gas distribution pipeline system or portions thereof or to acquire equipment to (1) reduce incidents and fatalities and (2) avoid economic losses by providing grant opportunities to municipality or community owned utilities.

The Tier 1 EA is available at https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa. dot.gov/files/2023-07/Tier-1-PHMSA-2022-0123-0001.pdf. The Tier 2 EA is available for review and comment on the web at https://www.phmsa. dot.gov/about-phmsa/working-phmsa/grants/pipeline/tier-2-site-specificenvironmental-documents and a copy is available at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, 1320 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787.

Please submit all comments to: PHMSABILGrantNEPAComments@ dot.gov and reference NGDISM-FY22-EA-2023-20 in your response. Pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act, PHMSA has issued a No Historic Properties Affected finding which is available for review in the Tier 2 EA. Comments on the Tier 2 EA are due by March 11, 2024.

City of Ocoee General Election

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

(If necessary Run-off Election April 16, 2024)

CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER DISTRICT #4

George Oliver III

Nate Robertson

13 Charter Amendments - City Wide

For details call 407-905-3105 or visit www.ocoee.org

For a Vote-by-Mail Ballot, call 407-836-VOTE (8683)

Early Voting: March 4 – 17, 2024; 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

View sample ballots and early voting locations at www.ocfelections.com or www.ocoee.org

As this General Election is being held with the Presidential Preference Primary Election, to find your polling location please contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections either online at www.ocfelections.com/find-my-pollingplace or by calling (407) 836-2070. All polling locations will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Those electors who opt to cast a vote-by-mail ballot for this election must contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections either online at www.ocfelections.com/voteby-mail or by calling (407) 836-8683 and requesting a vote-by-mail ballot. Polls are accessible for people with disabilities. You will be asked to show both Photo and Signature Identification. Need assistance reading or marking your ballot? Bring a family member, friend or ask a poll worker. You are entitled to assistance at the polls, except from your employer or union representative.

Defending back-to-back state champions, Dr. Phillips High girls basketball topped district rival Oak Ridge High in the regional championship game.

Left: After beating Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, the Windermere Prep boys basketball team celebrated its trip back to the state championship semifinals.

Central Florida Christian Academy girls basketball currently holds a 24-3 record after beating North Tampa Christian, 47-29, and winning a regional championship.

Windermere High boys soccer coach Lou Romao, left, made the “W” sign as he celebrated a 3-1 win over Cypress Creek High in the Class 7A regional finals.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

ANGEL BODIFORD

THORNEBROOKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Angel Bodiford is the program assistant at Thornebrooke Elementary School. She works closely with the school staff to help provide a high-quality, safe and structured learning environment. She has received the T.E.A.M.S. award, was District Support Person of the Year and was nominated for the Endeavor Award.

“Ms. Bodiford is an integral part of Thornebrooke Elementary School,” Principal Korey Bawden said. “She does whatever it takes to support our students and their families. If someone needs help or assistance, you can be sure that Ms. Bodiford is there. She also takes the time to know and understand each student she is working with. Thornebrooke is truly blessed to have her as part of the team.”

What brought you to your school?

Thornebooke provides a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that fosters the love of learning among all students. These values align with the same passion and enthusiasm I have for education. Thornebrooke’s reputation, student achievements and community involvement also contributed to my interest in working there.

What do you love most about your school?

I love that Thornebrooke helps all students succeed academically by making students feel special. The staff and parents at Thornebrooke provide opportunities to build relationships and help students engage in learning in different and meaningful ways.

REPORT CARD

POSITION: Program assistant

TIME AT SCHOOL: Thirty-five years for Orange County Public Schools, 22 years with Thornebrooke Elementary (since it opened)

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Watching the students grow and change. Students grow and change so much over the course of the school year. I love seeing the academic, social and developmental changes that happen in individual students.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?  I would be a child advocate — focusing on creating awareness building support, working for change and connecting with children and families.

Who influences you?

The students I work with influence me. I’m influenced by their enthusiasm and creativity. I’m influenced by their efforts and the struggles they overcome.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Spend time with family.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My middle-school math teacher. Her passion for teaching and care for students made a difference in my academic success. I’m so proud to say that I learned from her.

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

The ability to heal because healing develops qualities of love, sympathy and humanity.

