June Town, USA
Quesinberry
Renovations coming to Zanders Park
vation process at the Thursday, July 25, City Commission meeting.
Renovations are coming to Zanders Park in east Winter Garden.
The Winter Garden City Commission and the Winter Garden Community Redevelopment Agency approved the first step in the reno-
The CRA approved the funding for the playground and site work renovations in the amount of $209,000, which includes a 10% contingency, while the City Commission approved awarding the park amenities and equipment project to Kompan Inc. through a piggy-back contract with Lake County.
The contract consists of the removal of any existing equipment, establishing permits, and
furnishing and installing new equipment and amenities at various city parks.
The renovations are an approved CRA budgeted item for Fiscal Year 2024, with a focus on revitalizing the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood.
The renovations will be the first visible milestone for the overall neighborhood revitalization effort.
The 18,001-square-foot Zanders Park, located at 362 11th St. in Winter Garden, opened in 2008, although the park existed as early as 1968.
The renovations will include new fencing and upgraded playground equipment that will reorient the play area around the basketball courts.
“This new orientation of the playground equipment places a stronger emphasis on child safety and family friendliness in that children playing on the playground will no longer be separated from their parents or guardians who may be utilizing the basketball courts,” Laura Coar, director of parks and recreation, said in a memo to City Manager Jon C. Williams.
The existing playground equipment and park will remain open during construction, which is anticipated to start in September.
The renovations are expected to take about three to four weeks.
IN OTHER NEWS
n The Winter Garden City Commission accepted the donation of “The Lake Project: A Documentary Exploring the Land and People of Lake Apopka” from Crealde School of Art. The exhibit now will be permanently installed at City Hall. Peter Schreyer, executive director and CEO of Crealdé, gave a short presentation on the exhibit, which consists of 45 archival photographs and oral histories and nine paintings of Florida’s top landscape painters. The exhibit explores the relationship between Lake Apopka and the diverse people who call the shores of Florida’s third largest lake their home and place of work.
n The city approved the second reading of an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget for mid-year adjustments. The interim budget is used as part of the budget process to account for changes that have occurred since the original budget was passed.
n The commission authorized the city manager to renew and approve a five-year lease agreement with the United States Postal Service for the downtown Winter Garden Post Office, 207 W. Plant St., in the amount of $80,100.
federal Fiscal Year 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant county-wide state solicitation program and the law enforcement trust fund.
n The commission authorized the mayor and police chief to execute a renewal of Combined Operational Assistance and Voluntary Cooperation Mutual Aid agreement with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and other municipalities.
n Winter Garden approved the installation of wiring and light poles along Marsh Road by Duke Energy in the amount of $140,837.08.
n The city approved a water line relocation reimbursement agreement for property located at 186 S. Main St. for construction costs in the amount of $111,463, which includes a 10% contingency and engineering design costs in the amount of $9,100.
Other remaining upgraded features will be installed concurrently and in later phases. These items will include a multi-use open gathering space, signage, perimeter fencing, furnishings, benches and landscaping.
n The commission approved the following members to continue serving on the Code Enforcement Board: Marvin E. Vasquez, Bruce H. Woloshin and Jack R. Litteral. Commissioners also approved the following members to continue serving on the Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board: Nick Asma, Tim Keating and Donald Wingate.
n Commissioners approved the purchase of computers and software for the Winter Garden Police Department in the amount of $18,500, with $11,711 from the
n The City Commission approved Commissioner Iliana Ramos Jones as the Florida League of Cities annual conference voting delegate.
Zanders Park is located at 362 11th St. in Winter Garden. Amy Quesinberry
THE CANDIDATES
Orange County Supervisor of Elections
Five candidates — Karen Castor Dentel, Cynthia Harris, Dan Helm, Wes Hodge and Sunshine Linda-Marie Grund — are running for the Orange County Supervisor of Elections seat in the Aug. 20 primary. All of the candidates are Democrats except for Harris, who has no party affiliation. Helm has filed a lawsuit against Harris and current Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean, accusing Harris of not properly paying her qualifying fee, which would make her ineligible to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. Some answers have been edited for space. The candidates’ entire, unedited responses are available at OrangeObserver.com.
Age: 55
Residence: Maitland
Family: Mother of two college-aged students
Education: Doctoral degree from University of Florida, Master’s Degree from University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, Bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University
Profession: Orange County Public Schools Board
Qualifications: Orlando Regional History Museum board member, Junior League of Greater Orlando, League of Women Voters, chair of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Girl Scouts of Citrus Council, UCF Center for Community Schools Board, USF Anchin Center Board, Orange County Value Adjustment Board, Florida School Boards Association.
Why are you running for Orange County Supervisor of Elections?
I’m running for Supervisor of Elections because I care about my community and want to protect our democracy. I will expand access to voting, increase turnout and safeguard the elections process so that Orange County stands out as a model of efficiency and integrity in the country.
Discuss your previous experience and how it has prepared you to serve in this role.
As a teacher, I integrated civics lessons into my classes, preparing students to be informed and engaged in democracy. As a state representative, I filed the bill to expand early voting locations using municipal buildings, which has led to the new Eatonville early-voting location. I’m currently on the Orange County School Board, where I have created voter registration programs targeting our graduating seniors with more than 850 new registrants the last month of school.
It is my role as a School Board member that has given me the greatest experience leading a large governmental organiza-
SUNSHINE GRUND
Age: 40
Residence: Orlando/Lake Nona
Family: Husband of 18 years; four children (we are an adoptive family)
Education: University of Central Florida: Master’s degree in nonprofit management and bachelor’s degree in psychology; certificate in nonprofit management
Profession: Consulting in for-profit and nonprofit management. Real-estate broker and business owner at Sweet Dreams Realty.
Qualifications: Active with Orange County Additions Volunteer Program, previous Parent-Teacher Association board member, previous board member with Community Based Care of Central Florida and Legal Aid Society, previous member and president with the Association of Fundraising Professionals at UCF.
Why are you running for Orange County Supervisor of Elections?
A strong motivation for running for Supervisor of Elections in Orange County is the vision for equality in elections.
The decision to run wasn’t a whim but a culmination of years dedicated to equality and integrity in our democratic process. Nearly a decade ago, an inquisitive comment at a Boy Scout fundraiser from our previous supervisor, Bill Cowles, sparked the idea. We both studied at the same graduate college (UCF), so carrying forward our alma mater’s legacy of leadership and service would be an honor. And as those around me like to say: “Why not you?!” And/ or maybe that’s what I try to tell them. In all seriousness, I am running because to whom much is given, much is required.
Discuss your previous experience and how it has prepared you to serve in this role.
I have been given an abundant amount of experience to steadily prepare to serve as your next elected Supervisor of
Age: 56
Residence: Orlando
Family: Mother of two; grandmother of four
Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminial justice, University of Central Florida
Profession: Non-profit CEO
Qualifications: Current chair of Black Advisory Committee, Valencia College; current president Greater Malibu Groves Neighborhood Association; executive director Economic Opportunity Training Operations; executive director Carson-Chaney House; member of Ninth Judicial Circuit Juvenile Justice Circuit Advisory Board; board member Hands on Orlando; former state president and vice president of Florida National Organization for Women.
Why are you running for Orange County Supervisor of Elections?
To ensure the care, custody and control of free and fair elections. In 1919, when the 19th amendment was passed, two little girls (my grandmothers) were ages 3 and 4. Their mothers were not allowed to vote; neither were their grandmothers. Fast-forward to 1965, my grandmothers were granted access to vote for the very first time. Keep in mind, they had to endure threats of lynchings, loss of their homes, poll taxes and unfair testing before this moment could come. The strength of these women and their fight for equity are the shoulders of which I stand, and they never took voting for granted. The 3-year-old little girl lived to be 102 and was able to cast her vote for the first African-American president of the United States. I stand proudly to be able to represent these influential women, and I will proudly serve with access and transparency as you next Orange County Supervisor of Elections.
DAN HELM
Age: 38
Residence: Orlando
Family: Wife, Rose; son, Charlie; expecting new arrival, Lincoln, this fall
Education: Doctoral degree in law, Emory Law School; Bachelor’s degree with dual major in political science and classical studies, University of Florida.
Profession: Attorney
Qualifications: Member of the Florida Bar; 2016 deputy regional director of voter protection in Central Florida, in charge of 13 counties; 2018 successful litigator to protect the vote in Orange County; 2020 whistleblower on voter fraud of Derek Chauvin, the man who murdered George Floyd; many years as part of election administration with Orange County as a front line worker; many years as a poll watcher and trainer of poll watchers in the election code.
Why are you running for Orange County Supervisor of Elections?
Election integrity is my passion, and the legitimacy of the process is under attack. My interest in this position did not begin when Bill Cowles announced his retirement. Rather, my interest in this role started more than a decade ago, and my extensive experience defending non-partisan efficient administration of elections supports that.
Discuss your previous experience and how it has prepared you to serve in this role.
My experience comes from many years as an election worker to nearly a decade working with voter protection, to winning a lawsuit to protect voters from being turned away at the polls and to calling out voter fraud of the man who murdered George Floyd.
I am the only candidate that has previously run for and been a nominee for Supervisor of Elections. I am the only candidate to collect a paycheck from the Orange County Supervisor
Age: 46
Residence: Orlando
Family: Married; no children
Education: Professional certification, real-estate sales
Profession: Full-time candidate
Qualifications: League of Women Voters, Orange County, voter services committee; Orange County Branch, NAACP; Florida Asian American Justice Association; Alianza for Progress; Black Voters Matter; Florida Rising; Working America (community affiliate of the AFL-CIO); Progressives for Democracy in America, Florida, advisory board member; Orange County Board of Zoning Adjustment (2016-2022), vice chairperson; Orange County Redistricting Committee (2021); Orange County Community Action Board (2022-23); Orange County Democratic Executive Committee, chairperson, campaigns chair, precinct committee person; Orange County Rainbow Democrats, president, endorsement committee.
Why are you running for Orange County Supervisor of Elections? Our current Supervisor of Elections retired, and for several years, many members of the community asked me to consider running for the position. I have been involved with our local politics for well over a decade, have long-standing relationships with nearly all our elected officials and numerous community leaders, and have been doing the work on the ground for many years.
Of all the candidates in this race, I am the only one who has been working with the Supervisor of Elections staff for the past decade, registering voters, updating vote-by-mail requests, assisting voters with signature match issues and helping establish easier access to information for our voters.
Finally, and most importantly, I am the only candidate who has been putting out campaign information in multiple formats: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole and image descriptions/closed caption-
CYNTHIA HARRIS
KAREN DENTEL
WES HODGE
Youth center to carry June family name
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
The Central Florida organization provides a safe and caring club experience every day after school and all summer long for children between the ages of 6 and 18 from disadvantaged neighborhoods at little or no cost to families.
BGCCF believes every child, regardless of income or life circumstance, should be empowered to excel in school, become good citizens and lead healthy, productive lives.
AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR
The West Orange branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida has been providing activities and guidance for youth in West Orange County since 1999 at the West Orange Recreation Center on West Crown Point Road in Winter Garden. Before then, it operated out of the Mildred Dixon Activity Center next door.
The local club serves about 40 students daily — but Mack Reid, chief operations officer for BGCCF and its 41 sites, knows West Orange has the potential to help many more students reach their potential.
“That’s what’s driven the need to have the space to serve more kids,” Reid said.
A new and larger facility is in the works on Ninth Street in east Winter Garden, and officials expect to break ground this fall on land donated by the city of Winter Garden. In partnership with the city, the new club will offer 20,000 square feet of programming space and serve up to 220 children daily.
When completed sometime in fall 2025, the space will be known as the June Family Club, named in honor of community supporters Randy and Jamie June, who have long committed their time and resources to Boys & Girls Clubs.
“Randy and Jamie June are some of the kindest individuals I have ever met, and this has been their dream to have a large club in Winter Garden serving the kids and families in Winter Garden,” Jamie Merrill, president and CEO of BGCCF, said. “This plan and the conversations about this club in Winter Garden started about 10 years ago, and he has been so diligent about meeting with city officials, donors, our club staff, anybody that would be able to continue moving this project forward.”
“They’ve always supported the club in Winter Garden,” Reid said. “They work hard behind the scenes. If we have any needs or family needs, they’re always there to connect us to the right resources in the community. They were the ones that had the vision in the beginning (that) we could do more for the kids if we had more facilities.
“Randy has been the main driver, making sure the dream didn’t die
and pushing the project forward, getting the right people involved,” Reid said. “We wouldn’t be in the position to get this dream started if it wasn’t for Randy and Jamie.”
It was an organizational decision to recognize the Junes for their many years of dedicated determination and steadfast vision they had, he said.
“They have donated a significant amount of time and funds to this mission … over the years, and we wanted to honor their legacy as they have continued to honor ours,” Merrill said.
“We thought it was totally appropriate to name the facility after them,” Reid said. “Because if it wasn’t for the Junes, we wouldn’t be able to have the state-of the-art facility for the kids of Winter Garden.”
Reid knows the power of Boys & Girls Clubs — he attended as a child, and his father operated several branches. He actually is a thirdgenerational professional for the organization, having started in 1999 when he was a senior at the University of Central Florida.
“Boys & Girls Clubs have always been part of my life, and it’s been a blessing,” he said.
Randy June also understands the importance of the club, as he played football as a child with the club in Pine Hills, and he has served on the board of the Central Florida organization.
He said he and his wife, Jamie, feel honored to be recognized but have mixed emotions about having their name on something this big, preferring to operate under the radar. They are happy to see the project moving forward.
“They do such a fantastic job,” Randy June said of the West Orange branch. “Boys & Girls Clubs’ guidance has been tremendous. They just need a facility to house everybody.”
JUNE FAMILY CLUB
Sitework is expected to begin in September, and the new clubhouse should be completed in about a year. The 20,000-square-foot facility will have two spaces — 10,000 square feet each for the elementaryage youth and teen members. There will be two separate entrances, but the two sides will connect.
Reid is excited about the amenities and programs that will be offered.
The youth side will have a health and life sciences center, a technology center with computer labs, STEM and robotics offerings, and a quiet zen den.
The teen side — to be called the Winter Garden Teen Center — will have similar amenities, with the addition of a dance studio, music studio, and college and career resource center.
When the facility is completed, BGCCF will vacate the Orlando Magic Gym, located inside the West Orange Recreation Center. The new building will not have a gymnasium, but Reid said a gym or basketball court could be added in a third phase of construction.
“In the meantime, we know that if we wanted to take the kids back over to the gym, we could coordinate access to that,” Reid said.
Much fundraising quietly has been taking place in recent years. In addition to the land, the city pledged $1.6 million. June said other big donors include the Dr. Phillips Foundation, Bond Foundation, West Orange Healthcare District, Orange County, West Orange Junior Service League, Petro Family Foundation, Arthur C. Anderson Charitable Foundation and former Major League Baseball player Johnny Damon.
“We have to raise another couple million dollars to create not only the capital plan to build it but the funds to operate it long-term,” June said.
He plans to bring back a golf tournament he held for 15 years, and once the facility is completed, a fundraising breakfast will be planned.
“We’re still in need of support,” Reid said. “We need to raise more awareness, raise more dollars so we can ensure the building is there for many years for the future kids of Winter Garden. We’re always looking for ways to introduce individuals to our organization, and we have opportunities available to support the project.
“We need further donations for the building, but we also need volunteers either serving onboard or actually coming in and working with the kids once the building is open and operating,” he said.
To make a monetary donation, visit bgccf.org and specify the June Family Branch.
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Courtesy photo
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida is building a 20,000-square-foot youth center in Winter Garden for children in West Orange County.
Lake Butler residents oppose Roper Cove project
Sixteen of the nearly 20 acres of land are developable; the applicant wants to put 16 homes on the property.
AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY
Residents living near Lake Butler Road off County Road 535 attended a community meeting Wednesday, July 24, to gather information on — and, ultimately, express their opposition to — a project proposed near their homes west of Windermere. The Orange County Planning Division hosted the information-only meeting at Windermere Elementary School.
The applicant, Inspire Placemaking Collective, is requesting a rezoning of 19.8 acres from Residential-Country Estate to Planned Development District to construct 16 single-family homes on 16 buildable acres. The remaining acreage is wetlands and cannot be developed. The property is located at 5067 Lake Butler Blvd., south of Lake Butler Boulevard and west of Lake Butler.
The rezoning request is required to allow for a reduction in lot size for each unit; current zoning requires one single-family dwelling per acre. Most of the properties along Lake Butler already are developed; this is one of the last remaining pieces of land with access to the lake.
Mike Rosso, county project manager, said the applicant is not proposing to change the density. Eric Raasch, the applicant, is requesting the rezoning, because he can negotiate construction details such as setbacks and minimum lot sizes.
George Kramer, planner and president of Inspire, gave a presentation on behalf of the Roper family, which owns the property.
“They don’t want to just sell and build 16 homesites,” Kramer said. “They want to be more thoughtful about it.”
Three site concepts were presented, with Plan B getting the most positive response. It would have three traditional lakefront lots, each one acre in size, and the remaining 13 sites would measure 160 feet by more than 100 feet and front green space in the center of the property.
Questions arose regarding community gates, amenities, a public vs. private boat ramp and road improvements, but those questions cannot be answered at this stage in the process, Kramer said. A traffic study was not warranted, because 16 acres already have been approved for the property and there is no change in traffic.
Another resident worried the developer would build “a bunch of townhouses and three big houses on the lake,” but Kramer said that won’t happen.
“Here’s the economic reality; expensive homes are going to be built here whether they’re on oneacre lots or lots that are shown here,” Kramer said of Plan B. “That’s just the economics of it. … No one is going to put a 2,000-square-foot house on it. … These are actually very large lots.”
One concerned resident said the narrow Summerport Lane was not
built to withstand heavy traffic and vehicles pulling heavy trailers and boats.
Jay and Patty Williams, who live on Summerport Lane, said their road and Summer Beach Lane were built in the 1940s, and the houses in that area originally were fish camps. Jay Williams expressed concern about the impact of the homes currently sitting on the lake. Because of the slope of the land, he said, the entire new neighborhood would drain into these homes and into Lake Butler.
“Most of us knew this would not remain an abandoned orange grove,” one resident said. “I think the emotion in the room is that we chose this area because of its rural character. … We’ve been in many meetings with Orange County before, and we’ve heard a lot of promises from the developer, and then we’re stuck with whatever the developer puts in.”
Kramer reiterated that this meeting was part of the process to get community feedback.
“We submit an application so we can start the communication process,” he said. “The PD advantage is that all those discussions can be documented. If you don’t want community access and a public park, we will take that into consideration. … that’s part of the process to have that conversation.”
One woman stood up and asked the audience who was in favor of the project. One person raised his hand. Most of the people raised their hand in opposition.
Rosso reminded residents the project is in the land-use application stage currently and still must go through several rounds of county staff review before it goes to the Development Review Committee for recommendation. Then it will be scheduled for the Planning & Zoning Board, where it will get another recommendation before going to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners for a final decision.
First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org
Starke Lake Baptist Church
Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org
Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
EPISCOPAL
Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Sunday: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM., 4PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com
METHODIST
First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM
Courtesy
The proposed project is located at 5067 Lake Butler Blvd.
Town talk tackles restrooms, annexation
ANNABELLE SIKES
NEWS EDITOR
The town of Windermere recently hosted two virtual meetings to continue discussion on fencing and an access system at Lake Street Park, temporary restroom facilities at Town Square Park, and the annexation of the Chaine du Lac community.
CHAINE DU LAC ANNEXATION
A virtual public meeting first was held for residents in the Chaine du Lac community Monday, July 22, to discuss the possibility of annexation.
The annexation last was discussed at a Town Council workshop in May.
Chaine du Lac is located on 103 acres south of Lake Butler Boulevard and abuts the town limits to the west. The annexation would include not only the community’s homeowners association but also the entire area.
The Windermere proper town limit is 2.2 square miles, and Chaine du Lac would add about one-third of a square mile.
According to data collected from the Orange County Property Appraiser in April, the community contains 74 parcels, 51 single-family dwelling units with an average parcel of about 1.5 acres and six vacant residential parcels measuring about 1.4 acres. There are 16 HOA properties and one agriculture exempt property.
Town Planner Brad Cornelius said the town is essentially a built-out community with few vacant properties left in the area. Currently, the town has about 3,038 residents, with a total of about 3,250 residents estimated after build out. Chaine du Lac would bring in about 212 residents if annexed.
Although a consensus was reached by council members in May to move forward with the annexation, opinions were divided on whether a referendum for a vote by the town residents should be included as part of the process.
The annexation is involuntary, which requires the approval of a referendum by 50% plus one by the registered voters within the Chaine du Lac area.
Florida statutes state the town does
not have to bring a vote before the residents in the town of Windermere, but they do have the option to do so if they would like. If the Town Council was to proceed with this route, both the Chaine du Lac residents and town residents would have to approve the referendum by a 50% plus one vote.
Because only a few residents attended the meeting, the town plans to host another public meeting or two for the Chaine du Lac residents, as well as public meetings for the town of Windermere residents, in the near future.
LAKE STREET AND LAKE DOWN PARK
A virtual Town Council public workshop was then held Wednesday, July 24, where the possibility of adding an access system and fencing at Lake Street and Lake Down parks was discussed.
At a previous Town Council workshop July 12, 2023, council asked staff to explore the option of adding a fencing and an access system at Lake Street Park, which is located at Fifth Avenue and Lake Street, and at Lake Down Park, which is located at Fourth Avenue and Magnolia Street.
“This required us to take a look at what the high water line would be and what type of authorization we might need from the Orange County Environmental Protection Division, depending on where that fence would sit and the high water mark,” Public Works Director Tonya Elliott-Moore
said. “After going through that process, what we did finally determine was that as long as the fencing stayed above the high water mark, no permit from Orange County EPD would be required. We were fortunate to be able to come up with a plan that’s going to do exactly that, and we won’t then have to proceed forward with any of the permitting through them.”
Elliott-Moore said the fencing and access system would be the same as the system at the Fernwood Boat Ramp.
With fencing and gates, $20,850, and an access system, $8,340, the total cost for Lake Street Park would be $29,190.
With fencing and gates, $5,125, and an access system, $7,320, the total cost for Lake Down Park would be $12,445.
Elliott-Moore said it will take about six to eight weeks to get the materials in and schedule the installation.
At a public input workshop on May 8, residents asked that the item be brought before the Town Council for approval.
After minor discussion by council members, the members opted to add the item to the Town Council August agenda for a vote.
TEMPORARY RESTROOM FACILITIES
Also at the meeting Wednesday, July 24, council members discussed three options for temporary restroom facilities while waiting on the permanent restrooms to be installed.
At a Town Council workshop last month, council members opted unanimously, with Council Member Andy Williams absent, to move forward with the bathroom portion of the Town Hall renovation plan as the timeline with the highest priorities for the rest of the renovations solidified.
The permanent restrooms are estimated to take about eight to 12 months to complete.
Elliott-Moore said the town manager’s office has been receiving a large number of requests from residents asking for some kind of restroom facility, because they had lost the community room restrooms when the area was demolished.
Although staff had come back to council with a price for a trailer, Council Member Brandi Haines asked staff to take a look at a prefab restroom facility, similar to what is used at Bill Frederick Park near MetroWest.
Elliott-Moore reached out to the city of Orlando, which had piggybacked on a Lake County contract and used Leesburg Concrete Company for the prefab structure there.
The cost the company provided was $116,228.72, which includes the price of engineering fabrication of the structure, plumbing fixtures, electric accessories, delivery, site crew, a crane and an operator.
However, Elliott-Moore said all site work would have to be completed through the town and its individual contractors, which could cost about $30,000 to $50,000 more. The town
also would need to add a janitorial contract for service.
Another option, a restroom trailer, would cost $42,462 for a 12-month contract. If the town was to sign a 24-month agreement, there would be a 15% discount. The facility would be cleaned and pumped out once a week, and the town would need to add a janitorial contract for service.
Lastly, three deluxe portable toilets would cost $10,620 per year with weekly pumping service. The cost of only two would be $7,080 per year, and the town would need to add a janitorial contract for service.
Town Council Member Tony Davit asked if staff could explore the possibility of purchasing one of the portalets instead of renting.
“One of the concerns was that $46,000 is money just thrown down the drain,” he said. “My thought is if we purchase it then we can use it at events around town, not just here at Town Square Park.”
“Based upon the large investment that we’re going to have to make into restrooms, I would like to go just the least expensive way possible to meet the need, take the burden off the businesses and use whatever funds we would have spent on a more robust solution on the permanent restroom facilities and the Town Hall,” O’Brien said.
Council Members Williams, Davit and Many David also agreed. The item will next go back to Town Council for final approval.
A proposed fence and access code system may help to curb illegal activity in the town.
Courtesy image
OAKLAND RESIDENTS:
Your taxes likely are going up
IN OTHER BUSINESS
n Eryn Russell, of the Florida League of Cities, presented the Environmental Stewardship Award to the Oakland Town Commission for its efforts to promote environmental sustainability, improve and protect environmental conditions, and provide environmental education and outreach programs. Russell said this was the most competitive year yet for the award.
“We couldn’t do it without the town support and the support of all our volunteers,” Jennifer Hunt, director of the Oakland Nature Preserve, said.
n Police Chief Darron Esan presented commendation awards to multiple officers. Officer Andrew Ricks was honored for his role in locating an elderly man with diminished mental acuity; and Michael Almodovar, Anthony Edwards and Colten Horne were recognized for their role in handling an IT issue that affected records storage and filing police reports.
n The commission approved the consent agenda, which included several items. One is a grant agreement that provides $2 million in funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the Oakland Alternative Water Project. This will allow the town to provide a lower-quality water source to meet irrigation demands instead of relying on high-quality drinking water. Also approved was a new memorandum of understanding between the Oakland Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office that identifies legal requirements for obtaining
mutual aid within Orange County’s jurisdiction.
n Commissioners discussed a revision of the tree section of the town’s Land Development Code to comply with Florida Statute and add the penalty section back in that was removed when the code was revised in 2020. Once the town attorney approves the revisions, an ordinance will be brought before the elected officials.
“We want to have a larger penalty if someone removes a tree,” Assistant Town Manager Elise Hui said. “We want to avoid some of these issues that we’ve come across.”
n Elected officials approved a building and safety fee study in the amount of $35,700. Municipalities are required to establish fees to cover the costs of building departments but are not allowed to generate revenue, develop reserves or provide financial support to other municipality positions not directly tied to building activities. In November 2022, previous management realized the town had developed a surplus of revenue in the building department because of established permit fees. The fee study will allow the town to adopt a more sustainable free schedule and balance the building budget.
n Town Manager Andy Stewart announced a dirt road survey is available on the town’s water bills and at Town Hall until midAugust and was to be added to the town’s website. This will help the commission when preparing future budgets and give commissioners a good idea of what residents want.
LOCAL MOTION
The town likely will increase its millage by .6, because Orange County Fire Rescue has raised its fee by $521,497.
AMY QUESINBERRY
EDITOR
COMMUNITY
The town of Oakland has either lowered its millage rate or kept it the same for the last decade and was expecting to maintain last year’s rate of 6.3 for another fiscal year.
But after Orange County Fire Rescue announced it was increasing the millage to its Municipal Service Taxing Unit rate by .6, the town must pass along that increase to its residents.
The town currently contracts with OCFR to provide fire rescue and prevention services to town residents through an interlocal agreement between the town and Orange County. The cost of these services in the interlocal is determined by applying the millage levied in the MSTU to the ad valorem assessment, Town Manager Andy Stewart wrote in a memo to the commission, which was included in the packet for the July 23 Town Commission meeting.
“The budgeted cost to provide these services in the current fiscal year was $1,543,584, while the proposed new cost in accordance with the interlocal agreement would be $2,065,081 for (Fiscal Year 202425),” Stewart wrote. “This represents a total dollar increase of $521,497.”
OCFR also services the town of Eatonville and the cities of Edgewood and Belle Isle.
In past years, the cost of the interlocal agreement has risen steadily. In Fiscal Year 2021, the amount Oakland paid OCFR was
This annual guide provides important information about the West Orange communities of Winter Garden, Oakland, Ocoee, Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Gotha and Horizon West including the history, area maps, hospitals, utility companies and local leaders. Including:
• History of each municipality, interviews with local leaders and a calendar of can’t-miss events
• Round-up of local activities and ways to get involved
• Suggestions for date nights and family weekend excursions for every budget
A complete guide to public, private and charter schools, including preschools and options for students with special needs
$760,958, followed by $901,461 in FY 2021-22, $1,286,320 in FY 202223 and $1,486,029 in FY 2023-24.
The commission was notified of the increase by Orange County July 12, after it had approved June 25 a proposed budget of $9,149,168 with no increase to the town’s millage rate of 6.3.
“I don’t think this is the correct thing for them to do at this time,”
Mayor Shane Taylor said. “I’ve already reached out and expressed our displeasure. … It would have been nice to maybe negotiate. … (They) maybe could have done an incremental increase over time that the town could have absorbed.”
Residents attending the meeting made suggestions, such as cutting services in the town or starting its own volunteer fire service.
“We are living within our means, and anything we cut would be detrimental to the residents,” Stewart said.
Donna Reed, an Oakland resident who spent 31 years with the fire department, said a volunteer department would not work because it would cost more than the $2 million the town spends for the county’s services.
Taylor said he has had several conversations with Orange County.
“The conversation was … it was basically to keep up with the services they provide,” he said. “They do provide great services. … It’s not a service you really want to do without in this town. If there’s an emergency, you want someone who can come and take care of you.”
The town still is in discussions with the county.
Commissioners voted in favor of the increased tentative millage rate of 6.9, contingent upon the actions of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners at its Sept. 19 meeting. If the county’s millage rate for fire and EMS services decreases, so, too, will Oakland’s.
NEWS BRIEFS
OCPS MEALS WILL BE FREE IN 2024-25
Orange County Public Schools will once again serve all students in the district all school meals at no charge for the 2024-25 school year.
The initiative is made possible through the Community Eligibility Provision, which emphasizes the district’s commitment to ensuring every student has access to nutritious meals that support their health and academic success.
“Our goal is to ensure that no child goes hungry and that all students have the nutrition they need to succeed,” Mark Watson, OCPS food and nutrition services senior director, said.
“By participating in the CEP program, we are taking a significant step towards improving the well-being of our students and removing any barriers to their academic success.”
Families do not need to submit any forms or applications to qualify for the benefit, unless their children are enrolled at one of the three new schools opening this year: Atwater Bay Elementary School, Luminary Middle School and Innovation High School. These new schools do not yet have the student household data necessary to gain CEP status.
To mitigate this expense, OCPS is asking that families attending the new schools fill out the Meals Benefits Application and qualify for the federal funds used to subsidize the meal program.
To apply, parents can visit their school’s website.
For more information about the Meals Benefits Application, contact the FNS Meal Benefits Team at (407) 858-3110 or email Meal.Applications@ocps.net.
THE CANDIDATES
MEET
DENTEL FROM PAGE 3A
tion with transparency. I have been accountable to my constituents for effectively overseeing a $4.9 billion budget that addresses the needs of 210,000 students and salaries of 24,000 employees. I have worked to protect vulnerable students, pushed back against book bans, expanded green energy practices to save our tax dollars and helped negotiate contracts with our hardworking labor unions.
What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as Supervisor of Elections?
I am fortunate to have strong role models in my parents for serving in public office with integrity. They demonstrated the importance of working to solve problems and strengthening our community. They inspired me to become a public school teacher, to stand up for my community as a state representative and to be a voice for others on the School Board. I want to set that same example for my children and do my part to ensure our democratic system is strong in Orange County. It is my commitment of service to others that will guide me in my role as supervisor. I will create a culture of high performance, support the office staff to reduce turnover and respect their years of experience. It is vital that the supervisor’s office operates with honesty, integrity and transparency, and effectively serves the needs of the voters.
What are the key differences between you and your opponents?
There are many differences between the candidates running. I have lifelong election experience and have been devoted to public service. I grew up in a family engaged in elections and public service, and I have been a candidate myself several times. I managed the Central Florida campaign for U.S. Senate candidate Betty Castor and worked on Florida’s Fair Districts campaign to stop political gerrymandering. I have been a poll watcher on Election Day, registered hundreds of voters and given rides to the polls for those without transportation. I have interacted with the Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles and his office numerous times and am very familiar with the operation. More importantly, I am the only one to have the necessary governance experience as an elected official and record of standing up for what is right regardless of the personal political consequences. While I hold tight to my Democratic values of truth, justice, fairness and equality, I have a record of effectively serving all of my constituents equally, regardless of their political affiliation. I am honored to have the support of former students, union workers, colleagues and community leaders, such as Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer; Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner; commissioners Tony Ortiz and Bakari Burns; and School Board members Pam Gould, Melissa Byrd, Angie Gallo, Maria Salamanca and Vicki Felder. I also have the endorsement of the Central Florida AFL-CIO, Orlando Realtors, CFHLA and the West Orange Political Alliance.
What are the three most pressing issues facing voters and the SOE office in Orange County?
We need to expand access to make the SOE office more convenient for citizens. I will create satellite offices in areas like Lee Vista and the West Oaks Mall so folks can easily update their addresses, signatures, drop off their ballots and learn more about upcoming elections. I would initiate a mobile unit called the “Votemobile” to visit senior centers, attend parades and community events, as well as areas considered voting deserts, to engage with citizens where they are. Second, I would safeguard the elections process and create a code of ethics for the office. To address concerns of voters and poll workers, I will appoint
Elections. My journey through nonprofit and for-profit management have uniquely prepared a skillset pivotal for this role. Through the years, I have navigated challenges, managed diverse teams and advocated fiercely for fairness. Not to date myself, but I met with both Gov. (Jeb) Bush and (Charlie) Crist as they signed legislation impacting children. I trekked the road to Tallahassee for years advocating and training others to do the same; to be a voice for the voiceless. Then, in the education system. Most recently, in politics. Listening and then acting is where my expertise shines. The combination of project management, campaigns and continuous community involvement have prepared me to effectively serve as our next Supervisor of Elections. Administrative and election experience have especially prepared me to serve in this role. Management through the years have varied in appearance and arenas, but one thing has remained consistent: my duty to serve those entrusted in my care with integrity.
What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as Supervisor of Elections?
Through the years, I have been blessed with an abundant amount of guides building a strong foundation of values and morals. While serving in the Army National Guard, there were/are seven core Army values. They are loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. These values have and continue to shape me. Working as a child advocate volunteer and professional provided clear boundaries around appropriate conduct in the community. As a real-estate broker, I abide by the code of ethics when doing business. Some of these principles are honesty and fairness, competency and integrity, maintaining high personal and professional standards, constant improvement, and community support and awareness. The ethics and values instilled through the years will be brought to the table with my service as the next Supervisor of Elections and used as a cornerstone of our operations. Trust will be a word synonymous with our office.
What are the key differences between you and your opponents?
There is a crystal clear distinction between this campaign/ candidacy and the others at the heart. The focus on restoring the integrity of democracy and reducing the influence of money in politics continues to drive the goal to serve everyone equally in our community. This is especially important as the elected official hired to supervise elections. It is important the integrity of this office is completely unbiased from any outside influences. Protecting our votes/voice is where I shine. I am the only candidate trusting only the voters, so not accepting campaign contributions. This responsibility requires full dedication. I am also the only one whose background is focused on the job at hand.
What are the three most pressing issues facing voters and the SOE office in Orange County?
Fulfilling our mission indeed addresses the most pressing issues faced by voters of integrity, confidence and participation. The issues are actually solved if we are fulfilling our mission, and that is ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, enhancing public confidence and encouraging citizen participation. Being a ward of the state of Florida as a child for (more than) a decade, before aging out and starting my own family, gave insight to various communities. Orange County is full of varying communities, and we must address their unique issues as they arise. I have lived in households with carpen-
Discuss your previous experience and how it has prepared you to serve in this role. I have worked with the Supervisor of Elections as a clerk since the 2016 elections on the outside, so I understand the process of what a voter may or may not encounter when voting. I have experience as a poll watcher, and I am familiar with the rights of the voter who may be turned away from access to voting. I have also had the opportunity to shadow other Supervisor of Elections offices in Florida to observe canvassing boards and the day-to-day activities of the election process and the possible glitches that may or may not occur.
What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as Supervisor of Elections?
I have witnessed the frustrations of voters and candidates, and there is always room for adjustments and improvements in the voting process. My greatest influences were my grandmothers and what they went through, as well as the village of leaders who helped mold and shape my life. These guides will outline my agenda of free and fair elections.
What are the key differences between you and your opponents?
I am ready on Day 1. I understand the internal and external processes of the Supervisor of Elections. This is not a popularity contest. Access and transparency are key to protecting our democracy to free and fair elections. Voting is everything, and we must protect it.
What are the three most pressing issues facing voters and the SOE office in Orange County? Voter suppression, chain of custody, paper ballots vs. machine counting.
Evaluate the job Glen Gilzean has done as current Supervisor of Elections. Mr. Gilzean has not been on the job long enough to give a fair evaluation. He was immediately thrown into a special election before he could enter the front door. He handled this well under pressure. Now, he is thrust into a frivolous lawsuit. An evaluation would not be applicable right now.
If elected, what will be your strategy to encourage voter turnout and participation? Education and outreach would be key to voter turnout and participation. There are 13 municipalities, and most voters are not informed that they are afforded to vote twice for mayors and commissioners in their municipalities, as well as county mayors and commissioners. We lack civic engagement, because it is not taught in schools. I am a Schoolhouse Rock child; I will implement youth and adult academies in this office to understand the process of “I am now a registered voter. What do I do next?” My office will stay engaged and connected to each and every voter.
Discuss candidate Dan Helm’s lawsuit against you and its anticipated ramifications on this election. Litigation.
How do you ensure voters of all political affiliations that you will fulfill the role of Supervisor of Elections fairly and without bias? This office should not be a partisan office, which is why I am NPA. Every voter should feel free to exercise (his or her) right to democracy and access to free and fair elections without threats of intimidation or coercion. There is no room for political bullies in Orange County. This office will ensure that Cynthia Harris will bring her experience, integrity and commitment to your vote. Voting is everything! We must do everything in our power to protect it!
of Elections Office. I am the only candidate with the experience and knowledge to protect the election process. I am running to continue and build upon the institution of Bill Cowles.
What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as Supervisor of Elections?
“Equal Justice Under Law.”
These words are enshrined over our Supreme Court. I remember seeing them often as a kid, as I was born in Washington, D.C. I’ve dedicated my life to following the rule of law in the pursuit of justice. I value kindness highly. Kindness is often lacking in our civil discourse, but kindness can be a beacon of light through cloudy times. As Supervisor of Elections, I will follow the law. I will treat people with respect and kindness. I will be transparent and open. I will assist people to update their voter information and get registered to vote. I will inform voters of the elections they can participate in, and how they can do so with ease. I will be a friendly, non-partisan, efficient administrator.
What are the key differences between you and your opponents?
Experience. I might be the youngest candidate, but I am Bill Cowles’ age when he took over the job, and I also am the only candidate with experience. I am the only candidate (who) has worked for the Supervisor of Elections office. I have expert level knowledge of the election code and election administration. Additionally, I am very nonpartisan in my conduct. The person in charge of counting the votes must be non-partisan. I would question if the former chair of the Republican Party was the person responsible for counting votes. The same way I question the former chair of the Democratic Party wanting to be responsible for counting votes, because the integrity of the election process is under attack, and the perception of having someone who is hyper-partisan undermines the trust of the voters and the legitimacy of the process.
What are the three most pressing issues facing voters and the SOE office in Orange County?
Secure, accessible, fair elections. I believe voters and the SOE office want to make sure that elections are secure from election disruption threats, whether those threats are hurricanes or bad actors. We want to have easy access to elections to make sure we can vote without barriers to the process, meaning more accessible voting locations, as well as communications about how we can vote with ease.
Evaluate the job Glen Gilzean has done as current Supervisor of Elections.
I applaud Glen Gilzean for stepping up when he was called upon by the governor. This is a job that Glen did not ask for or even apply for. However, there are real problems when you have somebody in the office without any experience. My lawsuit is a prime example of this. Sadly, the 30 years of experience in Bill Cowles was not present for checking qualifying documents, and someone qualified for the ballot who should not have been based upon the documents submitted. This just comes down to a lack of experience. Additionally, there have been some communication issues, including misinformation about when the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot was. Lack of communication to the County Commission on when deadlines were for ballot initiatives to be placed on the ballot.
If elected, what will be your strategy to encourage voter turnout and participation?
Dan Dan, the voting man! This is a question of understanding the voters and meeting
ing. Even though English is my primary language, I know that this campaign, and its success is not about me.
Discuss your previous experience and how it has prepared you to serve in this role. I am the only candidate who has been working with the election office staff for the past decade. ... I am the only candidate in the race who has worked to register thousands of voters, coordinated writing more than 100,000 postcards to remind residents when their vote-by-mail request expired and assisted thousands of voters to correct signature issues with their ballots so they could have their votes counted. I served as the Orange County Democratic Party Chair for six years. This position gave me a legal role in coordination with the elections office, which has provided me with a unique insight and perspective that none of the other candidates possess.
What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as Supervisor of Elections? Honesty, integrity, compassion, trustworthiness and openness are my key characteristics and ones that voters should want in an elections supervisor. A good elected official is someone who is willing to listen for what changes need to be made and then finds new and innovative ways to accommodate those requests.
What are the key differences between you and your opponents?
First, voters love my early-voting appointment system. Much like the tax collector’s office, you can go online or call and make an appointment to vote. My experience and knowledge has also set me apart from the rest of the field. Several times throughout this campaign, I have had to correct each of the other candidates, because they provided incorrect or misleading information about the office or the election process. I have comprehensive plans for voter engagement and outreach that none of the other candidates have offered. What are the three most pressing issues facing voters and the SOE office in Orange County?
Accessibility. Several of our early-voting sites around the county consistently experience long lines. ... For me, lines are a form of voter suppression. ... I want to implement an earlyvoting appointment system. ... This system already exists in Palm Beach County, and its SOE staff is willing to help bring it to Orange County.
Another form of limited accessibility exists because we have one SOE office for the entire county. If you want to do anything voting related, you must come to the Kaley (Street) office. I want to partner with the clerk of courts and the tax collector to establish satellite offices in their branch locations to make the SOE office more accessible to our voters.
I have asked the Orange County Disability Advisory Board and other community organizations to commit to working with the SOE’s office to audit each of the early voting and precinct locations for accessibility. I want to make sure each polling site is accessible for voters with mobility, visual and neuro-diversity issues.
During off-year cycles, only Apopka and Orlando offer early voting within their jurisdictions. This results in abysmal early voting numbers for municipalities, which do not offer early voting in their towns and cities. I have commitments from Eatonville, Oakland, Ocoee and Winter Garden to work on solving this issue. Finally, I want to address language accessibility. Currently, Orange County is only required to offer English and Spanish for ballot options. We already have the technology in the express voting machines to offer ballots
a director of safety and security to coordinate with law enforcement, to be in charge of emergency planning for every polling place and provide safety training for all poll workers. The code of ethics would ensure all office contracts are put out for competitive bid. Lastly, I will work to increase voter turnout through greater communication and outreach. I will inform voters of changes in voting laws, increase education, and deliver the message in a variety of formats and languages.
Evaluate the job Glen Gilzean has done as current Supervisor of Elections. Our current supervisor has had
ters, social workers, stay-at-home moms, waitresses, firefighters, pastors, truck drivers, executives, gardeners, students and software engineers. The issue our office must continuously address is if we are in tune with the issues facing our voters, and, if not, how do we get there?
Evaluate the job Glen Gilzean has done as current Supervisor of Elections
Thankful for Mr. Glen Gilzean and his willingness to step up with short notice to serve as supervisor. Important to note: He was appointed by our governor and not elected by our citizens. Those are our top officials in Orange County.
them where they are, and this is a monumental task in a county that has 1.4 million residents. The short answer is that Dan Dan, the voting man needs to be everywhere — or have his staff have a presence nearly everywhere. Fundamentally, this is about communication and using creative ways to remind people there is an election. One of my ideas is to create an Orange County voting app, which would have push notifications reminding voters when there was an election coming up. Finally, there is a growing feeling of voter apathy and a feeling for many voters that their vote has no power. To answer this, I remind voters that we live in the state where the presidential election of 2000
in multiple other languages; it only requires the purchasing of these language licenses. I am committed to buying these licenses for the top five non-English languages in Orange County — Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Arabic and Vietnamese.
Evaluate the job Glen Gilzean has done as current Supervisor of Elections. It is a mixed bag. He has unnecessarily created confusion with the county about deadlines for ballot initiatives. I am very concerned with reports of no-bid contracts for legal representation, as well as the hiring of the best man at his wedding. His office also lacks quality control measures, as it has consistently dissemi-
some missteps since being appointed, such as not counting candidate petitions in a timely manner, advertising incorrect voter info, hiring his best man with a no-bid contract and putting certain ballot initiatives in jeopardy. None of those help the confidence of the office.
I am pleased he took advantage of the language I added to statute when I was a state representative and added the Eatonville early-voting location. I will ensure the office is fully staffed and highly trained to meet the increased demands of a growing county.
If elected, what will be your strategy to encourage voter turnout and participation?
Increasing voter turnout will be the main goal of the office, and I will
There have been some issues regarding processing petitions and paperwork, so identifying shortfalls with solutions is critical moving forward. It is always important that proper protocols are in place to ensure accuracy for everyone. Continuous professional development with ongoing training helps ensure election staff stay up to date on best practices, legal requirements and new technologies in election administration. The office is not about one person but a team dedicated to serving citizens through the election process. Obviously, leadership reflects those at the top.
If elected, what will be your strategy to encourage voter turnout and participation? Ultimately, serving as Supervisor of
was decided by just 537 votes, or an election in Winter Park just a few months ago that was decided by 34 votes.
Discuss candidate your lawsuit against Cynthia Harris and its anticipated ramifications on this election.
When I discovered through a public records request that one of my fellow candidates had been improperly qualified, I could not just look the other way. That is not who I am. I am a rules guy, and the integrity of the ballot is at stake. Because Cynthia Harris did not qualify correctly, the ballot style for the election changes to a universal primary contest. What that means is that all voters, regardless of party affiliation, are allowed to vote for the remaining four
nated inaccurate information about elections.
On the positive side, I have seen much more community engagement from the office.
If elected, what will be your strategy to encourage voter turnout and participation?
I want to fully staff the four outreach positions already funded within the SOE’s current budget. I want to partner with our community-based groups working with minorities, immigrants, workers, new citizens and former felons to engage with them in their spaces to discuss voting and what all it entails. Increasing youth participation will only happen through engagement and repetition. First, I want to see more engagement on our college
seek to remove barriers to voting across the county. I will expand SOE satellite offices to be in other areas of the county, such as West Orange, Lee Vista, UCF and Lake Nona. We must create a robust communications plan, making sure we reach voters in their spoken languages and in a variety of formats and media. I will engage more community partners, such as the League of Women Voters, OCPS, sororities and fraternities, and civic groups to amplify the messages about the importance of participating and making one’s voice be heard.
Discuss candidate Dan Helm’s lawsuit against Cynthia Harris and its anticipated ramifications on this election. I agree that if a candidate is running
Elections means championing the fundamental right of every citizen to have their voice heard in the democratic process. Several strategies can be implemented to improve voter turnout and participation. These include comprehensive voter education campaigns, school and outreach programs, social media digital outreach, community events and workshops, partnerships with businesses and civic organizations, promotions of early-voting options, targeted outreach to underrepresented groups, and feedback from voters and stakeholders. Implementing these strategies will empower voters with knowledge, enhance voter turnout, and foster a more engaged and informed electorate in our community. Our vote is our voice.
Democratic candidates. That means if you are registered as a Republican, or if you are registered as a nonpartisan or if you are registered as a member of any other party, you are allowed to vote in this race. ... From an election-process perspective, the fact that there is a candidate on the ballot (who) should not be is really disenfranchising hundreds of thousands of voters from having a say in the candidate of their choice.
When I win at trial on Aug. 13, one of the things the Supervisor of Elections office and I have agreed on is about moving this contest of Supervisor of Elections to the November ballot. This is because of the logistical problems of reprinting ballots so late in the process and then getting those ballots in front of the voters.
campuses; voter registration and education drives during the spring and fall semesters at UCF, Rollins, Valencia, Orlando Tech, Full Sail, etc. Partnering with OCPS, I want to bring the SOE back into our schools.
Once the students reach 16 or 17 years of age, we can pre-register them to vote. By the time a student graduates high school, we have developed 12 years of a positive voting experience and engagement with them. This is going to be key to developing future generations of engaged young voters.
Discuss candidate Dan Helm’s lawsuit against Cynthia Harris and its anticipated ramifications on this election.
While I support the premise of the lawsuit, Mr. Helm waited nearly
for this office in particular, they need to know and follow the rules for qualifying to become a candidate, especially since that will become part of their job qualifying future candidates. However, the lawsuit at this time is unfortunate, because it creates confusion for voters going to the polls right now. I want to make sure the people who have cast their ballots are confident that they will count in August.
How do you ensure voters of all political affiliations that you will fulfill the role of Supervisor of Elections fairly and without bias?
I can see how some might perceive someone with a hyper-partisan history, such as a former political party chair, would have trouble convincing the general public that he is no
Discuss candidate Dan Helm’s lawsuit against Cynthia Harris and its anticipated ramifications on this election.
The current lawsuit is about proper paperwork being filed. It goes back to the policies and procedures being implemented properly. The anticipated ramifications are unknown at this time, because it is set for trial. Will say to the voter to continue the current course before you. Let your vote/voice be heard. You have a ballot full of qualified candidates to choose from. Of course, I am going to say no matter what the lawsuit outcome is, I am the best qualified candidate to represent you as your Supervisor of Elections today, tomorrow and always!
How do you ensure voters of all political affiliations that you will fulfill the role of Supervisor of Elections fairly and without bias?
This question is probably a real problem for my fellow Democratic opponents. Particularly, this is a problem of perception for Wes Hodge.
Hodge’s main experience is from being the former Democratic Party chair for six years. The job of the Democratic Party chair of Orange County is to elect Democrats. Full stop. Wes likes to pick winners and win for Democrats.
Just as I would not want the former chair of the Republican Party being the one counting the vote, I do not want the former Democratic Party chair counting the vote. There can be no perception in this office
two weeks to file his lawsuit. Based on my conversations with election lawyers, his interpretation of the law is incorrect. The Supervisor of Elections and the secretary of state have both in good faith declared this a closed primary. Dr. Castor Dentel and I have spent well over $200,000 toward the August election. If the election is moved to November, we will both suffer irreparable harm as a result of this action.
How do you ensure voters of all political affiliations that you will fulfill the role of Supervisor of Elections fairly and without bias?
I am committed to implementing policies that will allow all voters to see that the office is run in a transparent way that is fair and free from bias. I aim to broadcast all canvass-
longer solely committed to electing members of his party.
As a School Board member, I have served in a non-partisan position, effectively working with Democrats, Republicans and Non-Party Affiliated board members and am happy to have the support of so many. I was elected to serve all the people in my district and have demonstrated my commitment to serving all students and families for the last six years. And, as a community volunteer, I have worked to help people throughout Orange County. In those roles, I have developed strong relationships with community leaders and have a broad base of support from across the political spectrum. I will continue to reach out to other organizations and be transparent in my decisions.
How do you ensure voters of all political affiliations that you will fulfill the role of Supervisor of Elections fairly and without bias? Trust. It is one word, and yet it holds so much power. It is how we ensure voters know without a shadow of doubt that their vote/voice is being honored. It is how I live and how I will serve. Most people do not like it when people tell them what to do, so know with confidence as your leader I will walk how I talk. Financial or verbal endorsements are not solicited or exchanged. The power of elections belongs to the people equally. Truly believe in the beauty of the ballot box and the sacred space it provides. I will ensure fair and unbiased electionsby example.
that someone has (his or her) thumb on the scale for one party or for one candidate over another. As much as I like Wes — and he likely would have my support if he (were) running for any other office — his background and experience are actually disqualifying for Supervisor of Elections. This office should be non-partisan, and politics should be removed from the process.
Voters can trust me to fulfill the role of Supervisor of Elections because of my record. I stand for the rule of law and the election code. Following the rules is fair and without bias. The office should be run in a non-partisan efficient manner. I am running to continue the institution of Bill Cowles, who ran the office in a non-partisan efficient manner.
ing meetings on OrangeTV, allowing voters to witness the vote count. I would also like to continue livestreaming the ballot processing. I have a long history of holding candidates from all party affiliations accountable when they run afoul of Florida’s election laws. The Florida constitution establishes the Supervisor of Elections as a partisan position, and everyone in this race is a Democrat. Nothing makes anyone “more” or “less” of a Democrat than anyone else.
During my time as party chair, I regularly met with elected Democrats, Republicans and independents at all levels of government. This was necessary to get any type of legislation or initiative passed. ... I am proud of the support I have earned from across the political spectrum.
SPORTS
HIGH 5
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Registration is now open for the West Orange Girls Club’s fall 2024 recreational fastpitch softball league. Girls from ages 4-17 and of all skill levels are invited to participate in the Ocoee-based league.
The league includes a full schedule of regular-season play, as well as an All-Star select postseason. Prior to the beginning of the season, players also will go through an evaluation session — scheduled for Aug. 17 — followed by team selections.
Those interested can register for the league and find more information here: bit.ly/4fmureL.
Registration ends Aug. 16, and opening day is set for Sept. 7.
2
West Orange High alum and swimmer Victor Wright finished first in the 50-meter breaststroke at the Special Olympics Florida Area 6 swimming competition Sunday, July 28, at the Orlando Health National Training Center in Clermont.
The competition featured the best Special Olympics swimmers from Orange, Lake and Seminole counties competing for their slots at the regional championships. Wright’s win in the event earned him a spot at regionals.
3
Ocoee High football player Diego De Pina has announced his college football commitment to the University of West Florida.
The defensive lineman should be a huge factor for an Ocoee defense that looks to be one of the best in West Orange this upcoming season. The 6-foot3, 240-pound Argos commit is lining up to have a bounce-back year in 2024 with fellow rusher and 2023 Orange Observer Football Player of the Year Michael McClenton lining up opposite of him on the line.
This pairing should consistently produce advantageous matchups for either star rusher next season.
Despite De Pina missing games because of injury in 2023, he still managed to rack up 39 tackles (five of which were for a loss), a sack and a fumble recovery. Combined with his size, this production was enough to show college scouts he was worth offering.
Beyond his skills on the gridiron, De Pina also is a star trackand-field athlete for the Knights, finishing as the state runner-up in the shot put and as a state qualifier in the discus.
4
The Orlando Area Rowing Society had a successful showing at the 27th annual Halifax Summer Regatta in Daytona, taking home the Overall Points crown and the Sculling Points trophy. Stand-out rowers for OARS at the two-day event include Anna Andert, who was the fastest novice woman 1x, and Liam Cromartie, the fastest junior man 1x.
5
After receiving her first call-up to the USA Cricket U19 national team, as part of the team competing in Trinidad and Tobago against Cricket West Indies, Windermere Prep senior Sasha Vallabhaneni recorded her first career appearance for the United States in the second match of the scheduled five-match series.
After a great showing in her maiden appearance, Vallabhaneni was part of the US’s Playing XI for the rest of the series.
LIGHTS! CAMERA!
ACTION!
To kick off the 2024 football season, teams from across West Orange and Southwest Orange converged to preview their seasons at media day.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
SPORTS EDITOR
August in West Orange and Southwest Orange doesn’t bring nature’s usual signs of a coming autumn — leaves falling, cooler weather and the changing color palate of the trees. Instead, folks around this area know fall is almost here when the
championship
signs of high school football season begin to appear. With summer workouts done and dusted, preseason events like the 2024 Florida Citrus Sports High School Football Media Day kicking off the conversation around the area’s teams and practices starting, it’s safe to say those magic words again: High school football is back!
Windermere Wildfire Paulson softball club loses AFCS Tier II National Championship in Game 3, 10-8, after six innings because tournament drop dead time expired.
It’s hard to consider the Windermere Wildfire Paulson softball club an underdog or Cinderella-type team in any competition it enters. Consider its recent accolades: 2023 AFON National Champions, back-to-back USA Softball National Champions (2021, 2022) and backto-back-to-back PGF Florida state champions (2022, 2023, 2024).
Still, when the clock struck midnight — both figuratively and somewhat literally — on the Windermerebased organization’s fairytale-type run at the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series Tier II National Championship, it felt as if the Wildfire were
robbed of its glass slipper after Game 3 of the best-of-three series ended in the sixth inning, halting Windermere’s roaring comeback.
FINAL FOUR FAIRYTALE
After a simple path through the AFCS Super Regionals and Elite Eight (winning five of five), the Wildfire’s journey in the Final Four was a much rockier road.
Despite topping VA Glory Willemssen, 7-1, in the opening match of Elite Eight bracket play, the Virginiabased softball club came back with a vengeance in the Final Four, dominating Windermere 14-0. Luckily for the Wildfire, because VA Glory came
Former West Orange High baseball player
Sam Brodersen was selected in the 2024 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. Page 2B.
Sam Albuquerque Windermere High football, led by coach Riki Smith, left, took their seats on stage for their live-streamed team interview.
Courtesy of Windermere Wildfire Windermere Wildfire 18U Paulson softball team finished as runners-up at the AFCS Tier II National Championships.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
Dr. Phillips High football’s Kennoris White had some fun during one of the many activities at the 2024 Florida Citrus Sports High School Football Media Day.
Olympia High football’s lone returning starter, offensive lineman Parker Moss, spoke to television reporters during media day.
Sam Brodersen
Sam Brodersen, a West Orange High alum and former baseball player for the Warriors, is a right-handed pitcher who played at Wingate University for three seasons before transferring to Louisiana Tech for his senior college campaign. During the 15th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Brodersen was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals organization with the 441st overall pick. The West Orange native helped lead Wingate to the Division II National Championship as a true freshman in 2021 and earned All-Conference USA First Team honors last season at LA Tech.
How does it feel to be selected in the MLB Draft? It feels awesome. A mix of gratitude and happiness. It’s always a good feeling when hard work pays off, but when 15 years of hard work pays off, it’s indescribably rewarding.
What has it been like since being selected?
It’s been busy, but I’ve loved every second. I had a few days to celebrate with my family and soak it in. Then, it was wheels up to Jupiter to get to work.
What has been your favorite part of the experience of being a professional baseball player, so far? I would say experiencing the feeling of everyone pulling in the same direction. All the staff and players I’ve met so far with the Cardinals are working toward the same goal. Knowing that this is my job now is a crazy feeling; I get to do what I’ve always done and loved — but now I get paid and get to compete at the highest level.
What are you looking forward to the most in your pro baseball journey?
Continuing to compete against the best players in the world. Going head-
to-head with All-Stars and future Hall-of-Famers, I can’t wait.
What do you like the most about baseball?
Probably how difficult but rewarding it is. When you play a game as hard as baseball, and a position as hard as pitching, it makes succeeding feel even better.
What is your goal for this upcoming season?
Continue to get acclimated and learn how things are done here. Taking things day-by-day and focusing on the task at hand.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from baseball?
Hard work does pay off. You may not see the fruits of your labor the next day, the next month or even the next year, but you will eventually.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Conor McGregor. I love his mentality/attitude leading up to and during competition.
Favorite baseball memory?
Winning the Division II National Championship in 2021.
What’s your go-to pre-game meal?
Tough to beat a good sandwich — preferably (from) Jersey Mike’s.
What is your favorite nonsports hobby?
Poker or playing Xbox.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
Water, food and fire-starter — so I can survive.
What is your favorite movie? “Gladiator.” I love history and specifically that time period.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you
The Roman Empire. I would love to go to the Colosseum.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Stop worrying so much. Have faith in yourself and in God’s plan.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
How do I get better at soaking in the moment?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation. It would save me a lot of time and trouble — I think it’d be the most practical.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go Rome, Japan and Las Vegas — mainly for the food and to see what all the hype is about.
What is your most controversial food take?
Vegetables are not very good for
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Media Day kicks off 2024 pigskin season
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
To celebrate the return of our beloved game, we have put together the best tidbits, observations and notes from the end of spring football to the start of fall camp.
TEAMS THAT WILL SURPRISE IN 2024
Throw away what you learned about the area’s teams in 2023. Thanks to transfers, new schemes and team identities, and another cycle of players rising through each program, the 2024 season will see a whole new landscape. Here are three teams we believe will surprise fans this season.
Horizon High. One of a coach’s biggest tasks in building a winning athletics program is establishing and re-establishing a team’s identity year-over-year. Since Horizon football’s first season in 2021, coach Dennis Thomas has done that as consistently as any other coach in the area. Under Thomas, the Hawks football program has a clear identity: Run the ball on offense, take the ball away on defense. With star running back Jamarie Pierre, plus other emerging talent in the backfield, they’ll be able to run it; add in most of their secondary is returning, and that tells us they’ll be able to force turnovers. Put it all together and Horizon has the ingredients for a winning team.
Ocoee High. Although they had a losing record last season, the Knights were a much better ball club than their 4-6 record would indicate (Ocoee lost two of its games by six total points). Combine that with its returning and new high-level talent, insane versatility and a second season under coach Buck Gurley, and the knights are in store for an incredible 2024 season.
Windermere High. The Wolverines’ offseason saw a combination of factors that makes them the epitome of what this section is all about. You start with the fact that coach Riki Smith’s return for a third season has brought an unprecedented level of stability to the team as the longest-tenured coach in the program’s young history. Then, add in an independent schedule that avoids the Class 7A monsters of West Orange and Southwest Orange with a heap of impact transfers to the roster. Suddenly, Windermere has everything it needs to fill its new on-campus stadium with wins.
HOT TAKES, PREDICTIONS
What’s a football preview story without a few hot takes and predictions? Here are three interesting storylines we think are worth following this season.
Ocoee’s Joshua Guerrier will emerge as the area’s top weapon. Going into his senior season, the Pitt football commit already has made a name for himself as a versatile playmaker for the Knights — he gained 797 total yards, scored six touchdowns, caught four interceptions and made 34 tackles playing various roles in 2023.
In 2024, expect even more from Guerrier. In fact, by the end of the season, we expect him to be considered the most dangerous weapon in all of West Orange and Southwest Orange football. He will have an increased role at quarterback, a similar type of usage around the Knights’ offense, defense and special teams, and another offseason of development under his belt. His elite skillset and seemingly
unlimited opportunities to make plays should equal overwhelming production on the field.
The First Academy is the area team most likely to win a state title. It’s been an eventful offseason — to say the least — since we last saw the Royals hit the gridiron under the Friday night lights. With its well-documented overhaul under second-year coach Jeff Conaway, TFA enters the 2024 season with a stable of new and incredibly talented players, to go along with various new coaches, it is clear this group has the talent to make a deep run this season. But to be a champion, it will take a lot more than talent. Conaway and his staff need to ensure this collection of players can mesh and become a cohesive team. During the season, this group needs to learn how to overcome adversity, challenge itself against top-tier opponents and ultimately learn how to win.
Based on our experience around these players, this coaching staff and the absolute gauntlet of a schedule TFA has in 2024, we believe the Royals have the best chance of any area team to bring a state championship home.
QB Stanley Anderson-Lofton, Dr. Phillips offense will be best in the area. When asked about his team’s outlook, longtime Dr. Phillips coach Rodney Wells simply responded: “We go as Stanley goes.”
Anderson-Lofton, a Middle Tennessee commit, is entering his third season as DP’s starting quarterback. And at this point in his career, he knows the offense by heart. He’ll also have four of five starters returning along the offensive line, as well as more weapons than ever at WR. All that combined should add up to Anderson-Lofton standing above the area’s other QBs. And, as Wells said, the Panthers go as Anderson-Lofton goes, so if he’s the top dog in West, Southwest Orange this season than the Panthers will should follow as the best offense too.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATES
Each new football season comes with a lot of changes for every program. Teams will have a completely new roster of players — both in new names and in terms of player development. Teams will have new interpersonal dynamics, new leaders and ultimately new opportunities for players to step up. Here are some players we believe could take advantage of those chances and have a breakthrough season.
Marvin Brown, Ocoee High ATH. As a freshman on varsity for the Knights last season, Brown showed flashes of his speed and
versatility as a weapon on offense and on special teams in his five appearances — he gained 270 total yards on 21 touches with one touchdown.
For the Ocoee track team last spring, Brown once again showed just how fast he is when he broke the school record in the 200-meter dash. With Ocoee’s top three total yards gainers from 2023 gone and a revamped offensive identity, Brown is poised for a big sophomore season.
AJ Chung, West Orange High QB. Despite being a freshman with zero snaps in a high school varsity game, the 2023 youth football national champion has shown everything you want to see out of a quarterback during the summer — in practices, scrimmages and in leading the Warriors to a win in the Florida Gators Swamp Shootout 7-on-7 tournament.
Although his size is a bit of a concern, Chung’s arm talent, poise in the pocket and mental processing are beyond his years. Add in a quality offensive line and run game with a plethora of playmakers at wide receiver, and he has everything needed to make a name for himself in his freshman season.
Ja’Cari Jackson, Olympia High WR. In 2023, as a quarterback at Ocoee, Jackson showed flashes of his athleticism and versatility in four games. Since transferring to Olympia and switching full-time to receiver this spring, the junior has been electric for the Titans. His speed combined with a 5-foot-11 frame and solid hands has proven to be deadly to opposing DBs during 7-on-7s, practices and in Olympia’s spring game. With a host of openings on this Titans starting offense — 10 out of 11 spots to be specific — Jackson will have plenty of opportunities to display those skills on Friday nights this fall.
MORE ‘24 BREAKOUT CANDIDATES
n Maurice Jones, Dr. Phillips High OLB
n Peyton Hollern, Windermere Prep ATH
n Cody Owens, Windermere High QB
n Chakai Scott, West Orange High DB
n Vitor Silvarolli, Horizon High DB
n Xavier Wall, Olympia High DL
n Azariel Woods, Foundation Academy QB
Sam Albuquerque
West Orange High football coach Geno Thompson spoke to television reporters about his team at media day.
Winter Garden Squeeze season ends in semifinals
The 2024 season has come to an end for the Winter Garden Squeeze after the team lost the best-of-three semifinal series in two games — 6-4 and 5-2 — to the DeLand Suns. Winter Garden finishes its 2024 campaign with a 21-14 overall record. The Squeeze’s leading batter this season was West Orange High alum Titan Kamaka — who hit for an average of .376 (41/109), drove in 29 runs, scored 22 runs, hit three home runs and stole six bases. On the mound, Micah Takac led the way for the Squeeze — pitching 29 innings with an ERA of 1.55, 29 strikeouts and a 5-0 record in the regular season.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Windermere Wildfire shows heart in last tournament
through the loser’s bracket, it had to beat Windermere twice to advance to the finals.
With all the momentum going against the Wildfire, the group of rising college freshmen and highschoolers showed the determination their coach instilled in them.
“What we try to teach them is grit and toughness; yesterday was an example of that,” Windermere Wildfire coach George Paulson said. “That was one of my prouder moments of coaching softball. To get pummeled like that in the first game and come back fighting like we did (and) win a tight 2-1 game for a spot in the championship was incredible from our kids.”
The challenges didn’t end for the Wildfire after getting past the Virginia club. In the national championship series, Athletics Mercado put Windermere in a 1-0 hole to start the
best-of-three series, after the Arizona-based club won, 8-4.
In Game 2, the Athletics nearly shut the book on the Wildfire’s quest by mounting an eight-run lead. But just as they bounced back against VA Glory in the semis, the Wildfire picked themselves up and kept the final-four run alive by clawing back from that deficit and overcoming a two-hour rain delay to beat the Athletics, 10-8, forcing a third and final game in the championship series.
Game 3 started a lot like Game 2 did for Windermere; the Athletics hit the ground running.
“They were up 10-4 or so coming into the fifth inning,” Paulson said.
“We then were able to cut it to 10-8 going into the sixth inning, but we just ran out of time.”
TIME’S UP
What did Paulson mean, ran out of time? Surely, he meant it figuratively as a way to reference innings. Softball
isn’t a timed game. No, he literally meant time. And in the case of the final game of this series, softball was a timed game.
All three games of the AFCS 18U Tier II National Championships series were scheduled to be held at 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. However, because of multiple weather delays throughout the day, these games did not adhere to that schedule and went much later than anticipated.
This triggered a provision in the modified NFHS rules (Rule 4-2-7, 10-2-3e, h) for Alliance Fastpitch’s national events that allows the individual sports complex to make the final determination on stopping, delaying or restarting games. The pre-determined decision was to end all games in progress by a set dropdead time.
It just so happened the proverbial clock struck midnight in the middle
of Windermere’s fairytale comeback effort — ending Game 3 of the championship series in the sixth inning.
The Athletics Mercado beat the Windermere Wildfire, 10-8, to win the series 2-1.
“Time ran out on us, so it was a little disappointing to end our time with this group of seniors like that,” Paulson said. “But still, what this team did was so impressive. I have been around a lot of teams that were tough and gritty, but this one matched or exceeded any I’ve seen before. They never gave up, so it was pretty satisfying to be part of this regardless.”
SENIOR SEND-OFF
Though sending off this group of seven seniors as national runners-up isn’t exactly what you’d expect to see at the end of a children’s book. It is, however, a representation of the standard of mental toughness upon which Wildfire softball is built.
That determination and never-say-
die attitude — more than a trophy or a win ever could — this group showed in its last tournament and game together is a priceless way for Paulson to say goodbye.
“We’ve got seven seniors who are moving on … they’re a couple of weeks from leaving for college,” he said. “And we are just so incredibly thankful to them for upholding the standards of this program. This organization has been around since 2008 or so, and we’ve set a high standard of performance and those kids — especially the seniors — upheld that and more. ... At the end of the day, it was a sad day. Not because we lost, but because we had to say goodbye to them.”
All seven Wildfire seniors have signed to play softball at the college level: Amber Chumley, Stetson; Irianis Garcia, Stetson; Ayani Hernandez, St. Leo; Anne Long, USF; Courtney Marks, Western Carolina; Alicia Marzouka, Columbia University; and Abbey Moore, Nova Southeastern.
Kyle Goudy, left, presented the Roger Goudy Scholarship to Squeeze catcher Tripp Landers (No. 13).
Right: Squeeze pitcher Nolan Maroth warmed up in the bullpen before Game 1 of the Florida League playoffs.
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Conservation of reptiles
In first grade, my class had a recommended reading list. My parents encouraged me to complete the list, and by the end of the year, I had one book left to read, and I took it home to finish. I remember laughing at the book’s jokes while eating macaroni and cheese. The book starred a group of talking animals, including a snake. Since then, I’ve adored reptiles, especially snakes. I didn’t know it at the time, but that book sparked in me a love for herpetology. Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians, such as frogs, turtles, lizards, newts, toads and snakes. But many of these animals are being killed, and their homes are being destroyed.
Even the oddest-looking creatures need protection from the harm humans have caused. I want to highlight three special and underrated reptiles who are all endangered or critically endangered. With knowledge of these species, we can find ways to help them.
MARY RIVER TURTLES
The Mary River Turtle is a freshwater turtle found near the Mary River in Australia. It breathes underwater using unique glands in its reproductive organs and can stay beneath the surface for three days.
These turtles mostly eat plants, seeds, fruit and insect larvae. Mary River Turtles have algae growing on their bodies resembling a big green mohawk.
Mary River Turtles take longer to reach maturity, so they don’t reproduce as rapidly as other animals. They’re also prey for foxes and fish when they’re in the younger stages of their life cycle. Humans build dams that cut off the turtles’ resources. Poachers steal their eggs for profit, and they were kept as pets for decades.
Mary River Turtles are one of the most endangered reptile species in Australia because of these natural and manmade causes.
EARLESS MONITOR LIZARDS
If a dragon stepped out of a storybook, it would closely resemble
Earless Monitor Lizards. They live in Borneo, an island in Asia, and can grow up to 1.6 feet long. These lizards do their hunting at night and camouflage themselves with dirt that sticks to their scales. They use their tails to anchor themselves to stones in the water during floods.
Many aspects of them are unknown, and herpetologists have dubbed these lizards “The Holy Grail of Herpetology.”
Despite their natural adaptations, they’re endangered because of human involvement. Earless Monitor Lizards are harassed by hunters who want their leather-like skin. In addition, habitat loss has caused the population to dip. Many of the lizards’ homes were destroyed by deforestation and the oil industry.
LEAF SCALED SEA SNAKES
Between 1989 and 2002, the Leaf Scaled Sea Snakes disappeared from human eyes. They weren’t seen again for about 15 years.
Leaf Scaled Sea Snakes live in shallow Australian waters. Increased ocean pollution and warmer temperatures are some of the many difficulties they face. This species of venomous sea snake doesn’t breed often, so its population is small to begin with. It was believed to be extinct before scientists discovered a small group of them in 2015. Leaf Scaled Sea Snakes are currently listed as critically endangered.
THERE IS STILL
Humans have hurt the planet for centuries. Today, most people have realized we need to show kindness to the world we live in. Conservation groups have found ways to compost and recycle. Others organize beach clean-ups or volunteer at rescue centers. Scientists are working to grow the populations of endangered species.
None of us is perfect, but we all can find little ways to help the Earth. All animals need protection. No more species will go extinct if we take the time to care about them.
AVA PETROSKI OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL
HOPE
OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE
FDOE releases
’23-’24 school grades
Ocoee High School earned an ‘A’ grade for the first time in its history.
OBSERVER STAFF
One West Orange-area school made history last week when the Florida Department of Education released its 2023-24 school grades.
For the first time in Ocoee High School’s history, it has received an “A” grade. This rating marks a rise of 146 points over four years for the Knights.
Ocoee High also received the highest percentage of total points in school history, the highest proficiency and learning gains in ELA and math in school history, and the highest proficiency in biology and US history in school history.
The school also earned the department’s No. 1 ranking of high schools in performance with students with disabilities.
Overall, many West Orange- and Southwest Orange-area schools improved a letter grade year-overyear.
In elementary schools, Dillard Street (“B”), Ocoee (“B”) and SunRidge (“A”) all improved on their 2023 grades.
In middle schools, Ocoee (“B”) and Southwest (“A”) both improved one letter grade.
In high schools, Dr. Phillips (“B”), Horizon (“A”), Lake Buena Vista (“B”), Ocoee (“A”), Olympia (“A”) and West Orange (“A”) all improved one letter grade. Windermere, the only area high school to receive an “A” in 2023, maintained its top ranking in 2024.
Some area schools fell one letter grade from 2023 to 2024. Those include Castleview Elementary (“B”), Prairie Lake Elementary (“C”), Sand Lake Elementary (“B”), Lakeview Middle (“C”) and Renaissance Charter at Crown Point (“C”).
The FDOE also awarded Orange County Public Schools an “A” grade as a district. District-wide, the number of “A” traditional schools in OCPS rose to 88, compared to 77 in 2022-23.
“I’m so proud of the work by our students, teachers, principals, administrators, support staff and parents; it is truly a combined effort,” Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez said. “While a single letter grade does not tell the whole story of our schools or school district, we are very pleased with the gains. We are committed to student success and making data-driven decisions.”
2023-2024 SCHOOL GRADES
BRAINFOOD
The Observer answers kids’ burning curiosities.
History of the Backpack I Michael Eng // Editor and Publisher
It’s hard to believe, but it’s already back-to-school time! In just a few weeks, you’ll be gathering up all your new school supplies (that’s always awesome isn’t it?), choosing your first-day outfit and heading off to your new classrooms. You’ll also be slinging that backpack over your shoulders. But we bet you didn’t know that the history of the backpack dates back to 3300 B.C. Indeed: That bag you’ll lug around this school year is the product of thousands of years of invention and refinement! Want to know more? Read on!
THE ICEMAN
According to TerraThread.com, the first backpack was discovered alongside the remains of the world’s oldest human mummy — Ötzi, also known as the Iceman. Ötzi died while traveling across Italy in 3300 B.C. His body — along with all his possessions — were buried in the Ötztal Alps glaciers, discovered centuries later by German hikers. Of course, Ötzi’s backpack did not look like the modern backpacks we have today. It was made of a U-shaped rod and two narrow wooden boards, along with a hide or net sack. Archeologists believe the U rod and boards were tied together with string to make a frame. Then, Ötzi attached the sack or net to create the world’s first luggage.
THE DULUTH PACK
The first company to manufacture and sell backpacks in the United States was Duluth Pack, which still exists today. Camille Poirier launched the company in 1882 and patented his design, which included leather shoulder pads and a buckle system for adjustability.
Explorers and traders loved the Duluth Pack because it spread the weight evenly across the body, which made it more comfortable to wear on long trips. And guess what? Duluth Pack still sells Poirier’s original designs; they’re called the Original No. 2, Original No. 3 and Original No. 4. Some of Poirier’s original packs are on display at the company’s flagship location in Canal Park, Minnesota.
ZIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH
Up until 1938, all packs used buckles and straps to secure their contents. But, that all changed when Gerry Cunningham, creator of Gerry Outdoors in Boulder, Colorado, and an avid outdoorsman, thought to add zippered compartments to his backpack. According to GerryMountaineering. com, Cunningham spent many hours at his mother’s sewing machine as he tried to perfect his own hiking and climbing gear. Eventually, he designed a backpack with two zippered compartments that allowed him easy access to his items while on the side of a mountain. And so, if you ever drop your backpack coming home from school and a zipper keeps everything from spilling out, you have Cunningham to thank.
SCHOOL USE
Backpacks didn’t rise in popularity among students until the 1960s. Before that, students used something called a book strap, which looks like a double-belt that children would wrap around their textbooks.
That all changed in 1967, when Cunningham started using nylon as fabric for his backpack. It was lighter, stronger and more durable. Then, two men — Skip Yowell and Murray Pletz — started their own outdoor gear company in Seattle. To help them create their packs, they turned to Pletz’s girlfriend, Jan Lewis, who happened to have a sewing machine. And when Pletz proposed to Lewis, he promised to name the company after her. That company is called JanSport. Over the next 50-plus years, companies such as Caribou Mountaineering, L.L. Bean and others jumped into the backpack industry. They added more pockets, designed more comfortable straps and made many other improvements to make the backpack better for students. In later years, some companies added wheels or produced clear backpacks. Some now include special routing USB charging cables and extra padding for laptops. And in the future? Who knows?
BACK-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
RECOMMENDED READING
FICTION
n “Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School” by Emily Jenkins; pictures by Pete Oswald
n “Bitsy Bat, School Star” by Kaz Windness
n “The 47 People You’ll Meet in Middle School” by Kristin Mahoney
NON-FICTION
n “Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond — and How Parents Can Help” by Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC
n “Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life” by Diane Tavenner
Illustration by Sarah Santiago //Graphic Designer
OCOM hosts 2024 Welcome Week
The Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine in Horizon West hosted a Welcome Week for its students kicking off Monday, July 29.
The first class of 97 students celebrated Welcome Week by enjoying a hot breakfast in the cafe and mingling with their new classmates; listening to remarks from OCOM leaders and staff members; interacting with a blow-up brain display and virtual reality heart from Elsevier; enjoying lunch in the lobby; participating in breakout sessions; picking up electronic devices, parking tags and IDs; and trying on white coats.
The week will culminate with a block party Friday, Aug. 2, where students will enjoy a live deejay, food trucks, games, campus tours and more.
The first day of classes at OCOM is Tuesday. Aug. 6.
The mission of the school is to train caring and competent osteopathic physicians who will have an impact on the Central Florida community, the nation and the global community.
OCOM is more than an investment of $200 million into the community. Leaders expect it to have more than a $1.7 billion economic impact by 2045.
— ANNABELLE SIKES
ORLANDO COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
7011 Kiran Patel Drive, Winter Garden
WEBSITE: ocom.org
PHONE: (407) 707-4520
Abigail Dugan, left, and Anil Murril tried on their white coats during fitting time.
Above: James Petsche, left, Krishna Bhakta, Leonardo Guerra and Ryan Nguyen conversed in the lobby. Left: Mouaz Tabbaa utilized virtual reality equipment from Elsevier to learn more about the human heart.
Nicole Gray, left, Donna Musegue, Carolina Rodgriguez and Adam Shim took advantage of the OCOM backdrop for a quick photo.
Kenneth Quezada, left, Kristal De La Cruz Quezadad, Aishwarya Kalluri and Krishn Patel attended the first day of Welcome Week.
Savannah Miller, left, and Angela Hamidi got to know one another in the lobby.
Armani Thomas, left, Anushka Cheruvattath and Moriah Bertrand mingled before the start of the presentations.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
80 years ago
Stamps numbered 30, 31 and 32 in Ration Book 4 were good for five pounds of sugar indefinitely.
At the annual 4-H girls camp at Camp McQuarrie near Ocala, 22 of the 109 campers were from West Orange. Betty Barrs, of Windermere, won first place in handicrafts for her work on place cards. Sarah Lou Jones and Helen Jones of Orlando and Windermere won first prizes for their dolls handmade from socks, while Mary Cornell, of Orlando, won first place for her victory mittens. Darline Fischer’s cat won a first prize, as well.
One of the best productions screened at the Winter Garden Theater lately and shown to a capacity crowd was “Show Business,” produced by Eddie Cantor. Manager
C.M. Biggers was to be congratulated for giving the theater-going public the best photoplays, features and news.
Rosa Mae McGinchy, while serving drinks at the Davis Pharmacy fountain, slipped and badly lacerated her right hand with a broken glass. Dr. Flanigan dressed the wound, and she was recovering nicely.
Pft. Thelbert F. Peavey arrived to spend a month’s leave with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Peavey, in Ocoee. He had been overseas for more than two years and had seen combat duty.
70 years ago
The home of Mrs. Bert Roper on Lake Butler was the scene of a lovely dessert bridge-canasta party, with Mrs. Jim Bock as cohostess with Roper.
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Kerr and children went on a vacation that took them as far west as Iowa.
50 years ago
Lowell Teal, of Winter Garden, was named West Orange chairman of the United Appeal campaign.
It’s August, the beginning of an arbitrary season often referred to as “the dog days.” That term began with the ancient Greeks with the constellation that appears in the summer sky: Canis Major, “Greater Dog.”
This star grouping contains the brightest star in the sky — the “dog star” known as Sirius. Greek astrology associates Sirius with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs and bad luck.
Dr. John Cappleman’s beagle, Sugar, doesn’t seem concerned with any of those things in this photograph taken around 1965 on North Highland Avenue between Henderson and Newell streets. The Seventh-day Adventist Church, seen faintly in the background, once stood at 127 N. Highland.
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.
45 years ago
Jill Pitchford Dunn was the honored guest at a baby shower given by Mary Farnsworth and Carol Mathews.
35 years ago
The board of trustees of the West Orange Hospital System approved the purchase of 38 acres in Ocoee to build a new hospital and medical offices.
Gene Murphy, of Windermere, renewed acquaintance with Bob Hope at a Republican Party Statesman’s Dinner. Murphy first met Hope 45 years prior when Hope was entertaining troops during World War II in Reykjavik, Iceland. They met again in 1975 at the Academy Awards in Hollywood when Murphy was in the Eastman Kodak Hollywood office.
30 years ago
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce awarded Main Street Winter Garden for its efforts to revitalize downtown Winter Garden. Kim Dryfoos, MSWG director, received a Member of the Month plaque.
AUGUST 7, 1969 School is back in session later this month, and parents will be shopping for clothes and school supplies. In 1969, Leader Department Store, 50 W. Plant St., advertised its backto-school sale in The Winter Garden Times Can
By Luis Campos
Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
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OLYMPIC GAMES by Amie Walker and Rebecca Goldstein, edited by Jeff Chen
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