OARS is offering its summer Learn to Row camps to area students. SEE PAGE 16A.
LIBRARY HOSTING PREP PROGRAM
The Orange County Library System is offering a six-week “Countdown to Kindergarten” preparedness program starting July 5. The series offers tools to help preschoolers strengthen early literacy skills and provides caregivers with tools and resources to continue learning at home.
Adults and children ages 4 and 5 are invited to participate in all six events July 5, 12, 19 and 26 and Aug. 2 and 9. All will take place at Oakland Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington St., Oakland. Register at bit.ly/3VuYffR.
THEATER SOUTH TO HOST OPEN HOUSE
Theater South Playhouse will host an open house of the Theatre South Playhouse Conservatory at 6 p.m. Friday, June 28, at 7601 Della Drive, Orlando. Attendees will have a chance to tour the facility, meet teachers and ask questions. The conservatory teaches students in grades four through 12. For more information or to RSVP for the open house, call (407) 601-4380.
Davis enters commission
District 1 race
Arts groups feel the
crunch
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed about $900 million in projects as he signed the 2024-25 $116.5 billion state budget. West Orange-area arts organizations are among the affected. SEE PAGE 4A.
STUNTED GROWTH
Parents and teachers from the Ocoee High School FFA program urged the Ocoee City Commission to help restore road access to land lab. STORY
Development threatens Ocoee High FFA program
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
Members, teachers, alumni and supporters of Ocoee High School’s FFA program packed Ocoee City Hall for the City Commission meeting Tuesday, June 18, in response to a recent development near the school that has had negative impacts on the program and its members.
Four students from the program — Payton Grant, Ava Yarborough, Madelyn Young and Ziah Pierre — along with local FFA supporter Thomas Lightbody and Ocoee High agriculture teacher Amy Anderson, all took to the podium during the public comment section of the meeting to ask the commission for help.
“The adjacent development to the north of the school is not only causing issues to the program but (also) … severely threatens the existence of the Ocoee FFA program itself,”Lightbody, an FFA alum, said. “I pulled the full set of development plans and came to find out that the access road that Ocoee High School
itself has been using since 2005 was in fact previously owned by the city of Ocoee and not OCPS. When the property was sold to the developer, unfortunately, that developer was given permission, per the approved development plans by the city of Ocoee, to completely do away with that access road and its decadesold configuration. Unfortunately, in doing so, (it cut) off vital access to the Ocoee FFA program. … We are sincerely asking for your help.”
This inability to access the program’s land lab via car could be harmful to the program’s projects, its animals and students, and the surrounding environment, FFA supporters said.
“The onset of construction has led to the destruction of natural resources and has blocked any access to the road unless permission is granted through legal channels,” Yarborough said. “An example of how this has affected us is by the increased waste at our land lab, which necessitates frequent dumpster replacements, yet the road closure hampers timely access. This disruption has severely affected my routine, my chapter and our animals. The closure of the road has forced us to carry heavy bags of
IN OTHER NEWS
n The Ocoee City Commission approved its consent agenda unanimously and without discussion. Included in the five-item agenda was an approval to submit an application to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for the purchase of fire safety education equipment and an approval of the large-scale final subdivision plan for the Ocoee Oaks development, which will bring an 18-lot single-family detached residential subdivision to the northeast corner of the South Clarke Road and White Road intersection.
n MetroPlan Orlando presented its Vision Zero Safety Action Plan to the commission during the meeting. Vision Zero’s mission is to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries within the city by 2040, and it will use a systemic approach to increase safety and mobility for all roadway users by building and maintaining smarter streets for improved driver behavior, engaging communities to expand awareness through education and encouragement, and prioritizing areas with high
numbers of pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders.
n The commission approved an ordinance to amend the Ocoee Land Development Code pertaining to floodplain management. Zoning Manager Anoch Whitfield led a presentation on the initiative to change the city’s code to improve the city’s rate class in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System. Not only would the new regulations improve the city’s rate class, but also they would increase flood resiliency within the city, specifically concerning the elevation of manufactured homes and critical facilities in flood hazard areas, substantial damage and substantial improvement projects, and development activity within special flood hazard areas. This ordinance also would save Ocoee residents money on flood insurance — increasing the discount for those residents in special flood hazard area properties from 5% to 15%, while maintaining a 5% discount for those not in SFHA properties.
est, and our program now includes three teachers who specialize in animal science, aquaculture and horticulture. We have even established a student-run dog daycare program called Knight’s Kennel.”
Ocoee Assistant City Manager Craig Shadrix said the city is aware of the issue and has been working with the developer, Orange County and Orange County Public Schools to rectify the situation.
“The city entered into a PUD (agreement) with Orange County Public Schools and with Orange County, when we all got together and acquired all this land up at Crown Point a long time ago,” Shadrix said. “They agreed on a zoning land use plan … so it has always been contemplated that there was going to be development up here.
feed weighing up to 50 pounds and endless supplies from the back of the school to the land lab each day.”
Under the leadership of agriculture teachers Anderson, Travis Eisentraut and Peter Jordan, the Ocoee FFA chapter has grown to become one of the most decorated
TRX- 300 TORO TRENCHER
and recognized programs in Central Florida.
“Eight years ago, I moved to Ocoee High School as the program was growing and expanding into more than just a horticulture program,” Anderson said. “Our program has tripled in size due to student inter-
“When this (FFA program) started, and apparently it started and just grew into this wonderful thing that you guys came in to talk to us about tonight,” he said. “But what should’ve happened is, we should have had a PUD amendment from Orange County Schools saying, ‘Hey, we want to have an agricultural research center here associated with the high school.’ (That) would trigger a site plan, which would require us to look at all the water and sewer, the buffering so it can even plan to accommodate for any future development from additional property owners. So, now what’s happening is we’re having to deal with that, all at one time, at the inconvenience of this great program.”
LAND THAT WE LOVE
As always, West Orange and Southwest Orange are the perfect communities in which to celebrate the Fourth of July. If you’re looking for old-fashioned family fun, live music, barbecue and a fireworks display or two, check out these events — all happening in our community!
CLERMONT
THURSDAY, JULY 4
RED, WHITE & BOOM!
5 to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 4, at Waterfront Park, 100 Third St., Clermont. This celebration will be filled with traditional Americantype activities for all ages and will end with a firework show over Lake Minneola.
HORIZON WEST
SATURDAY, JUNE 29
INDEPENDENCE
FIREWORK SPECTACULAR
Open to Independence residents and their guests, this event is from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29. Hosted at the Commons at Independence, this event will feature an INDY KidZone, food trucks, entertainment and vendors. Guests will be treated to a fireworks display over Lake Hancock at 9:15 p.m. This event started in 2016 and has steadily grown to attract more than 5,000 attendees. Road closures will be from 1 to 11 p.m.
METROWEST
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
METROWEST MUSICWORKS
The third annual MetroWest MusicWORKS is from 6 to 10 p.m.
Wednesday, July 3, at MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando. MusicWORKS is a free community celebration featuring live music, a 20-minute fireworks show, a skydiving exhibition, food trucks, rides, vendors and adult beverages for sale. Live entertainment The Flutie Brothers Band featuring football legends Doug Flutie and Darren Flutie, and special guests, saxophonist Mike MacArthur and guitar legend Pat Travers. Stella Beat, a Latin/top-40 party band based in Orlando, will open the show. In addition, Team Fastrax, the largest professional skydiving team in the world, will dive into the event with a 2,000-square-foot American flag.
OCOEE
THURSDAY, JULY 4
FOURTH OF JULY
BLOCK PARTY AND CAR SHOW
The City of Ocoee Parks & Recreation Department and Shannon Till State Farm presents this event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. The event will feature food trucks, live music, a deejay, free activities and even a classic car show in partnership with Past & Present Motor Cars. To register to participate in the car show, email dmaggart@ocoee.org.
WINDERMERE
THURSDAY, JULY 4
FOURTH OF JULY
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The town of Windermere will host its annual Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 4, at Town Hall, 520 Main St. The town will provide pancakes, sausage, butter and syrup, and coffee/juice. Bring your own special toppings, such as sprinkles, chocolate chips and berries. Be sure to swing by the 1887 School House for a tour by the Historic Preservation Board when you’re done eating.
WINTER GARDEN
THURSDAY, JULY 4
20TH ANNUAL ALL-AMERICAN
KIDS PARADE & BREAKFAST
This annual pancake and parade event is great for the entire family. The event begins at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 4, at the Winter Garden Masonic Lodge, 230 W. Bay St. Children and their families are invited to enjoy a pancake breakfast made by the members of the lodge. Children eat free; breakfast is available for adults to purchase. There will be entertainment and activities for the children. Children are invited to participate in a parade; a variety of complimentary patriotic decorations will be available to decorate bikes, scooters, wagons and even walking shoes, courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. Everyone is welcome to join the parade of red, white and blue. Line-up will be at the Masonic Lodge at 9:45 a.m. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and loops around Plant Street. Spectators can line the street to cheer on the parade participants. Winter Garden Masonic Lodge No. 165 hosts the event in collaboration with the city of Winter Garden.
PARTY IN THE PARK & FIREWORKS DISPLAY
Winter Garden’s annual Party in the Park will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at Newton Park, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. Take a chair or blanket or have a seat in the grass for this annual Winter Garden tradition. Live music, family activities, food and more keep the evening fun for all ages. The event will culminate with a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Parking is available at several locations on North Dillard Street. No personal fireworks or alcohol are permitted.
Diving in
Nearly 1,000 children from seven Central Florida nonprofits participated in the annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson event at Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon.
ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR
Walt Disney World kicked off its Summer of Sharing by hosting nearly 1,000 children from seven Central Florida nonprofits for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson Thursday, June 20, at Typhoon Lagoon.
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is an annual event held at a variety of locations across the world, designed to empower children with the skills and knowledge they need to swim safely and help prevent drowning.
This year marked the event’s 15th anniversary, as well as Disney’s largest swim lesson to date. In fact, Disney hosted the largest swim lesson in the country this year.
Tajiana Ancora-Brown, director of external affairs for Walt Disney World, said Disney has invited local nonprofits who have summer programming out to the event for the last three years.
This year’s participating nonprofits included Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Coalition for the Homeless, Foundation for Foster
Children, ELEVATE Orlando, Pace Center for Girls and Alianza.