FROM OPPOSITE PAGE

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“Corduroy.” Corduroy reminds us that we are perfect the way we are. This buttonless bear let us know we are worthy and that true friends accept us, flaws and all.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

Robin Williams. He had the ability to make people laugh and enjoyed helping others.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

Bart Millard — he reminds us that even in a difficult situation, don’t give up.

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

My go-to lunch as an elementary student was tacos. I loved grabbing a bag of Funyuns chips as a snack after a school day.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas. Christmastime is filled love and laughter, being with my family.

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

My best friend in school was Janie, and we are still in close contact present day. Janie and I are “like-minded.” We have a similar set of values, and this “liked-mindedness” helped us have a deeper understanding between the two of us.

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

I was in cheerleading and softball. I earned honor roll awards.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

SunRidge Middle students dance ‘Under the Stars’

More than 280 students had a blast dancing and having fun with friends at the SunRidge Middle School dance, held Feb. 9 with the theme

“Under the Stars at SunRidge Boulevard.” The PTSO parents put on the event and spent countless hours planning, fundraising, and organizing more than 30 high school Beta Club volunteers.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

High school Beta Club members earned community service hours for volunteering at the SunRidge dance.

Gerald Lopez, Ryan George, Jet Renner and Graham Malsberger were all smiles at the school dance.

Courtesy photos

Molly Krug, Emerson Heller and Tabitha Farlow dressed up for the school dance.

SunRidge Middle students enjoyed getting all dressed up for this year’s dance.

Bay Lake student earns barbecue lunch for class

Fourth-grader Aayat Beg’s kindness filled the hearts — and bellies — of her fellow classmates.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Joanna McClellan’s fourth-grade classroom at Bay Lake Elementary School was treated to a barbecue lunch Friday, Feb. 16, compliments of Sonny’s BBQ after one student was recognized for her many acts of kindness. Teachers each submitted the name of one student who has been kind and supportive to his or her fellow classmates. McClellan nominated Aayat Beg, who was selected by the school administration as the overall winner.

Members of Sonny’s BBQ’s Kindness Crew showed up at the school to present Aayat with balloons, a kindness certificate, candy, a Sonny’s gift card and restaurant swag — and lunch for her class.

While the lunch — consisting of pork, chicken and macaroni-and-cheese — was being served, McClellan shared with the class why Aayat was chosen the overall winner. “You always follow directions, I never have to talk to you about behavior, and you always get along with everybody,” she said. “You’re always willing to help; I never see you arguing with other kids. If I ask you to work with somebody, you always (do) and you’re not complaining.”

Random Acts of Kindness Week was Feb. 13 through 19, with Random Acts of Kindness Day occurring Saturday, Feb. 17. The holiday encourages people to undertake random acts of kindness in their communities, celebrating those dedicated to making a difference

who often go unrecognized for their efforts.

The Sonny’s franchise created The Random Acts of BBQ: Student Edition program to honor students who exemplify selflessness and kindness. In this student program, the restaurant celebrates students who consistently go out of their way to spread kindness to those around them.

In January, participating schools awarded Sonny’s BBQ gift cards to students they observed performing acts of kindness towards fellow students, friends, teachers and staff. The schools shared these moments with the Sonny’s Kindness Crew for consideration. The Kindness Crew is a group of passionate Sonny’s BBQ team members dedicated to spreading kindness and helping others, all under the leadership of Chief Kindness Officer Tara Boyle. During Random Acts of Kindness Week, the Kindness Crew selected winners from each of the eight school and surprised the entire class with a special BBQ celebration.

“It is such a privilege to celebrate this holiday once again and, for the very first time, to highlight some amazing students who are making a difference in their classroom and community,” Boyle said. “We care so deeply about spreading kindness, and the stories that have been shared about these students are truly remarkable. We cannot wait to have the opportunity to highlight their selflessness and to honor them with some BBQ!”

As a part of this year’s Random Acts of Kindness Week, the Sonny’s team also partnered with the Blessings in a Backpack organization to pack more than 1,000 bags for students in Central Florida and donate $1,000 to the cause.

All

Amy Quesinberry

Sonny’s and Bay Lake Elementary School staff congratulated Aayat Beg for her random acts of kindness.

Life is full of choices: Where to live, what career to pursue and even what to have for dinner tonight. These choices paint a picture of who we are and what matters to us. At LANGD, we believe the same applies to your energy choices, and we believe you should always have the power to choose the energy source that best meets your needs.

However, not everyone feels the same way about choice when it comes to energy. Advocates for the recent trend of “electrification” propose moving to an allelectric, single-source model that eliminates the use of natural gas entirely – stripping consumers of their ability to choose the energy source that best fits their needs and budget.

In 2019, the city of Berkeley, California, became the first in the United States to ban natural gas. Since then, several other cities have passed similar legislation.

Thankfully, Floridians don’t have to worry about their right to choose being restricted anytime soon. In July 2021, House Bill 919 went into effect – preventing local governments from banning fuel sources and marking a major step in the right direction to ensure consumer choice is a top priority.

The “one-size-fits-all” approach to energy that the electrification movement pushes not only undermines consumers’ right to choose, but also often stems from common misconceptions, which is why fully understanding the unique characteristics of different energy sources like natural gas is crucial before advocating for widespread adoption of any single solution.

Natural gas offers a multitude of benefits and advantages over other fuel sources that are often misrepresented by those who want to take away your right to choose, including:

Affordability – Studies show that natural gas is twice as efficient as electricity – and cheaper. In fact, U.S. consumers save an average of more than $1,000 on energy bills each year by making the switch to natural gas.

Dependability – Natural gas is delivered through reliable underground pipelines directly to your home or business, ensuring a reliable source of energy that’s there when you need it. Even during power outages, natural gas consumers can continue cooking and enjoying hot showers, weathering storms in comfort.

Cleanliness – As the cleanest-burning fossil fuel available to consumers

(Forbes),

Domestic – With over 97% of natural gas produced in the U.S., America’s energy dollars stay at home and in our communities.

With over 180 million Americans choosing natural gas for these reasons and more every day, it’s more important than ever before to stay informed about potential threats to your energy choices.

Your choice is a powerful tool, and when it comes to choosing the right energy mix for your home or business, the freedom to choose what best supports your lifestyle is extremely important. Don’t take it for granted.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

The West Orange Chamber recognizes and

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Economic Luxury

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Economic Luxury. Based in Ocoee, Economic Luxury is a leading consultancy offering a range of services including business consulting, auditing, secret shopping, and luxury guest service training. Specializing in elevating businesses to higher standards, they provide tailored solutions that combine operational efficiency with luxury. Their expertise helps businesses enhance customer experiences while maximizing potential. With a focus on transforming brands to embody sophistication without compromising financial prudence, Economic Luxury is the go-to partner for businesses seeking a seamless fusion of opulence and success.

To learn more, visit http://economicluxury.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of PorterHouse Properties

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of PorterHouse Properties. Located at 111 N Orange Ave # 800 in Orlando, PorterHouse Properties is a premier property management company, offering a comprehensive suite of services to property owners and tenants. The PorterHouse Properties team is committed to providing top-notch property management solutions, including property marketing, tenant screening, lease agreements, rent collection, property maintenance, and financial reporting. With a strong focus on maximizing property value and ensuring tenant satisfaction, they strive to deliver exceptional results for property owners and a comfortable living experience for tenants.

To learn more, visit http://porterhouseprop.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Home Clean Heroes

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Home Clean Heroes of West Orange. Located in Ocoee, Home Clean Heroes of West Orange is a locally owned and operated residential cleaning company, proudly supporting our local first responders with every home they clean. Whether it’s regular upkeep or a one-time deep clean, we’ll save you from cleaning. Choose us, for a clean home and to support those who keep our community safe.

To learn more, visit http://homecleanheroes.com/westorange.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Stoneybrook West Golf Club

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Stoneybrook West Golf Club. Located at 15501 Towne Commons Blvd in Winter Garden, Stoneybrook West Golf Club beautifully blends the natural landscape of West Orange County to create one of the top public championship courses in the greater Orlando area. They also offer an aqua driving range, practice chipping area, and practice putting green.

To learn more, visit http://stoneybrookwestgolfclub.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 75-year anniversary of FAIRWINDS Credit Union

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 75-year anniversary of Fairwinds Credit Union. With locations at 13580 W Colonial Dr in Winter Garden and 5875 Arnold Palmer Dr in the Metrowest part of Orlando, FAIRWINDS is a nationwide financial institution committed to helping personal and commercial members around the world achieve financial freedom. At FAIRWINDS, we encourage our members to save more, eliminate debt, build wealth, and live generously by offering products and solutions to help them achieve their goals. To learn more, visit http://www.fairwinds.org.

THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 3 NETWORKING GROUPS

THESE OLD TIMES

80 years ago

The main problem facing the parents and friends of Lakeview High School was the fact that for years the school tried to have a band.

