03.05.26 Southwest Orange Observer

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

Information is power

Empower Teens United started as a passion project eight months ago and now has grown into a nonprofit serving the next generation of college students. STORY ON PAGE 4A.

Residents packed the Winter Garden City Commission meeting Thursday, Feb. 26, to voice concerns over the recent property purchases around downtown by one individual. PAGE 6A.

CFCARTS’ HANDDRAWN JAZZ COMES TO ROSEN JCC

CFCArts’ Hand-Drawn Jazz is coming to Southwest Orange. Arts at the J will present the concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Pargh Event Center at the Rosen JCC, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Featuring 20 musicians in the CFCArts Big Band, this concert combines new arrangements and unforgettable classics. With music from beloved classics such as “The Aristocats,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Monsters, Inc.” and more, this family-friendly concert promises laughter and a few surprises. Tickets are $25 to $29. For more information, visit rosenjcc.org.

STUDENTS: WIN A $5,000 SCHOLARSHIP

LEARNING WITH LEGOS

Yes, education can be fun, too! SEE PAGE 6B.

5FAST

1

Fire emerges at Winter Garden recycling facility

A fire erupted at AMT Recycling LLC the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 24.

The recycling facility is located at 531 Susan B. Britt Court, Winter Garden.

Winter Garden Fire Chief Jose Gainza said upon arrival, units encountered a large amount of cardboard products on fire.

The call was upgraded from a brush fire to a building fire, with more units responding to the scene.

The fire took place in the front yard of the facility and extended onto the adjacent, vacant property which started two 50-foot-by-50-foot grass fires.

Gainza said the state fire marshal was consulted and declined to respond. No civilians or firefighters were injured, and the fire was extinguished.

2

Caribbean Sunshine Eatery’s patio catches fire

found heavy fire and smoke upon arrival, and flames extended toward the main structure. The units extinguished the fire, and the damage was contained to the outside patio and exterior of the building.

Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Kelly said one civilian was transported to AdventHealth Winter Garden.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal.

3

Soccer stadium no longer planned for Winter Garden Winter Garden will not have a 5,000-seat soccer stadium on East Plant Street.

The developer, Federal Finance & Federal Sports Alliance, notified the city the property owner, Strates Property, was not proceeding with the deal.

The property is located on about 70 acres at 1500 and 1700 E. Plant St. It has a land-use designation of Multi-Use Development and

Jay Strates, the owner of the property, said Federal Finance was working with the city of Winter Garden to receive approvals for the project, but there wasn’t the support needed to receive those approvals.

In March 2025, the Winter Garden City Commission approved a letter of intent to continue discussions with the developer on the proposal.

Commissioner Lisa Bennett was the lone dissenting vote when the letter was approved, 4-1.

The proposed development included an open-air professional soccer stadium that would seat 5,000 people, a 60-key hotel with convention space, townhomes, multi-family apartments, senior housing or an

currently is a permit for a mixedused multi-family development, he said, but that is on hold to see if there is a proposal “the city can get behind.”

“I think there’s a couple projects in the pipeline that are highly likely that they will get behind, but we’re still waiting on a little bit of feedback just to get the temperature of things,” he said.

4

Windermere Prep raises more than $35K

Windermere Preparatory School announced its 2026 Kids Heart Challenge was a tremendous success. The school raised $37,043.58,

heart

Day alone contributed $1,339 toward this meaningful cause,” Windermere Prep officials posted on social media. “We are so proud of our students for learning the importance of heart health, service and giving back while making a real impact beyond our campus.”

5

Orange County mayor gives feds deadline Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings recently said the federal government is putting a burden on local governments by failing to adequately compensate them for the costs of housing ICE detainees.

According to Demings, the federal government reimburses Orange County $88 per ICE detainee per day, while the cost to house them at the county jail is roughly $180 daily.

Since August 2025, Demings has sent two letters to the U.S. Marshals Service requesting to renegotiate their Intergovernmental Services Agreement.

On Friday, Feb. 13, Demings sent a third letter to U.S. Grants Specialist Aisha Ogburn, requesting immediate action to resolve their contract negoterms of our agreement

Central Florida Puzzles hosts puzzle swaps, bringing those with a common passion and hobby together.

IF YOU GO

Puzzle swaps are held all over Florida. Check out a full list of swap locations and dates on the Central Florida Puzzles Facebook page. Here are swaps coming up in West Orange County:

WEST ORLANDO

PUZZLE EXCHANGE

When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4

Where: Santos Welcome Hall/ Rotunda at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando

Cost: One puzzle in good condition with pieces inside bags

More information: Central Florida Puzzles on Facebook

WINTER GARDEN

PUZZLE EXCHANGE

When: 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25

Where: Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden Cost: One puzzle in good condition with pieces inside bags

More information: Central Florida Puzzles on Facebook

LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR

Winter Garden’s Jojo Monetti will glue her completed puzzles and have them framed and mounted on the wall of her home.

Monetti, like many puzzlers, began diving into the world of puzzles in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has become her source of relaxation and one of her most enjoyable hobbies.

For years, she had been buying her puzzles from Goodwill and thrift stores. If she found a puzzle missing a piece, part of the intrigue was creating a piece out of cardboard to fit the space and painting it to match the colors of the puzzle, making it complete.

But even shopping for puzzles at Goodwill and thrift stores can become expensive, and she often found this hobby to be isolating.

“None of my friends wanted to come over and put together a puzzle; everyone wants to grab drinks and stuff,” she said. “It’s definitely a hobby I really like, but it’s also kind of felt isolating, because it’s not a popular thing.”

While attending a Central Florida Puzzles puzzle exchange Sunday, Feb. 22, at West Oaks Branch Library, she found a community of like-minded individuals.

The back of the library was filled not

only with more than 100 puzzles but also at least 70 people all there with a love for puzzles.

“It feels good to find your people,” Monetti said.

Central Florida Puzzles is a Facebook group that started during the pandemic with the first puzzle swap in October 2021 at a Starbucks in Winter Park with 12 people. It wasn’t long before the group grew to 35 people, and the swaps were hosted at Rollins College. Once again, the group outgrew its space, and now it has puzzle swaps at two flagship locations: Alafaya Branch Library and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

The first puzzle swap at St. Luke’s was held in August 2022.

Over the past four years, Central Florida Puzzles has grown to almost 6,800 people, with people from all over the U.S. and at least eight countries. While some members find the nearest swap to their homes to participate, others travel around the state.

Rhonda Camen, one of the administrators of Central Florida Puzzles, said she’s seen people from Tallahassee drive to West Orange County to participate in the swaps in the area.

She also spoke to a woman who was visiting from Argentina and wanted to bring puzzles home as they weren’t as available in her home country.

Central Florida Puzzles celebrated its 250th puzzle swap at West Oaks Branch Library with a Presidents Day theme, honoring 250 years of the U.S. this year.

It is required for each participant to bring in at least one puzzle that is in good condition. In no time at the Ocoee swap, there were more than 100 puzzles, ranging from 50 pieces to 2,000 pieces, placed on tables for people to peruse before the swap began.

The swap began with a raffle. Afterward, Marcea Oetting, dressed as Abigail Adams for the Presidents Day theme, called numbers like Bingo, but instead of marking numbers on a card, each number represented a person. Once someone’s number was called, the puzzler was able to go search the numerous puzzles and pick one to take home.

Puzzlers waited in anticipation for their number to be called, some cheering when their number finally came up.

Between rounds, Oetting asked trivia questions related to presidents and Adams’ husband, John Adams.

After four rounds of picking puzzles, it was a free-for-all of the remaining puzzles.

Monetti donated five puzzles to the swap and walked away with eight to add to her collection.

“I feel like I found a life hack to save money, because now, instead of going out and buying puzzles, I can swap, and I feel like I have some pretty cool finds today, too,” she said after the swap.

The puzzles varied in themes from landscape and scenery to animals of all kinds to hobbies to U.S. themes to Disney and other pop culture phenomena.

Ocoee puzzlers and sisters Lucie McHan and Maria Santos focused on the puzzles that were at least 500 pieces, finding ones that matched their favorite theme: landscapes.

McHan walked away with a beach puzzle, adding to her collection of beach puzzles she has at home.

Many puzzlers said the hobby is relaxing and gives them time to take their minds off whatever is happening in their lives and solely focus on the pieces in front of them.

“It’s the search for all the pieces in the box,” McHan said of her favorite aspect of puzzles. “I search and search until I find the right ones. I like searching.”

Santos will work on puzzles before she heads to bed for the night as a way to relax her mind.

Throughout the swap, which lasted about one-and-one-half hours, people chatted with each other, sharing their finds and getting to know each other, creating a community of puzzlers.

Libraries such as West Oaks Branch are a common place to host the swaps.

Shasta Quinn, the librarian at the Ocoee library, said the puzzle swaps are a way for the library staff to welcome the community to use the space for social connection.

“Everyone is welcome at the swap — all they need to do is bring a puzzle — and it turns what is normally a solitary pursuit into an opportunity for connection and fun,” Quinn said. “The puzzle group gets a place to hold their swap, and at the same time, it brings new people to the library.”

At the West Oaks Branch, there is a community puzzle table as a way to put the library’s puzzles to good use. Quinn participated in the swap as a way to receive new puzzles for the community puzzle.

“Puzzling has many cognitive benefits, and having people put a puzzle together collectively over a period of days or weeks creates a sense of collective purpose and connection,” Quinn said.

McHan and Santos were surprised to see the wide range of ages of participants.

Camen said generations of families attend the puzzle swaps, showing puzzles are for people of all ages. She has seen grandparents participate with their children and grandchildren.

“I’m sure we’ll get to know people as we come more often,” McHan said.

Horizon West Fest returns to Hamlin Saturday

The annual festival will include live music, local vendors and activities for children and adults alike.

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

Horizon West is getting ready to host thousands of people for a fun-filled day Saturday, March 7, at the eighth annual Horizon West Fest.

Hosted by Horizon West Happenings and presenting sponsors Orlando Health and Healthy West Orange, this year’s event is expected to be the biggest one yet.

“We really want it to be something where everybody comes and feels welcomed,” said Stephanie Lang, Horizon West Happenings’ chief empowerment officer. “It’s something that everybody looks forward to every year.” Since the festival’s inception in 2019, it has grown by 250% in attendees as more people move to the area and learn about the festivities.

Lang said the event is expected to continue growing, even though they have run out of green space at Hamlin Town Center.

The event is expected to have about 100 vendors, 20 food vendors, as well as activities geared toward all demographics.

“There’s something for everyone to do there — from live music, a reggae band, high energy DJ, huge Kids Zone (and) yard games,” Lang said.

The Kids Zone will include a 60-foot obstacle course, a dual-lane jumbo slide, face-painting stations, airbrush-tattoo stations and more.

Adults also will have lots to enjoy at the event, from photo booths to

scavenger hunts, live music from Shamanic Rootz and an expanded lounge area.

There also will be a dedicated toddler area, which is an area for kids 5 and under, featuring hands-on crafts, bounce houses and a play tot lot.

Lang said community leaders also will make an appearance.

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson will address the audience at 1 p.m., followed by Orange County Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell and

Florida Rep. Leonard Spencer at 2:30 p.m.

“We’re really excited to have some of our community leaders there joining us and speaking,” Lang said.

To her, this event is a dream come true.

She said attending events always has been one of her favorite parts of life, getting to enjoy community, meeting neighbors and having fun in a place she lives.

That’s why this event was created.

“To me, events are a huge part of creating traditions and creating identity in the community,” she said.

“So that’s what I really look forward to.”

While Horizon West Happenings has hosted smaller events since 2018, such as food truck nights and smaller markets, the team realized the community craved a festival like other cities and towns do.

Lang has a ritual she follows every year at Horizon West Fest.

“I always take a couple of minutes, and I go sit on top of the garage,” she said. “Thankfully, I’m not afraid of heights, and I just take it all in, because it’s just really amazing to see all the families and neighbors and friends coming together and connecting and smiling and laughing and enjoying it. This is why we do it.

IF YOU GO

HORIZON WEST FEST WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7 WHERE: Hamlin Town Center, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden

COST: $5 general admission for ages 3 and older, $10 for Kids

Zone wristband (includes admission and unlimited rides and games)

… So many new connections come out of it, neighbors meeting neighbors, and, of course, businesses are going to get more recognition, and they’re going to meet new clients. I just love the new connections that come out of it.”

She excitedly awaits the new ideas, new friendships and seeing the community together for the annual festival.

“It’s just a huge part to me of creating that identity for Horizon West and creating those traditions that I love,” Lang said. “We’re just trying to build community by bringing our community together.”

Students spearhead college prep nonprofit

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

The president and founder of Empower Teens United Evan Quiquia received a text a month ago that fueled him.

“I got into UCF!” the text read. It captured the exact goal and purpose of his nonprofit — to help students on their journey of discovering how to apply to college and set up their future for success.

Quiquia smiled knowing his efforts, his one-on-one meetings with the senior and their hours of conversations had paid off. Now the student is excited to take the next step in his life.

Quiquia, a junior at Windermere High, and the other student leaders around him strive every day to make that type of impact on students’ lives through Empower Teens United, a nonprofit offering mentorship, college preparation, career workshops, community service hours and mental health programming for high school students.

“Having this platform has given me a sense of humility,” he said. “A lot of people come to me and say, ‘We love what you’re doing,’ but still being a student and being able to relate to the people I’m helping, being in their shoes and knowing what they’re going through is driving me.”

The idea began when Quiquia was struggling with the college preparation process himself.

When he was a sophomore, he began looking into colleges and what he wanted to study. He was met with a dilemma. What resources should he use?

There’s an abundance of resources available, but the process was overwhelming and confusing.

What classes should he take? When should he start applying? What should he be involved in? His mind raced, but through his family’s support system and counselors, he began to have a clearer picture of what to do.

As a bilingual student, Quiquia quickly realized how the process could be even more difficult for his peers whose families are unfamiliar with the U.S. educational system or don’t speak English fluently. His friends who were in those families came to him for guidance, and he wanted to find a way to reach a larger audience.

Quiquia began brainstorming ideas for his passion project, Prospera con Evan.

Through attending multiple workshops, which taught him how to structure meetings, gain membership, lead others and speak publicly, his vision began to take shape. Ivan Quiquia, Empower Teens United’s chief empowerment officer and Evan’s father, understood the business side of everything from his business marketing background.

They took to Instagram and WhatsApp to get the word out about the passion project, and on July 11, 2025, it held its first meeting with 50 families

in attendance.

“Once I saw how many families were there, I saw how I could actually make an impact, a huge impact in my community here,” Evan Quiquia said.

“Also, I was really nervous, because back then I didn’t like speaking in front of people as much.”

After months of speaking to audiences of 50-plus families, with board members, other organizations and student leaders, Evan Quiquia has become comfortable talking to crowds in English and Spanish.

Just as his comfortability on stage grew so did the support for his mission.

MENTORING GROWTH

Evan Quiquia said once students began to see the organization’s social media, participation grew.

Prospera con Evan offered people opportunities of value. Evan and Ivan Quiquia organized college visits and offered community service hours for scholarships and Bright Futures.

“Once they started seeing that value, they started coming back,” Evan Quiquia said. “More people started coming and we just grew exponentially from there.”

Nicole Pinafernandez, vice president of Empower Teens United, saw the value. When she attended a college visit Prospera con Evan organized in September, the Quiquias asked her to join their mentorship program. She has her own passion project, Breaking the Gaps, to help students in her church community find the proper resources for college.

The two passion projects’ visions aligned perfectly.

The Quiquias realized that to continue to serve the community and grow their impact, they needed resources. Those resources would come from funding, connections and logistics. So in late October, Empower Teens United was born.

The first five months of the nonprofit have been nothing but growth. It continues to provide the same core opportunities Prospera con Evan did — college preparation guidance, college tours and leadership growth — but it has expanded.

“It’s a little bit of pressure and responsibility,” Ivan Quiquia said of the nonprofit. “We no longer are an organization that says, ‘Hey you should talk to the teacher. Did you try this class? You should next year.’ We started instituting programs.”

The mentorship program they launched is designed to better understand students through individualized discussions. Mentors guide the teens in analyzing and evaluating their progress by asking retrospective and challenging questions. It provides each student with a unique platform for both personal and academic growth.

But it also helps the student mentors grow themselves.

Empower Teens United has a senior leadership team and another group

of upcoming leaders. At every event, each student has different roles, some of them present to practice their public speaking skills and learn how to be outgoing, learning logistics and responsibilities.

“It can feel like a job sometimes, but that responsibility can also bring beautiful connections,” Pinafernandez said. “It’s committing to each individual person. I have a personal relationship and I have a personal commitment to the path of each person, of each student that’s looking out for my help.”

FUTURE MEETINGS

Empower Teens United also is welcoming another principal foundation: mental health. Ivan Quiquia said he’s seen social pressures, especially in high-achieving students. They have parent, teacher and peer pressures to uphold to a certain high level and even beyond it.

Evan Quiquia said the nonprofit has begun to hold events in nature to reach students’ mental health and spiritual side. In local parks they’ve hosted yoga, conducted breathing exercises, played sports and other activities to break the cycle of going to school, studying and repeating, without any time to relax the mind.

“It’s kind of a brain break and we’re implementing more talks about mental health, because that’s obviously something very important that needs to be implemented, especially now that we’re able to speak about it more freely,” he said.

As a part of the mentoring program, they ask students questions pertaining to their mental health and teach them ways to improve in that aspect of life.

“If you’re not emotionally intelligent, if your mental health isn’t in a good state, then the majority of (school intelligence) goes to waste,” Evan Quiquia said. “It’s great to have them as more well rounded and teach them what they should be doing for every aspect of their lives.”

They’ve brought in TEDx speakers and psychologists to give students advice and brainstorm ways to think about their future as well as tricks to better their mental health and life perspective. Ivan Quiquia utilizes his relationships with his children to understand students’ situations and turns around to find the appropriate resources in his network of people.

“You need to have something that encourages you to become a better person inside of yourself,” Pinafernandez said. “That’s something that we really want to start encouraging in the nonprofit, because it’s not just who are you going to become, not career-wise, not professional-wise. Who are you going to become? Who are you going to be? And for that, you need a foundation. You need something that’s going to reground you every single time that you struggle.”

The nonprofit also is looking to incorporate more family involvement

“If

/ Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com

Managing Editor / Liz Ramos, lramos@OrangeObserver.com

Historian / Amy Quesinberry Price, amyqhistory@OrangeObserver.com

Staff Writer / Megan Bruinsma, mbruinsma@OrangeObserver.com

Staff Writer / Leticia Silva, lsilva@OrangeObserver.com

Multimedia Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com

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

Graphic Designer / Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@OrangeObserver.com

IF YOU GO

EMPOWERING FAMILIES WORKSHOP WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25

WHERE: Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, 7011 Kiran Patel Drive, Winter Garden

PURPOSE: Teaching parents how the public school system runs to better support and prepare their children for success now and in the future.

REGISTRATION: empowerteensunited.org/events INFORMATION: empowerteensunited.org or on Instagram @ empower_teens_united

COLLEGE PREPARATION

Empower Teens United President Evan Quiquia and Vice President Nicole Pinafernandez provided their top five tips for college preparation.

1Pick your classes strategically. Select ACE, AP and dual-enrollment courses to gain free college credits in high school. Also, expand your electives to test your interests and discover a possible career or major path.

2Get involved with clubs and organizations on campus. Colleges look for students who were active participants in extracurricular activities in the selection process.

3

Create your ideal roadmap by envisioning where you want to end up. Reflect on yourself and create a pathway to achieve your goals.

4Find mentorship programs to help guide you on the path to success and discover all that’s out there for you.

5

Expose yourself to college campuses. You won’t know you’ll be happy at a college campus until you see it in person; a photo only tells so much.

in its fifth big workshop. It will be held in a room sized for up to 300 people, far exceeding the previous size of 80. The first four workshops were on topics including medical, engineering, business and college prep. Now it will be hosting an Empowering Families Workshop.

Ivan Quiquia said until now, all the workshops have been geared toward the students’ school and future life. But for students to feel supported at home, the parents also need to understand the school system and how to properly help their children find success.

The valedictorian at Windermere High, Luz Clavijo Mojica, is speaking at the family workshop about her experiences navigating the school system that her family moved into four years ago. A Horizon High student, Camila Abreu, who does beauty pageants, also will be speaking about her experiences navigating the emotional side of that world.

Evan Quiquia looks forward to continuing to bring people together to prepare for their futures.

“This started as a passion project,” Evan Quiquia said. “Now, it’s a community.”

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

CONTACT US

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Oakland says goodbye to longtime commissioner

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

After serving the town of Oakland for more than a decade, Sal Ramos is saying goodbye to his seat on the Town Commission.

“I want to give a big, humble thank you to all the citizens for believing in me to be here and supporting me while I was here,” he said. “It’s been a great honor to have served the town all these years, and thank you for the opportunity you gave me. It’s been a privilege to be amongst you guys and an experienced team, because it’s a good balance we have here.”

While Ramos’ term has finished, he will be recognized for his time as commissioner at the March 24 meeting.

Vice Mayor Mike Satterfield said the commission is not done with him.

“Thank you, Sal,” he said to Ramos. “In all the years being here, it has been personally a pleasure working with you. Professionally, what you have brought to this town has been phenomenal, and it’s very, very deeply appreciated.”

Ramos said he plans to still be around to help it in any way he can.

Yumeko Motley will take his seat starting Tuesday, March 24.

TRAIL CONNECTION FUNDED

The town of Oakland is one step closer to making the Healthy West Orange Trail Connection a reality.

Former Public Works Director Mike Parker announced during the Oakland Town Commission meeting Tuesday, Feb. 24, the town received a $100,000 grant from Healthy West Orange to fund the Healthy West Orange Trail Connection.

While the trail is in its design phase, Parker said the funding will be used for constructing fitness stations, landscaping, shade canopies, wayfinding signage and more, while supplementing the funding already set aside for the project in the Recreation Impact Fee budget.

“The Healthy West Orange Trail Connection grant was originally set up at $50,000 — you could ask for that much,” he said. “They really didn’t have that many applicants, so they raised it to $100,000, and that’s when we said, ‘OK, we’re going to go for this,’ and we got it.”

Parker said the money will be used for the Saddler Trail Loop that runs from the Longleaf subdivision all the way around to the town center.

Parker said two other projects currently are underway: a paving and drainage project on Oakland Avenue and Daniels Street, as well as a septic to sewer design project.

NEW PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Johnnell Kemp was hired August 2025 as the town’s assistant director of public works.

Since then, Parker retired.

The Oakland Town Commission voted Tuesday, Feb. 24, to have Kemp serve as the next Public Works director.

“I want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to be the next Public Works director,” he said. “I know I got some tough shoes to fill

IN OTHER NEWS

n Mayor Shane Taylor proclaimed the month of March as Women’s History Month.

n Taylor also proclaimed Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 20, as Government Finance Professionals Week.

n Town Clerk Kathy Heard reminded the audience of the election Tuesday, March 10.

n Ashly Woosypiti, Oakland’s human resources manager, announced the utility billing clerk and public works coordinator positions have been filled.

n Taylor announced property tax reform workshops will start next month due to the Florida House of Representatives passing House Bill 203, which is a bill with the goal of removing taxes for homestead property taxes, not including school taxes, to the Florida Senate for approval.

n Oakland Nature Preserve Summer Camp registration opened Sunday, March 1.

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church

Pastor Tim Grosshans

125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352

Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana

2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @ Horizon West

ANGLICAN

n Celebration Among the Oaks will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at VanderLey Park.

ANGLICAN COMMUNITY

FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

with Mike (Parker) here. I’m proud to be here and I’m also glad he’s given me the opportunity and helping me out as I go along with this.”

Rector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas 1146 East Plant St, Winter Garden

SUNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM Find us at: Theacf.net

BAPTIST

Kemp also mentioned Public Works’ successful sanitary survey, which is a comprehensive on-site inspection of the town’s water system.

BEULAH BAPTIST

“We actually did really good with (it),” he said. “We had one hiccup and that was an air-relief valve that was facing downwards. We corrected that right away, and we passed everything.”

Pastor Casey Butner 671 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden 407-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org

SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM SUNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM

SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM COMPLETE

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Oakland Police Chief Darron Esan announced the completion of the department’s 72-camera, high-resolution surveillance system upgrade, in which the cameras were installed around Oakland Avenue Charter School to increase safety and monitoring abilities.

125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352

SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus: FOUNDATION WORSHIP

“There’s AI technology, so we can really look after the safety of the kids at the school,” Esan said. “Should a child go missing or something, and they described the outfit, we can just type in the colors of the outfit in the computer and it’ll pull up that color outfit anytime it crossed the path of one of the cameras. We have pretty much every inch of that school covered on cameras. We feel really good about it.” Esan said more cameras were installed at the Oakland Police Department and Town Hall, with installations taking two to three days to complete for each of these locations.

SUNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407-730-1867

“It’s nice to finally tie a bow on this project,” Esan said.

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org

CHURCH OF GOD

OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH

241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com

METHODIST

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

Residents protest recent property purchases

With one individual purchasing numerous buildings around downtown Winter Garden, residents went to the Winter Garden City Commission meeting Thursday, Feb. 26, to express their concerns.

James Larweth has spent more than $40 million since 2015 buying 36 residential and commercial properties in downtown Winter Garden using 26 different LLCs. Residents fear what Larweth is planning as two small businesses — Polka Dotz and Three Birds Café — at one of his properties already have been told they will not be given the option to renew their leases.

Three Birds Café closed its doors at 2 W. Plant St. Thursday, Feb. 26, while Polka Dotz, located at 12 W. Plant St., has until June to find a new home.

About 150 residents packed the commission chambers and listened as Kelly Carson, the city’s planning director, gave a presentation on what city staff can and cannot do, noting that city staff shares the public’s concerns.

“Nobody here at City Hall wants to see downtown Winter Garden lose its charm that it’s known for,” Carson said.

What can the city do?

The city cannot interfere with private real-estate transactions, Carson said, just like anyone selling their home doesn’t have to come to the city

“The bottom line is that Winter Garden, we believe, is well-positioned under federal and state law to protect small, independently owned businesses versus those national corporate chain stores.”

to have a new buyer approved. Winter Garden also cannot approve or deny private lease agreements or pass regulations that explicitly ban chain stores and/or franchises in the city, she said.

Winter Garden Deputy City Attorney Daniel Langley said if the city were to do any of this, or establish an ordinance that bars certain buyers from purchasing property downtown, the city likely would run into constitutional problems at the state and federal levels.

“The government cannot interfere with the right of the property owner to transfer the title to another person,” Langley said.

What the city can do, though, Carson said, is employ strict architectural ordinances, such as detailing and signage, that deter the larger corporations from setting up shop downtown. The city also can determine zoning, allowing restaurants to open downtown but not, for example, a car dealership.

“We can’t say, ‘There can never be a McDonald’s downtown.’ But what we can say is, ‘The building needs to look this way, and oh, that sign won’t work, because we have specific signage standards, and oh, you can’t put a drive-thru downtown,’” Carson said.

“So (chain stores) will say, ‘It doesn’t work for us.’”

Carson said many of these regulations already are in place downtown and in surrounding areas to help protect its charm and character, adding they might even be stricter than those found in Winter Park and other cities.

For instance, the city has a historic district overlay code that applies to all properties in the historic downtown and an Architectural Review & Historic Preservation Board, made up of residents in the area, that determines what can be modified.

“The bottom line is that Winter Garden, we believe, is well-positioned under federal and state law to protect small, independently owned businesses versus those national corporate chain stores,” Carson said. “We think the tools we have in place are effective and enforceable, and we will continue to evaluate our toolkit we can use to regulate these sorts of

things, to make sure we are in the best position possible to preserve our small town charm.”

Economic Development Director Marc Hutchinson provided an update on the city’s efforts to secure new locations for Three Birds Café and Polka Dotz. Hutchinson said on six occasions, staff has reached out and explored options with the business owners, not including phone calls.  Hutchinson said there was “active interest” to relocate by one business owner, but the interest “later waned and diminished” when efforts for the right spot were unsuccessful. The other business owner, Hutchinson said, offered a conditional interest to only relocate on or along Plant Street and not on an adjacent side street, with the concern being that side streets would harm the business’ success.

CONCERNS CONTINUE

Although residents said the presentation provided clarity, they still had concerns.

Cheri Janetzke, a Winter Garden resident for the past 25 years, said she

loved the city so much she bought a second home closer to downtown about six years ago.

Janetzke applauded the work the commission has done helping grow downtown in that time but also feels the commission can do more to get answers.

“I do feel that this commission has political leverage, incentives and strong marketing you can use to help Larweth see and guide him to maintain the current downtown Winter Garden,” she said.

Taylor Boyer and her husband moved to Winter Garden about a year ago after living on the east side of Orlando for 20 years. She said she dreamed of a day when she moved to Winter Garden to start a family, but recently, when she drives around and sees duplex after duplex, she’s noticing a pattern.

“When one individual accumulates this much property, rezoning requests are rarely far behind,” Boyer said. “I urge our mayor and our commissioners to stand firm when, not if, those requests come forward. Zoning decisions shape the character of

our downtown for generations, they should reflect the will and well-being of the people who live here — not the ambitions of someone who has yet to demonstrate any real investment in our community beyond real-estate holdings.”

Katie Bush said she noticed houses around her have been sold and renovated, only to sit vacant for extended periods. Bush suggested a vacant property registration program that would increase fees the longer a home is left unoccupied, incentivizing productive use of high-demand properties around downtown.

Among the packed crowd of residents was Heidi Hardman, owner of Polka Dotz, who was not given the option to renew the lease for her business in the Bond Building on Plant Street. She had a front-row seat with eight women, all of whom wore pink shirts with “Community Voices Matter” printed on the back. The group also handed out lime green stickers with the same slogan.

Hardman told commissioners she has had a successful small business in Winter Garden for 19 years, and she has been a resident for 16 years.

“Our business has not been built on transactions; it’s been built on relationships,” She said. “So, when I got my termination letter for my lease, it was exactly that; it was a transaction. I’m not saying it was illegal; it wasn’t. But it had no reference, no vision shared, no acknowledgement of what we built.

“I came here again for the vision of this community, not to support the legacy of small business annihilation, resident disrespect and the destruction of our community,” she said.

Hardman said she was taking a risk speaking at the meeting because local small business owners had been threatened with legal action, having been told to “tone down the temperature” when they try to speak up.

“The truth is, we understand growth,” Hardman said. “... That’s just part of business, that’s part of community, that’s part of growing. But growth without transparency and without respect just does not feel like progress.”

City leaders approve AI answering system

JUSTICE COVERT

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved Thursday, Feb. 26, the purchase of an AI public safety non-emergency answering system to better support the Winter Garden Police Department’s dispatch center.

The city is set to pay the tech company Aurelian $55,000 per year under a three-year contract for its platform, a tool adopted by departments across the country, including the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office in August 2025. Winter Garden Police Chief Steve Graham said the decision to implement an AI system was intended to address staffing and overtime concerns while providing a less stressful environment for the department’s telecommunicators.

The police department currently has four vacancies in its communications center. The agreement is expected to fill three of those vacancies, Graham said.

The department handles more than 90,000 telephone calls per year, of which one-third is 911 calls, while the rest are administrative in nature, Graham said.

David Jones, a digital solutions transformation executive with Aurelian, said Aurelian’s “conversational AI” detects whether a call is emergent and transferring it accordingly; transfers callers to appropriate departments for matters such as paying parking tickets; and lastly captures information that officers can follow up on, such as complaints about a loud party.

Aurelian runs on Amazon Web Services. If Amazon Web Services goes down, Jones said the city’s 911 calls will continue through to dispatch as they have in the past. There will be no degradation of service.

NEW WASTE DISPOSAL

Waste disposal in downtown Winter Garden is getting a makeover, as the City Commission unanimously approved the purchase of 12 Molok

waste containers for $70,680.

The containers are installed mostly underground and can hold more trash than a standard above-ground dumpster, Assistant City Manager Steve Pash said at the meeting, adding that the containers also look “much better.”

To remove the trash from the containers, a crane will have to hoist the Moloks from the hooks at the top of each pod. Pash said the city has a truck that works at pulling the containers out but mentioned that for next year’s budget, the city intends to purchase a specialty truck.

The city plans to place four of the Moloks at Tucker Ranch and will install the remaining eight across downtown Winter Garden, Pash said.

HONORING A BARBER’S LEGACY

Winter Garden Mayor John Rees proclaimed Feb. 26 Earl Brigham Day, honoring the life and legacy of the devoted barber in downtown Winter Garden.

Having lost his hearing at age 2,

Brigham learned American Sign Language at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, graduating in 1966. He later learned barbering and completed the Orlando Barber College, reportedly in record time.

Earl Brigham’s Barber Shop opened in Winter Garden in 1976 and has since become an institution, serving customers of all ages throughout the community.

In Brigham’s spare time, he has led a deaf ministry at West Orlando Baptist Church and traveled to 28 countries to minister to deaf communities.

Brigham was surrounded by friends and family to hear the proclamation, offering a speech in sign language to the roughly 150 residents in attendance.

“It really is such an honor,” Brigham signed to the crowd. “I can’t believe it’s been 50 years already since I came into this town. It’s changed so much, it’s grown so much. I love Winter Garden, the community and everyone here.”

IN OTHER NEWS

n The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the Rotary Club of Winter Garden’s annual Evening at the Pops concert and waived the $1,000 permit fee, with the condition that no outside alcohol be allowed in the event.

n The commission approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend the Winter Garden Code of Ordinances to make it consistent with the current Florida Building Code standards.

n The City Commission approved a resolution to direct City Manager Jon C. Williams to apply for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan program, with a special appropriation for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, in the amount of $19,166,503.

n Commissioners approved paying Mead and Hunt $618,631 to design the Smith Street Reclaimed Water Ground Storage Tank and Pumping Station project.

n The City Commission unanimously approved the design of a 20-inch Reclaimed Water Transmission Main by Mead and Hunt for $412,124.

n The commission approved allocating $157,595.25 to pay T.D. Thomson Construction for installing an underdrain on both sides of the Valencia Shores subdivision.

n The City Commission unanimously approved the purchase order of $1,051,258.50 to Middlesex Paving to resurface Summer, East Lafayette, South Boyd, Miller and Maple streets, as well as Sterling Pointe and Fullers Crossing.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

City of Orlando City Council to Consider a Petition to Establish Dowden Central Community Development District

DATE: March 16, 2026

TIME: 2:00 p.m.

LOCATION: City Hall

City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor 400 South Orange Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801

In compliance with the provisions of Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, a public hearing will be held on March 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, at City Hall, City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801, before the City Council of Orlando, Florida to consider an ordinance granting a petition to establish Dowden Central Community Development District (the “District”). The title of the proposed ordinance is as follows:

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING PETITION OF BEACHLINE SOUTH RESIDENTIAL, LLC, ESTABLISHING AND NAMING THE DOWDEN CENTRAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 190, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FINDINGS; DESCRIBING THE EXTERNAL BOUNDARIES, THE FUNCTIONS AND THE POWERS OF THE DISTRICT; DESIGNATING FIVE PERSONS TO SERVE AS THE INITIAL MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT’S BOARD OF SUPERVISORS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The District is comprised of approximately 379.19 acres, more or less, generally located north of Wewahootee Road, south of Dowden Road and Florida Turnpike, west of Innovation Way, and east of Launch Point Road, as identified in the map depicted in this notice. The Petitioner has proposed to establish the District to plan, finance, acquire, construct, operate and maintain infrastructure and community facilities, which may be authorized by such special districts under Florida law including but not limited to Chapter 190, Florida Statutes.

The information presented at this hearing will be used to afford the Petitioner, landowners, any affected units of local government, and the general public, a fair and adequate opportunity to appear and present oral and written comments regarding the establishment of the District. If adopted, the ordinance will establish Dowden Central Community Development District and designate the land to be serviced by the District.

Copies of the petition, proposed ordinance, and department reports are open to public inspection at the office of the Clerk of the City Clerk, located at 400 S Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida 32801, (407) 246-2251.

All interested persons and affected units of general-purpose local government shall be given an opportunity to appear at the hearing and present oral or written comments on the petition. Any persons or affected unit of general-purpose local government, who wish to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this public hearing will need a record of the proceedings. For that purpose, the person or unit of general-purpose local government may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made that includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

THE CITY OF ORLANDO IS COMMITTED TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATING THE COMMUNICATIONS NEEDS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WHO NEED REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT, AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE, THE CITY OF ORLANDO ADA COORDINATOR AT 407.246.2057 OR ADAREQUEST@ORLANDO.GOV.

LOCATION OF DOWDEN CENTRAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

Orange County Fire Rescue celebrates opening of Station 32

County leaders cut the ribbon to welcome Orange County Fire Rescue’s new station in Horizon West.

LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR

No matter whether Orange County Fire Rescue Station 32 was housed out of a strip mall on U.S. 192 or a brick-and-mortar station off Hartzog Road, Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said the men and women serving at the station always have answered the call to keep residents safe.

She was thrilled to see the vision for Station 32 go from an empty lot to the state-of-the-art station she helped cut the ribbon for during an opening celebration Monday, March 2.

Dozens of Orange County Fire Rescue officials and firefighters, county leaders and residents came together Monday, March 2, for the ribbon cutting celebration of Station 32.

The fire station became fully operational Dec. 17, 2025.

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings credited Orange County Fire Rescue’s continued high standards to the leadership of the organization, including Fire Chief Anthony Rios, ensuring the department is prepared for the present and future.

“This new fire station here in Horizon West marks a new milestone and our continued commitment to protecting our community as it grows,” Demings said. “It is an investment in our residents and the people who serve them every day.”

Demings said a milestone such as opening the new fire station “reflects teamwork, vision and a shared commitment to excellence.”

“To the firefighters at Station 32, continue setting the standard and continue serving with integrity, professionalism and pride,” he said.

Rios thanked all those involved in making Station 32 a reality. He said the station was dedicated to the community as Orange County Fire Rescue is excited to serve from the new station. Station 32 initially opened in a public shopping center Oct. 22, 2006. Now, 20 years later, Rios beamed with pride to open the brick-and-mortar station, which he said represents a “major investment in the safety and well-being of this community.”

“After many years of operating at our temporary fire station, as fire chief, I pledge that the men and women of Station 32 will go well beyond simply being responders in moments of crisis,” Rios said. “We will weave ourselves into the very fabric of this vital community. We are now your family. Our commitment will focus on building our community outreach and nurturing strong relationships with the residents of Horizon West together. We will celebrate the joy of the holidays, honor traditions, recognize special birthdays and serve as guiding mentors to our youngest and most prized community residents — all our children.”

Station 32 is equipped to provide fire services, advanced EMS and water rescue services.

The station also was designed with the health and safety of firefighters in mind. Rios said “evidence-based modern-day safety and operational efficiencies” were implemented to equip “firefighters to stand strong throughout the evolutionary changes of the fire service, preparing us not only to meet the dangers and services of today but the services that are relevant to our future.”

Orange County Fire Rescue Division Chief John Westmoreland said the station is the fifth prototype of its kind and incorporates advanced design and technology aimed at reducing cancer-causing

gens.  It features independent living quarters and modernized

equipment including

It

West Orange Chamber honors community leaders

This

Award, the George Bailey Award and many more. LETICIA SILVA

TOWN OF WINDERMERE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ADOPTION OF REMEDIAL AMENDMENT TO THE TOWN’S 2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-01

AN ORDINANCE BY THE TOWN OF WINDERMERE, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING; ADOPTING THE TOWN OF WINDERMERE 2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WITH AMENDMENTS TO OBJECTIVE 2.3 AND POLICY 2.3.1, TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT, PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 163, FLORIDA STATUTES, BASED ON THE FINDING OF NON-COMPLIANCE, DATED DECEMBER 19, 2025, WITH CHAPTER 2025-190, SECTION 28, LAWS OF FLORIDA, BY THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY; SEVERABILITY; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The Town of Windermere, Florida, proposes to approve Ordinance 2026-01 to adopt the remedial amendment to the Town’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan as required by Chapter 163, Florida Statutes.

The public hearing for approval of the updated comprehensive plan will be held by the Town Council on the following date and time and at the following location:

March 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall located at 520 Main Street, Windermere, FL 34786;

All interested persons are invited to appear and be heard. Written comments submitted to the Town will also be considered.

If you have any questions regarding the Town’s update to its Comprehensive Plan, please contact Brad Cornelius, AICP, Contracted Town Planner, at 813-415-4952 or at bcornelius@wadetrim.com.

If any person desires to appeal any decision of the Town Council, that person will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based (F.S. 286.0105).

The Town of Windermere does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, or handicapped status in employment or in the provision of services. Handicapped individuals may receive special accommodation in services with a 48 hour notice to the Town (Fla. Stat. 286.26). Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation for this meeting, as provided for in the American with Disabilities Act, should contact the Town Clerk at 407-876-2563 or email dburkhalter@town.windermere.fl.us.

SPORTS

HIGH 5

1

The First Academy basketball head coach Tarrik Mabon was voted the Class 2A, District 11 Coach of the Year. Since taking the helm of TFA’s program in 2024, he has coached the team to a 37-19 overall record. TFA forward Kyle Blair also was awarded the Class 2A, District 11 Player of the Year. The 6-foot-10 junior is averaged 12.6 points per game, 6.6 rebounds per game and 1.4 blocks per game. Olympia High head coach Justin Shipp took home the Class 7A, District 11 Coach of the year. Shipp, who is in his second season as a Titan, has led the young roster to a 17-11 record and No. 32 ranking in Florida.

2

The Ocoee Tennis Academy awarded its 2025 Players of the Year. These include Dr. Phillips High alumnus David Johnson Jr., Ocoee High alumni Preston Jones and Tison Waters, and Wekiva High alumnus Jaden Lewis. The four individuals were chosen for their dedication to Ocoee’s community tennis program. All players showcased these qualities to be selected for the award: top varsity players at their high schools, U.S. Tennis Association Florida Tournament rank and outstanding academic students.

3

Lake Buena Vista has added a new name to its football roster. Shawn Holmes was announced as the new head coach of the football team Wednesday, Feb. 25. Holmes comes to LBV from Bronson High School, where he worked as the head coach for two seasons. In his twoyear stint, Bronson produced a 0-21 record. The school hosted a meet-and-greet in the gym Saturday, Feb. 28. LBV will host another meet-and-greet in the near future, but the time has yet to be announced.

4

The Ocoee Knightmares’ 14U volleyball team celebrated its first gold medal of the season and in program history. The 13U Knightmares finished in third place. Ocoee competed in the Oviedo Volleyball Academy’s two-day tournament Saturday, Feb. 21, and Sunday, Feb. 22. The 13U and 14U teams played each other in the Round 1 Crossover and the 14U team won 2-1 (25-27, 20-25, 155). Winning the game advanced the 14U team to the Round 2 Gold, where the team first defeated Tsunami 14U in two sets, followed by QVA 12 Hydrogen 2-1 (25-22, 22-25, 15-3). The Knightmares’ 14U team went 5-0 in the two-day tournament.

5

High school wrestlers are preparing for the Florida High School Athletic Association State Tournament to be held Thursday, March 5, to Saturday, March 7. Ocoee High girls wrestler Giulia De Oliveira Pavia qualified for states, as well as Windermere High’s wrestler Emily McCormack. The boys also will be competing on the same dates as the girls. Ocoee is sending Jonathon McPherson, Raphael Barros Taquechel, Silas Metayer and Tyler Duvermont. All four of the wrestlers also had celebrated winning their weight class in the Class 3A, District 4 Championship. As a team, Ocoee’s boys wrestlers won the district championship for the second consecutive year.

‘We don’t rebuild. We reload’

Windermere High’s boys soccer team’s historic season has come to an end, but players remain proud of their efforts.

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

ake it to the district finals.

MThat was the goal Windermere High boys soccer team’s head coach Lou Romao and the staff had set at the beginning of the season.

The team began the year with only two starters returning from the 11 on the field. He knew Windermere always was going to be a competitive team, but with such high-caliber teams in Orange County, Romao didn’t know if the team’s strength would be up to par.

They thought it would be a growing year.

He watched the team slip through with lucky draw wins, tie teams it should have beaten and do enough to just get by. But when the team had its first loss to West Orange, he and the staff knew something had to change. So they changed their approach and adjusted the roster.

It paid off. Windermere first won the Metro Championship, then the District Championship, then the Regional Championship. The team was going to the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 7A Final Four.

Some of Windermere’s seniors were sophomores on the state final team two years ago and knew how pristine the field was on the biggest stage of their high school careers. They shared their memories with players who hadn’t been there before and played as one team, rather than individually.

Although Windermere fell 4-1 to Columbus Tuesday, Feb. 24, in the Final Four game, Romao wants every player to hold his head high and be proud of their accomplishments and the tremendous growth from the beginning.

SEE WOLVERINES PAGE 2B

Two local teams reach for state championship

Central Florida Christian Academy boys basketball team will play in the FHSAA 1A Final Four and Ocoee High girls basketball team will play in the FHSAA 7A Final Four.

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

The March Madness of high school hoops almost is over. Teams first hit the hardwood back in November, and at the beginning of February, 14 teams took to the court to begin the playoff journey for a state title. Through the regional quarterfinals and regional semifinals, the number of local teams dwindled down to four for the Elite Eight regional final games. And once again, the number has been cut in half. The Central Florida Christian Academy boys team will advance to the Final Four Thursday, March 5, and the Ocoee High girls team will advance to the Final Four Friday, March 13. Before the two teams push to win two more games this season, let’s take

a look at how all four of the regional final teams contested.

KNIGHTS RETURN TO FINAL FOUR

The Ocoee High girls basketball team had one goal since falling in the Final Four last season — make it back. Head coach Marcus Spencer said the team has been hunting all year long.

“Last year, we were the hunters; this year, we were everybody’s Super Bowl,” Spencer said. “It’s a different pressure when you’re the hunted rather than being the hunters. But we felt like we were always the hunter still, because we haven’t accomplished what we want to accomplish.”

Now, the team is two wins away from achieving its goal. Ocoee topped Colonial 51-28 and advanced to the

Richelle Ruiz

In Richelle Ruiz’s freshman year at Olympia High, she was bumped up from the JV softball team to the varsity team in the middle of the season, and she hasn’t looked back. Ruiz, now a senior, is swinging a .579 batting average on 20 plate appearances with seven runs batted in and three doubles in six games. Ruiz and the Titans celebrated the program’s first win over Windermere High’s softball team 5-2 Wednesday, Feb. 25. Through the first six games, the team held a 4-2 record.

What do you enjoy most about softball?

I enjoy the connections and friendships I make with my teammates, and the lifelong lessons I’ll carry with me.

When did you start softball and why did you join?

I started softball when I was 7 years old and my dad encouraged me to play.

What is your biggest accomplishment in softball?

Winning second place at the state championship for my Little League team was a memorable accomplishment for me.

What has softball taught you?

Perseverance is a skill I learned from softball. This game is a sport of failure, and I used to get very upset over a mistake. But over time, I needed to understand that these mistakes were inevitable, and they only made me into a better player. Managing my emotions and having grit came from softball.

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

I am a cooperative teammate who truly wants to see the team go far. I care about my friends’ well-being and am always willing to step up whenever needed.

What advice would you give someone who just joined softball?

This sport can get confusing at the beginning, so focus on

THE BASICS Age: 18 Grade: Senior School: Olympia High Sport: Softball

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?

In this sport, you are constantly facing failure. It’s part of the game, and you cannot avoid it. So, you have to make the most of your mistakes. Take softball as a growing opportunity to learn and grow your skills as a team player. This game cannot be played without having fun.

What is your pre-game ritual?

I have to listen to music before showing up to the fields, and then I love to stretch beforehand.

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? Why?  Volleyball. It’s also a team sport that looks like so much fun to play.

Who do you look up to the most?

My parents are my biggest inspirations, because not only have they supported me in everything I do, but they have a strong sense of judgment and character that I admire.

What is something new you would like to learn?

I’d love to learn how to braid hair.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?  Venezuela, my home country, or any tropical place.

If you won the lottery what would you do with the money? I’d prioritize my family and my education, then my family members overseas. After everyone’s comfortable, I’d spend it all on shopping and travel.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?  I love Christmas and New Years — mostly for the food!

What future career do you

I would love to be a physical therapist in the future, because I’ve always been interested in the medical field and helping others the best way I

If you became famous, what would it be for?  Helping my community and people in need.

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?  An orca or killer

What is your perfect

Spending my morning at the beach with my family, then going back home, and hanging out with friends and (eating) food.

Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables? Why?  Fruit! It’s sweet and healthy at the same time, basically candy that’s good for you, and you can make so many different recipes

— MEGAN BRUINSMA

Wolverine season ends in Final Four

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

“To get to states is a huge accomplishment,” Romao said. “To win states is a magnificent accomplishment, but it doesn’t define who you are. They proved who they were all season by being relentless and going as far as they did.”

The Wolverines never allowed their injuries to be a reason not to compete in the state semifinal game.

NEVER GAVE UP

In the regional quarterfinals, Windermere beat Harmony 6-0, then followed up in the regional semifinals with a 5-0 win over Freedom. The team’s confidence and chemistry was at an all-time high, but those wins didn’t come without a cost.

Enzo Bueno De Oliveria had a hamstring issue. Ivaldo Neto came down with a 102-degree temperature and he didn’t play in the regional final. Keagan Kiefer’s foot began to bother him.

Four days before states, Felipe Novak Fontenelle Ribeiro had a grade-one sprain. Luckily, his mother is a physical therapist, so he entered the pool and did everything he could to bring the swelling down. They had doctors from Brazil telling him what medication to take and from Friday to Tuesday, he got the swelling down and played in the Final Four game.

Romao could tell at the regional final game that Windermere wasn’t the same team. He told the coaches, “Hopefully, we have time to heal,”

but the Wolverines didn’t.

In the first half of the game, Romao could see his players fighting their hardest. But when they entered the locker room down 1-0, he could see the pangs of pain. Although none of the players wanted to be subbed out, he had to start making adjustments because they couldn’t take it anymore.

Windermere’s fate could have been the same if the team was 100% healthy; Columbus is a phenomenal team, Romao said, but they’ll never know what would have happened. But even in the end, when the players’ legs were mush, they still fought, and it made the staff proud.

“They’re strong kids,” he said. “That’s why I love coaching at Windermere.”

Romao’s coaching style is not an easy one. He described himself as “old school.” He’s driven, loud and never hesitate to call players and himself out on mistakes, but the players encourage it. He has texts from them saying, “Coach, don’t stop driving us. Whatever you do, it’s working.”

But he also knows when to be a support system for the players.

When the clock struck zero in the Final Four game, tears flowed. Players leaned on one another’s shoulders, some took to the ground and sat in their thoughts. The loss meant the season was over, and it hit harder for the seniors — they had just played their last high school game.

“This does not define you,” Romao said of what he told the team after the game. “What defines you is

you working hard getting where you are, and now that you fell, you have to get back up. … This is a lesson for you to take in life. When you’re down, things aren’t going your way, you get back up and you work harder, you fight harder.”

His speech was met with applause and agreement by the players as they knew the fight it took to make it there.

Next year, those same players will be returning to the field.

Windermere will begin next season on a more optimistic one. While half of the team is graduating, the other half — specifically the offense that scored 116 goals — is coming back.

Romao said next year the team would love to win districts and metros for the third consecutive season, and hopefully back-to-back on regionals, then win states and collect all four trophies. But he never looks ahead, so while that might be the big picture, the focus will remain one game at a time. There also are 10 juniors on the JV team who will be brought up. Windermere’s JV team hasn’t lost a game in five years. The culture on the JV team produces players who already are in the mindset of winning, and when they join the varsity squad, they say, “OK this continues. We can’t stop now,” Romao said.

“We are like Alabama, we are like Clemson, the top tier college football programs here at Windermere,” Romao said. “We don’t rebuild. We reload.”

CFCA boys, Ocoee girls reach Final Four

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

7A State Semifinals in Jacksonville. The Knights will play against Winter Haven at 9 a.m. Friday, March 13. Spencer credited the motivation to the girls’ defensive performance in the regional final game. He and the assistant coaches also had a secret outfit change up their sleeves. When the clock was running down against Colonial and it became apparent that Ocoee would win, the coaching staff pulled black T-shirts out of their bags and put them on with the simple but loud word, “Jacksonville.”

“We wanted everybody to know that was our goal, and we’re making a statement tonight that Ocoee girls basketball is the top program in Central Florida,” Spencer said.

EAGLES CUT THE NET

Central Florida Christian Academy kicked off the slate of boys basketball games Saturday, Feb. 28, on the team’s home court. Last season, the Eagles pushed to the regional finals as well but fell 62-39 to North Tam-

pa Christian Academy. This year was different.

CFCA topped Orlando Christian Prep 57-52 and earned the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1A Region Championship. The Eagles will play in the Class 1A State Semifinals game against Sagemont Prep at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 5. The Eagles, who won the state championship in 2019, will become one of the first four boys teams to play in Jacksonville at UNF.

The team is celebrating achieving a 23-6 record this season. Senior Alex Dipaolo also was recognized as the FACA 1A District 7 Player of the Year. He’s leading the team with 17.2 points per game, averaging 53% from the field, 6.1 rebounds per game and 1.3 blocks per game. The 6-foot-6 guard has been a crucial part of the Eagles’ success this year.

ROAD ENDS FOR OLYMPIA, TFA

Olympia High and The First Academy were the two teams who lacked a home-court advantage for the regional final game.

Olympia’s head coach Justin

Shipp said he learned the importance of that advantage. To prepare for the noise levels at Oak Ridge, his team used air horns in the week of practice leading up to the game.

The Titans fell 98-83 to Oak Ridge, while TFA fell 64-37 to Providence School.

TFA had made it to the regional finals last season, as well, but fell to the same outcome. The Royals’ junior Kyle Blair led the team this season with 12.6 points per game, averaging 64% from the field and 6.6 rebounds per game. Junior Cory McPherson also played an important role in the Royals’ campaign. He averaged 2.9 steals, 4.6 assists and 11 points per game.

Olympia had fallen in the regional quarterfinals last season and although the team’s road had ended, the players produced an accomplished campaign and finished 17-11.

“I’m definitely proud of everybody,” Shipp said. “A great season for them. I saw growth in every person on our roster, from top to bottom. Everybody had their moment. I feel like on the team it was spread out, some guys (had) certain games they stepped up and the next game was a different person stepping up. We always competed and it’s unfortunate the way it ended but that’s the way it goes sometimes.”

Heritage foundation picks up support with new tourney

Participating in the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s inaugural Paddles for the Past pickleball tournament gave Vivian Merideth a chance to kill two birds with one stone. She’s an avid pickler who had

an opportunity to compete with her husband, Gary Merideth, while also supporting the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. The Merideths competed against seven other teams at the Roper YMCA during the tournament Saturday, Feb. 28. At the same time, more teams were competing at the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA. Funds raised will be used to support the Heritage Foundation’s mission.

Arnold Palmer Invitational swings back into Bay Hill

The PGA has made its way back to Southwest Orange for competition play from Thursday, March 5, to Sunday, March 8.

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

Once again, one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, has rolled around for its 2026 tournament. The annual tour held at Bay Hill Club and Lodge welcomes 72 of the top golfers from around the world to take their shots to win the iconic red alpaca cardigan.

The community in Central Florida welcomed the PGA Tour back to its grounds Monday, March 2, for the opening day kickoff in the Arnie’s Army Legacy Pro-Am presented by Chick-fil-A. Bleachers are available for seating on the first, sixth, 14th, 17th and 18th holes and the driving range.

The Pro-Am teams comprised four amateurs and one playing professional golfer. This year, the professional golfer Daniel Bennett and his team of Corey Crossan, Bryan Decunha, Ken Robinson and David Rosemer won the Pro-Am. Bennett is making his PGA TOUR debut. He was a recipient of the Palmer Cup Award at last summer’s Palmer Cup. The 20-year-old sophomore at the University of Texas was a top-ranked junior player in South Africa before college. He posted five wins and 26 top-10 finishes, competing at the Amateur Championship and the U.S. Junior Amateur in the summer of 2024. During his freshman campaign at UT, he earned the Division I Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award, becoming the fifth Longhorn behind Cole Hammer, Scottie Scheffler, Brandon Stone and David Gossett to receive the award.

Behind the college sophomore’s team was Ted Scott with Jeff Allder, Doug Bertz, Bill Hohns and Skip Volkerson in second place. In third was Paul Tesori with Ryan Peers, Marty Settler, Todd Triplett and Zach Waxler.

Tournament competition kicks off at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, March 5, and Throwback Thursday presented by Corckcicle also occurs that day from noon to 3 p.m. Round two of the PGA Tour commences Friday, March 6. Friday also is known as Foundation Friday at the Arnold Palmer Invitation. The day is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Arnold and Winnie Palmer and thanking the foundation’s partners. Through the efforts of last year’s Foundation Friday, the Arnold and Winnie Palmer Foundation expanded access to youth golf in Central Florida through placing investments in scholarships and buying golf equipment. It also paid for entry fees for the U.S. Kids Golf

Local Tours in Orlando and Tampa.

This year’s Foundation Friday is taking on a new role. It will support a character and leadership initiative that is being developed by Arnold Palmer’s alma mater, Wake Forest University, which is led by Michael Lamb, a senior executive director of the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest. The gates open at 8:30 a.m. for the tournament competition’s Round three and Round four, Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8. On Saturday there’s a special Birdies & BBQ event from noon to 3 p.m. for guests to enjoy, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, they can enjoy the Patriots’ Outpost.

Running the premier Central Florida tournament are 1,500 volunteers who work a combined total of more than 56,017 hours, with 31 different volunteering committees. There’s 62 volunteers who have served 20-plus years with the tournament and more than $400,000 is provided annually to the community groups that help make it all possible.

helping families connect to

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

SALLY MARJAMA SOUTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL

Sally Marjama is the theater teacher at Southwest Middle School and also supervises the WSLN TV News for the school.

Marjama also works with the YMCA After-School Program, directing its annual musical theater production.

In her 19 years with Southwest Middle, she has been recognized as the Teacher of the Year, and she was awarded the Orange County Public Schools/Kessler Grand Bohemian Scholarship for Excellence in Teaching Drama. The English Speaking Union also selected her to receive the T-Lab scholarship to participate in the Teaching Shakespeare through Performance at the Globe Theatre in London.

“The theater program has grown into a home where students can find their passion and express themselves creatively,” Principal Damian Rosado said. “Students often spend all three years in theater class as well as joining the yearly production. The shows have grown so much that they are now being performed on the high school stages. … Mrs. Marjama has also been integral in organizing the annual Festival of the Arts at Southwest. This year will mark the 15th year in which this community event will celebrate the talents of the areas’ elementary and high school Fine Arts programs alongside of the Southwest programs. The event promotes student involvement in art, dance, music and theater at all levels of education.”

What brought you to your school?  Southwest Middle School is where my own three children went to school. I was always volunteering at school, so when the theater position opened, I jumped at the chance to apply.

What do you love most about your school?

There is so much support for the theater program at Southwest. I feel like that allows for a lot of freedom and creativity. And I love my Fine Arts team. We are very supportive of one another and collaborate on many great events and projects.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is building positive relationships with the kids and fostering their love for theater. Many of them come back to the SWMS Theatre program, even long after they’ve left middle school. It’s really special to make that kind of bond and give them a sense of belonging to the legacy of our theater program.

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

If I wasn’t teaching theater, I’d be in theater. That’s where I started, so I definitely could see myself in entertainment or working with a theater company. I love acting, directing and costuming.

Who influences you?

The many theater professionals and teachers that I’ve been privileged to

REPORT CARD

meet and work with have been a big influence on me. I appreciate their dedication to their craft and their endless creativity.

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

In elementary school, it was Mrs. Wittman, because she was a great role model and she fostered my creativity. In high school, it was Mr. Mickelson, because he pushed me to do my best. And in college, it was Rob Gardner, because he saw something in me and gave me the opportunity to grow.

What is your favorite theater production and why?

There are a lot of fabulous productions, but “Hamilton” is probably one of my favorites. It’s so inspired from the concept to the costumes to the lighting. I just really appreciate that kind of creativity. And the King George scene is so subtle, but he is FIRE!

What do you like to do in your spare time?  I love spending time with my family and granddaughters. I’m an avid theme park fanatic and enjoy hitting the road with my husband on the Harley. I’m always game for the next adventure.

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

Emma Thompson is a brilliant actress on the stage and screen. She has such a great range and has managed to do what she has loved for 40-some years. I’d love to hear her talk about her experiences.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?  I’d like to be able to create more time. There’s never enough of it!

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

Billy Joel tops my list. He’s like the soundtrack to my life. And I am a big fan of Dave Matthews. AC/DC is still a favorite because it’s a throwback to high school.

Would you rather be Elphaba or Glinda? Why?

Elphaba has this passion and inner strength despite the obstacles she has to overcome. So, I think I’d rather be Elphie.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas! Our house looks like a holiday explosion. I also think it’s important to keep family traditions alive for the next generations.

LIZ RAMOS

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Foundation robotics team competes on national stage

Gov. Ron DeSantis selected the Ducks in a Row robotics team from Foundation Academy to represent the state at the inaugural Governors Cup.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis selected Foundation Academy’s robotics team Ducks in a Row to represent Florida at the inaugural FIRST United States Governors Cup, which was held Friday, Feb. 20, to Saturday, Feb. 21, in Washington, D.C.

The Governors Cup is a robotics competition for high school robotics teams from all 50 states, with the goal of reimagining education through experiential learning, innovation and state-led leadership.

Ducks in a Row won three out of the five matches it played, ranking 26th out of the 50 teams.

“Our main focus was how we want to help represent all of the industries here in Florida and how doing a competition robotics team like ours allows these students to actually get their foot in the door to tech industries and engineering,” robotics coach Courtney Haberman said. “They’re learning skills that cannot be taught in a normal classroom — skills they are able to take into their jobs well beyond their high school and college careers.”

Haberman said the team began working on its robot well before it was selected in December for the competition.

“We were really surprised we got picked,” said senior Ale Pedraglio, a robot driver at the competition. “We were really glad that we’d be able to spread what we’ve learned over the years to all other states and people watching the event.”

Haberman said the team has not competed in a competition of this size, so she made sure to tell her students how important this not only was for them but also the state.

The main issue the team came across was having to remake the robot.

“Six weeks before we left for Governors Cup, they were like, ‘Miss Haberman, can we just change the entire robot?’” she said. “And they pulled it off. They redesigned it by creating a new intake system,

Both of our kids have been at Windermere Prep since early elementary, and we’ve had a great experience. The staff has always been supportive and genuinely interested in helping our children grow. We’re really thankful to be part of this community and feel like our kids are in a place where they’re seen, supported, and encouraged to do their best.

— WPS Parent via Niche.com

a new launching system, and it all worked perfectly by the time we got to Governors Cup.”

While it was nerve-wrecking to make modifications so close to the competition, Haberman said it shows the dedication of her students.

To the students, one of the most important aspects of the competition was communication, so the team went to other competitors to introduce themselves and learn about them.

“We didn’t want this to be just about robotics,” senior Logan Soderstrom said. “We wanted it to be about growing ourselves and reaching out to others to understand what their lives were like.”

The challenge was simple, yet not easy to complete: The robot must collect wiffle balls, also called artifacts, and launch them into a chamber.

“This was essentially challenging us to make sure that we have the ingenuity to not only figure out how launch mechanisms work with velocity and angles but also to perfect it,” Soderstrom said. “We wanted to not only just learn but (also) apply these skills in real-life experience.”

One of the team’s most memorable moments was meeting artist Will.I.Am, who personally shouted out one of the team members of Ducks in a Row for being himself and pursuing his rap career.

Besides meeting Will.I.Am, the team loved being able to meet other teams from around the country.

“Being able to compete and meet so many new people that also earned their spot to be there was really exciting and really interesting,” Pedraglio said.

To Soderstrom, being the team’s ambassador meant the world to him.

“I’ve been really focused on trying to become an engineer and seeing where you can apply all these skills in real life,” he said. “Being able to get that experience was probably one of the most exciting parts for me.”

Some said it was life-changing.

Pedraglio became emotional as he talked about his move from South America to the United States. He said he is extremely grateful to his teammates for being his family and allowing him to carry the Florida flag during the competition.

“I just thought it was beautiful that I was able to get this chance to represent the state that I consider home,” he said.

BRAINFOOD

Most of the time, toys and school don’t mix well. There’s hardly ever a time when a teacher will say, “Now, put down your books and go grab your Nintendo Switch!”

But that’s precisely why LEGO is awesome! Not only do these little bricks of fun provide endless hours of entertainment, but also they’re perfect learning tools! This month, Brain Food takes a look at how LEGO is helping in the classroom.

LEGO EDUCATION

The LEGO Group actually has a whole company division dedicated to helping kids learn. For more than 45 years, LEGO Education has worked to help teachers use LEGO to bring hands-on experiences to the classroom. This kind of learning play can help kids learn concepts in a more concrete way.

Today, LEGO Education is one of the best ways to teach STEAM concepts — including science, engineering, computers and, most recently, even AI.

“LEGO bricks are a powerful tool for teaching foundational academic concepts, fostering positive attitudes and building interest in STEM,” said Florida State University Assistant Dean of Innovation and Instructional Technology Enhancement Dina Vyortkina.

SCIENCE

LEGO has created learning tools to teach a wide variety of science concepts including organisms and life processes, physics, Earth science and even space. And better yet: LEGO air students are nearly one-and-one-half times more confident in learning science when they have hands-on experiences and two times more likely to engage in science lessons.

ENGINEERING

EVENTS

LEGO CLUB

Through its wildly popular MINDSTORMS products, LEGO has created an engaging way to teach engineering concepts. With MINDSTORMS, you can build robots, cars, towers and countless other contraptions to learn the basics of gears, gravity, friction and much, much more. And of course, with engineering comes plenty of math concepts, including ratios, measurements and more.

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND AI

Through LEGO’s Computer Science and AI Kit, kids can learn all sorts of stuff that will become the foundation for the computer engineers of tomorrow. These kids teach an incredible amount of skills, including text-based coding — sequences, loops, conditionals, variables, functions.

“LEGO bricks are a powerful tool for teaching foundational academic concepts, fostering positive attitudes and building interest in STEM,” Vyortkina said. “As in any science field, a lot of exploration and inquiry is involved with ‘what if’ scenarios and sequencing steps.”

LEGO has created a safe environment in which kids can learn AI concepts. Through play, they can learn how to create AI interactions, learn how computers can adapt to new knowledge and even collaborate with one another to code together.

And all of this is done on Google’s AI engine called MoveNet. This tool includes many features that allow for safe play, including no chatbots, safeguards for bullying, privacy features and more.

RECOMMENDED READING

n “365 Things to Do With LEGO Bricks” by Simon Hugo n “Amazing But True: Fun Facts About the LEGO World — And Our Own!” by Elizabeth Dowsett, Julia March and Catherine Saunders

n “The LEGO Ideas Book” by Hannah Dolan, Simon Hugh, Tori Kosara, Julia March and Catherine Saunders

n “The Big Book of Amazing LEGO Creations: With Bricks You Already Have” by Sarah Dees

n “LEGO: How to Build Everything” by Hannah Dolan, Jessica Farrell and Nate Dia

4:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Windermere Branch; 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the Southwest Branch and Winter Garden Branch; and 11 a.m. Monday, March 16, at the West Oaks Branch. The library invites you to come and use your imagination to build! Bricks will be provided but cannot go home with you. Recommended for ages 6 to 12.

LEGO EDUCATION SPIKE PRIME: SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

2 p.m. Tuesday, March 10; 12:30 p.m. Monday, March 26; noon Friday, March 20, and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Windermere Branch. Build and program machines with LEGO Education SPIKE Prime. Apply STEAM concepts and the engineering design process with hands-on learning. Recommended for ages 6 to 12. Registration required.

LEGO DIGITAL BUILDS

11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Winter Garden Branch; 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Southwest Branch; and 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 20, at the Windermere Branch. Create custom LEGO builds on the computer with this easy-to-use free software. Print instructions or share your builds with friends online. Students will: search for bricks; place bricks and create steps; and customize the colors of their builds. Recommended for ages 6 to 12. Registration required.

LEGO EDUCATION SPIKE ESSENTIALS: GREAT ADVENTURES

10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the West Oaks Branch; 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Winter Garden Branch; and 3 p.m. Thursday, March 19, and 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Southwest Branch. Build and program machines with LEGO Education SPIKE Essentials. Go on a Great Adventure as the library explores STEAM concepts and creative problemsolving. Students will follow instructions to build project; program the components; bug-fix; and change and improve the program. Recommended for ages 6-12. Registration

Horizon West Theater Co. loses performing space

The group performed at Two Bridges Pub every month to raise funds for its forever home. Unexpectedly, the pub closed, leaving the theater with nowhere to perform.

For the past five months, Horizon West Theater Company has invited the community to Two Bridges Pub, a local eatery in Winter Garden, to enjoy its monthly Pints & Performances.

The pub became a place to gather, share their talents, have fun and most importantly, raise funds for a forever home.

But Two Bridges Pub permanently closed its doors Tuesday, Feb. 3, without any advanced notice, forcing the nonprofit that was founded in 2018 to find a new place to perform.

“As a local business, their approach and desire to wanting to support our nonprofit was immediate and community driven,” Horizon West Theater Company Vice President Jenny Teter said. “This approach aligned perfectly with the mission of Horizon West Theater Company, so it’s never easy to see a community business close, and their presence will certainly be missed.”

Theater members are actively searching for a new venue to continue their beloved Pints & Performances series in Horizon West or Winter Garden. The funds from the event go toward its ACT 2 fundraising campaign, which consists of raising $150,000 to secure and renovate its new facility in Winter Garden.

In the meantime, Horizon West Theater Company members are looking for a new business or organization to host Pints & Performances.

“We are taking this moment to rethink and relaunch the event in a way that works within a different space while still maintaining its original spirit,” Teter said. “While the closure does create a

HOW TO HELP

pause, it doesn’t change our longterm goal. … At the same time, we are exploring other creative ways to continue engaging the community while we work toward finding a home.”

Teter said the theater’s goal is to create a mutually-supportive partnership where performers can bring arts programming to their partners’ spaces while also helping drive community engagement and support for their business.

The nonprofit has raised about 60% of its goal.

“This level of support reinforces how much the community believes in the importance of a stable home for the theater,” Teter said. “A stable home means consistency, growth and long-term sustainability, not just for the theater but for the community as a whole. Our vision is for this space to be welcoming and accessible, serving a wide range of needs beyond our own. It would allow us to support education, collaboration and creative opportunities for others while ensuring Horizon West Theater Company remains a lasting cultural resource for the area.”

While members of the theater are upset because of the unexpected closure of Two Bridges Pub, they always will value the strong relationships built with the staff and the amazing times they had at the eatery.

“It’s always unfortunate to see a local business close — especially one that contributed to bringing people together,” Teter said. “Moving forward, we’re adapting, continuing conversations with potential partners and staying focused on our long-term goals. Moments like this remind us how important collaboration and local partnerships are, and we’re excited about what comes next as we continue building toward a home for us.”

Visit horizonwesttheatercompany.com/act2 to donate to Horizon West Theater Company’s permanent home.

Knights celebrate

Black History Month

Students from Ocoee High School worked tirelessly to put together the school’s annual Black History Month Showcase Thursday, Feb. 26.

Students in the audience learned about different historical figures from the past that shaped black history from two students: Zoe Pender and Mia Lomax.

The two girls went through the decades and explained how each figure made an impact and bettered the conditions for African Americans in the United States.

Students in the showcase performed a variety of arts, including dances, poems and songs.

To end the showcase, audience members were asked to shine their flashlights from their phones, and Josiah Dorestan performed Tyler James Williams’ iconic rap scene from the Disney movie “Let It Shine.” — LETICIA SILVA

THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

1951: 75 years ago

The Ocoee City Council voted to send Mayor Bud Owens and City Clerk W.H. Wurst to the school for municipal finance officers in Gainesville.

The new elementary school in Winter Garden was planned for 10 acres on the corner of the L.W. Tilden estate at Dillard and Tilden streets. School Board Member

Hugh Lassiter said all three buildings — the new one, the old Winter Garden Elementary School and Tildenville School — would be in use.

1966: 60 years ago

The first to qualify by selling more than 25 subscriptions in The Winter Garden Times Bike-ORama Contest was Johnny Harrell, a fourth-grader at Dillard Street Elementary School. He had yet to decide if he wanted the cash or a new bike, but he still was out selling newspaper subscriptions.

1971: 55 years ago

Foy Maloy of Winter Garden was New York Life Insurance Company’s leading agent in Florida. Hilton Teal of Winter Garden joined Al Ewing Ford as a sales representative handling both cars and trucks.

The championship regatta on Starke Lake in Ocoee drew more than 200 entries from all throughout the United States and Europe.

1976: 50 years ago

Karen Crabtree, Tina Craig and Carla Crosslin of Girl Scout Junior Troop 729 celebrated the birthday of George Washington with some homemade cupcakes.

1991: 35 years ago

A cartoon on the opinion page featured Robin Leach of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous with a woman who had purchased an

In the 1950s, the Gem Supermarket operated at 31 S. Main St. in Winter Garden. The building was constructed around 1915 and originally housed the Mann & Mills grocery store. It acquired its eye-catching marquee during World War II. Throughout the war, the 352nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion was stationed in Winter Garden, and hundreds of soldiers roamed the town’s streets. Seeking entertainment, many of them attempted to buy tickets at the Garden Theatre, only to find the shows were sold out. To meet this excess demand, Charlie M. Biggers opened the Gem Theatre. A marquee, projection booth and seating were added to the existing structure. At the opening night, the movie “The Dark Command” (1940) starring John Wayne was screened. At war’s end, the soldiers departed and there no longer was any need for two theaters in downtown Winter Garden. However, the subsequent owners of the building kept the marquee and used the name “Gem” for their store. The projection booth also still exists within the building.

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.

entire roll of stamps.

Joan Zeigler, of Windermere, was one of nine employees of Orange County Public Schools to be given the Better Than Ever award. She had been with the Orange County Migrant Program since its inception 20 years earlier.

1996: 30 years ago

Amber Electric took out an ad in The West Orange Times to congratulate its owner, Dan Petro,

who received the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Sam Hovsepian Hall of Fame Award for his “many years of extraordinary leadership and dedication to West Orange County.”

When does a pickle glow? When it’s electrified, of course. Lakeview Middle School’s Ms. Bethmann was teaching her eighth-graders about electricity by passing a current through a pickle and observing the results.

2006: 20 years ago

A new facility was being built to replace the school building at Tildenville Elementary, and an advisory committee was considering changing the name to Tilden Oak Elementary. In the end, the original name remained.

By Luis Campos

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

“CGT UXY VTHC ZH SUC R DTPCRZS IXRDT ZS R DTPCRZS CZFT, ZC’H R HCRCT UB FZSY. ZC’H VGRCTJTP KUL VRSC ZC CU OT.” CUF FZW

Puzzle Two Clue: K

“KL RZA VZMIKSWX LKBT HM HXC LZXT, HI IZTW GWZGBW SZ, CFWM CFW JWICWXM JZABS NW H CXABR HTWXKVHM HXC LZXT.” VBKMC WHICJZZS

Puzzle Two Clue: N equals

“MCB MWDZWXFD UWZ DWUXWUJZWT OFZY J UWFXW OF CYVVBMYYT, O TYF’Z EFYM ... OZ’D IADZ UYYT WFZWXZJOFRWFZ.” ZYR DWVVWKE

Puzzle Three Clue: I equals J

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