“We just punch a little more magic and joy into their programming by inviting them to participate in the event,” she said. “What that’s done has brought all of these kids who are local to our community throughout Central Florida to maybe experience something they’ve never had the opportunity to do before.”
SAVING LIVES AND CREATING MEMORIES
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows risk of drowning can be reduced by 88% if children participate in formal swimming lessons between the ages of 1 and 4. Yet, a survey conducted by the American Red Cross in 2020 found that more than half of Americans either can’t swim or don’t have the necessary basic swimming skills.
With so many pools and waterways across the state, water safety is a big priority for Disney.
Pairing skills-based learning with the fun of its water parks helps create memories and moments that will stick with students forever.
Skills taught during the lesson
ABOUT THE EVENT
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is a global drowning prevention event launched by the World Waterpark Association in 2010. The program is supported by leading aquatics and safety organizations around the world and takes place at all types of aquatic facilities, from water parks to public pools and swim schools. WLSL serves as a platform to help communities build awareness about the fundamental importance of teaching children to swim. Since its inception, more than 383,000 children and adults in 53 countries on six continents have participated in WLSL lessons. Team WLSL holds five Guinness World Records for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson conducted at multiple venues, including the current official record which was set in 2014 with 36,564 participants in 22 countries. The organization also holds three Guinness World Records for the largest swimming lesson conducted at a single venue. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon in Naples set the current record with 1,308 participants.
include breathing techniques, bubble blowing, best floating practices, kicking and lessons about how to interact with others in the water.
Ancora-Brown said the 60 Disney lifeguards who helped monitor the activities and teach the lessons truly “make happy happen.”
“They’re providing these important life skills to these kids to give them an opportunity to interact with and learn about water and learn how to be safe around water,” she said. “We then take it a step further by offering the kids to stay and enjoy the water park for the rest of the day. Here at Disney, we never take for granted the fact that we have this opportunity to create these forever impactful moments and experiences. It’s one of the most meaningful things for all of our cast members.”
Raquel McCormick, executive director for Pace, said the nonprofit seeks to provide girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.
Pace student Danielle Baker, 16, said she always had a hard time learning to swim and the event helped her feel supported through encouragement from her participating peers.
Pace student Charisma Lawrence, 16, said the event was a lot of fun, and she was excited to spend the rest of the day at the park.
Students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida tried on their life jackets before the start of the lesson.
Annabelle Sikes
Children created special memories with some of the cast members.
Arts organizations brace for impact of budget cuts
ANNABELLE SIKES
NEWS EDITOR
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 12 vetoed about $900 million in state projects as he signed the 2024-25 $116.5 billion state budget.
The budget covers the fiscal year starting July 1.
“This budget delivers historic support for education, infrastructure and conservation, yet spends less than the year before and includes major tax relief,” DeSantis said. “We have paid down 36% of the state’s entire taxsupported debt over the course of my term, and the state maintains a AAA credit rating, one of the lowest tax burdens in America, and more than $17 billion in reserve.”
The veto also consists of $32 million in cultural and museum grants and related funding. Some critics believe the move damages an almost $3 billion engine of the state’s tourist-powered economy.
The decision has left some of the 577 arts programs and 33 facilities around the state scrambling to plug holes from the loss of the anticipated financial help. Locally, organizations such as HAPCO, Garden Theatre, Theatre South Playhouse and Horizon West Theatre Company are feeling the impact.
SYSTEM SHOCK
Theatre South Playhouse management staff said this was the first time the organization had sought out and was approved for state funding. The veto came as a shock.
The playhouse had applied, a process staff said was extensive and exhaustive, and had been recommended for $25,000 in General Programming Support from the Florida Department of Arts & Culture.
The funding was to be split evenly over staffing, the theater’s new paid internship program — which now will have to be re-evaluated — and two of the planned professional productions, “Puffs” and “Annie.”
“We were recommended for funding in July 2023 and have been waiting for, and counting on, this funding for a year,” management staff said. “Two weeks before the start of the 2025 Fiscal Year, the funding was completely canceled out. This was a complete and total shock to the entire arts community. Nothing like this has ever happened before. This is totally unprecedented and absolutely devastating.”
This also was the first time HAPCO had applied for state funding, so the music and arts organization did not know what to expect.
“I am involved in politics, as well, so I know anything can happen,” HAPCO Chairman Joseph McMullen said. “State Rep. Bruce Antone sponsored our application, and Sen. Geraldine Thompson was a companion sponsor — the support of the application itself was amazing. It generated an interest from other politicians in what we are doing to help our next generations succeed, which was even more amazing. We had applied for the grant maximum of $200,000. That full funding was approved by both the House and the Senate. We would have been extremely grateful for any amount granted. That it was vetoed by the governor was not a shock but was disheartening.”
As an effect, several educational program offerings planned for the area will be impacted, including master class clinicians, digital music production, ghost kitchen and supplies, and class supplies.
In the 2025 Fiscal Year, the Garden Theatre was approved for $150,000, the largest amount that can be awarded to an arts organization in the theater’s category.
Despite approval, organizations must await the legislative process and final budget approval before receiving the funds.
Earlier this year, Garden Theatre leaders said the arts community was alerted that the arts funding line item in the state’s budget was targeted for reduction. In response, the theater engaged with representatives at both local and state levels to advocate for arts funding.
Despite the theater’s efforts, leadership learned in April the funding for the conditional grants had been significantly reduced, with about half of the intended award amount to be included in the budget.
SUPPORT THE ARTS
n Garden Theatre: gardentheatre.org
n HAPCO: hapcopromo.org
n Horizon West Theatre Company: horizonwesttheatercompany.com
n Theatre South Playhouse: theatresouthplayhouse.org
“This news was disheartening, but we were still grateful for the partial funding,” Garden Theatre leaders said.
“However, we were unprepared for the shock of discovering last week that the entire arts budget had been vetoed.
“Faced with the loss of a major revenue source, Garden Theatre will have to conduct an internal review and make difficult decisions, potentially including programming alterations, hiring freezes and reduced support to community partners who receive arts education programming at no or reduced cost,” they said. “Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful that we can identify additional supporters to help close this financial gap, minimizing the impact on our community, patrons, staff and talent so that we can continue to provide high-quality art and arts education in West Orange County.”
Some newer organizations, such as Horizon West Theatre Company, were eagerly awaiting a fifth anniversary to be eligible to apply. Unfortunately, the timing of the cuts coincided with the organization’s milestone anniversary, and the company never was able to be a recipient.
“With that being said, the cuts in funding will not change our current operation, but it does prohibit our goals for growth,” Raja Jalernpan, board president for Horizon West Theatre Company, said. “We were counting on grant money to assist with finally securing our own space. Space is highly sought after in our area. At present, we rely on renting
can limit an organization’s ability to engage with the community, reducing cultural vibrancy and community cohesion.”
Theatre South leaders also predict the same massive impact throughout Florida.
“The local arts and culture community provides more than halfbillion dollars in economic impact and more than 9,400 jobs to the Central Florida area, as shown in the recent Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study by Americans for the Arts,” management staff said. “That same study put the economic impact for the entire state of Florida at $5.7 billion, with 91,000 jobs in arts and culture. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, ‘The arts’ impacts on health and well-being can be seen at all stages of life. From early childhood through adolescence and youth, arts education can support the social and emotional needs of students, helping them better to cope with their feelings, to bounce back from adversity, and to show tolerance and compassion for others. For older adults, greater frequency of arts participation has been linked to positive health outcomes. … In cities, towns and neighborhoods, artsbased strategies can contribute to greater social cohesion, health equity and community well-being.’”
“So many of our young people face uncertain futures because of their socioeconomic level,” McMullen said. “They can’t afford the tools they need to improve their talents — musical instruments, painting supplies or private lessons — much less college. HAPCO’s programs help kids use their musical, culinary and artistic talents to fund their college education or to pursue professional careers.”
Despite the impacts, McMullen and his team at HAPCO plan to continue to be committed to paying it forward with the area’s young people.
“If
local high schools and partnering with businesses for our performances, classes and rehearsals. Unfortunately, renting from Orange County Public Schools is prohibitively expensive, limiting the number of shows, classes and events we can offer. Without these grants being available to us, we will continue to fundraise through other channels to eventually reach our goals.”
PUSHING ON
Although the impact on local arts cuts deep, organization leaders’ concerns stretch across the state as a whole.
“The state of Florida budget cut will cause financial strain and impact arts and cultural organizations in various ways,” Garden Theatre leadership said. “Some organizations may have to cancel events, reduce the frequency of performances, or limit educational programs and workshops. Others may need to implement hiring freezes, conduct layoffs or reduce hours for staff. Many arts organizations, like the Garden Theatre, collaborate with schools (Maxey Elementary), community groups (West Orange Chamber of Commerce) and other nonprofits (Eight Waves). Budget cuts will reduce the support and resources these organizations can provide to their partners, diminishing community outreach and engagement efforts.
“Arts and cultural organizations contribute significantly to local economies by attracting tourism, creating jobs and stimulating spending in related sectors (such as) hospitality and retail,” they said. “For instance, the Garden Theatre draws thousands of visitors annually to our historic town who enjoy the shops and restaurants before and after shows. Budget cuts will have a ripple effect on the broader economy in which these organizations reside. The arts play a vital role in community building and cultural expression. Reduced funding
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“We’re a volunteer-driven group of people who faced similar challenges when we were young,” he said. “With that funding, we were going to do more of what we’ve been doing … This funding veto will not impact the quality of the education our clinicians provide or the experiences we bring to the community. It impacts student economic self-sufficiency, entrepreneurship and community contributions. It limits how many kids we reach. The arts are often seen as optional when it comes to funding, but they are at the roots of who we are as people.” Theatre South management staff also plan to push forward despite the challenges.
“We have made it 15 years without any state funding, and we will continue on,” the staff said. “We are looking to the community, however, to help with this shortfall. We need the community to come together and support local live theater and theater education. We will be hosting community events and fundraisers but are very much in need of corporate and business sponsorships and community investment.”
The Garden Theatre and its board plan to find other funding sources to mitigate the impact of budget cuts and encourage the community to be part of the solution.
“By continuing to diversify our funding stream, we will be able to support our mission and maintain programming, community partnerships and our contribution to the local economy, even in the face of reduced state funding,” Garden leaders said. “However, this reduction in funding is truly a call to arts supporters everywhere to embrace arts venues either directly with cash support or indirectly through in-kind gifts and volunteer efforts.”
OTHER IMPACTS
Several projects on DeSantis’ veto list are from West Orange and Southwest Orange County, including the Chase Road and Main Street Intersection Improvements and the Windermere Water Master Plan North Phase in the town of Windermere, the Clarcona Ocoee Road Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Project in the city of Ocoee, and the South Lake Apopka Septic to Sewer Initiative in the town of Oakland.
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.
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Courtesy photos
Local arts and cultural organizations are adjusting to trimmed budgets.
Oakland Society aims to aid others
Anne Fulton started the group in the town after discovering residents had small needs that weren’t being met. She decided to rally her neighbors to assist those in need.
HOW TO HELP
The Oakland Society
founder Anne Fulton is looking for Oakland residents who want to make a difference in their community and help others with minor needs. For information or to sign up, visit oaklandsociety.org, email theoaklandsocietyinc@ gmail.com or call Fulton at (863) 661-4903.
AMY QUESINBERRY
Oakland resident Anne Fulton grew up listening to stories told by her grandmother, the daughter of a Georgia sharecropper, and how they always helped others — even if it meant giving away what little they had. This made an impact on her as a child, and she wants to honor her ancestors by helping residents in her own community.
Fulton has started a nonprofit, The Oakland Society, which handles small tasks for residents in need. In just a few months, members have set up a meal train for a family having to spend long hours with their daughter in the hospital and have built a ramp for someone in a wheelchair.
In February, Fulton applied for 501(c)3 status with the state and created a board of officers with family members that includes Fulton as president, husband Shaun Fulton as vice president and daughter Sachi Fulton as secretary. Another daughter, Cara Berkebile, also is involved.
“After we got big into the (town of Oakland) election and everything, I realized that there were needs in the community that weren’t being met and weren’t necessarily the town’s responsibility,” Fulton said. “I thought that it would be a great idea to get our neighbors together and say, ‘OK, we’re banded together, and if anyone needs help, all they have to do is raise their hands, and through our network of neighbors we’ll find someone to help out.’”
She posted a notice on Facebook and was met with immediate response. There are now close to 200
members — all residents ready to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need.
‘THEY LIVED THOSE STORIES’
Fulton said she grew up with meager means and understood her grandmother’s stories of not having enough money for food.
“People who needed help, it didn’t matter who you were … you go to the back door, and you knock, and you ask for help,” Fulton said. “If her parents had it, they gave it, even if they shorted themselves.
“My grandparents didn’t just tell me those stories; they lived those stories,” she said. “Anytime they had something extra, they were always thinking of someone who can use it. They didn’t throw anything away. … Anytime they visited someone, they brought a shopping bag full of food. It didn’t matter who they were going to see. They never showed up empty handed.”
When Fulton’s grandmother’s health began to decline in 2016, her community built a ramp for her.
“It was the most amazing thing ever that someone was giving back to them after all those years that they gave,” she said. “When I started The Oakland Society and (a resident) reached out to me, she said, ‘I could really use a
sturdy ramp for my mom to get in and out of the house.’ I just cried.
“It’s been eight years since they built that for my grandmother, and then six months later she died, and I can finally pay it forward to a community member, and I have an outlet to live what I was taught,” Fulton said.
For the ramp project earlier this month, folks were generous with donations and offers to help with construction. Among the volunteers were members of Boy Scout Troop 145. The job was done in two days.
AN ONGOING LIST
The Oakland Society is keeping a list of projects, and the Fultons have come up with a few of their own.
“One of the projects I want to do is do like a music concert in downtown Oakland to raise money for Lakeview Middle School band,” Fulton said.
“There’s a lot of underprivileged students there, and the school doesn’t get a lot of funding. … Sax reeds are $35 a box, and drumsticks are expensive. They’re piecing things back together.”
Fulton is a band mom and has had three children go through the music program at Lakeview.
Fulton also wants to meet with town officials and discuss the possibility of The Oakland Society raising money to
The
for
was donated, and modifications have been made to turn it into a utility vehicle for parent volunteers and band directors to use with a P.A. system.
Fulton said she was notified of an elderly widow with declining health whose yard is severely overgrown and is close to receiving citations. A yard clean-up day and maintenance plan are being
Fulton is pleased with the response so far and is eager to see the society grow in terms of members and projects.
“My five-year plan, my big dream, is to set up a consignment shop in Oakland where people can donate things and then they can buy things at a reasonable price,” she said. “It’s to set up something like that but also with a running farmers market with fresh fruits and vegetables; if someone has eggs, they can sell them.
“That’s my ultimate dream — give a few local people a job and to use any proceeds from that to help other people in the community,” Fulton said.
add shade cloth over the playground equipment at Speer and Pollard parks.
next project is to provide a golf cart
West Orange High School band director Kenneth Boyd. A cart
Courtesy photo
Shaun Fulton, left, Scott Perrone, Joe Marzano and Anne Fulton were among the volunteers who built a wheelchair ramp for an Oakland resident.
Father’s legacy inspires nonprofit
Hope Massey grew up in a family that believed in community outreach and thought everyone deserved equal access to healthy food, clothing, medical services and spiritual nourishment. Her father, the Rev. Frankie L. Massey, pastored St. Paul AME Church in east Winter Garden and was known for his decades of charitable work in the neighborhood in which she grew up.
When he died in 2022 at age 74, Hope Massey was inspired to continue his work — and she started a nonprofit organization in 2023 that does just that. Her mother, Vanessa Williams, joins her in her passion for serving others.
Hope Along the Way was named after a phrase Hope Massey’s father frequently said when they talked. She was his only child, and the two
had an extremely close relationship, providing assistance side-by-side in the community whenever possible.
“He definitely was a leader in the community, and as a church, we did a lot of outreach; we had weekly community feedings every Wednesday,” Hope Massey said. “We (started) health care initiatives, we had a 24-hour emergency food pantry.
Hope Along the Way was birthed as an extension of the work my father did. … He just loved what he did. I feel like I’m building on the foundation that was established by him.”
Feeding the community is at the core of Hope Along the Way’s mission. On the third Wednesday of each month, partners join Hope Massey in providing food for more than 100 residents. Meals are packaged and delivered first to about 30 senior citizens, and then folks can line up for a free hot meal doled out by volunteers. To date, the organization
has fed nearly 1,000 residents.
The nonprofit is led by Hope Massey and three other board members: Valerie Ivey, LaTonya Blair-Miller and Regina Gamble-Scott. But it takes dozens of other volunteers and organizations, including the city of Winter Garden, Winter Garden Police Department and Orange County’s District 1 representatives, to help meet the community’s needs.
“Everything we do is based on donations and partnership,” Hope Massey said.
PUTTING HEALTH FIRST
At a recent health fair held in the community for about 200 residents, many partners jumped in. The 15 service providers offered health education and free screenings for blood pressure, memory, glucose, diabetes, colon cancer and HIV. Kingdom Culture Church gave away free hot food. Orange County
District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson arranged for 100 food boxes from Second Harvest Food Bank, and St. Paul provided fresh fruit and vegetables to be handed out with the boxes.
Hope Massey is encouraged to hold another health fair in the future because of the first one’s success. She even had a waiting list of eight service providers who wanted to come but there was no space.
“I’m very humbled that it happened the way it did,” she said. “There were so many residents who benefited from this.”
REACHING OUT TO THE COMMUNITY
Hope Along the Way provides more than food and health fairs.
The outreach offers free hygiene products, clothing for job interviews, résumé services, mental health referral services, grief forums and scholarships — all with the goal of improving the quality of life for residents.
Monthly initiatives focus on a particular need.
In February, Hope Massey hosted a Matters of the Heart forum for American Heart Month, in part, because of her personal journey with her father and his heart issues. Her organization collects donations for the American Heart Association.
Hope Massey holds fundraisers in the spring to be able to help others throughout the year.
A mental health awareness forum took place in May with 20 attendees and facilitated by Scott, a boardcertified family nurse practitioner.
“Our ultimate goal is to make sure our residents are healthy from the inside out,” Hope Massey said.
In September, she is planning a suicide awareness forum in honor of her 16-year-old bonus son and to recognize his death.
“I am just determined to not sit in the pain and turn it into purpose,” Hope Massey said. “This work fuels me, and I find great pleasure. Above anything else, I’m always humbled to serve.”
Last October, the nonprofit honored 10 breast cancer survivors with gift bags full of gift cards and other goodies.
A big Thanksgiving community feeding takes place in November. Last
WAYS TO HELP
WEBSITE: hopealongtheway.net
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 914, Ocoee, FL 34761
EMAIL: Hopealongtheway@ hotmail.com
CASH APP: $ioh
PAYPAL: Hopealongtheway@ hotmail.com
ZELLE: (321) 663-3476
year, more than 300 residents enjoyed a hot meal.
The largest community event happens at Christmastime. Last year, Hope Along the Way blessed 20 single mothers and grandmothers with $75 gift cards and provided three senior facilities with 175 gift bags with essential items and some fun gifts through the Hope for the Holidays program. Hope Massey also offered a Healing for the Holidays grief counseling session with licensed therapist Tara Boddie. She said she was moved to provide this opportunity to residents after losing her father and her bonus son within three months and learning of other folks dealing with loss.
“It was so therapeutic and muchneeded,” she said. “You don’t realize how much you need something until you have it.”
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
Hope Massey’s father supported higher-education learning and worked for Orange County Public Schools as a migrant specialist at Orange Technical College – West Campus. She created a scholarship fund to honor her father, and select graduating seniors in east Winter Garden receive $250 to go toward their continued education.
This year, five scholarships will be awarded — four to West Orange High School graduates and one to a student who graduated from Jones High School, Hope Massey’s alma mater. She said she is proud to be able to follow in her father’s footsteps and make a difference in her hometown.
“I am humbled and honored to continue his legacy of servitude and community service,” she said. “We just want to provide hope to families that are in need.”
Amy Quesinberry
Hope Massey continues the community work started by her father, the Rev. Frankie L. Massey. Her mother, Vanessa Williams, also has a servant’s heart in the community.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates
Macy’s - Winter Garden
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones
the grand opening of
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Macy’s - Winter Garden. Located at 3215 Daniels Rd in Winter Garden, Macy’s - Winter Garden offers an immersive shopping experience, providing both convenience and discovery in an easy-to-navigate shopping environment. Customers can shop a curated assortment of top brands, the latest trends and convenient services. Macy’s - Winter Garden also collaborates with local businesses to create in-store pop-up shops and fun events! To learn more, visit https://www.macys.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 15-year anniversary of Lakota Wellness
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 15-year anniversary of Lakota Wellness. Located at 2910 Maguire Rd Ste 1009 in Ocoee, Lakota Wellness combines the most proven methods of contemporary, traditional and alternative care to face today’s current ailment challenges. From functional natural medicine, regenerative stem-cell therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic to functional fitness, shockwave and red-light therapy, Lakota Wellness can help you make positive lifestyle and longevity part of your life. They will create your own personalized healing wellness program in a comforting and relaxing atmosphere. To learn more, visit https://www.lakotawellness.com
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Pio Pio Restaurant Vineland
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Pio Pio Restaurant Vineland. Located at 11895 S Apopka Vineland Rd in the Vineland part of unincorporated Orlando, Pio Pio Vineland is Orlando’s authentic Latin kitchen, the second location to bring Colombian and Peruvian cuisine to the West Orange area and in the shadow of the major theme parks. Pio Pio Vineland offers the best rotisserie chicken in town, complimented by a unique sauce to die for, all with a combination of variety of Latin Cuisine. They offer celebrated fresh menus that merges popular tastes and an adventurous spirit in sit-down dining; takeout; delivery; and catering and events. To learn more, visit https://miopiopio.com/.
West
Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 30-year anniversary of June Engineering Consultants
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 30-year anniversary of June Engineering Consultants. Located in Winter Garden, June Engineering Consultants is a small, family-owned firm and deeply invested in our community. Led by their team of five - Jackie Kaminski, Chris Kaminski, Jeff Sedloff, and Lauryn June & Randy June - who have over 115 years experience, June Engineering Consultants has built developments ranging from creating over 20,000 home sites in Central Florida and storing their possessions to pioneering one of the first new buildings in downtown Winter Garden. At June Engineering, community and business involvement are central to their values. They have actively engaged with organizations like the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, West Orange Healthcare District, Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital, Greater Orlando Builders Association, Horizon West Board, many Orange County Advisory Boards and initiatives such as the Rotary Club of Winter Garden and the West Orange Junior Service League. They played a pivotal role in acquiring lands and building facilities for the West Orange Girls Club. June Engineering with other Orange County partners have also been instrumental in the development of the future West Orange Boys and Girls Club. They also spearheaded numerous relief efforts and projects internationally in the Bahamas and Haiti. To learn more, call 407-905-8180.
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 3 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY
To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304
Real Estate Professionals
Davis filed a lawsuit against the county for wrongful termination and also has written a book about his experience.
•
photo
Former Orange County battalion chief announces candidacy for District 1
Stephen Davis in 2021 was fired from the OCFRD after he did not reprimand personnel who refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
Stephen Davis, a former Orange County Fire Rescue battalion chief, has filed as a qualified write-in candidate for the District 1 Orange County Commission seat.
Davis’ entrance into the race moves the vote between incumbent Nicole Wilson and challenger Austin Arthur from the November general election up to the primary ballot, Aug. 20, According to Florida Statute 105.051, “Austin Arthur will face Nicole Wilson in August, and then the winner will face the writein candidate (Stephen Davis) in November,” said Christopher Heath, Orange County Supervisor of Elections public information officer. “Per 99.061(4)(a), ‘A write-in candidate is not entitled to have his or her name printed on any ballot; however, space for the write-in candidate’s name to be written in must be provided on the general election ballot.’”
Davis worked for the department for 15 years and advanced through the ranks to battalion chief. In 2021, Davis was terminated after he refused to reprimand fire and rescue personnel who refused Orange County’s mandated COVID-19 vaccine.
He later filed a lawsuit against the county for wrongful termination and also has written a book about his experience.
“History has now proven Orange County was wrong to mandate the so-called vaccine,” Davis said. “It did not stop the spread. Worse, Commissioner Nicole Wilson ridiculed and showed disdain for the firefighters who refused it. That’s why I’m running — to make sure this issue does not go away.
“During the Sept. 28, 2021, commission meeting, Wilson sarcastically questioned how the firefighters who refused the shot could refer to themselves as a
‘public servant,’ and she voiced disappointment they couldn’t be liable for a potential wrongful death suit,” he said. “I am standing against her as the Never Wilson candidate. You do not attack firefighters and get away with it.”
In response to Davis’ assertions, Wilson said, “Our decisions as a board amid a global pandemic were to preserve life and protect the vulnerable.”
Regarding Davis’ candidacy, Wilson said she faced a similar situation when she ran for the seat in 2020. That year, she faced then-incumbent Betsy VanderLey, and Hannah Burns entered the race in July 2020 as a write-in candidate. Burns is the stepdaughter of S. Scott Boyd, who preceded VanderLey as District 1 commissioner.
“As someone who faced a sham write-in candidate in 2020, I am concerned that this is more of the same type of voter manipulation,” she said. “A strong democracy requires people to come out of the shadows and put all the facts before the voters to let them make informed decisions. My question to any lastminute write-in candidate would be why didn’t they want their actual name to appear on the ballot? If this individual was critical of board policies dating back to 2020-2021, then they certainly had time to qualify with the full filing requirements.” Before announcing his candidacy, Davis supported Arthur’s campaign for the seat.
“Chief Davis is a friend and was a supporter of our campaign,” Arthur said. “He called me a couple of days ago, telling me he wanted to jump into the election as a candidate to shed light on Wilson’s treatment of firefighters. As a former firefighter paramedic myself, I do not blame him. We are staying focused on our own campaign, but this is an issue I feel Wilson must address. I will always stand by our firefighters, police, correctional officers and other first responders. Period.” Davis is a husband and father of two. For more information, visit chiefstephendavis.com.
Courtesy
Stephen
Reserve at Belmere estate
Ahome in the Reserve at Belmere community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from June 10 to 16.
The home at 1532 Lake Whitney Drive, Windermere, sold June 10, for $2,500,000. Built in 2003, it has six bedrooms, five-andone-half baths and 5,873 square feet. Days on market: Five. The sellers were represented by Christie Tannler, Coldwell Banker Realty.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
EMERSON POINTE
The home at 9227 Bayway Drive, Orlando, sold June 13, for $1,450,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,664 square feet. Days on market: 303.
HIDDEN SPRINGS
The home at 5261 Abelia Drive, Orlando, sold June 14, for $590,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,742 square feet. Days on market: 103.
LAKE MARSHA SUBDIVISION
The home at 7209 Grace Road, Orlando, sold June 14, for $550,000. Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,104 square feet. Days on market: 45.
ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB
The home at 6735 Edgeworth Drive, Orlando, sold June 13, for $810,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,258 square feet. Days on market: One.
RESERVE AT PHILLIPS COVE
The home at 6981 Phillips Reserve Court, Orlando, sold June 14, for $825,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,354 square feet. Days on market: 360.
RUBY LAKE
The home at 11714 Meadow Grove Circle, Orlando, sold June 14, for $850,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,150 square feet. Days on market: 16.
SAND LAKE HILLS
The home at 8510 Sandberry Blvd., Orlando, sold June 15, for $456,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,649 square feet. Days on market: Eight.
VISTA CAY AT HARBOR SQUARE
The condo at 5048 Shoreway Loop, No. 402, Orlando, sold June 10, for $643,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,001 square feet. Days on market: Two.
The townhouse at 5027 Tideview Ave., No. 42, Orlando, sold June 12, for $539,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 1,771 square feet. Days on market: Two.
HORIZON WEST
ENCLAVE AT BERKSHIRE PARK
The home at 7212 Halton Court, Windermere, sold June 12, for $700,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,514 square feet. Days on market: 94.
HAMILTON GARDENS
The townhouse at 6301 Glory Bower Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 10, for $429,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,714 square feet. Days on market: 62.
HAMLIN RESERVE
The home at 15608 Sunquat Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 14, for $630,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,504 square feet. Days on market: 29.
INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES
The townhouse at 5425 New Independence Parkway, Winter Garden, sold June 11, for $440,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,626 square feet. Days on market: Eight.
LAKE HANCOCK PRESERVE
The home at 8042 Bowery Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 13, for $607,500. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,431 square feet. Days on market: 121.
LAKE REAMS TOWNHOMES
The townhouse at 8853 Danforth Drive, Windermere, sold June 12, for $391,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,480 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.
LATHAM PARK NORTH
The home at 14136 Shocklach Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 10, for $590,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,184 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.
LEGADO
The townhouse at 9097 Legado Drive, Windermere, sold June 12, for $440,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,513 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.
STOREY GROVE
The home at 11023 Robert Frost Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 10, for $705,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,296 square feet. Days on market: 17.
The home at 11168 Robert Frost Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 12, for $680,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,332 square feet. Days on market: Five.
THORNHILL
The home at 9218 Taborfield Ave., Orlando, sold June 13, for $960,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,971 square feet. Days on market: Five.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 11114 Sound Shore Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 14, for $545,990. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,027 square feet of living area. Days on market: 78.
WEST POINT COMMONS
The home at 6225 River Fruit Court, Windermere, sold June 14, for $615,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,770 square feet. Days on market: 32.
WESTSIDE VILLAGE
The home at 7897 Berkshire Oak Alley, Windermere, sold June 10, for $575,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,986 square feet. Days on market: 23.
WINDERMERE ISLE
The home at 8361 Torcello Isle Drive, Windermere, sold June 10, for $1,150,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 4,176 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.
WINDERMERE LANDINGS
The home at 11650 Black Road St., Windermere, sold June 10, for $520,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,139 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.
WINDERMERE SOUND
The home at 13254 Penshurst Lane, Windermere, sold June 14, for $792,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,720 square feet of living area. Days on market: 86.
WINDERMERE TERRACE
The home at 13347 Overstreet Road, Windermere, sold June 10, for $500,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,058 square feet. Days on market: 47.
1532
OCOEE
ARDEN PARK NORTH
The home at 2852 Muller Oak Loop, Ocoee, sold June 10, for $512,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,370 square feet. Days on market: 31.
ARDEN PARK SOUTH
The home at 1539 Arden Oaks Drive, Ocoee, sold June 14, for $957,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,654 square feet. Days on market: 18.
CROSS CREEK
The home at 489 Bridge Creek Blvd. sold June 10, for $500,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,551 square feet. Days on market: Three.
LAKE MEADOW LANDING
The townhouse at 1921 Terrapin Road, Ocoee, sold June 14, for $456,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,104 square feet. Days on market: 127.
SOUTHWEST ORANGE
GRANDVIEW ISLES
The townhouse at 10360 Fallsgrove St., Orlando, sold June 12, for $398,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,491 square feet. Days on market: 29.
WINDERMERE
KEENE’S POINTE
The home at 11817 Vinci Drive, Windermere, sold June 13, for $2,200,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 5,023 square feet. Days on market: 37.
The home at 8457 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, sold June 14, for $1,175,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,234 square feet. Days on market: 54.
The home at 11443 Claymont Circle, Windermere, sold June 10, for $1,200,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,955 square feet. Days on market: Nine.
RESERVE AT BELMERE
The home at 1532 Lake Whitney Drive, Windermere, sold June 10, for $2,500,000. Built in 2003, it has six bedrooms, five-and-onehalf baths and 5,873 square feet. Days on market: Five.
RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND
The home at 11131 Coniston Way, Windermere, sold June 14, for $2,200,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 5,753 square feet. Days on market: 62.
TOWN OF WINDERMERE
The home at 836 Oakdale St., Windermere, sold June 12, for $1,950,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,917 square feet. Days on market: Eight.
WINTER GARDEN
BAY ISLE
The home at 14351 Hampshire Bay Circle, Winter Garden, sold June 13, for $755,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,154 square feet. Days on market: Eight.
BELLE MEADE
The home at 15312 Firelight Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 14, for $880,000. Built in 2011, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,247 square feet. Days on market: 11.
BRADFORD CREEK
The home at 14403 Sunbridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold June 14, for $660,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,812 square feet. Days on market: 178.
for
CROWN POINT SPRINGS
The home at 1052 Narrow Gauge Court, Winter Garden, sold June 11, for $460,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,767 square feet. Days on market: 23.
CYPRESS RESERVE
The home at 13653 Kellebrew Way, Winter Garden, sold June 12, for $694,999. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,844 square feet of living area. Days on market: 107.
The home at 14224 Sunbridge Blvd., Winter Garden, sold June 13, for $636,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,810 square feet. Days on market: 19.
DEER ISLAND
The home at 17509 Deer Isle Circle, Winter Garden, sold June 12, for $1,650,000. Built in 1989, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,004 square feet. Days on market: 260.
GROVE PARK AT STONE CREST
The home at 819 Lost Grove Circle, Winter Garden, sold June 10, for $595,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,543 square feet. Days on market: 22.
KINGS BAY
The home at 308 Bayside Ave., Winter Garden, sold June 14, for $550,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,548 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.
LAKE AVALON GROVES
The home at 17326 Phil C. Peters Road, Winter Garden, sold June 14, for $2,250,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, five baths and 10,907 square feet. Days on market: 181.
LAKEVIEW PRESERVE
The home at 3251 Buoy Circle, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold June 14, for $570,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,444 square feet. Days on market: Six.
MCALLISTER LANDING
The home at 1746 Juniper Hammock St., Winter Garden, sold June 12, for $785,000. Built in 2020, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 4,704 square feet. Days on market: 25.
OAKS AT BRANDY LAKE
The home at 805 Brandy Oaks Loop, Winter Garden, sold June 12, for $605,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,409 square feet. Days on market: Nine.
The home at 616 Bending Oak Trail, Winter Garden, sold June 10, for $599,900. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,535 square feet. Days on market: Two.
ROPER RESERVE
The home at 1632 Highbanks Circle, Winter Garden, sold June 14, for $745,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,397 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.
STONEYBROOK WEST
The home at 15408 Pebble Ridge St., Winter Garden, sold June 10, for $820,000. Built in 2001, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,797 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.
TUSCANY
The home at 1200 Thornbury Court, Winter Garden, sold June 10, for $690,900. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,361 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
at
Lake Whitney Drive, Windermere,
10,
$2,500,000. This home features lakefront views in the gated community of Reserve at Belmere. The sellers were represented by Christie Tannler, Coldwell Banker Realty.
NOAA expects above-normal Atlantic season
NOAA National Weather Service
forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year.
NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to Nov. 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season.
NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, eight to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including four to seven major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges.
The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity because of a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Niña conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation.
“With another active hurricane season approaching, NOAA’s commitment to keeping every Ameri-
can informed with life-saving information is unwavering,” NOAA Administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad said. “AI-enabled language translations and a new depiction of inland wind threats in the forecast cone are just two examples of the proactive steps our agency is taking to meet our mission of saving lives and protecting property.”
“Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today,” FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks said. “Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding and hail. Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow.”
As one of the strongest El Niños ever observed nears its end, NOAA scientists predict a quick transition to La Niña conditions, which are conducive to Atlantic hurricane activity, because La Niña tends to lessen wind shear in the tropics. At the same time, abundant oceanic heat content in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea creates more energy to fuel storm development.
This hurricane season also features the potential for an abovenormal west African monsoon, which can produce African easterly waves that seed some of the strongest and longer-lived Atlantic storms. Finally, light trade
winds allow hurricanes to grow in strength without the disruption of strong wind shear and also minimize ocean cooling.
ENHANCED COMMUNICATIONS
NOAA will implement improvements to its forecast communications, decision support and storm recovery efforts this season. These include:
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) will expand its offering of Spanish language text products to include all Public Advisories, the Tropical Cyclone Discussion, the Tropical Cyclone Update and Key Messages in the Atlantic basin.
Beginning on or around Aug. 15, NHC will start to issue an experimental version of the forecast cone graphic that includes a depiction of inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings in effect for the continental U.S. Research indicates the addition of inland watches and warnings to the cone graphic will help communicate inland hazards during tropical cyclone events without overcomplicating the current version of the graphic.
This season, the NHC will be able to issue U.S. tropical cyclone watches and warnings with regular or intermediate public advisories. This means if updates to watches and warnings for storm surge or winds are needed, the NHC will be able to notify the public in an intermediate advisory instead of having to wait for the next full advisory issued every six hours.
4-7 MAJOR HURRICANES
2024 HURRICANE SEASON
Prepare early with a digital hurricane kit
ALICIA BETANCOURT
UF/IFAS EXTENSION
While living in Florida has its perks, the one thing that can ruin it (and rather quickly) is hurricane season. By now, we should have all our hurricane preparation plan ready. But wait! There is one more thing you need to do to prepare. In times of disasters, information is a powerful tool. A digital hurricane kit can help you get the information you need, when you need it. From tracking storms to emergency walkie-talkie capabilities and where to find gas, these free apps can help you weather the storm.
FORECAST
n Max Mayfield Hurricane Tracker. Get the latest storm updates wherever you are with push alerts. See where storms are headed with their interactive radar and watch weather updates on the go.
n Weather Radar — NOAA + Channel. This hurricane tracker allows you to monitor conditions in your immediate area, as well as locations currently within a storm system.
n Weather Underground. This app provides local forecasts and conditions from weather stations with customizable alerts. It also allows you to report local weather and hazards to help inform others in the community. The map interface is interactive, allowing you to choose different layers to view elements, such as rain accumulation, crowd reports and satellite images.
EMERGENCY ALERTS
Make sure your phone is set to receive wireless emergency alerts.
IPHONE
n Open the Settings app on your phone.
n Select Notifications and scroll down to the bottom of the menu.
n Under Government Alerts, toggle the switches to select the alerts you would like to receive.
ANDROID
n Open your phone’s Settings menu.
n Select Apps and Notifications.
n Select Emergency Alerts. On some phones, you might have to tap Advanced to expand the menu and show the Emergency Alerts button.
n In the Emergency Alerts menu, you can toggle the switches to select which alerts you would like to receive.
EVACUATION
n The FEMA app. This app helps you to locate emergency shelters and disaster recovery centers. It allows you to register for disaster assistance online and share photos. It is available in both English and Spanish.
n Hotels or housing can be found through a variety of apps such as Expedia, AirBnB or Hotels.com. For pet-friendly hotels, try the Bring Fido app for Apple or Android.
TRAVEL
n To find gas availability, download the GasBuddy app.
n To check traffic slowdowns or wrecks, road closures and other real-time traffic issues, go to Waze.
CARING FOR LOVED ONES
n Learn to use Facebook’s Safety Check, go to Crisis Response and then select the Crisis page you’re looking for. You can mark yourself safe through Safety Check on the top of the page.
n Call your local physician or insurance company to access and download their app, or you could try the TeleDoc app.
n Pet first aid and care is available through the Red Cross app or the Televet app.
CONNECT
n Zello. This is a push-to-talk app, sort of like a walkie-talkie. There are no limits to the number of users or channels. It’s available worldwide, wherever there’s WiFi or data service, and can be used like a two-way radio to
communicate with family members or rescuers.
n Nextdoor. This app keeps you informed about what’s going on in your neighborhood and connects you with your neighbors. The app provides a secure environment where all neighbors are verified. In the app, neighbors can discuss evacuation routes, flood levels or ask for help from their neighbors, even when other emergency communication methods such as 911 are down.
n WhatsApp. During hurricanes or storms, telecommunication services can be limited, but WhatsApp connects to the internet to send messages between phones, so that you can stay in touch with friends and loved ones throughout the storm. It also allows you to do free voice and video calls.
DOCUMENTS
Take some basic precautions for keeping your smartphone safe and you can keep any document encrypted on your phone. This way, information is protected, and it is in your pocket if you need it in an emergency. Include documents, such as insurance papers, copies of identification, plans, policies, procedures, pictures of your home pre-disaster for insurance and photos of loved ones. Cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and iCloud allows you to access any photos or documents that you upload to the system through any device connected to the internet and download documents directly to your device.
Hurricane Season…
Be Prepared with Natural Gas
In anticipation of Hurricane Season –starting June 1 and closing November 30 – the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) team is encouraging our Florida communities to get ahead of potential storms. With the impact felt by hurricanes in recent years, it is essential to establish a plan now so that when the time comes, we can focus on staying safe with our families.
Choosing the right energy mix for your home should be included in those preparations, along with consideration for safe energy practices during tough times. One of the best parts about natural gas is that it is delivered underground directly to your home, making it extremely dependable –especially during a storm. It’s why so many essential services like hospitals, nursing homes and fire stations rely on natural gas to keep their power on, cooking for the kitchen, and water heating.
when the power goes out, and some even have safety valves that shut off the gas flow automatically if the pilot light extinguishes. Still, the LANGD team wants to emphasize that only authorized utility or emergency personnel should turn your meter valve on or off. We also warn against attempting to operate any natural gas appliances that may have been damaged or flooded.
The security of having a plan can also help you navigate the unpredictability of storm season when emotions are running high. Don’t wait until a hurricane strikes to formulate a plan; explore the potential for natural gas at your home now, as piping and service installation can take time. Not only will you thank yourself as you rest easier during hurricane season, but your wallet will thank you as well, as the average homeowner saves up to 30% on their utility bills each month after converting from all electric to an energy mix that includes natural gas appliances.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, consumers in the path of a hurricane or tropical storm should have an evacuation plan and secure their homes from all loose items that could cause damage. LANGD customers are advised to leave their service on during a severe storm or hurricane. That way, even if you lose electric service, you can still cook a warm meal and have hot water. Our distribution system is designed to withstand extreme weather so that your service can remain uninterrupted, and your family stays safe, even during the harshest of storms.
Even if you’re not expected to be hit by the eye of a storm, high winds and long stretches of rain may impact your neighborhood’s utilities or cause damage to your home. Remember, call 811 before digging around your home, repairing fences, or removing fallen trees to avoid further damage or injury.
Be sure to also have plenty of flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, vital medications and a first aid kit handy. Hopefully, our communities and customers will have some peace of mind as they prepare for hurricane season, knowing they have made a reliable energy choice no matter what Mother Nature may throw their way.
Are you ready to make the safe choice and switch to reliable natural gas before hurricane season? We’re ready to have you as a customer. For more information on natural gas service for your home, business or vehicle, please get in touch with the District marketing team at (407) 656-2734 x307, marketing@langd.org or visit www.langd.org.
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
Following a phenomenal senior season during which his Wolverines won a regional championship and reached the FHSAA Class 7A finals for the first time, Windermere High baseball’s Ty Head has been named an American Baseball Coaches Association All-American (thirdteam) and Gold Glove winner. He is the only Central Florida player to be recognized in either honor.
2
Three Windermere High and Windermere Lakers Aquatics swimmers — recent graduate Addison Reese, rising senior Ryan Erisman, and rising sophomore Rylee Erisman — competed in USA Swimming’s Olympic trials in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Rylee Erisman was just .18 seconds away from earning a spot on the Olympic team. Finishing 10th in the Women’s 100 freestyle finals with a time of 54.27. The 15-year-old had another shot to make the team in the 50-meter freestyle but finished .36 seconds behind third and missed out Erisman also competed in the 200-meter freestyle, 100-meter backstroke and 200-meter backstroke. Reese, a Florida signee, competed in the 100-meter and 200-meter butterfly, finishing 61st in the 100 and 39th in the 200, while Ryan Erisman, a CalBerkeley commit, competed in four events: the 200 butterfly, 200-meter individual medley, 400-meter freestyle and the 400-meter individual medley; which was his best finish at trials — 31st.
3
The First Academy girls golfer Mi Li finished in the top five for a third consecutive junior tournament. Following a runner-up finish at the Adam Scott Junior Championship and a win at the Ben An Junior Championship, the Royals rising senior shot a 209 (-7) over 54 holes at the Rolex Girls Junior Championship June 20 in Milton, Georgia — enough for fourth
4
Four Winter Garden Squeeze players were selected to represent the team at the National Alliance of College Summer Baseball Prospect Showcase from June 24 to 26 in Lynchburg, Virginia. The four players were: outfielder Garrett Byrd, Valdosta State; pitcher Mark Chapa, Texas A&M International; infielder Ben Maskin, Erskine College; and catcher Mees Robberse, Allen County Community College.
5
Foundation Academy athletics had a great 2023-24 season in between the lines, but when it came to signing on the dotted line, ‘23-24 was historic for the Lions, as the school had a record 10 studentathletes sign National Letters of Intent to play collegiate sports.
The history-making Lions are: JT Bronaugh, Eastern Michigan football; Cole West, Myrtle Beach Prep football; Coby Vallee, CCBC Catonsville baseball; Jonathan Bosque, Tennessee Wesleyan baseball; Emma Sundermeyer, Alabama swimming; Andrew Nyland Florida Southern cross country; Jay Rodriguez, Chowan lacrosse; Evan Moore, Tusculum lacrosse; Sam Hoeinstine Tennessee Wesleyan lacrosse; and Elli Perfetto, Anderson cheer.
After recovering from a career-threatening knee surgery, Elena Friedman transferred to
SQUAD GOALS
Led by Bat Boy George, the Squeeze Squad has evolved into more than just a group of kids running around with bats. These days, everyone involved with the team is now part of the squad.
worn by an intern or volunteer selling tickets.
When you go to a Winter Garden Squeeze home baseball game, you might see people wearing a blue or orange T-shirt with the words “Squeeze Squad” stamped on the chest. You’ll probably see those T-shirts among the fans sitting in the stands, behind the counter of the concession stand or at the gate, being
You might even see one of those T-shirts on the field, but you might miss those if you’re not paying attention, because not only are the people wearing those T-shirts focused on getting on and off the field as quickly as possible, but also they’re significantly smaller than the average adult.
Those lightning-quick, jitterbuglike blurs of orange and blue you see are the bat boys for which the name
and identity of the Squeeze Squad was created.
Since its inception, the squad has grown from a one-kid show into a seven-kid team comprising 7- to 10-year-olds.
“It was just George (Koss) — he was the bat boy,” Squeeze General Manager Adam Bates said. “From him being the only one, that’s when he turned into Bat Boy George, and his little persona began, and he became part of the team. But he couldn’t be at every game, and really our players wanted him there. … They missed George when he wasn’t around … not because they wanted a bat boy but because the players loved having the kid around and in the dugout. So, that’s when the idea of having a team
Champion golfer, Supra foundation team up for charity tournament
The fourth annual Brendan Valdes Charity Golf Scramble vs. Pediatric Cancer at Orange Tree Golf Club raised more than $30,000 to benefit children diagnosed with cancer.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
The fourth annual Brendan Valdes Charity Golf Scramble vs. Pediatric Cancer, in partnership with the Ian Supra Memorial Foundation, was held Monday, June 24, at the Orange Tree Golf Club in Dr. Phillips.
“It has been amazing to be able to help these kids through golf,” Valdes said.
Along with the Supra foundation — a nonprofit organization founded to carry on the legacy of Ian Supra, a Dr. Phillips High student who died in 2015 after being diagnosed with stage IV esophageal, liver and lung cancer — the annual tournament raised more than $30,000 to support pediatric cancer patients with wishful experiences free of cost.
HOW TO HELP
To donate to the Ian Supra Memorial Foundation or to learn more about the Brendan Valdes Charity Golf Scramble vs. Pediatric Cancer or other events, visit suprastrong.com.
Valdes, also a former Dr. Phillips High student and current member of the national championship-winning Auburn University men’s golf team, initially partnered with the foundation through a family connection.
“We all came together at first because of Brendan’s sister, Bailey, who actually played water polo with Ian at Dr. Phillips,” said Matthew Mayorga, a co-founder and board member of the foundation. “Once Brendan was going off to college and getting his golf career started, his team kind of reached out to us and
Montverde Academy and brought home a state title. Page 16A.
Sam Albuquerque
Auburn golfer and Dr. Phillips High alum Brendan Valdes spent some time with one of the kids the charity golf tournament benefits.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
Photos by Sam Albuquerque Members of the seven-kid bat boy team called the Squeeze Squad — Landon Light, left, Colton Bergdahl, George Koss and Logan Light — took a break during a Winter Garden Squeeze game for some fun.
Top: George Koss, AKA Bat Boy George, is a favorite among the Winter Garden Squeeze players and the longest-serving member of the Squeeze Squad.
THE WEEK
Elena Friedman
Looking at rising junior softball player Elena Friedman’s résumé
— two-time regional champion, All-State selection, state champion, the list goes on — you’d never guess the lifelong Winter Garden resident had knee surgery that threatened to end her athletic career before it began.
As an eighth-grader at Foundation Academy, Friedman broke onto the scene and led the Lions with a .570 on-base percentage and scored 31 runs. But after missing her freshman season because of rehabilitation from surgery, she transferred to Montverde Academy and helped MVA win states this past season.
How did it feel to win a state championship?
Honestly, it felt unreal. Winning a state championship is something every athlete dreams about, so when your time comes, it is an overwhelming experience.
How did it feel to get back on the field for the first time after your injury?
Getting back on the field was equally as amazing as it was terrifying. Playing softball again was something I waited almost a year to do, so seeing my hard work pay off was rewarding. I was told I may never run again, so the fact that I am fully back to playing sports is astounding. In my first game back, I got into a little collision at first base. While I was scared, I think both my team and our opponents were freaking out even more, because they all knew what I had gone through. You could quite literally hear a pin drop. However, I believe I needed that, because after getting up I realized I really am OK now, and I don’t have to worry.
What did you miss most about softball while rehabbing?
I missed being out there with my girls. While my support system was amazing, it’ll never come close to actually being out in the action. It’s extremely difficult to sit and watch others doing what occupied your life for the previous seven years, knowing the odds are against you joining them back out on the clay.
What is your favorite nonsports hobby?
Baking. I love being able to take so many random
THE BASICS Age: 16 Sport: Softball
Grade: Junior School: Montverde Academy
What is your favorite subject in school?
Definitely science. It’s so interesting to me learning about the meticulous inner-workings of God’s creations. I plan to major in pre-med and go on to become a pediatric oncologist or an orthopedic surgeon.
What is your favorite movie?
110% my favorite movie is “Top Gun.” It’s definitely my comfort movie, plus who doesn’t love young Tom Cruise?
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
I would have dinner with my grandpa. He passed away a few years ago, and I would give anything to tell him about how much I’ve grown. He used to come to all my games and made sure I knew how proud he was — even if I had a horrible game. I know he is looking down on me from heaven with a huge smile.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
The 1950s, because of the movie “Grease.” (It) looked so carefree and fun. People were so close and not constantly buried in their phones.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that God has a reason for everything. As I’ve gotten older, some of these “reasons” have started playing themselves out, and I am very grateful for them. It is hard to understand in the moment but lean on God and He will clear your paths.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Costa Rica, the Amalfi Coast and Cleveland, South Carolina. I am obsessed with sloths, so getting to see them in the wild in Costa Rica would be a dream come true. The Amalfi Coast speaks for itself with crystal-clear waters, delicious cuisine and its picturesque landscape. In Cleveland, South Carolina, there is a place called Pretty Place Chapel that overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains. Typically, you go for sunrise and watch the array of colors shine behind the cross. It has been on my bucket list for
What is your most controversial food take?
This is extremely controversial, but ketchup on green beans. I can’t explain why, but it’s so good. Don’t knock it until you try it.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
After my controversial food take, I don’t think I can judge anyone, so whatever floats your boat.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Tourney raises $30K for pediatric cancer
said they wanted to give back to the area, and because they knew us and Bailey knew Ian, that we would be a good fit and it just kind of became what you see here today. Now, we’re four years down the road, and we’ve raised around $30,000 each year from this event, so it’s been a blessing.”
Beyond the golf being played each year or even the funds raised to benefit children diagnosed with cancer, this tournament has turned into more than just a charity event. It has become a special moment for Valdes, the foundation and those children and families who benefited from their efforts to come together.
“Helping these kids means the world to us,” Mayorga said. “We’ve been helping kids now for about 10 years, and it’s still amazing to see those kids out here just running around and having fun. … It’s really special for everyone (who is) out here giving back toward our cause, to see the kids from right here in our community that their support, donations and efforts are helping.”
Valdes loves to catch up with the kids and their families.
“Being out here and getting to see the families this event has helped by granting these kids’ wishes and sending them to really cool places or to have these awesome experiences has been incredible these past four
years,” he said. “Being part of this — it’s priceless.”
Along with the joy that comes with catching up with the kids and families they’ve supported through their cancer journeys, the reality of the harsh disease means dealing with the losses it brings. Valdes and the foundation ensure this tournament also allows for room to remember and celebrate the lives lost to pediatric cancer.
“Last year, we had a kid we were helping out, a 17-year-old named Caden,” Mayorga said. “He actually loved golf so much that he played in the tournament last year. Unfortunately, he passed away a few months ago, so to remember him and honor his memory, we’re going to hold a moment of silence later today at lunch. Obviously, we’re all out here to golf and have a good time, but these kinds of moments really capture the importance of what we’re trying to accomplish. Giving back to the kids who need it most is what means the most to us.”
Because their goal is to honor Supra’s mission of creating lasting memories for children with cancer and their families, the Supra foundation ensures 100% of the donations received directly benefit those battling pediatric cancer in the Central Florida community.
“Any little thing helps,” Valdes said. “Everyone has been touched by cancer in one way or another, and it’s one of the worst things someone can experience. So, being able to do what we’re doing for these kids by partnering with (Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children) to grant their wishes is so important to their and their families’ lives. Any little thing you can do to support us in that fight is amazing. Whether it be coming out here to next year’s tournament or donating whatever makes sense for you or even volunteering. Anything helps, and I know from my end, being here for these kids (always) makes my day.”
OARS camp introduces rowing to locals
Since the beginning of summer, Orlando Area Rowing Society has hosted weekly Learn to Row camps aimed at helping those interested — both boys and girls entering sixth grade to rising
seniors — in learning about the sport and getting their first taste of what rowing is all about.
Through the camp, newcomers get a comprehensive, fun and safe introduction to the water. With multiple coaches and experienced rowers mixing into each boat, not only do campers get hands-on coaching in every aspect of the sport, but they also get to see an example of proper technique right in front of them as they row together.
By the end of each session of the camp — which runs from Monday to Friday — most groups of campers have developed enough to get a few mini-races in to get a sense of what rowing competitively is like.
With four sessions remaining in the summer, prospective rowers still have time to get in a boat and start their rowing journey with OARS.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
OARS LEARN TO ROW CAMPS
WHEN: 8 to 10:30 a.m.
July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26 and July 29 to Aug. 2
WHERE: 2457 Maguire Road, Windermere
COST: $175 per session
DETAILS: Campers go through safety classes before and while in the boats. Coaches are always present with campers while on the water. Life jackets are available for those who would like one and those who cannot swim can still participate in the camp, as it is not a requirement for rowing. Campers learn on boats that are extremely difficult to tip over. Also note, that though rowing is a physically demanding sport — other than being able to withstand some of the Florida heat — the camp welcomes those of all athletic profiles and approaches teaching the sport in a non-physically demanding manner.
WEBSITE: OARSRowing. com/summer
Courtesy photo
Sam Albuquerque
Ian Supra Memorial Foundation co-founder and board member Matthew Mayorga, right, and his wife, Mary, greeted golfers and ran the raffle at hole 10 during the tournament.
Orlando Area Rowing Society campers and volunteers carried a boat from the water to the boathouse after Day 1 of the Learn to Row camp.
One way that OARS helps teach newcomers the sport at the camp is by mixing boats with experienced rowers to show them the ropes.
You, too, can be part of the squad
of bat boys started to grow and with the help of George’s dad (Brian Koss) and Joe Light it just kind of morphed into the Squeeze Squad. Now, we have a schedule with like two to four kids on a given game night.”
‘CONTROL THE CHAOS’
With Bat Boy George leading his troops — under the watchful guidance of unofficial Squeeze Squad Manager Joe Light — the mission is simple: Retrieve the Squeeze players’ bats and other gear from the field to the home dugout, following the end of the play, as quickly as they can.
Sounds simple enough, right? But when you combine those elements — kids, a ball field, baseball bats and running as quickly as possible — let’s just say that accomplishing their mission can be a bit chaotic. Still, according to Light, father of two squad members on top of his managerial duties, the juice is worth the squeeze.
“In a few words, what I do is control the chaos,” Light said. “I’ve got a group of 7- to 10-year-olds out here who love the game, who are all competitive and all want to go grab bats, grab foul balls and get on the field as much as possible. That’s a recipe for some chaos. But honestly, this is such a great environment for these kids, and I’m really glad that they have the opportunity to get out here and be around this team.”
From the perspective of Squeeze Squad members, they seem more than glad to have the opportunity.
“It’s just fun to, like, meet all the players and get into the action, picking up bats and stuff,” Koss said. “I really like just hanging out with the players and talking to them and getting to know them better. … I really like doing this, and I think this has grown my interest in baseball. I like baseball a lot more now because of this and the other fun stuff like playing catch on the field sometimes — even with the players.”
During games, the squad stands between the stands and the dugout entrance, behind a netted, half-wall area — which actually has a sweet view of A Game Field — and because of their location, they constantly interact with the Squeeze players — something the Squeeze Squad members love. Those moments of interactions not only help them love the game more but also can be the reason a player becomes a bat boy’s favorite. “I really like meeting and talking with the players,” Squeeze Squad member Logan Light said. “Tripp Landers and Titan Kamaka are my two favorites. … I like Titan because he went to FSU and my dad actually knew him from before, and then I like Tripp because he’s the player I know the most. He always talks to us and comes around.”
STUDYING THE SQUEEZE
But beyond the fun of running on the field and grabbing the gear, the amazing front-row seats to the action and the chance they get to build relationships with the players, these kids — all baseball players themselves — also get the chance to learn a thing or two from college baseball players.
“With their little enclave area, they have really neat access to the players and are able to hear the nuances of the game being talked about right in front of them,” Bates said. “And this group is a pretty educated bunch. I know some more than others, but they’re picking up on what the players are saying and teaching them. … They’re going to be able to use that stuff they’ve learned as they grow.”
Joe Light thinks the experience these kids are getting from not only a life point of view but also from a baseball player’s perspective is invaluable.
“The team has been great and kind of adopted the kids as unofficial team members,” Light said. “They’re always talking to them, interacting with them. … My oldest, Logan ... sits there and listens to the boys as they’re coming off the plate or are on deck, and they’re talking about the pitcher. ... For him to learn that approach as he grows from a 10U, 11U travel ball player up to where he wants to be in high school eventually and maybe where these guys are, I think this is invaluable for him.”
WE’RE ALL IN THE SQUAD For Bates, the Squeeze Squad members are becoming more than just bat boys. They’re members of the team, they’re unofficial mascots, and they’re what the Squeeze as an organization is building their entire identity around.
“Squeeze Squad is more than the bat boys,” Bates said. “It’s the fans, it’s the sponsors, it’s people like Chris Cohen with Huey Magoo’s — who helped us out by outfitting these kids with new T-shirts. ... It’s all of these people who are rallying around this team in our community. We want this team to be more than just something cool that happens in the summer; we want it to be a year-round thing. Our goal is to get to downtown Winter Garden and be involved more in events like the Christmas parade and be involved in Spring Fever in the Garden. ... Squeeze Squad is every member of the fan base, their members of our family.”
To see the Squeeze — and the Squeeze Squad — in action, their next home games will be Thursday, June 27, and Saturday, June 29, at A Game Field on the campus of West Orange High School. First pitch for both games is set for 7 p.m.
Sam Albuquerque
Colton Bergdahl looked like a natural in his first game as a member of the Squeeze Squad.
Local student experiences 2024 Sanibel Sea School
After camp, I know how to jump a car, change a tire, perform CPR safely and use a paddle board.
Sanibel Sea School is where many learn about the wonders of the Sanibel beaches and wildlife. Last week, I attended one of their many camps called Wahine Toa (Whahean-ee-towa). The term “Wahine Toa” means Ocean Warrior, and each camper leaves feeling just like one.
Campers learn how to use a paddle board and about valuable island skills, which are a great help for their end-of-the-week overnight stay at Picnic Island. In the morning, they use their paddle-board skills to go from the island to Fort Myers Beach. This journey is a 4-mile experience, and it allows for the campers to bond and understand the importance of knowing how to survive on an island.
Now that the camp is over, I can successfully jump a car, change a
tire, hook a trailer to a car, spend a night on an island with a small number of supplies, perform CPR safely and use a paddle board most effectively.
At the start of the week, we learned how to use our paddles to go forward, backward and turn as quickly as necessary. We paddled through the canals of Sanibel and saw wildlife all over. Toward the middle of the week, we learned how to attach the paddle boards onto the trailer, so they wouldn’t fall off on the drive back to Sea School. At this time, we also explored the various mangrove trails across Sanibel and Fort Myers.
On Thursday, we headed to the fire station and took a four-hour class to ensure we got certified in CPR. Then, we packed up all of our gear and headed over to Picnic Island. There, we explored the small island and set up camp to prepare for our upcoming night.
We created a bonfire and started our cookout with hotdogs and S’mores. On Friday, we woke up bright and early to pack up camp and head over to Fort Myers Beach. After our long trip, we were treated to Doc Ford’s for lunch.
Wahine Toa was a fantastic camp, where I got to meet people from all over the country and spend a week on the ocean. I learned things I never would have learned, and I discovered that I can spend the night on a remote island — if I ever get stuck — with a minimal amount of supplies. Sanibel Sea School has always been one of my favorite places to go during the summer. I will never forget this camp and the important lessons I have learned.
Lily Parker learned the ins and outs of paddleboarding.
SUMMER SCHOOL ZONE
To quote ‘Ted Lasso’: FOOTBALL IS LIFE
I have been playing the sport since I was 4 and plan to continue through college.
AVERY BANGSUND
FOUNDATION ACADEMY
I started playing soccer when I was 4 years old. My love for soccer started at a young age, because my parents wanted to see what I would be good at. To this day, they don’t let me forget that I never really enjoyed the sport when I was a kid. One thing I would say while at practice or games was, “I don’t like soccer, because it makes me sweaty.”
However, that didn’t stop me from returning to tryouts each year. And each year, I continued to play the game I learned to love very quickly. The sweat never went away, but I learned new skills and how to properly play the sport.
Once I knew the rules and it became an actual game and not a game of kickball, I realized how much I enjoyed playing and competing against other teams.
In addition to soccer, I participate in my school’s cross country, weightlifting and track teams (although, my favorite will always be soccer). Although I do love watching and learning from all the different professional sports teams, I love to play and participate more. Every time I watch a game, I wish I was the one on the track or the field. When I am on the field, I feel at home and in control. Not
only that, but I love the feeling of working as a team to win or beat personal records.
Professional soccer teams I like to cheer for include both the U.S. men’s and women’s soccer teams, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Inter Miami, Minnesota United, Real Madrid, and both Orlando City and Orlando Pride. Although I do not watch much weightlifting or cross country, I like to watch and cheer on the U.S. national track team. I also like to watch college track meets. When I do get the chance to see these events live, I like to go with my teammates, coaches and my family. In the last couple of years, soccer has become a family event. Whether going out to practice or sitting at home screaming at the TV and cheering on our favorite team, my brother and I love to learn more about the sport whenever we can. I will sit there watching the games looking for things I can improve on or things that a particular team does well. I find this helps me improve as a player, because I am finding new things that can either make me a better player or help my team improve as a whole.
I plan on continuing my soccer career playing at the collegiate level.
Avery Bangsund plays soccer for the Foundation Academy Lions.
Courtesy photos
BAPTIST
First
Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana
STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH
PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee
Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org
CHURCH OF GOD
OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD
Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011
Rd, Winter Garden 407-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM SUNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352 SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus: FOUNDATION WORSHIP SUNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407-730-1867
Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com METHODIST First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org
THESE OLD TIMES FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
80 years ago
There was a rumor going around town that Winter Garden was going to have one of the largest canning plants in Florida, adding another industry to stimulate business for citrus growers.
70 years ago
Mary Connell, whose wedding was to be a social event, was given a Coke party by her younger friends, the misses Gail Willis and Ann Hornstein, in the Willis home.
50 years ago
A contract in the amount of $4.83 million was awarded to the Orange County School Board for the construction of a new high school to serve West Orange. Later named West Orange High School, it was built on a 45-acre site on Beulah Road, south of the Sunshine State Parkway. The article read: “Laid out in a number of circles, the new high school will be much more compact than the old spread-out finger-type design. This arrangement will make for less distance between classrooms, which will be easier and faster for students.”
40 years ago
Tony Krapf, principal of West Orange High School, received about $450 in one-dollar coins from graduating seniors. In previous years, seniors gave Krapf a memento for graduation, including bubble gum and shiny new pennies.
Frank Watson, retiring principal of Spring Lake Elementary School, received a hunting rifle as a goingaway present from his faculty and staff after a 32-year career in education.
Bruce Crabbe, a Bay Hill resident and graduate of West Orange High School, became the second former WOHS baseball player in
Summer has arrived officially, although it seems like the season has been upon us for months already.
It’s a time of inter-semester activity, evidenced by the thousands of children who attend summer camps, vacation Bible schools, art classes and more. In 1979, Bill Woodson was hired by the West Orange Church of Christ in Winter Garden as the summer youth minister. The church, located on Daniels Road in Winter Garden, was established in 1930 and has been at this location since 1965.
The archive of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation collects and preserves thousands of items relating to local church history. Make a research appointment at (407) 656-3244.
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.
a month to sign a professional contract with the Chicago Cubs organization and head for Arizona to participate in the Cubs’ instructional league. Brent Casteel signed his contract a month earlier.
30 years ago
Retirees graded papers for 162 years: Teachers Gay Annis, Rod Reeves, Ed Turpin, Sam Wagster and Anna Fulford closed the books,
laid down the ruler, walked away from the desks and turned off the classroom lights for the last time after teaching generations of students in Winter Garden.
20 years ago
The community turned out to celebrate the retirement of Dr. Albert Gleason, 92, who spent more than 65 years in the practice of medicine — 53 of those in
Winter Garden. He was credited with providing good old-fashioned medical care since before World War II and for his role in helping plan and build West Orange Memorial Hospital. It wasn’t unusual for him to have cared for four generations of one family.
THROWBACK THURSDAY
JUNE 20, 1974
In the 1970s, hotels along State Road 50 were popular hangouts because they offered locals an exciting lounge scene with a rotation of bands and musicians. At the Winter Garden Inn’s Gold Lion Room, the new band Rock Island Line, from Maggie Valley, North Carolina, played nightly Tuesdays through Saturdays “for your listening and dancing pleasure.” Their show featured “all the latest music in rock ’n’ roll — boogie — big band.” During the special cocktail hours, all drinks cost 60 cents. Down the road in Ocoee, Ramada Inn West was featuring the band 74th Century with vocalist Sherry Sanders. The band performed folk, country,
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INCLINED NOT TO BELIEVE YOU by Daniel Hrynick and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen
By Luis Campos
Nostalgia takes the wheel at Blake Classic Car Show
Horizon West Cars & Coffee partnered with The Blake at Hamlin for a classic car show Tuesday, June 4. Car enthusiasts Mike Stanczyk and Lou Ferraro went to the assisted-living facility to share their love for all things automotive. The event included tours of the community and lunch. — ANNABELLE SIKES
LINDA DENNIS HEARST
DIED MAY 29, 2024.
Linda Dennis Hearst, age 101, of Montgomery, Alabama, died May 29, 2024, in her home in Orlando, Florida.
Born March 15, 1923, Linda was the first of three children of Turner Mitchell Dennis and Mae Smith Dennis, both of Clanton, Alabama. The family resided in various locations in Alabama, including Montgomery, Clanton and Anniston. Linda attended the University of Alabama and Auburn University before marrying Harry Hearst. Throughout her marriage, Linda lived in many states, including Alabama (where daughter Patricia was born), Illinois (where daughter Susii was born), New York (where son Robert was born) and California. In 1965, the family returned to Illinois to finish raising their family, and in 1995, Linda and Harry moved to Orlando, Florida, where Linda resided for the remainder of her life. Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Hearst; her sister, Elizabeth Betchtel; and her brother, Don Dennis. She is survived by her children, Pat Schwarzentraub, of Peoria, Illinois, Susii Hearst, of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Rob Hearst, of Windermere, Florida; six grandchildren; and 14 greatgrandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held July 27, 2024, with family in Colorado, followed by interment next to her husband, Harry, at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to BRAVE Church, bravechurch.online/give.
Jon Lee Fulford, 59, of Winter Garden, died Monday, June 17, 2024. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.
Dr. Frank Jacobson, 81. of Winter Garden, died Friday, June 21, 2024. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Wilma Baggensen was all smiles in front of one of the classic automobiles.
Above: Barbara Titus climbed inside one of the cars for a quick, imaginary spin.
Right: Dan McLean, left, stopped to ask Mike Stanczyk questions about the cars.
Nadine Wilson, right, spoke to Mike Stanczyk about her love for cars.
Photos by Nick Cepeda, Studio 22 Photography
Dick McDonald stopped to take a quick photo with one of the classic cars.
redpages@orangeobserver.com
Observer
West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 40-year anniversary of Orlando Business Journal
TThe West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 40-year anniversary of Orlando Business Journal. Now located at 200 S Orange Ave Ste 1445 in downtown Orlando, the Orlando Business Journal is where you’ll find the latest breaking business news, updated throughout the day, this week’s top stories, and other popular features from the print edition. In addition to their digital news and weekly editions, the OBJ hosts over 20 events per year and provides market research. To learn more, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 65-year anniversary of Lake Apopka Natural Gas District
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 65-year anniversary of Lake Apopka Natural GasDistrict. Located at 1320 Winter Garden Vineland Rd in Winter Garden, Lake Apopka Natural Gas District ensures reliable, eco-friendly and affordable gas for their communities. Established in 1959, officials from Apopka, Clermont, and Winter Garden united to create the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District. Today, the District now serves over 29,000 customers and was recently recognized as Florida’s fourth fastest-growing municipally owned natural gas utility. With numerous awards and a spotless safety record, their dedicated team ensures excellent service and community support. They thank their founders, employees, board members, and customers for 65 years of trust, and look forward to many more anniversaries of excellent service. To learn more, visit https://langd.org/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 5-year anniversary of Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 5-year anniversary of Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet. Located at 13145 W Colonial Dr in Winter Garden, Big Bob’s Flooring is a family-owned business committed to quality and savings. They specialize in bulk flooring purchases and pass the discounts on to you. Their expert installation ensures your satisfaction. They outshine competitors with superior quality, unmatched customer service, and unbeatable prices. Trust them for your flooring needs. To learn more, visit https://www.bigbobsflorida.com/.
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Orlando Outdoor Living
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Orlando Outdoor Living. Located at 16016 New Independence Pkwy in the Hamlin part of Winter Garden, Orlando Outdoor Living does retail and contracted work to improve and create luxury outdoor spaces. Their scope of work includes custom pergolas, custom outdoor kitchens, pavers, decking, cooling systems and so much more. They want people to stay outside longer! To learn more, visit https://www.orlandooutdoorliving.com/.
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 3 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY
To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304
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