Once it got the band, it needed 22 uniforms to be purchased at $30 apiece.

70 years ago

The West Orange Memorial Hospital Auxiliary held its annual azalea sale in front of the Winter Garden Times office on North Boyd Street.

The recently formed fortnightly bridge club met Tuesday night with Mrs. Henry Britt Jr. in her home.

The members present were the wives of Malon Wright, Tommy DeLoach, Comer Nelson, Russell Pounds, Ed Petris, George Henry and Ward Britt.

50 years ago

Carl D. Patterson, of Windermere Realty Inc., announced Gretchen Boyd joined his firm as an associate. The firm had just moved into its handsome new office, just north of the Windermere Post Office.

After months of planning and preparation, Joe Miller, a 25-yearold antique car buff from Winter Garden, announced the opening of his antique car museum on Beulah Road off Highway 50. The large structure had about 25 restored antique cars on display, and the scene was enhanced by mannequins dressed in clothes from by-gone eras, raccoon coats and novelty items from the past.

A letter to the editor from A.M. thanked the office staff for reminding her it was time to renew her subscription. She wrote: “Surprisingly, it was my teen-aged daughter who urged me to resubscribe, for she enjoys it as much as I do. When she asked me to send our

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Honoring Women’s History Month — Resident Kathy Beyers poses with an unknown wearing a clown costume during the “Save Our Star-Lite” Drive-In Theatre campaign in 1996. The beloved theater — also affectionately known as Peavey’s Passion Pit — unfortunately closed shortly thereafter.

Beyers and her valiant attempt to help preserve the Star-Lite are featured in the newest exhibit — West Orange Women: Making History, Part Two — which debuts at the Winter Garden City Hall Art in Public Places Gallery on Friday, March 1. The exhibit features many of the women who helped improve and nurture local society in many fields of endeavor. Stop by from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

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.

copies to her next year when she is in college, I got the idea that we would give her a subscription for one of her graduation gifts. Through the paper she will keep in touch with her hometown, and it may help prevent the homesickness that many young people feel when away from home. … I thought you’d be glad to know that your paper appeals to youth. This is

quite an accomplishment, for the young are the greatest ‘critics.’”

20 years ago

A new outdoor mall was announced that would change the landscape of Winter Garden. The preliminary plans called for a 1.3to 1.5-million-square-foot, openair mall that would include retail

space, a 24-screen movie theater, office space, 50 residential units and 125 hotel rooms. The West Orange Times recognized readers who were Leap Year babies: Ruby Clifton, born 1906; Nancy Harger, 1924; Ray Aldridge and Susan Derringer, 1928; David Kilborn, 1952; Kathy Glasser, 1956; and Isaac Johnson, 1996.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

FEB. 22, 1954

Oh, to have these prices again! In 1954, Piggly Wiggly advertised “Super Week-End Savers” in the Winter Garden Times on quality meats and an assortment of cooking ingredients. A 3-pound can of Wesson Oil Snowdrift shortening was 83 cents; a 16-ounce can of Armour’s Star chili, with beans, cost just 23 cents; a pint of Kraft Miracle Whip salad dressing was 30 cents; 10 cans of frozen concentrate orange juice was just under one dollar; and a dozen large eggs was 58 cents. In the meat department, how about a pound of sliced bacon for 69 cents, smoked hams for 59 cents per pound or lamb legs for 59 cents per pound?

Two pounds of margarine was 39 cents, but if you wanted real butter, the Land O’Sunshine brand would set you back 60 cents per pound.

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

“PJ’X LUJJUT JY CDAG DAYVU, JKDV CPJK

D NTYCF SYPVS PV JKU CTYVS

FPTUNJPYV.” HUVVPMUT STDVJ

Puzzle One Clue: M equals F

“IO IRJJRVP RJ FV DGBNG UGTRPK IG

FTG LRPK VX RIYEGJJRVP FTBF SRDD IBLG RF GBJRGE XVE FTVJG STV

XVDDVS.” IBERBP BPKGEJVP

Puzzle Two Clue: Y equals P

“FOHU R FXN X WRA, ZV IXKOHG ... ARAU’K KORUW R FDPTA XZDPUK KD XUVKORUC. ZV ZDKOHG XTND.”

XGBORKHBK IGXUW CHOGV

Puzzle Three Clue: P equals U

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

LIVING IN THE PAST by Ricky Sirois, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos