05.09.24 West Orange Times & Observer

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

YOUR TOWN

SEEKING FORMER CHORAL SINGERS FOR REUNION

Longtime award-winning choral director Dr. Jeffery Redding is putting together a reunion of his current and former choral singers for a performance to be held Saturday, May 18. Orlando Choral Society is presenting “The West Orange High School and Garden Community Choirs ‘Reunion’ Block Party and Concert.”

A reunion rehearsal will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, May 17, at First United Methodist Church of Orlando. A reunion block party will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at West Orange High School. That evening, the concert, featuring beloved songs and surprises, begins at 7 at FUMC Downtown Orlando.

To sign up to participate, visit orlandochoralsociety.org. Tickets are available at orlandochoralsociety.org/tickets.

Redding became WOHS choral director in 1997 and directed the Garden Community Choir starting in 2007.

CELEBRATE ASIAN CULTURE AT OCOEE FEST

The Asian American Heritage Council of Central Florida is celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with an Asian Cultural Festival in Ocoee. It will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center and Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive.

Guests can enjoy live music, dance performances, delicious food, cultural vendors and more representing the Asia cul-

PICKING UP THE PIECES

Yes, spring is for blooming flowers and gorgeous weather. But for West Orange-area sports fans, it means one thing: The return of high school football. SEE PAGE 1B.

A March 1 house fire destroyed the Winter Garden home occupied by Patricia Oliver and her son, Darryl Merchant. She is living in a rental home until her house can be repaired, and the work is taking much longer than expected. STORY ON PAGE 4A.

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners in April made several decisions that impact West Orange and Southwest Orange. SEE PAGE 5A.

Amy Quesinberry Soot mars the front door and porch of Patricia Oliver’s home. Oliver’s home in Winter Garden was destroyed by a fire that started in the kitchen.

Courtesy photo

Residents near Oak Park Road voice flooding concerns

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Residents near Oak Park Road in the Dr. Phillips/Windermere area finally were heard regarding their concerns about flooding at a recent virtual community meeting held Monday, April 29.

Locals have long expressed the need for an engineered stormwater system to help resolve the localized flooding concerns within the county’s right-of-way.

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson facilitated the meeting, in which the Roads & Drainage Division discussed alternatives provided by the county’s consultant who worked on the drainage assessment and feasibility study.

The presentation included a description of alternatives, as well as discussions on constructibility, permitting, and easement concerns and constraints.

ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM

Timothy Harden, public relations and outreach specialist with the Orange County Public Works

1

Department, led the meeting and was accompanied by several county officials, including Eduardo Avellaneda, manager of the Roads & Drainage Division; Maricela Torres, assistant manager of the Roads & Drainage Division; and Elizabeth White, project manager for the county.

Inwood Consulting Engineers is the consultant tasked by Orange County Public Works to provide the assessment with the goal of addressing the flooding concerns.

Joshua Spence and Hillary Martinez, consultants with Inwood, said the company evaluated two conceptual alternatives.

The improvement focus area is 44 acres in the eastern part of the Windermere Heights subdivision, although the larger study limit, which represents the hydraulic model used to showcase the existing conditions for the subdivision, is 287 acres.

Hydraulically, the area is part of the Shingle Creek Drainage Basin, which is within the jurisdiction of the South Florida Water Management District.

The district is the entity that would provide the permit for the improvements being sought.

Three of the complaints documented in the presentation were located along Oak Park Road,

while two came from Oakland Place, and one came from Lucerne Terrace.

Martinez said there clearly is a lack of stormwater infrastructure within the project area.

Although both alternatives are similar and include installation of stormwater infrastructure at east Windermere Heights, the second alternative does not include the additional storage area from the swale like the first alternative.

Both alternatives would meet the 10-year level of service for roadway design for a seven-and-one-half inch rainfall event.

The estimated cost for the first alternative is $2,820,430, while the cost for the second is $2,542,390.

“The biggest difference between the two alternatives is that alternative one can actually slow the water down within the deeper swales, similar to the natural flow of conveyance in the existing conditions going over land,” Martinez said. “The swales provide water quality, hyper-venting stormwater infiltration and reduce stormwater runoff by decreasing flows to the existing stormwater facility.

said. “The biggest advantage for alternative one is that it can provide the requirements needed to permit through the South Florida Water Management District. Whereas in alternative two, where there’s no significant storage provided in the swales, it’s unable to be permitted through the South Florida Water Management District.”

Although some residents, including Steve and Carolyn Nevins who live on Oak Park Road, voiced concerns relating to the flooding, others expressed alternating perspectives. There also were contrasting opinions regarding the installation of swales.

“I don’t think everybody has a problem on this road,” Don Weschler, a resident who lives on Oak Park Road, said. “I will speak of my house … built in 1996 that definitely has a swale that was already built in when I built the house, and I have had zero drainage problems with my house for 26 years, because I had a swale there already.”

yard would fill up within the rightof-way, but it dissipates on our lot within 12 hours.”

Spence said, typically, only one individual part of the site could not be fixed; it would need to be a system-wide improvement, so the problem is not shifted towards another neighbor.

“We were hoping to be able to communicate, because I believe a lot of your neighbors were aware of this project in the past, and my understanding is that the consensus from the neighborhood was that they do not want the swales, but that’s the condition for being permitable — that we actually provide the swales,” Avellaneda said.

“For alternative two, with the smaller swale, there’s a direct connection to the existing stormwater facility, and it’s unable to provide any water quality treatment or attenuation,” she

“This seems like this is really a study area of Oak Park Road,” Brian McFarland, a resident who lives on Oakland Place, said. “Being over on Oakland Place, we don’t really have any drainage issues or observed flooding issues outside of a hurricane. We’ve been here 14 years. Certainly, with a significant rain event, the swale in the front

Residents also voiced concerns about not having the ability to view the maps virtually with the tiny details and asked for an in-person meeting where they could be studied more closely.

Carolyn Nevins offered to host the meeting at her home, and the Roads & Drainage Division currently is working to organize the on-site meeting.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

When Vincent L. Ogburn was sworn into office Tuesday, May 7, he became the city of Ocoee’s first black police chief.

ANNABELLE SIKES

History was made Tuesday, May 7, when Vincent L. Ogburn was sworn in as the city of Ocoee’s first black police chief.

Ogburn has served as acting chief since November, when former chief Saima Plasencia was terminated.

Prior to November, Ogburn served as the deputy chief of operations, a position he held since 2020, when he joined the Ocoee Police Department.

“It means a lot to be selected as chief,” Ogburn said. “I don’t take it for granted. I have an agency of men and women (who) want and know how to do the job. It’s my job to make sure they have the proper tools to stay safe. Then I have the community, who I need to listen to and protect. We also have the city administration, who we need to be on the same page with. It’s a team effort here. We are more than just a police department. It’s a very heavy title, and there are some big shoes to fill, but I am very receptive and humbled to be in this position.”

LIFE OF SERVICE

Ogburn was born in New York and was raised on a farm in Virginia. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

“I wanted to serve,” he said. “We have a military family. My father and some of my brothers and sisters have served. We have some in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. We always wanted to help people. Here I am years later, still in a role of service.”

Ogburn served five years active duty, one year active reserves and two years inactive reserves as a hospital corpsman assigned to the U.S. Marines.

When he got out of the Marines, he began looking for jobs. Although he initially worked for a contract company loading and

unloading ships in Jacksonville, he was searching for work with more benefits and a career that would challenge him — not only physically but also mentally.

Ogburn started his 33-year career in law enforcement with the Florida Highway Patrol for Orange and Osceola counties in 1991.

Ogburn was hired by the Orlando Police Department in 1996 and served that agency for more than 23 years.

During his tenure, Ogburn served the Orlando community in the patrol division, special operations division, as a public information officer and as the chief’s staff director. He retired at the rank of deputy chief.

At the OPD, Ogburn often would pass through Ocoee. He never considered working for the city until he was about to retire and saw in the West Orange Times & Observer that a deputy chief in Ocoee was retiring.

He put in his application, talked to his family, prayed about the opportunity.

All the stars aligned.

ONE OCOEE

Although the Ocoee PD is small, Ogburn said the team is mighty and the connections are what set the department apart.

“The connection that our officers have with the community are very special,” he said. “We have a lot of officers from Ocoee (who) work for the agency. They know the people, and it’s like a family. Thankfully, we don’t have the call volume that other larger agencies do. We can take the time to not just help dissolve situations but get to the deeper roots of the problems and truly help on a long-term basis.”

Ogburn said one of the department’s biggest challenges is with the area’s youth population.

“I believe in speaking to them and showing them what they can do,” he said. “Being role models for them. Sometimes, you open up a new avenue or connect them with a new resource that they never considered

before. What’s rewarding about that is when you have the opportunity to connect with them later on in their lives, and they sometimes thank you.”

One of the greatest lessons Ogburn has learned throughout his years of service is always to listen to people.

“You may not always have the answer, but the person may have their own answer and they’re just talking to have someone listen and have that confirmation that they’re on the right track or doing the right thing,” he said. “You give them that little extra push. Let them know that they’ve got this and they’re not different from anyone else. If that’s what they want, they should seek their own goals and opportunities.”

Ogburn hopes to continue to build on the department’s foundation, as well as manage the growth of the area, continue to educate the public on safety and plan more community involvement events with local residents.

“I have a very open-door policy,” he said. “Call me — whether it’s good or bad. I love those conversations.”

Although the job isn’t always easy, Ogburn said he continues to be passionate about his work because of the people.

“You want to help people, and people want help,” he said. “We are in an era now where people see individuals (who) need help, but they just drive by and say that it’s not their problem. When you can stop by that person and ask how you can help them and they see a person in a uniform and not someone trying to scam them or with ill intent, then they know they can trust us. Sometimes, it’s not physical help they need. Sometimes, they just want to talk. To know that we can provide that is a pretty good feeling.” Ogburn lives just outside of Ocoee in the Winter Garden area with his wife of 30 years, Francina, who he met in the FHP. She is a school resource officer for Orange County Public Schools.

The couple has two sons, Vincent Jr. and Jordan, as well as a daughter, Raelin. The Ogburns also are new grandparents.

Windermere gives updates on 14 projects

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

The Windermere Town Council hosted a meeting Tuesday, April 23, to hear updates on 14 projects.

Because Mayor Jim O’Brien was absent, Mayor Pro Tem Andy Williams filled in to kick off the meeting, while Town Manager Robert Smith led the presentation and gave the updates.

LOCAL MITIGATION STRATEGY

Smith said the Local Mitigation Strategy is one of the town’s biggest funding sources.

Orange County LMS — which includes the county and other governmental jurisdictions — helps agencies plan and prepare for natural disasters.

These projects are funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and require a 25% match. Town staff works with the county to get projects listed on its Customer Identification Program and try to get those into the funding categories.

If a natural disaster occurs within Orange County and an emergency declaration has been issued, funds are allocated to the county as a whole based on need. Each natural disaster will have a different amount allocation attached to it. However, if one jurisdiction doesn’t fully allocate the money from FEMA, then other communities may apply for funding.

The town was successful in applying for the following projects: Third Avenue and Magnolia Street drainage improvements, Sixth Avenue and Butler Street drainage improvements, Ninth Avenue/Tenth Avenue and Oakdale Street drainage improvements, and West Second Avenue.

Some of the projects currently in the LMS are the Lake Down retaining wall improvements (estimated $1.3 million), the Fifth Avenue and Lake Street retaining wall improvements (estimated $657,000), and the Fourth Avenue and Magnolia Street drainage improvements (estimated $300,000).

WEST SECOND AVENUE

DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

The town was awarded a Hazard Mitigation Grant from the LMS system for Hurricane Irma.

Because bids came in over the original budget, Smith said staff is working with the Florida Division of Emergency Management on a budget increase to cover the cost.

The project extends from Main Street to the cul-de-sac at the end of West Second Avenue. The project will include slightly widening the street, stormwater improvements and potable water upgrades.

The design is 100% complete, and the FDEM agreement has been executed. Phase 1 of the design has been funded, and the town currently is waiting on funds for Phase 2, which is construction.

In 2019, the original estimate for the project was $2.5 million, meaning the town would have had to pay about $633,000. In 2024, the estimate for the project is about $4.68 million, meaning the town would have had to pay about $1.17 million.

BESSIE AND BUTLER BASINS

Smith said the town is planning to put potable water systems within the Bessie and Butler basin areas at the same

time. The total estimated time for the Butler Basin project to be completed is 27 months, and an HMGP will cover a little more than $3 million.

WARD TRAIL PHASE 1/

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

Phase 1 of the Ward Trail project extends from North Avenue to Park Avenue. The multi-modal pathway will meander within the railroad right of way the town acquired. Phase 1 also includes a prefabricated pedestrian bridge. Enhancements include new lighting, benches and landscaping. The town has received the following financial commitments: Federal earmark, $760,000 non-matching; state appropriations, $1,000,000 non-matching; and American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The proposed cost for the project is about $2,002,828 for construction; with the construction, engineering and inspection being $120,170; and landscape, including a 20% contingency, coming in at $159,292.

INTERSECTIONS

The Town Council recently approved the design for the Windermere Road and Main Street roundabout. There also are improvements proposed for the Chase Road and Main Street intersection. A roundabout, continuous turn lanes and stops signs are all in discussion.

“Currently, there’s a four-way stop, which creates a lot of metering,” Smith said of the Windermere Road and Main Street roundabout. “In the best scenario, we would want the money for Sixth Avenue and Main Street to be funded first before we do improvements at Windermere Road and Main and also Chase and Main, but it didn’t work out that way through state appropriations. So, while we have the money, we might as well make these improvements while we can” Smith said the town will be able to move forward once the budget is signed by the governor.

As for the Sixth Avenue and Main Street roundabout improvements, there also are several concepts being discussed, including the widening and reducing of the area of the roundabout.

POTABLE WATER PHASES

Currently, Orange County Utilities provides potable water to 41% of the parcels within the town. The remaining parcels are on individual private water wells. The master plan evaluates extending the system that OCU owns and operates to provide water to all parcels.

The drivers for this project are safety, environmental protection and reliability. Smith said the project will provide a monitored, safe drinking water supply and improve fire protection capabilities.

WASTEWATER MASTER PLAN

Windermere was awarded $375,000 of state appropriations in 2023 to explore the implementation of a wastewater system throughout the town. At the April 9 Town Council meeting, the council awarded a contract to Kimley Horn and Associates to complete the pre-design study. The study should be completed in 18 months.

Vincent L. Ogburn has served the Ocoee Police Department since 2020.

Annabelle Sikes

Kitchen fire destroys Winter Garden home

AMY QUESINBERRY

COMMUNITY EDITOR

Patricia Oliver is comfortable in her small rental house — it provides a roof over her head and a place to sleep at night.

But it isn’t home.

Her home of 28 years — what’s left of it, anyway — is about two miles away, sitting empty save for two toilets and a water heater. The interior walls have been stripped to the studs, and the only floor is the concrete slab. Loose wires hang throughout. Soot has blackened her porch ceiling and streaked down the outside of her house, which was recently painted a calming green by volunteers with West Orange Habitat for Humanity.

Oliver’s house on Bethune Avenue was destroyed March 1 when a fire started in the kitchen and spread to other areas of the home. She said she turned on her stove to fry some fish but remembered she needed to take out the trash, so she turned off the stove. But even though the dial was in the “off” position, the burner continued heating, she said.

By the time she walked back into her house, the flames were rising and smoke was filling the house. She ran outside unharmed but panicked when she couldn’t find her aging Maltese, Pierre. Luckily, a firefighter was able to locate Pierre and the cage holding her hamster, Stone. Neither were injured.

A cousin offered to temporarily keep Pierre, and a 5-year-old greatniece is taking care of Stone, who has been renamed Ratty Rat.

“I was fine; just emotionally hurt,” Oliver said.

While the chemicals stopped the fire, they also ruined Oliver’s belongings, as did the smoke and black soot that blanketed and permeated every room in her threebedroom home.

“Everything was black,” she said.

“My entire house was just completely black. My clothes were black.”

Firefighters knocked holes in walls and ceilings looking for hotspots to make sure the fire was entirely out.

FRUSTRATING CONVERSATION

Oliver said her insurance company assigned an adjuster to talk to her; she has issues with the way this has

been handled. The adjuster arranged for a company in St. Petersburg to pick up her furniture and try to salvage what it could.

“They took all the good stuff,” she said. “They said I have two TVs — I had four — that were saved. My living room furniture is gone. I had pictures, I had whatnots, little things you pick up through the years, a full coffee table and end tables, my curtains were melted, the chandelier wasn’t salvageable. The dining room and the pictures on the walls were gone.

“My den furniture they saved, and my bedroom furniture they saved,” Oliver said. “They couldn’t save my rug; I had just bought that.” They were unable to save the furniture in her son’s bedroom, as well.

“All my kitchen appliances were gone,” she said. “I had all kinds of stuff in the kitchen, my Keurig, all kinds of blenders and electric fryers. All that is gone, gone, gone. Some of it was my mom’s old cast iron — she had this big roasting pan, and she had a deep-frying pan.”

Oliver received a phone call from the company cleaning her furniture, and she was told her belongings are ready for delivery, but her house is nowhere near ready to accept them.

Oliver currently is renting a home in Winter Garden. The money she received from the insurance company is going toward furniture storage and rent costs instead of house repairs.

Oliver had other issues with the adjuster.

“They’re supposed to come up with their prices; they write you a check and you pay the people to do the work,” Oliver said. “She didn’t do it that way. She got Servpro to do the demo.

“She wrote up one estimate of $62,000 and said this is just to start with,” Oliver said. “I said I have another company I want to come in and do the work. I didn’t want Servpro. She said, ‘But I picked Servpro for you.’ She argued and said tear up that check, and I’ll issue another. It was $40-somethingthousand.”

According to Oliver’s contractor, that is not enough money to cover all the repairs.

“My contractor said, ‘That’s not enough. Your house has to be rewired. They have to have another air conditioner,’” Oliver said. “He said, ‘The money she gave you won’t even start.’”

Servpro told Oliver she can’t get back into her house until August or September.

“They procrastinated; they just

finished cleaning out everything,” Oliver said. “(The adjuster) told them to tear out every wall, so they did. The contractor said that wasn’t necessary. When I called to question her about the check … she left the company.”

Servpro, the demolition company the adjuster selected to clean out Oliver’s house, removed everything but the water heater and two toilets.

Everything else — the ceiling, insulation, walls, hardwood floors, tile, cabinets, sinks, appliances — is gone.

“Nobody knows the emotion you go through,” Oliver said.

RETURNING HOME

Oliver, 73, is adamant about moving back into her home. She has spent most of her life in her community, growing up on Magnolia Avenue in east Winter Garden and graduating from Charles R. Drew High School in 1968.

She has faith in God to help her through times of trouble. Her son, Darryl Merchant, who lives with her, currently is in a rehabilitation center because of a recent leg amputation. Her car is running hot, so she tries to drive as little as possible, only taking her car to run a few errands and visit her son.

She is trying to be frugal with her money. Her church collected $400 in donations for Oliver right after the fire, but her expenses have far exceeded that amount.

She still must pay her mortgage, insurance and household bills at her Bethune home.

“What little money I had I had to get some clothes to wear and to feed myself and put gas in my car,” she said.

But she knows God is looking out for her.

“I sit here, and I just pray,” she said.

Design

/ Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com

News Editor / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com

Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com

Sports Editor / Sam Albuquerque, sama@OrangeObserver.com

Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com

Multimedia Advertising Executive / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com

Graphic Designer / Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@OrangeObserver.com

Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

Marketing and Sales Associate / Zari Gotay, zari@OrangeObserver.com

US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

“What little money I had I had to get some clothes to wear and to feed myself and put gas in my car.”

— Patricia Oliver

The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $60 per year and $110 per two years by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden,

COUNTY LEVEL

Failure of transportation sales tax leads April commission action

The commission voted unanimously Tuesday, April 9, not to put the proposed transportation sales tax on the November 2024 ballot.

ANNABELLE SIKES

Editor’s note: County Level is a monthly feature that highlights the most impactful actions taken by the Orange County Commission.

Discussions on the possibility of adding the transportation sales tax back to the November 2024 ballot led Orange County Commission actions in April. Several other decisions also were made that impacted West Orange and Southwest Orange.

TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX

Despite Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings’ attempts to bring a proposed transportation sales tax back to the November 2024 ballot, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday, April 9, not to add the item following a motion made by Demings himself.

Throughout the discussions, a majority of the commissioners, including District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson, said they could not support the tax plan no matter how it was structured.

“I’ll be talking to people in Oakland, Winter Garden, Windermere, Horizon West and Dr. Phillips, and I’ve got nothing for them,” Wilson said. “I mean, I literally have nothing to show them. … There’s a lot of people moving to that area, and I just don’t have anything to show them for voting on this measure.”

The vote was unanimous by the board following a two-hour work session.

Demings said he is OK with suspending the effort until 2026.

“From the beginning, I wanted to at least have the conversation, because so many people in our community wanted us to have a conversation, they wanted to give input,” he said. “We certainly have made a noble attempt to do that.”

Two years ago, the transportation sales tax referendum, which would have raised an estimated $600 million per year, failed substantially. It garnered just 41.5% of the vote in November 2022.

Locally, the tax would have funded $270 million over the next 20 years in transportation projects in the cities of Ocoee and Winter Garden and the towns of Windermere and Oakland.

Furthermore, county projects in District 1, which covers all of Horizon West, totaled about $913 million, county officials said.

Read Orange Observer’s full report on the transportation sales tax at bit. ly/3yeEZeA.

LAKE AVALON RURAL SETTLEMENT

PRESERVATION DISTRICT

Also at the Tuesday, April 9, meeting, Wilson asked to discuss the possibility of recognizing the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement as an official preservation district — something she said many residents have desired.

“Rural settlements on both sides of the county have been a hot topic, and we know that there’s a tremendous amount of development pressure in the west,” she said. “It’s a little bit more intense because of, potentially, not just Orange County’s comprehensive plan, that’s very close by within the sector plan, but also north of the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement with the city of Winter Garden. Now, we know that the densities and intensities of Horizon West are what they are, but with the city of Winter Garden’s annexation potential at the end of our, you know, term joint planning tenure, which is coming up, I want to make sure that the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement has preservation district in place. That would require them to be a participant in whatever any

ATTEND/WATCH THE BCC

BCC MEETING AGENDAS: bit.ly/3vWX1Be

ORANGE TV LIVE STREAM: bit.ly/3vV180J

VIEW PAST MEETINGS: bit.ly/42m9eeW

MEET THE BOARD

ORANGE COUNTY MAYOR: Jerry L. Demings

DISTRICT 1: Nicole H. Wilson

DISTRICT 2: Christine Moore

DISTRICT 3: Mayra Uribe

DISTRICT 4: Maribel Gomez Cordero

DISTRICT 5: Emily Bonilla

DISTRICT 6: Michael “Mike” Scott

municipality may have in mind for their future.”

Orange County Planning Manager

Alberto Vargas shared a brief presentation on what would be needed in terms of an ordinance to recognize the official designation.

The Lake Avalon Rural Settlement is 2,236 acres and stretches 3.5 miles. The area is surrounded by Winter Garden to the north and Horizon West to the south.

Gotha, effective in 1995 as the first preservation area, is one of the four other Rural Preservation Districts established since the Orange County charter was amended in 1992.

In addition, Dr. Phillips, effective 1998, is one of the three Urban Preservation Districts that has been established in the same part of the charter.

The motion to have Orange County staff draft an ordinance on the item to bring forward to the board at a future date passed unanimously.

LAKE APOPKA TRAIL CONNECTOR

On the consent agenda at the same meeting, the County Commission approved an amendment for a contract with WBQ Design & Engineering Inc. in the amount of $149,649.48, for a revised total contract amount of $1,654,838.31, for the final engineering design for the Lake Apopka Trail Connector, from Lake Apopka Loop to the West Orange Trail.

TEMPORARY FIRE STATION 48

At the Tuesday, April 23, meeting, county leaders approved the ground lease for temporary Fire Station 48 in the Horizon West area.

Now that Fire Station 44 has moved to its permanent location on Reams Road, this temporary station will continue to operate on Orlando Health property, located at 16596 Porter Road, Winter Garden, until a permanent station can be constructed and opened in Horizon West.

The new lease will provide for a threeyear agreement for the 43,559-squarefoot property.

GRAND CYPRESS RESORT

The Grand Cypress Resort Planned Development also was approved at the Tuesday, April 23, County Commission meeting.

Applicant Abdul Alkadry, Harris Civil Engineers, requested to change the use on a parcel from 84 short-term rental units to 84 multi-family residential units.

The project is located east of Winter Garden-Vineland Road and west of South Apopka-Vineland Road.

MAXEY COMMUNITY CENTER

On the Tuesday, April 23, consent agenda, county commissioners approved two separate agreements relating to community center utilization for services benefitting the public within the Maxey Community Center in Winter Garden.

The first is with Kingdom Culture Church, and the second is with Simeon Resource and Development Center for Men.

Foodie Call

Time capsule commemorates school’s history

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Pictures, newspaper clippings, a cowbell from welding students, a computer mouse, a film strip, a shoe, pamphlets from previous school programs, CDs, a coffee mug, seeds and a solar calculator were all items placed in the Orange Technical College — West Campus’ time capsule in 1999.

On Thursday, April 18, more than 50 people who have previously worked or currently work at the school attended a time capsule-opening event.

Although the capsule was in the walls of the school for 25 years, the contents date back another 25 years before that.

With the capsule now open, the OTC — West Campus team is ready to start the next chapter in its journey with the opening of the new campus come fall at 2010 Ocoee-Apopka Road, Ocoee.

There, OTC — West Campus Senior Director Scott Weidel plans on creating a new time capsule with contents from the previous location at 955 E. Story Road, Winter Garden.

PRESERVING THE PAST Westside Vocational School first opened in 1974, led by Frank House, who served as the senior director from 1974 to 1982.

Walt Cobb, who served as the second senior director of the school from 1983 to 2005, said the time capsule opening was very emotional for him.

“When I see all these people (who) have helped serve in our school community, it brings up a lot of different memories for me,” he said. “It was like a reunion of a family. That’s the type of atmosphere that I tried to create here — one where we were united and fulfilled a purpose of helping students change their lives. I always tried to build a core staff that felt like we were a team and who could come and talk to me about anything. Seeing everyone speak about that

MY VIEW

YOUR PROPERTY RIGHTS MAY CHANGE

S. SCOTT BOYD FORMER ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSIONER

If you live in an unincorporated part of Orange County — meaning outside of the many cities and municipalities throughout the county — your property rights may be at stake. Normally, if there is going to be a change in the way you can use your property or that may affect your property values, you would be provided notice and the opportunity to address the proposed change. In fact, it is state law that you be notified and be provided your constitutional right to due process. Unfortunately, a small body of non-elected officials may be circumventing this right. Even more unfortunate: This may be the first time you’re hearing about it.

culture was extremely special.”

Today, the school serves more than 3,300 community members.

Cobb credits Don Wagner, who served as a curriculum resource teacher at the school, for the inception of the time capsule.

Wagner decided there should be some type of documented history for the school and approached the school’s administration staff with the idea of creating the time capsule.

“I loved working here,” Wagner said. “It was so much fun. It was such an amazing place to work, and what made it even better was the people. It was like a family.”

Michael Armbruster said Cobb took a chance on him becoming part of the family, and, years later, it seems to have paid off.

“Walt was a member of the West Orange Country Club,” he said. “So, I saw him two or three times a week when I was working there. I was talking to him one day because he had a Westside T-shirt on, and I told him my wife was going to interview there. He ended up hiring her, and then two years later is when I went and spoke with him about maybe looking at teaching. He told me to come on out, so I did, and it changed my life forever. Hopefully, I’ve proved him right in his decision.”

Armbruster now serves as the deputy superintendent for Orange County Public Schools.

“When you think of a legacy, this is your legacy,” he said of Cobb. “You took a chance on me, and that’s not something I’ve ever taken for granted or something I’ve ever forgotten. I can never thank you enough for that. You have left a forever impact on me.”

PIONEERING THE FUTURE

Cobb said Weidel has been incredible in helping to continue the culture at OTC — West Campus.

“We have worked together really closely throughout the years,” he said of Weidel. “We go to lunch and talk

Over the last few months, a small, five-person subcommittee of the Orange County Charter Review Committee — the Sustainable Growth and Charter Clean Up Committee — has been quietly meeting and contemplating some pretty significant changes to our county charter (our county’s “constitution”).

The goal of these proposed charter amendments is simple: to freeze unincorporated Orange County in time and prevent new housing, businesses and innovation. Specifically, these amendments, among other things, circumvent our County Commission’s role in planning decisions by making it much more difficult for the commission to approve housing, zoning changes, or to execute or change already-complex jointplanning agreements with city governments. If they became part of our charter, it would become next to impossible for cities to expand their

about things, and I feel honored to be able to share my history, experiences and knowledge with him.”

Weidel has served as senior director for the school since July.

Previously, he served as a GED instructor before becoming assistant director at the OTC — West Campus, where he served for seven years. He then served as the senior director at the OTC Main and Avalon campuses for two years.

“I’ve had the good fortune of working at this campus in various roles for 15 out of my 17 years in education,” Weidel said. “I’ve met many amazing professionals during my career who have left an indelible mark on this campus. I’ve also heard many stories

services, for large and agricultural property owners to adapt to an ever-changing economy, and critical infrastructure investments (electric grid expansion, water lines, etc.) that the county has already made will become sunk costs, lying unused for generations.

These changes could take place without a charter amendment, because the comprehensive planning process, required by state law, provides a more appropriate and established vehicle to make these changes. So, why do it this way? Because the Charter Review process doesn’t require the same level of public notice or input. Individual property owners don’t have to be notified, hearings don’t have to be conducted with the same specificity, and the public in general doesn’t have the same opportunity to engage.

The Sustainable Growth committee has operated with reckless disregard for public input, with very little notice or publicity. The Charter

about faculty and staff members who worked here before me.”

The new 115,604-square-foot campus in Ocoee is a $42.3 million project that includes building and campus areas/space planned for growth and future expansion.

It will include five buildings— two two-story buildings and three onestory buildings — with features such as construction labs, classrooms, an event space and hybrid lab, cafe and campus store, administration offices, construction yard, and a full-service salon.

There are about 60 programs offered across the six OTC campuses. The new campus will feature building construction technology training M]

Review Committee’s bylaws specify each committee meeting must have at least two business days’ notice, with meeting announcements to be “posted on all available social media and digital channels.” A recent meeting of this committee had to be canceled and rescheduled for a lack of proper notice. No meeting in recent history has been given any publicity on social media. If you want to catch up on what has been said or decided, good luck. The audio recordings (there are no video recordings available) don’t show up until a couple of weeks after the meeting.

Beyond the lack of notice to individual property owners, the committee also has failed to include larger organizations that should have had a seat at the table. These include groups such as the Orange County Farm Bureau, the Orange County Cattlemen’s Association or any of our local Realtors associations. The Orange County Board of County Commissioners established an

programs such as electricity, welding and various apprenticeship programs — all leading to high-skill and highwage careers.

The campus also will help students with learning English, becoming an apprentice, earning a GED or expanding industry-based skills.

Weidel said the school already is in the planning stages of creating another time capsule.

“We want to fill it while we’re still at our current campus,” he said. “We also have plans to display the contents of the current time capsule and other historical artifacts at our new campus, so our students, faculty and staff members can learn about the rich history of this school.”

Agricultural Advisory Board, with the stated purpose to “assist in the review and analysis of Orange County rules, regulations and ordinances affecting the agricultural industry.” To date, this advisory board has not been informed or included in any of the discussion around these charter amendments. While this may be the first time you’ve heard about it, it’s not too late to stand up for your property rights and engage. Let the CRC know that you’re watching. Demand this unconstitutional and potentially illegal process be conducted properly — not behind a curtain.

S. Scott Boyd, a sixth-generation agricultural producer, has served as the past president of the Orange County Farm Bureau and is a former Orange County commissioner. He remains actively engaged in farming across Orange, Lake, Hendry and Collier counties.

Left: Michael Armbruster, left, Orange County Public Schools deputy superintendent, and Walt Cobb, previous senior director at OTC, reminisced at the event.

Photos by Annabelle Sikes

Above: The time capsule contained items such as an old computer mouse and newspapers.

Left: Don Wingate passed the time capsule items around the room for guests to see.

Horizon West saddles up for Hamlin Hoedown

With pony rides, a barnyard petting zoo and classic country tunes, Horizon West offered plenty of country fun at the 2024 Hamlin Hoedown, held Saturday, May 4, in the Hamlin green space. The family-friendly event brought together the community with plenty of fun activities for the kids, food trucks selling yummy bites and vendors showing off their creations.

— SAM ALBUQUERQUE

Ocoee Fire Department

Open House was straight fire

The Ocoee Fire Department opened its doors to the community for its annual open house event, held Saturday, April 27, at Ocoee Fire Station 25. The event was a day full of family fun for those in attendance. Attendees enjoyed free food and drinks, fun activities — like trying their hand at using a real fire hose, face painting and an inflatable obstacle course — and guided tours by firefighters of the station, a truck and other emergency vehicles. Beyond the fun activities and photo opportunities with the fire department’s coolest firefighting tools, there also was a free raffle that gave away stuffed animals and other items to the families at the event.

— SAM ALBUQUERQUE

The 2024 Hamlin Hoedown was filled with entertainment, including stilt-walkers and platespinners.

Dylan Almeida took advantage of the free pony rides at the event.

Left: Sheridan Chavarria, left, Isabella Henao and Mateo posed for a picture with the barn backdrop.

Daisy, left, and Toby Short enjoyed playing mega-sized Jenga during the hoedown.

Ocoee Fire Marshal Shawn Sorenson and his son, Levi, handed out raffle tickets to eventgoers.

Left: Tristan Diaz climbed up and enjoyed testing out the fire department’s utility task vehicle.

Maddox Hill, left, with the help of firefighter Armando Perez, took his turn at fire hose target practice.

Right: Twin sisters Summer, left, and Amber Manly enjoyed the free fire department hats and face painting at the event.

Sunset Bay estate sells for

Ahome in the Sunset Bay community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from April 22 to 28.

The home at 5020 Down Point Lane, Windermere, sold April 24, for $4,250,000. Built in 2005, it has eight bedrooms, eight baths and 9,621 square feet. Days on market: Two. The sellers were represented by Rajia Ackley, Coldwell Banker Realty.

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

DR. PHILLIPS

DELLAGIO

The home at 8329 Via Vittoria Way, Orlando, sold April 26, for $1,275,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,246 square feet. Days on market: 33.

NORTH BAY

The home at 5519 Bay Side Drive, Orlando, sold April 26, for $1,050,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,811 square feet. Days on market: 28.

PARKVIEW RESERVE

The home at 10343 Parkview Reserve Lane, Orlando, sold April 26, for $871,875. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,253 square feet.

RESERVE AT CYPRESS POINT

The home at 8853 Cypress Reserve Circle, Orlando, sold April 22, for $1,400,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,774 square feet. Days on market: Four.

SAND LAKE HILLS

The home at 8186 Bluestar Circle, Orlando, sold April 25, for $550,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,512 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

VISTA CAY

The condo at 4816 Cayview Ave., No. 206, Orlando, sold April 24, for $680,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,001 square feet. Days on market: 11.

HORIZON WEST

ENCLAVE AT BERKSHIRE PARK

The home at 7218 Londale Blvd., Windermere, sold April 26, for $565,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,147 square feet. Days on market: Four.

HARVEST AT OVATION

The home at 15149 Summer Harvest St., Winter Garden, sold April 26, for $649,675. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,963 square feet. Days on market: 16.

The home at 15136 Alder Chase Alley, Winter Garden, sold April 23, for $618,699. Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 2,241 square feet.

The home at 15129 Summer Harvest St. sold April 23, for $579,655. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,338 square feet.

The home at 15145 Summer Harvest St. sold April 25, for $564,405. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,991 square feet.

HAWKSMOOR

The home at 16173 Taliesin St. sold April 24, for $495,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,676 square feet. Days on market: 63.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 15115 Lake Claire

Overlook Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 26, for $710,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,010 square feet. Days on market: One.

The home at 15575 Hamlin Blossom Ave. sold April 23, for $522,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,010 square feet. Days on market: 28.

HIGHLAND RIDGE

The home at 12320 Bracco St., Winter Garden, sold April 22, for $512,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,114 square feet. Days on market: 46.

The home at 12295 Bracco St., Winter Garden, sold April 26, for $511,865. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,788 square feet. Days on market: 41.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 13928 Magnolia Ridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold April 23, for $740,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,883 square feet. Days on market: 307.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 13053 Inkwell Alley, Winter Garden, sold April 25, for $549,900. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,042 square feet. Days on market: 13.

SUMMERLAKE

The townhouse at 15413 Blackbead St., Winter Garden, sold April 22, for $449,900. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,720 square feet. Days on market: 95.

SUMMERPORT

The home at 4680 Blue Major Drive sold April 25, for $720,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,219 square feet. Days on market: 66.

The townhouse at 5418 Kumquat Loop, Windermere, sold April 22, for $395,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,128 square feet. Days on market: Three.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 9851 Beach Port Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 24, for $1,285,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,911 square feet. Days on market: 129.

The home at 9591 Bolero Road sold April 25, for $1,240,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,416 square feet. Days on market: 40.

The home at 18398 Oliver Twist Way, Winter Garden, sold April 25, for $786,056. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,225 square feet. Days on market: Four.

The home at 18332 Oliver Twist Way, Winter Garden, sold April 22, for $776,246. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,334 square feet.

The home at 10266 Atwater Bay Drive sold April 25, for $645,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,117 square feet. Days on market: 79.

The home at 9348 McLaren Alley sold April 22, for $610,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,477 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

The home at 14265 Colonia Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 25, for $1,190,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 4,006 square feet. Days on market: 25.

WINCEY GROVES

The home at 16265 Misty Hills Ave., Winter Garden, sold April 26, for $720,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,270 square feet. Days on market: 23.

WINDING BAY

The home at 14960 Lebeau Loop, Winter Garden, sold April 26, for $644,900. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,382 square feet. Days on market: 52.

OAKLAND TRAILSIDE STATION

The home at 1210 Trailside Court, Oakland, sold April 23, for $480,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,362 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

OCOEE ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 3004 Sugar Magnolia Drive, Ocoee, sold April 25, for $555,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,682 square feet. Days on market: 10.

BROOKESTONE

The home at 364 Belhaven Falls Drive, Ocoee, sold April 25, for $645,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,587 square feet. Days on market: Three.

EAGLES LANDING

The home at 2975 Westyn Cove Lane, Ocoee, sold April 22, for $529,900. Built in 2011, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,551 square feet. Days on market: 37.

FOREST OAKS

The home at 500 Hager Drive, Ocoee, sold April 26, for $370,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,371 square feet. Days on market: 25.

FORESTBROOKE

The home at 3385 Starbird Drive, Ocoee, sold April 25, for $525,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,551 square feet. Days on market: 17.

LAKE MEADOW LANDING

The townhouse at 1902 Terrapin Road, Ocoee, sold April 26, for $455,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,841 square feet. Days on market: 70.

LAKE OLYMPIA NORTH VILLAGE

The home at 1337 Olympia Park Circle, Ocoee, sold April 26, for $540,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,442 square feet. Days on market: 11.

The home at 1365 Olympia Park Circle, Ocoee, sold April 26, for $450,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,952 square feet.

PLANTATION GROVE WEST

The home at 11012 Groveshire Court, Ocoee, sold April 23, for $535,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,429 square feet. Days on market: 120.

SILVER GLEN

The home at 301 Forest Crest Court, Ocoee, sold April 26, for $594,500. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,738 square feet. Days on market: 15.

WYNWOOD

The home at 3511 Wynwood Forest Drive, Ocoee, sold April 22, for $640,990. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,787 square feet. Days on market: 110.

The home at 2347 Greenwood Oak Drive, Ocoee, sold April 23, for $517,990. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,601 square feet. Days on market: 44.

The home at 2326 Greenwood Oak Drive, Ocoee, sold April 23, for $518,990. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,601 square feet. Days on market: 155.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

ROYAL LEGACY ESTATES

The home at 9350 Royal Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold April 22, for $1,420,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,497 square feet. Days on market: 80.

WINDERMERE

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6142 Foxfield Court, Windermere, sold April 26, for $1,385,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,035 square feet. Days on market: Three.

LAKES

The home at 10318 Down Lakeview Circle, Windermere, sold April 24, for $1,770,000. Built in 1989, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 4,730 square feet. Days on market: 26.

LES TERRACES

The home at 2721 Ingeborg Court, Windermere, sold April 23, for $920,000. Built in 1985, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,693 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

SILVER WOODS

The home at 4809 Breezy Palms Court, Windermere, sold April 26, for $562,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,819 square feet. Days on market: Three.

SUNSET BAY

The home at 5020 Down Point Lane, Windermere, sold April 24, for $4,250,000. Built in 2005, it has eight bedrooms, eight baths and 9,621 square feet. Days on market: Two.

WILLOWS AT LAKE RHEA

The home at 11217 Willow Gardens Drive, Windermere, sold April 26, for $815,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,824 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

WINTER GARDEN

BRONSON’S LANDING

The home at 2108 Tillman Ave., Winter Garden, sold April 22, for $780,000. Built in 2007, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,078 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 1099 Huntspoint St., Winter Garden, sold April 26, for $730,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,404 square feet. Days on market: 105.

TUSCANY

The home at 1573 Victoria Way, Winter Garden, sold April 22, for $534,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,739 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22.

WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE The home at 17125 Quicksilver Ave., Winter Garden, sold April 23, for $554,500. Built in 2021, it has

and 2,522

Property Media

home at 5020 Down Point Lane, Windermere, sold April 24, for $4,250,000. This estate boasts two acres of shoreline on Lake Down. The sellers were represented by Rajia Ackley, Coldwell Banker Realty.

SPORTS

In her final season at Dr. Phillips, QB Olivia Cadiz led the Panthers girls flag football team to its third district championship and an appearance in the Regional Finals. 2B.

PLAN OF ATTACK

With defenders keying in on slowing down James Candrian, Horizon boys volleyball’s other playmakers have taking advantage of it and made its opponents pay.

Florida. Wright, a 6-foot-6 wing and four-star prospect, transferred to Olympia for his senior season from The Rock School in Gainesville and was a major factor for the Titans. In 29 games, he averaged 16.2 points — a team-high — 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.2 steals. His output helped guide the Titans to a 20-9 record and an appearance in the Class 7A, Region 2 championship game.

3

1

After Lake Buena Vista High reached the FHSAA Class 3A boys tennis team state final four but ultimately fell in the semifinals to St. Thomas Aquinas High, a pair of Vipers still took home state championships in the individual tournaments. LBV’s No. 1 Pete Tran, a Rollins College commit, took home the singles state championship trophy after topping Fleming Island High’s Zach Hyatt in a dominant two-set performance — 6-1, 6-2. For the doubles state championship, it was Tran again, along with Vipers’ No. 2 Wil Nguyen, who took home the Class 3A state title. The pair also dominated the final match, winning it in straight sets — 6-1, 6-2 — over Fletcher High’s pair Reef Davis and Brayden Woods.

2Olympia High boys basketball player Kameren Wright announced his college commitment. He will continue his playing career at the University of South

Both Windermere High and The First Academy won their respective baseball district championships Thursday, May 2. The Wolverines (24-3) brought home their third consecutive Class 7A, District 5 title after topping Olympia High (17-10) by a score of 5-1. Senior outfielder Ty Head went 2-for-3 from the plate, with a run and RBI, while seniors Gabriel Rodriguez, Juan Lopez and Aidan Reyes each drove in runs. On the mound for Windermere, junior pitcher Connor Fink allowed just one run and three hits in his five innings pitched and took home the win. He improved his record to 7-0 on the season.

In Class 2A, The Royals (21-6) brought home its fifth-consecutive district crown after beating rivals Foundation Academy (25-4), 4-2. Juniors Austin Pierzynski, Blake Fields and Remo Indomenico were vital to getting TFA the win. Pierzynski went 2-for-2 at the plate, with a sacrifice fly, and knocked in two runs. Indomenico went 2-for-3 and scored two

runs for the Royals, while Fields also went 2-for-3 from the plate, scored two runs and drove in one more. Senior Zack Hopper led the Royals from the mound, pitching five innings and only allowing two hits and one run.

4

After a 33-year coaching career, Olympia High boys basketball coach Rob Gordon has announced he will step away and finish his coaching run. In his 20 years as a head coach, Gordon racked up 346 wins, won six district championships and back-to-back Metro Championships, while also reaching the state final four once. He was also named Metro Conference Coach of the Year twice and FACA District Coach of the Year four times.

5

Horizon West Wolves, a youth football and cheerleading program, has announced via its Facebook page that its president, Keith Johnston, and vice president, Nick Torani, have been inducted into the Central Florida Youth Football & Cheer Hall of Fame as part of its 2024 class. The induction ceremony was held at Lake Howell High School’s football field in Winter Park May 4. Along with Johnston and Torani, 11 others were part of the 2024 class: Dave Hudak, Dave Rollins, Mike Desantis, Angela Williams, Brandy Stephen, Ante Benzija, Tom Martinez, Daryl Menner, Eugene Mitchell, Walter Smith and Ocoee Assistant City Manager Craig Shadrix.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE

SPORTS EDITOR

Newton’s law of gravity states the greater an object’s mass, the more gravitational pull it exerts. The same is true of a star athlete in sports: The better the player, the more effect they have on their opponent’s strategy.

Horizon High’s senior boys volleyball player James “JP” Candrian is that player for the Hawks. Candrian is a 6-foot-7, outside hitter who punishes the opposition with his incredible vertical leap and deadly hitting ability. The senior — committed to playing Division I collegiate volleyball at Purdue University in Fort Wayne, Indiana — has been tremendous this season for Horizon, racking up 306 kills in 66 sets. That kind of production has done a few things for Horizon boys volleyball, but the main one is Candrian now garners the attention of his opponents

SESSION

nearly every time he steps on the court.

“We know defenses are gameplanning to stop me from getting easy hits,” Candrian said. “That’s OK, because I don’t mind the challenge, and I know that the more they focus on me, the more my teammates will have better opportunities to score. I trust them to get the job done.”

In fact, Candrian receives so much attention that his gravitational pull is doing something special for his teammates. It’s giving them an opportunity to attack a defense that is overly focused on stopping Candrian. In doing so, they ignore junior Xander Hammer, senior Jonathan Slattery and sophomore Pietro Franco at the other hitter spots.

The stress Candrian puts on defenses helped lead the Hawks to a District 9 championship, a Metro West Conference championship, a 21-4 record and the No. 1 seed in Region 3 of the SEE HORIZON PAGE 3B

Part 1: Sam’s

spring football stops

Spring football is in high gear, so Orange Observer Sports Editor Sam Albuquerque stopped by practice at The First Academy, Windermere High and West Orange High. Here are the top notes, tidbits and thoughts he picked up.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE

SPORTS EDITOR

Spring football is a special moment on the high school sports calendar. There’s nothing else that’s quite like it. It’s a unique combination of the fanfare and pageantry of the fall’s Friday Night Lights and the hope that comes at the beginning of every new season. It either is a harbinger of your team’s upcoming dominance or of a long season ahead. To celebrate this moment on the

Florida high school sports calendar, Orange Observer Sports Editor

Sam Albuquerque will be making the rounds during the 2024 spring football session to bring you all the best notes, tidbits and thoughts he picks up from visiting West Orange’s and Southwest Orange’s teams. The teams featured in the Week

One edition of Sam’s spring football stops are The First Academy, West Orange High and Windermere High.

THE FIRST ACADEMY

2023 record: 6-4

Team scrimmage: 6 p.m. May 23

Coach: Jeff Conaway

Key returners, additions: QB Salomon Georges Jr., DL Christian Willis, ATH Demetrice McCray and ATH Evan James

A whole lot has changed at Warden Stadium this spring under secondyear coach Jeff Conaway and his

The Horizon High boys volleyball team entered the playoffs as the top-ranked West Orange, Southwest Orange area team.

Sam Albuquerque

Olivia Cadiz

Dr. Phillips High girls flag

quarterback Olivia Cadiz capped off her stellar career by leading the Panthers to a 12-2 record, its third district championship in four seasons and an appearance in the FHSAA Class 2A Regional Finals.

Cadiz — an Ottawa University signee — was named one of three recipients of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2024 DREAM BIG Scholarship, has been named a U.S. Army Bowl All-American and has been invited to participate in the Orlando-area All-Star game and the All-State game.

Beyond all those accolades though, Cadiz’s dream is to play in the Olympics, and starting this summer she’ll have the chance to do so, as she’s been invited to train with the Italian National team.

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the

It feels great. It’s an achievement that validates the

What do you like most about flag football?

All the different kinds of people you meet through it.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned through flag football?

How to work with (a lot of) different types of athletes and adjust to their abilities and playing styles.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Tom Brady, because he was overlooked early in his career. (He was) never the strongest, fastest or the loudest player, but because he never gave up on himself, he became one of the greatest.

Is there someone after whom you try to model your game? It’s a mix between Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.

What is your favorite flag football memory?

My last high school game. The whole team felt super connected, and I was able

THE BASICS Age: 18 Sport: Flag football Grade: Senior School: Dr. Phillips High

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

Chocolate, peanut butter and banana smoothie, with a chicken and cheese quesadilla.

What is your favorite nonsports hobby? Playing piano.

What is your favorite subject in school?

English; I love writing and constructing arguments. I’ve had really good English teachers, who have inspired me and opened my mind.

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

My phone, a portable charger and WiFi, so I can call my friends to join me and bring food.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Grand Budapest Hotel.”

It’s very original, and I love the cinematography.

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

My great-grandmother, so I can eat her cooking one more time and show her how far I’ve come.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when would you go? When crypto was first invented, so I could buy a bunch.

Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self? When people show you their true colors, believe them.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be? What didn’t I spend enough time doing?

Who is your favorite superhero hero?

Football is back, baby!

transfers players into one cohesive team, he didn’t seem too worried about it.

Royals football team. With two new coordinators and what seems like an endless amount of playmakers at every position group, The First Academy football is ready to start making noise this upcoming season and based on what I saw during practice, they’re already pretty loud.

NO. 1: It starts with the big boys up front.

If you watch the Royals’ offensive line walk off the bus, you might mistake them for an SEC team because of how big they are. Just to give you an idea, here’s a list of the heights and weights of some of their linemen:

Chancellor Barclay, 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds (2026)

Noah Devine, 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds (2025)

Gerard Gearity, 6-foot-4, 280 pounds (2026)

Sean Kentish, 6-foot-4, 280 pounds (2026)

Reed Ramsier, 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds (2027)

Felipe Spekla, 6-foot-5, 255 pounds (2027)

Trintin Thomas, 6-foot and 290 pounds (2026)

Jarvis Williams, 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds (2025)

After watching TFA’s third practice of spring ball, I can see why he didn’t flinch at the challenge. The Royals practiced like they’ve been playing with this same roster and coach for years. It was smooth, efficient and impressive. After seeing it in person, from the talent on the field to the quick manner in which Conaway and his staff have managed to piece everything together, I wouldn’t be surprised if TFA football is competing for a state championship as soon as this season.

WEST ORANGE HIGH 2023 record: 3-7 Spring game vs. Lyman: 7 p.m. May 16

Coach: Geno Thompson Key returners/additions: DB Ivan Taylor, DB Devin Jackson Jr., WR Larry Miles and OL Nico Marti

The Warriors of West Orange High are yet again chock full of talent at nearly every position going into the 2024 spring football season for coach Geno Thompson. And despite a disappointing 2023 season, the returning senior group is ready to help flip the script.

NO. 2: QB1 seems settled.

When asked about what the quarterback position battle looked like in the early portion of spring practices, Thompson was clear: Rising sophomore Brian Dillard is the quarterback. Last season, Dillard shared time under center with Jack Reilly — who moved to St. Francis High in Illinois — totaling 519 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions on 84 total touches as a freshman. Thompson said he expects Dillard to utilize his elite athleticism to extend plays and do whatever his team needs of him to win ball games.

NO. 3: West Orange’s offensive line will be the backbone of this team.

Led by senior Nico Marti, who has moved inside from tackle to center this season, Thompson believes this group of offensive linemen will be key to making the Warriors offense click.

“(They’re) going to take us as far as we can go,” Thompson said. “This year, our O-Line is head and shoulders above any other year I’ve been here.”

WINDERMERE HIGH

2023 record: 3-7

Spring game at Lake Gibson: 7:30 p.m. May 23, Coach: Riki Smith

Key returners/additions: OL/DL Noah Elkhander, ATH Bryce Speed and WR Anthony Klier-Enos

Following a program-best season in 2023 under coach Riki Smith — the first coach in program history to return for a third season — the Wolverines are starting to gain momentum as a program. And, with a new on-campus stadium slated to open this fall, 2024 could see Windermere turn the corner and establish itself as a force.

NO. 1: Despite the 2023 starter returning, Windermere could see new a QB1.

tried to do the right thing, even

The Joker. Although crazy, he’s

If you could travel to three places in

Switzerland for the chocolate; Amsterdam for the windmills and flower fields; and Utah for the national

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

Does pineapple belong on pizza? -

SAM ALBUQUERQUE

Regardless of the classification or the competition, this type of size up front is impressive and alone will help the Royals win ball games. But when you consider TFA will be competing at the Class 1A level, you have to think a deep playoff run is in the cards for the 2024 Royals.

NO. 2: The future at quarterback for the Royals is in great hands.

Since rising senior QB Salomon Georges Jr., transferred to The First Academy from Leesburg High earlier this year, it was clear the starting quarterback spot for the Royals would be set for former Leesburg coach and now TFA offensive coordinator Steven Moffett.

But now, since the cancellation of the spring football season at Lake Minneola High, the Royals brought in another transfer QB, William Jackson. A 6-foot-4 rising sophomore with an offer from Arkansas, Jackson played sparingly last season for the Hawks. He only attempted eight passes, but anybody with eyes can see the talent oozing out of the kid.

With some refinement and a year as Georges Jr.’s backup, expect Jackson to be under center in 2026 and 2027 for the Royals.

NO. 3: Despite the roster turnover, Royals practice ran like a well-oiled machine.

When I sat down with Conaway to ask him about everything that was happening at TFA athletics in April, one of the questions I had for him was about the challenge of meshing upwards of 15-plus

NO. 1: The Warriors have electric athletes on both sides of the ball. It’s no secret West Orange has a group of dynamic athletes returning from its 2023 team, but the sheer number of great to elitelevel players athletes on this roster is remarkable.

In just the secondary, there are six players who probably will play at the collegiate level — Notre Dame commit Ivan Taylor, threestar prospect Devin Jackson, threestar prospect Devonte Anderson, Ole Miss-offered Donovan Lanier, Chakai Scott and Artavius Riley Jr. — not to mention the receivers; three-star prospect Larry Miles and Ole Miss-offered Ryne Brown. West Orange has dudes on the outside.

As a junior, Bryce Speed utilized his versatility and athleticism to lead the Wolverines to a historic season as its starting quarterback. But as any good coach and program-builder would do, Smith wants to give Speed the best opportunity for his future. In this scenario, that means shifting the rising senior to different positions and not under center.

“Bryce is such a good athlete; we’re going to try to move him around,” Smith said. “At the next level, he’s an athlete. So as a coach, I want to put him in the best situation possible to move on to play at the next level and that’s not at quarterback. It’s at slot receiver, corner or in the return game.” The two QBs who seemed to be vying for the Wolverines’ starting QB spot were rising juniors Gabriel Gomes and Cody Owens, a transfer from Ohio. Although Smith expects the starter to change in 2024, he did reserve the right to put Speed back under center, if necessary.

football

Photos by Sam Albuquerque

West Orange High’s defensive back group, led by Devin Jackson Jr. and Ivan Taylor will be vital to the Warriors’ 2024 success.

The First Academy rising sophomore quarterback William Jackson lined up an off-platform throw during practice.

Horizon set up for deep playoff run

FHSAA boys volleyball state championship tournament.

“JP is the heart of our team,” Horizon coach Christine Geminiani said. “When he came to Horizon as a sophomore, you could tell early on he was a very talented kid, a hard worker. That’s why he’s our captain now. For us, the team, the plays go through him because you cannot deny that he’s an exceptional, D-I level player.”

THE SET-UP MAN

NO. 2: Being an independent program is exciting opportunity for the Wolverines.

When the FHSAA new football classifications came out in January and Orange County Public Schools decided to make Windermere football, along with seven other schools, an independent program, there was a lot of uncertainty about the 2024 season.

Now, with its schedule sorted, Windermere views independence as an exciting opportunity for the young program on the rise.

“(The players) received it well,” Smith said. “I just told them, as a coach and role model, ‘I have to be honest with you guys; I think us being an independent program allows our team to be more competitive.’ That’s just the truth. So, we’ll be independent for the next two years, and then we’ll revisit this conversation. But I just told the kids the truth: We have more

ONLINE See more photos at OrangeObserver.com FROM OPPOSITE PAGE

of an opportunity to compete … and that’s really a blessing.”

NO. 3: Windermere coach Riki Smith doesn’t hold back punches with his players. Smith doesn’t mince words when speaking to his players — especially about where the program is currently at and the standard to which he holds the program.

Following a warm-up period, Smith, in his charming and boisterous tone, stood in front of his players and spoke for 15 minutes straight about what he’s seen in a few practice sessions and the reality of where they stood in comparison to the powerhouse programs in Central Florida. In a way that balanced criticism with encouragement, Smith simply kept it real with his players and they seemed to respond well during the practice.

As the program continues to grow under Smith, his ability to communicate with his players effectively will be crucial to the development of Wolverine football.

However, despite Candrian’s pull, Geminiani and the rest of the team know volleyball is a team sport.

“(Setter) Ian (Silva) is a very talented and hard-working player for us,” Geminiani said. “Along with JP, he’s my co-captain. Both of those boys are great leaders for the team. … Often I let them make a lot of decisions on the court because of how much I trust them.”

Silva, who has dished out 524 assists in 74 sets, knows more than anyone how critical teamwork is to finding success on the court. As the setter, Silva’s main responsibility is to transition the team from defense to offense — ideally by receiving the first pass from a defended opposition attack. Then on his team’s second touch, he sets up one of his teammates with the perfect pass for a hit that ultimately results in a point for his side.

Silva is uniquely important to the success of this Hawks team, because he’s the one who not only decides where the ball is going but also the quality in which that pass is made.

It’s a pressure-filled position, for sure, but Silva is up for the challenge.

“What really brings the pressure down for me is I have players who can fix a bad pass,” Silva said. “A lot of

the times when I mess up a pass, our hitters are so good that they’ll avoid hitting the ball into the net or out of bounds, and they give us a chance to keep playing for that point.”

BUCKETS

EASY

When Silva is clicking and Candrian’s hitting threat is pulling blockers toward him, Horizon knows it has its opponents right where it wants them.

“I’m always looking at the blockers; it’s my job as a setter to always be conscious of what the blockers are thinking, what they’re seeing,” Silva said. “Before I set the ball, I look at the blockers, at where their eyes are looking toward and most of the time it’s at JP, and when it’s clear like that I can take advantage of the solo blockers and either set middle or right side for us to get the kill.”

Often, the person receiving those sets and single blockers is Slattery, Horizon’s big man in the middle.

“Big John is not only a phenomenal hitter for our team, he also gets it done in the classroom and is the senior class valedictorian,” Geminiani said.

“As our middle blocker, Johnathan is another key piece for us. He has the third-most kills and most total blocks for us this season.”

With 106 kills and 28 blocks, the 6-foot-8 middle blocker has shown he is a star. But when you add in a consistent array of single blockers, Slattery will tell you how much simpler his life is with Candrian by his side.

“Yes, it’s definitely easier when JP’s on the front row with me, because it usually means it’ll be just the single blocker on me,” he said. “Because there’s generally only that one blocker, we try to always make sure we have good hitters on both sides of the court to take advantage of that. Whenever we see that we’re getting those single blockers, we really try to go for it and make teams pay.”

Legacy Events for Education awards scholarships

The organization recognized outstanding seniors from West Orange and Southwest Orange at its annual scholarship recipient ceremony.

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Legacy Events for Education hosted its annual scholarship recipient ceremony Monday, April 22, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center.

The event recognizes outstanding seniors from West Orange and Southwest Orange County schools who have made an impactful difference in their community through volunteerism both on and off campus.

Since its inception in 2019, Legacy has delivered more than $120,000 in scholarships and grants to local graduates and their schools through the production of fundraising events like the Central Florida Chili Cook Off and the Hamlin Craft Beer Festival, sponsorships from local businesses, and individual donations from the community.

Legacy’s programs include the Leave a Legacy and Teacher Nominated scholarships, as well as the Legacy Leaders Academy. The scholarships are awarded to students who have performed hundreds of volunteer hours during high school. The academy includes classes such as College Prep 101 — Parent Edition and Finance for the Future, presented to both parents and students in partnership with local coaches, tutors and financial institutions.

David Terry, president and founder of Legacy, thanked board members, event sponsors, volunteers and his family members. He said he is excited about the expansion of the organization.

What started with just Windermere High School has grown to encompass West Orange, Horizon and Ocoee high schools. He said more new additions to Legacy’s programs are coming soon.

“I probably do about 1,000 hoursplus a year, and I also have a fulltime job,” Terry said. “I do everything during the year for this night, so that I can be here with you and your children and to give checks to deserving young people, because we work pretty hard all year to do this, and this is something that is very rewarding to us.”

LEAVING A LEGACY

Jessica Villegas, Legacy secretary who has served on the board for the last two years, welcomed attendees and served as the event’s emcee.

“It’s been my genuine pleasure to see so many young people come through our scholarship program and meet so many young leaders who have been leaving a lasting legacy on their schools and their community,” she said. “They give from the heart, and they have the spirit of leaders, and that is so often overlooked in our society. We don’t recognize that enough, so I want to genuinely thank each of you for everything that you have contributed to our communities and to our schools over the last several years.”

Annual sponsors for the event include Hamlin, Shannon Till — State Farm, Observer Media Group, Horizon West Happenings, the city of Ocoee and Cannonfire Photography.

The scholarship sponsors are McCoy Federal Credit Union, McCoy Cares Scholarship; Orlando Health, Dr. Cheri Richardson Scholarship; Horizon Custom Home Technologies, Teacher Nominated scholarships; and Horizon West Professionals, Rising Star Entrepreneur Grant.

Several board members and community partners shared words throughout the ceremony, including Heather Easterling, Boyd Development; Lyndsay Fogarty, McCoy Federal Credit Union; and Joseph Khayat, Orlando Health.

Till shared a personal story that related to the importance of leaving a positive impact on the community.

“We all put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this all year long, and this is the exact reason why,” she said. “My goal, my reason for being in this area is really to help our community and really make a difference and inspire those around me. … This

THE RECIPIENTS

Karen McGouirk, director of student relations, and Beth Siegmann, scholarship committee chair, helped to announce and pass out the scholarships to students.

organization, more than many of the other ones that I work with, really gives me the ability to give back in a way that goes beyond more than just the people I touch. … We all have options. These days, we talk about four-letter words. We all know what four-letter words are. They can be hate, pain and a lot of other words that we’re really not looking forward to, but what they can also be is love, help and other happy words. You individually are responsible with your own words and actions. Make sure you’re looking at life through the lens of the Boggle and looking for the four-letter words that you want to attract.”

Adeline Mueller received the McCoy Cares Scholarship, and Diya Raj received the Dr. Cheri Richardson Scholarship. Amelia Dixon, Horizon High, and Nehemiah Williams, Windermere High, received the Horizon West Professional Rising Star Entrepreneur Grant. The recipients of the Leave a Legacy scholarships are: Kishsn Sukhu and Kaitlyn Godek, Ocoee High; Kate Woods and Hannah Anderson, West Orange High; Brady Heimermann and Lucas Drone, Windermere High; and Amelia Dixon, Horizon High. The recipients of the Teacher Nominated scholarships are:

Bailey Castle, nominated by Garrett Kelly, and Gene Ortiz Algarin, nominated by Brandy

Photos courtesy of Cannonfire Photography

Bailey Castle, Ethan Roth, Gavin DelVecchio, Finn Olesen, Gianna Crouse, Ava Hunter, Ariadna Uzcategui and Gene Ortiz Algarin received the Teacher Nominated Scholarship.

Brady Heimermann, Amelia Dixon, Kaitlyn Godek, Kate Woods and Lucas Drone received the Leave a Legacy Scholarship.

Watters, Ocoee High; Gianna Crouse, nominated by Jerome Naso, and Finn Olesen, nominated by Brooke Maroth, West Orange High; Ava Hunter, nominated by Evan Brengel, and Ethan Roth, nominated by Jonathan Jackson, Windermere High; and Ariadna Uzcategui, nominated by Melanie Jerez, and Gavin DelVecchio, nominated by Raymond Mason, Horizon High.

With last year’s starting quarterback moving to wide receiver, Windermere High might see someone new under center.

Sam Albuquerque

Ian Silva, left, James “JP” Candrian and Jonathan Slattery are all key members of the Hawks 2024 team.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

HEATHER ZOLLER

HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL

Heather Zoller is the lead student counselor at Horizon High School. In her role, she serves as an academic adviser who provides support to students on course selection, academic goals and career planning, while also assisting with strategies for academic success. In addition, she assists students and families who may be facing personal challenges. Zoller was recognized as the Horizon Teacher of the Year and the School Counselor of Year for the 2021-22 school year. However, she said none of the achievements compares to being called a mom.

“Heather works tirelessly to ensure Horizon High School is the top producer of career and college-ready graduates in OCPS,” Principal Andrew Jackson said.

What brought you to your school?

I was one of seven employees first hired in January 2021 to open up Horizon High School in the fall as a relief high school for Windermere High School. I felt it was time to experience growth and challenge in my career and be a part of creating something new, especially in the town in which I live: Winter Garden.

What do you love most about your school?

Our community, students and staff. I feel we have an environment that is welcoming and allows students to think critically and explore their passions. We have had one graduation class thus far, so every year going forward allows students and staff the opportunity to create traditions that can last for generations to come. Being in one of the fastest-growing areas in OCPS, we have families coming from all over the world, and it is wonderful to bring everyone together to grow Hawk Nation.

REPORT CARD

POSITION: Lead student counselor TIME AT SCHOOL: Three years with Horizon High School; 13 years with Orange County Public Schools

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Watching students flourish and grow from year to year. It feels awesome when you are able to help a student and they leave your office in a better place than when they entered. Our school started a program last year and this year, which Student Services took on, named Hawk Squad, which assists students who are new to our school or other students who feel they need a sense of belonging. The willingness of our Hawk Squad ambassadors to want to support all students is remarkable. To see the smile on a student’s face when one of our Hawk Squad ambassadors greats them in their first language or shares a similar interest to welcome them in is most rewarding.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?

A meteorologist or a WWE Diva. Yep, you read that correctly.

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

My third-grade teacher, Ms. Miller. She was quirky and smart. She made learning fun and made it so that all students felt confident when participating in class, especially me who was the quiet student.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

I enjoyed reading Robert Munsch books growing up, but having three children of my own, I love the “Ordinary People Change the World” books by Brad Meltzer and

illustrated

Who influences you?

God, my remarkable husband, my children, my parents and my brother. My faith and my family are the reason why I am able to love and give so much love to others. I truly believe in my church’s motto, HOPE Church, which states: “Love all people, at all times, in all places.” My Student Services team is the BEST. They are awesome and very supportive. We work well together to assist all students who come into our offices.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Anything with my family! We love sports, playing games and traveling. I also enjoy standup comedians from Chris Rock to Nate Bargatze. I appreciate a good joke, and a good laugh is absolutely my favorite.

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

Teleportation. I have family and friends that live all over the world. My brother’s family currently lives in Japan, and one of my best friends lives in Australia. So, teleportation would be great to be able to see them more often.

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

Alicia Keys, For King & Country, Tauren Wells and Ed Sheeran. Positive and upbeat. Hard to name just three.

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

Water, ham and cheese sandwich, fruit, carrots, and a Little Debbie Zebra Cake.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Birthdays of family and friends. Celebrating another year around the sun with those I love is most rewarding.

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

Are you still in touch?

Meredith, who I met in kindergarten and now lives in Maryland; Nafisa, who I met in fifth grade and now lives in Australia; and Payal, who I met in ninth grade and now lives in Virginia. I am still in touch with all of them, and I feel very blessed to have known them for multiple decades. We all got together this past September in Maryland.

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

I was always involved in something. My parents believed the more involved we were, the less likely we were to get into trouble. In elementary and middle school, I was in Odyssey of the Mind, played soccer, ran track, played the flute and was a competitive dancer. In high school, I earned good grades, but I had to work at it. I definitely did my homework. High school did not come easy to me, nor did I like school, but I loved sports. In sports, I earned many accolades and honors, but my favorites were track state champion in the 4x100-meter relay my junior year, club soccer state champions junior year, high school all-conference team in soccer all four years of high school and conference player of the year my senior year. I earned a senior athlete award and a soccer scholarship to Old Dominion University. Sports opened academic doorways for me that I otherwise probably would have not entered.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

TACO-BOUT A GOOD TIME: Tildenville enjoys Breakfast Fiesta

he Tildenville Elemen-

Ttary School ParentTeacher Association got the party started early Thursday, April 18, with its Breakfast Fiesta. The event, meant to recognize and celebrate the special adults in the lives of Tildenville students, saw droves of Tigers and their families crowd the school’s cafeteria and lawns. Those in attendance were treated to a plethora of yummy foods to start their day with PTA members, faculty, students and staff volunteering to serve and organize the event. Beyond the breakfast, the fiesta portion of the event was captured by the vibrant decorations inside and out, festive backdrops where kids and their families could snap a few photos and the headliner of the morning: A five-member mariachi band.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE

PTA Board Member Jill Wingate and Leonor Moore handed out yummy snacks to event-goers.

Tildenville fourth-graders Dax Rose, left, and Dominic Farrant enjoyed volunteering at the event.

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

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

FFA program returning to Lakeview

The middle school once again will have an agriculture and FFA program for students interested in animal and plant science.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The blue and gold corduroy FFA jackets are returning to Lakeview after a fourdecade absence.

Amy Paterson has been asked to start an agriculture and FFA program at Lakeview Middle School in the fall. The last time animal and plant science was offered on campus was in the late 1980s when the school was a junior high and, before that, a high school.

Paterson has a long history with running successful Orange County Public Schools ag and FFA programs, including the one at Windermere High School. When Lakeview Principal John Linehan approached Paterson about starting the program, she didn’t hesitate.

The intracurricular plan will incorporate classroom study for all three grades as an elective class and a ninthgrade Agriculture Foundations class offered to eighth-graders who can earn high school credit.

The agricultural curriculum has three parts: classroom learning, practical experience through Supervised Agricultural Experiences and participation in FFA events. FFA events help students learn about different fields of agriculture, such as science, technology and business.

The program will have animal opportunities for students that will include raising breeding animals to show and market animals to sell at the Central Florida Fair. Students will interact with chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, goats and sheep living on the Lakeview campus.

The curriculum provides knowledge of the agricultural food system and research methods, as well, while covering various agriscience and natural resources careers. Classroom lessons will explore the agricultural food system and environmental resources. They will learn plant science and have the chance to start a garden and grow vegetables or flowers. A pollinator garden will be planted, too.

Paterson said she has a close relationship with the Bloom & Grow Garden Society and wants to tap into members’ expertise and knowledge.

food, breakfast sandwiches and side dishes to be delivered Monday through Thursday mornings 7AM to 9AM.

“Food science is really a huge portion of our standards,” Paterson said. “Students need to understand where food comes from and how that works. We’ll grow green beans and watermelon and corn; they’ll take care of it and grow it and harvest it and take it home and eat it if they want to.”

Field trips will be part of the curriculum, and guest speakers, such as representatives from the Florida Farm Bureau and local farmers, will be brought into the classroom.

“I’m doing the whole thing,” she said.

“If we’re going to do it, we’re going to do it right.”

Her goal is to start an FFA alumni

booster club and invite former Lakeview FFA members to return to the campus and speak to students or get involved in the animal or plant programs. A community meeting was held earlier this week.

THE PATERSON LEGACY Paterson’s résumé includes a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She now is working on her doctoral degree in educational leadership, with a focus on career and technical education.

She has been surrounded by agriculture and FFA for much of her life. She was in the program in high school, as were her sister and husband.

She and her husband, Marc Paterson, have three children, Emma, 12; Huck, 14; and Hendrix, 21, all of whom have worn the FFA jacket. The family has owned and shown animals for years.

She has served on the Central Florida Fair Poultry Board and as board secretary for the Florida Association of Agricultural Educators.

She is one of many in a long line of Patersons to work at Lakeview. Her mother-in-law, Kay Crouch Paterson — as well as Kay’s mother- and fatherin-law, Martha Paterson and Kenneth Lee Paterson — worked at Lakeview for many years. Kenneth served for a short time as the Lakeview FFA adviser, owned Kenmar Dairy and worked as a dairy inspector.

Paterson said this is a much-needed program.

“I’m super passionate about career and technical education,” she said. “I know for a fact that we’re at such a skills loss. Students need to know the tools again. I have middle school students who can drive tractors, they work with animals, and I feel like that has been lost a little bit.

“We will be doing all the competitions,” she said. “All things FFA will happen.” At Windermere, Paterson’s students won state and national championships, and she also served as an agriscience fair national judge for the national FFA program. She has connections in the FFA circle that will benefit her students at Lakeview.

The foundation of FFA membership is the organization’s motto, “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Life, Living to Serve.”

“Being an agriculture educator is more than just classroom teaching; it is a lifestyle, for sure,” Paterson said. “It is summer, it is winter, it is Christmas break, it is spring break. … It’s that oldschool way of doing things, but we need to bring that back. … I want as many students to join; it was be fantastic if I had every student at Lakeview join.”

She also has been talking to OCPS officials in hopes of making FFA a second magnet program at Lakeview.

“It’s just a passion I grew up with, and I’m super excited to bring it back to downtown Winter Garden,” Paterson said. “I think it will be well received.”

Thomas Lightbody/Tk Photography

Amy Paterson will lead the intracurricular agriculture and FFA program starting in the fall.

Olympia sisters earn gold Congressional Youth Award

Two Olympia High School juniors, who just happen to be sisters, are celebrating a huge personal win for earning the Congressional Award gold medals, the highest congressional youth award.

The students, Maya and Veda Srikantan, were required to complete more than 400 public service hours, spend 200 hours on personal development in the areas of musical performance and complete 200 hours of physical fitness in the categories of Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development and Physical Fitness. They also explored India during a two-week trip with their parents in December to fulfill the Expedition/ Exploration category.

The siblings were recognized at a recent meeting of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners and said it was a real honor to receive the award.

Maya Srikantan is a Congressional Award ambassador, as well, and engages in an online meeting every two months.

Maya and Veda Srikantan started their journey to the Congressional Award when they were 13 years old and students in middle school.

“I wanted to make a large impact on the community,” Maya Srikantan said.

“When we started in eighth grade, it gave us time to grow,” Veda Srikantan said. “We had more experience with volunteering. It was awesome starting in middle school and making more of a positive impact on the community.”

The pair also had music advisers helping them in the personal growth portion of the program.

Veda Srikantan plays trombone, participating in a jazz band through Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras, and she has gone to All-County and All-State at the school level. She met the award requirements through twohour Sunday rehearsals plus festivals and concerts.

Maya Srikantan plays violin with the school orchestra and with the FSYO, and she qualified for the award through weekly three-hour rehearsals and additional practice at home.

Both girls play on Olympia’s varsity tennis team, and while they are competitive, they admit it’s fun playing together. They frequently play doubles with another pair.

Community service is a big part of Congressional Award, and Veda and Maya Srikantan have banked many hours with their volunteer work at places such as the Orlando Sci-

ence Center, where they taught science demonstrations and interacted with guests; Second Harvest Food Bank, where they packed food boxes for needy families; and through the Olympia High Key Club, in which they volunteered at events such as the Windermere Pet Fest and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and for the Alzheimer’s Association.

To fulfill the Expedition/ Exploration portion of the award, the sisters planned a trip to India. They had visited the country before with their parents, including the southern portion from where their family came, so they traveled to a different locale. They each planned half the trip, which took them to cities such as Jaipur and Udaipur and on a safari in Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan.

“We would experience the culture and the food, and it was a totally new experience we learned about,” Maya Srikantan said.

One of the places they visited was a UNESCO World Heritage site called Qutb Minar.

“Every city we went to, it was different,” Veda Srikantan said. “Like in Delhi. … It’s not that it wasn’t as structured, it’s almost like rural vs. urban. You also have to be able to ride a rickshaw.”

THE AWARD

The Congressional Award provides opportunities for young people to work toward their potential by achieving personal goals focused on volunteerism, character development and fitness. The program is open to youth in the United States between the ages of 14 and 24. Participants earn certificates and medals in bronze, silver and gold. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/ Exploration. Participants are eligible to register when they are 13-andone-half years old. Participants are eligible to submit completed record book applications when they turn 14.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Maya and Veda Srikantan are working on their Girl Scout Gold Award projects. Maya is collecting eyeglasses and will donate them to a vision clinic, Jaya Eyecare Center, in India. She has collection boxes set up at Olympia, Dr. Phillips and Lake Buena Vista high schools. Her plan is to send donated eyewear to the clinic every year. People interested in helping her reach her goal also can email her at mayaeyesite@ gmail.com and follow her journey on her Instagram page, @ iforeyes23. Veda’s project is to set up a website, Girls Who Trombone, to close the gender gap and unite female trombone players.

AUDREY CATHEY CARTER DIED APRIL 27, 2024.

Audrey Cathey Carter was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, teacher, and friend. She left this world after battling cancer on April 27, 2024, at 68. She was born in Dover, Tennessee, to Edna and James Cathey on Aug. 29, 1955. After graduating from Austin Peay State University, Audrey pursued her passion for teaching. After moving to Florida, she met her husband, Jack Ellis Carter II. Together they had two children, Jack and Carlene. Audrey taught honors biology and anatomy and physiology at West Orange High School. Extremely dedicated with infectious enthusiasm, beloved by her students and colleagues, she inspired many to seek careers in science and nursing. She also enjoyed teaching fitness classes and photographing nature, and she was an avid swimmer. After retirement, she enjoyed crafting and spending time with her beloved family and pets.

A celebration of life service will be held at 9:30 a.m. May 11 at 6645 Lake Cane Drive, or “Lucky’s Lake Swim.” In lieu of flowers, a donation in her honor can be made to CancerCare or other cancer foundations.

Danny Lee Blake, 72, died Monday, April 22, 2024, in Ocoee. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.

Carlos Alberto Perez Gonzalez, 32, of Winter Garden, died Friday, May 3, 2024, in Winter Garden. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.

Gerald Walter Ireland, 91, of Windermere, died Thursday, April 18, 2024. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

AMY QUESINBERRY

Amy Quesinberry

Olympia High School juniors Veda, left and Maya Srikantan each earned a gold Congressional Youth Award.

THESE OLD TIMES FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

80 years ago

Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Hall, of Ocoee, received word their son, Sgt. J. Cazzie Hall, arrived at a Pacific war zone base.

Pvt. Wilson Griffith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Griffith, stationed at Camp Hale, Colorado, was home on a few days’ furlough, his first trip home since entering the service in the fall.

Cpl. James C. Sadler was stationed somewhere in England, according to a report from his mother, Mrs. Calvin Sadler, of Oakland.

Mary Claire Eby, daughter of Clarence Eby, made the honor roll for the winter term at Florida Southern College.

Consumer purchases of rationed stoves had to be made with a certificate obtained at local War Price and Rationing offices.

All meats except beef steaks and beef roasts were made ration free at midnight May 3, and red point values were not to be restored to them again “unless absolutely necessary.”

70 years ago

In Tuesday’s primary election, only 722 out of the registered 1,767 Winter Garden voters cast their ballots for the Democratic candidates for governor.

Max E. Wettstein, president of Florida Telephone Corporation, announced a major expansion program was underway in the Winter Garden district of the company.

Lou Warden afforded Rotarians a talk on The Rotarian, the official club magazine, at the regular weekly meeting at the American Legion building.

THE ARCHIVES

Ocoee’s pink-hued Colony Plaza hotel was constructed in 1968 originally as a Ramada Inn — for less than $2 million. It was located on the southwest corner of Maguire Road and West Colonial Drive in Ocoee and featured 150 rooms, with food facilities that accommodated 450 people. At the time, according to General Manager Jim McWhorter in a 1968 newspaper article, there were plans to expand the Ramada to feature 500 rooms.

“The new inn will be seven stories high with a penthouse that will have a view of the theme park at Walt Disney World,” he said.

The Ramada was the site of a press conference for reporters worldwide to attend a preview of Disney World. Buses brought media representatives to the theme park construction site.

The hotel was demolished May 9, 2009 — already 15 years ago.

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.

55 years ago

Eddie Best and Roger Cobia were the students whose “pick up and clean up” posters were judged best at Dillard Street School, according to Principal Preston Kizer Jr. The West Orange Jaycees received a certificate of appreciation from the Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce for their help in refurbishing the old ACL depot for chamber use. Chamber President Joe Valdes presented the award to Tom Goddard, Jaycees president.

50 years ago

The Sleepy Harbor Townhouses on Lake Prima Vista in Ocoee were nearing completion. The luxury condominiums were a first for West Orange.

40 years ago

Brent Casteel, of Ocoee, a former baseball standout at West Orange High School and Santa Fe Junior College, signed a professional contract with the Chicago Cubs and left Tuesday to spend six weeks in Arizona in Class A baseball.

20 years ago

The city of Ocoee took one more step closer to picking a new city manager at a public workshop, when the list was narrowed down to four finalists, all of whom were from Florida. Robert D. Frank, of Orlando, was among them.

THROWBACK

THURSDAY

MAY 9, 1974

The Focal Point was located in the Tri-City Shopping Center in Winter Garden, at the intersection of Dillard Street and Highway 50. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, the camera store advertised in The Winter Garden Times special items of interest that were sure to help preserve those heartfelt memories of the day. The Kodak Pocket Instamatic 60 package included a pocketsized film camera, a roll of film, a box of Magicubes flash bulbs and a handy carrying case to store it all. The Kodak Carousel projector allowed photographers to show off their pictures to family and friends in a large format on a blank wall or screen. The Kodak Ektasound movie projectors gave families the chance to capture their mama’s movements and voice for even more preservation.

“GWR DJML XJM GWR VEGJM YB VODVNB GWR BVPR. DR’MR OJJLYFC XJM V WTPVF SRYFC. DR’MR OJJLYFC XJM SROYRUVSOR WTPVF SRWVUYJM.”

TRACE ELEMENTS by Dylan Schiff, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos