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Matthew’s Hope plans major expansion. PAGE 3. FREE

VOLUME 86, NO. 17

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APRIL 25, 2019

Legacy slugger battles back After tearing his ACL, Alex Gonzalez has returned with a new batting stance. 13.

North Ocoee projects advance Ocoee commissioners took action on two development proposals and additional phases for Arden Park during their April 16 meeting. ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Two large development projects in north Ocoee moved forward at the April 16 City Commission meeting. City leaders voted unanimously to transmit comprehensive plan amendments for two separate developments to the Department of Economic Opportunity for state review.

West Orange children make short work of area egg hunts in Winter Garden, Ocoee and Horizon West.

Easter eggs-citement

SEE OCOEE PAGE 4

YOUR TOWN CALLING KITCHEN CONNOISSEURS The Winter Garden Art Association is looking for people who enjoy creating masterpieces in the kitchen. Those who love baking and cooking can sign up to prepare foods to share at the monthly art exhibition openings at SoBo Art Gallery. Anyone who would like to share their talents is asked to email info@wgart.org.

Winter Garden considering property sale for hotel Following residents’ concerns, city officials will re-examine some parts of the proposed Plant Street project. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

GLOBAL STUDIES Bridgewater Middle celebrates cultures at 2019 Heritage Night.

SEE PAGE 3.

Clockwise from top: Isabella Johnson proudly displayed her Easter basket, which she filled at Ocoee’s hunt. Ella Ionelli, left, and Miley Starr enjoyed the views from the train caboose at Oakland’s event. Charris Vickers was happy with the eggs she found during the Winter Garden hunt.

It was standing-room-only during an April 17 community meeting regarding the potential development of a hotel in downtown Winter Garden. The proposed 60-room boutique hotel, which would be located in a three-story building on Plant Street, north of Bay Street and west of Highland Avenue, is mainly being designed by Studio Tack — a New York-based innovative design group. The first floor of the hotel SEE VACANCY PAGE 4

YOUR CALENDAR

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

WINTER GARDEN WINE WALK 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 25, starting at the Winter Garden Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave. Wine tastings, food pairings, shopping and more are part of this event that takes place at more than a dozen designated tasting locations along historic Plant Street. Hosted by the Garden Choir. Tickets are $15 for food only and $35 for wine and food and are available at Eventbrite.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

IRONMEN OF GOD COFFEE 7 to 8 a.m. Friday, April 26, above Axum Coffee, 146 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Join with other Christians in this independent men’s ministry focused on serving the men in the community. The guest speaker is Joel Hunter. IronMenofGod.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakev-

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THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

WORLD TAI CHI AND QIGONG DAY 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Celebrate with Sifu Al Aki. Class will include breathing exercises, standing meditation and healing exercises. Sifu Al Aki is certified by Tai Chi Healthways and has more than 10 years of experience. No prior experience needed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes (flat soles, no sandals). Chairs provided if needed. Ages 13 and up. Reservation required at (407) 835-7323.

iew Ave. Finding the Lost Sheep Ministry and FUMC are hosting the dinner, which includes a silent auction. There is no cost, but donations will be accepted. (407) 656-1135. HAPCO WINE AND DINE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Oakland Town Center, 221 N. Arrington St. Hosted by HAPCO Music Foundation, the event is a fundraiser for local arts-in-the-classroom programs. Guests can enjoy music, unlimited wine and food by Chef Anthony Fothergill. Tickets are $50 to $75 and are available at Eventbrite.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

NEHRLING GARDENS CORKS, CALADIUMS & CANVASES 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha. Stroll through the gardens at sunset while sampling wines & food from regions of the world where the plants of Nehrling Gardens originated. View artists at work with original art for purchase at the auction. There will be live music, a silent auction and a gift shop to purchase caladium plants. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door, for guests 21 and older. (407) 4459977, info@nehrlinggardens.org.

10TH ANNUAL RUN FOR THE ROSES 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at The Pines of Windermere, 3409 Maguire Road, Windermere. The Kentucky Derby-themed party is hosted by the West Orange Junior Service League and includes food and drinks, casino gaming tables, horse racing, a hat contest and silent auction. Tickets are $100 and available at eventbrite.com. TOWN HALL MEETING ON HOMELESSNESS 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Winter Garden Elks Lodge, 700 N. Ninth St., Winter Garden. Matthew’s Hope is hosting a public town-hall discussion on homelessness in our com-

munity. Hear some do’s and don’ts, learn about the growing problem and discover what role the public can play in making a difference. RSVP to (407) 9059500 or Kaylen@MatthewsHopeMinistries.org. SOUTHWEST ART CLUB: PAINTING WITH FOSSILS 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Enjoy this step-by-step workshop using mixed media to create a colorful base with rich textures, adding stencil designs and fossils made from air-dry clay. No art experience needed. Ages 18 and up. Space is limited. Registration required at (407) 835-7323.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

CHIHUAHUA CHA-CHA Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at the Crooked Can Brewing Company, 426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Chihuahuas will line up to Run for the Rescues at this event, which supports A Cause 4 Paws Rescue. Preregister your pet at Eventbrite.com/e/ crooked-can. Tickets are $10.

Winter Garden. This communitywide event is hosted by Oasis Church Winter Garden and facilitated by Valencia College’s Peace and Justice Institute. It will provide a safe space to focus on our shared humanity with an exploration of race, privilege, bias, systems of privilege and oppression, and practical application. Refreshments included. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/rise-conversations-on-race-unity-tickets54097845111?aff=erellivmlt. (407) 905-4931.

SUNDAY, MAY 12

AVE MARIA: A CELEBRATION OF MOTHER’S DAY 3 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando. The Basilica Choir and friends perform music in honor of the Mother of God and mothers everywhere among 10,000 roses. Individual concerts are $25; a season subscription to four concerts is $65. For information, call (407) 239-6600 or go to maryqueenoftheuniverse. org.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

RISE: CONVERSATIONS ON RACE & UNITY “CONVERSATIONS ON RACE” 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at the Roper Co-Op Ballroom, 146 W. Plant St., Suite 210,

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THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

Cellist Analiese Myers, seventh grade, performed with Bridgewater’s orchestra.

CULTURAL AWARENESS Wanessa Fagundes wowed the crowd with her beautiful Brazilian costume. Left: Sixth-grader Victoria Velazquez, left, learned how to crochet from Lisa McClure-Donnelly.

est Orange residents didn’t need tickets to Epcot to enjoy a trip around the world Thursday, April 18 — the night when Bridgewater Middle School took guests on a cultural adventure at its Heritage Night. The event featured plenty of authentic cuisines, trinkets and demonstrations from many countries and cultures. In addition, the night featured performances from the school’s orchestra, Central Florida Irish Dancers and much more. — MICHAEL ENG

Daniel Fernandez and Mariosca Hernandez loved serving authentic Venezuelan cuisine to Heritage Night attendees. Right: Adalyn Bradley, 6, was the youngest dancer to perform with Central Florida Irish Dancers.

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Matthew’s Hope expansion will include mental-health services TAKING CARE OF CHILDREN

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Matthew’s Hope is expanding again — this time to offer mental-health services and a day care to serve West Orange County’s homeless population. “I can’t tell you how many people that — if somebody had stepped in early and gave them an opportunity for counseling and, if meds were necessary, would have connected them with the meds they needed — they wouldn’t be living on the streets right now,” founder Scott Billue said. “The people who need the most help can’t afford it.” ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH

Matthew’s Hope previously partnered with individual counselors who supported the mission and offered a discounted rate to the organization. This addition will allow the ministry to contract with a group of counselors, which will give the homeless easier access to help. Each Tuesday, clients in need will go for an initial assessment for mental health care before being assigned to a counselor. “No one has done this,” Billue said. “The biggest challenge in homelessness is mental health care. … It’s a game-changer.” He said these services will apply

Amy Quesinberry

Another expansion is in the works for the Matthew’s Hope homeless ministry, in Winter Garden. Founder Scott Billue hopes the new mental-health component will benefit homeless residents in need.

to individuals who are battling depression because of homelessness or a job loss, but it also will benefit those who have a chemical imbalance and need medication. The service — and possibly the medicine — will be free to Matthew’s Hope clients. “I’m not saying we can save everyone, because we can’t,” Billue said. “But I think we can make a big difference with the people who need the help, like the ones who have no support system. … We are, in some cases, people’s family.” This mental-health component is one piece of the organization’s

plans for the final consolidation of all its services in one place. It is being added to the Tuesday Outreach program, which will be housed in the remaining 2,500 square feet at Matthew’s Hope’s offices off Story Road. This space will include the mental health care office, as well as additional classroom space for various classes on life skills, such as budgeting, résumé-building and interviewing. Built-in showers, a hair salon and indoor feeding area also are included in the plans. Plans call for the expansion project to be open by August.

The Firm Foundation Preschool can teach up to 20 children from age 2-and-one-half to 6 but typically leaves a few spots open in case a homeless family comes in with a need. Now, parents of children even younger can benefit from having a safe place for them while they work. The new Firm Foundation Daycare will care for up to 20 children from age 1 to potty-training age and will operate the same Montessori program as the preschool with age-appropriate teaching, learning and playing. It will take over the space on Ninth Street being vacated by the Tuesday outreach program. Billue said some of the children have been offered scholarships at area private schools because the children already know the Montessori method. “They’re being taught basic skills at a very young age, everything from how to have manners to how to hold their fork, how to button their buttons, brush their teeth, put their plates away. They’re fully capable if you work with them. “These kids will go home, wherever home is, and they’ll hold their fork properly, they talk about what they learned at school, and the parents haven’t learned it,” Billue said.

TOWN HALL MEETING Billue is holding a community meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Winter Garden Elks Lodge, 700 N. Ninth St., Winter Garden. He will discuss homelessness in the community. “There’s a tsunami about to hit, and no one’s paying attention,” Billue said. “You’re seeing more homeless people on the street than you ever have. … When you have development, if you see a coyote run out or a fox or a bear, wait long enough and you’ll see a homeless person come out.” RSVP to (407) 905-9500 or Kaylen@MatthewsHopeMinistries.org. SUPPORTING MATTHEW’S HOPE There are multiple ways to make a donation: n Online at Matthewshopeministries.org n Call the office at (407) 9059500 n Visit the office, 611 Business Park Blvd., Winter Garden n Sponsor a new 15-passenger bus to transport homeless residents on Tuesdays, during job fairs or for medical- and dental-care opportunities. There are three logo sizes at different price points available, and businesses can make one-, three- or five-year commitments.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

Vacancy available for hotel? “Dillard Street is more of a commercial district, so that’s more appropriate for a hotel and the traffic that would follow. And to be between the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion — I mean, it just doesn’t make sense to me that you would put a hotel there. …” — Joan Giovanni, 26-year Winter Garden resident

“The Dillard site is on the cusp of hopefully what has become an expansion of Plant Street east. But right now, if you were to put a hotel there, it would sort of be ahead of the curve. It’s in a revitalization mode, but it’s in the very early stages. …” — Matthew Jassak, a development partner of JA Hospitality LLC

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

would include a restaurant and meeting space for about 150 people, said Matthew Jassak, a development partner of JA Hospitality LLC, the project developer. The site does not include parking. Although no residents disagreed about the need for more hotels in Winter Garden, the project plans sparked concern among the 150 to 200 attendees because of the lack of on-site parking and the proposed site location. “My biggest concern is the location, specifically, having it on Plant Street versus on Dillard Street,” said Joan Giovanni, a 26-year Winter Garden resident. “Dillard Street is more of a commercial district, so that’s more appropriate for a hotel and the traffic that would follow. And to be between the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion — I mean, it just doesn’t make sense to me that you would put a hotel there. And the homes are so close. There would be a great impact on the residents, and the city manager seemed a little unconcerned by the points raised from the residents living in that area. So I think we could definitely use a hotel, but it’s the placement on West Plant Street that just makes no sense.” Jassak explained the Plant Street site made more sense in terms of their goals to encourage guests to engage in the community. “We wanted to encourage guests to be actively engaged in the downtown area,” Jassak said. “The Dillard site is on the cusp of, hopefully, what has become an expansion of Plant Street east. But right now, if you were to put a hotel there, it would sort of be ahead of the curve.

It’s in a revitalization mode, but it’s in the very early stages. It’s across from a church, a Chinese restaurant, a diner and a laundromat, and I think that’s all that’s in the immediate vicinity. As opposed to this site, which is directly across Winter Garden City Hall, directly adjacent to the Farmer’s Market and directly across from Plant Street. So it’s really the perfect location for someone to truly immerse themselves in Winter Garden.” Another point of concern among attendees was the fact that the city provided the developer with a waiver for its parking-space requirements and had plans to reserve the top floor of the city’s downtown parking garage for hotel guests. According to the conceptual design, the hotel does not include parking spaces — only an area for valet parking. Jassak explained there is no room to add parking spaces on the site. “The site is not large enough to accommodate any parking, so all the parking will be provided offsite in a couple different locations via valet, including the rooftop of the city’s parking garage, as well as other parking locations the city is bringing online in the next 24 months,” Jassak said. However, after the meeting, Winter Garden City Manager Mike Bollhoefer said in response to the amount of comments from residents regarding the parking issue, the city will review its plans and possibly hold a second community meeting before the proposal is presented to the City Commission. “The two main things we’re looking at is the transportation system and the parking plan,”

Bollhoefer said. “One of the big issues was having it reserved for them to park on the roof. There was some concern with that, and maybe that’s not the best way to do it. So we’re going to look at all other options to handle the parking at the hotel. We haven’t had time to determine if we’ll make any changes, but there’s a pretty good chance we’ll make some changes. Although we won’t be trying to add parking to the site. There’s really no room on-site, so there’s nothing we can do to change that.” Bollhoefer also emphasized the city has not yet reached a purchase agreement with the developer. “It’s important to note that we have not yet reached an agreement with these people on the hotel regarding the purchase price of the property, nor have we finalized a parking plan,” he said. “Subsequent to last night’s meeting, we’re going back and taking a look at those issues and seeing what adjustments can be made before we come up with a plan to present to the commission. And (because) there were so many comments, and some of them valid, we’re probably going to schedule another community meeting before we move forward with this project. And that might also change the timeframe for the project.” Originally, commissioners were to be presented with the proposed hotel plans in May, but that likely will be delayed to allow the city time to make any needed adjustments, he said. If approved, the developer hopes to complete construction of the hotel, which is estimated to cost between $14 and $18 million, by 2021, Jassak said.

Ocoee approvals CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The first project is the Ocoee Village Center Planned Unit Development. The subject site for the proposed development totals 73.17 acres and comprises of three parcels on the north side of Clarcona Ocoee Road east of State Road 429, south of Clarcona Ocoee Road and east of North Lakewood Avenue, and east of the intersection of Fullers Cross Road and North Lakewood Avenue. Plans for the development propose 316 apartment units, 196 townhomes, 140 hotel units and up to 150,000 square feet of commercial space. Plans for the development also include water and sewer improvements, as well as a reconfiguration of North Lakewood Avenue. The developer also will be constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Fullers Cross Road and Lakewood Avenue. “It is designed that there is a roundabout (at Fullers Cross Road and Lakewood Avenue), which would really function — we think — a lot better than, certainly, a four-way stop or signalized intersection,” City Planner Mike Rumer said. “The proposal is to develop a new Lakewood (Avenue). The applicant would pay for all the cost of the design, engineer, construction (and) receive no impactfee credits (and) no repayment from the city for that. … (With) no incentives requested (and) no incentives offered, they will be bringing upgraded water and sewer all the way up to the north and building a lift station that enables

the properties to the west (of this project) to develop.” Commissioners voted to transmit for the Ocoee Village PUD a large-scale comprehensive map amendment from low-density residential to high-density residential and commercial to the DEO. City leaders also held the first reading of an ordinance that rezones the subject site to PUD. The second large development in the area is the CLRM PUD. City leaders also voted to transmit for the project a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment from Orange County rural settlement 1/5 to city of Ocoee low-density residential to the DEO. Commissioners also held the first readings of an annexation ordinance for the subject property and an ordinance that rezones it to PUD. The subject site is part of a 212.3-acre property, but only 193.22 acres are proposed to be annexed. Plans for the proposed development include 381 dwelling units and 68.68 acres of open space. Prior to discussing those two large projects, city leaders approved unanimously the final site plans for phase 4B and phase 5 of the Arden Park North residential development. During these phases of construction, the developer will be extending Clarke Road from Clarcona Ocoee Road to McCormick Road as part of the development project to allow for an additional access point to the development. Although city leaders expressed support for the proposed development projects in north Ocoee,

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The site for the proposed Ocoee Village Center PUD totals 73.17 acres comprises three parcels on the north side of Clarcona Ocoee Road east of State Road 429, south of Clarcona Ocoee Road, and east of North Lakewood Avenue and east of the intersection of Fullers Cross Road and North Lakewood Avenue.

some commissioners voiced their concerns. “We all recognized that the north end of Ocoee was going to develop,” Commissioner Richard Firstner said. “I don’t think we realized it was all going to be developed at the same time. We have three projects in this one agenda tonight that’s going to take up a big chunk of the north end of the city. That being said, it just makes me a little concerned. Are our streets and our services and our infrastructure going to able to handle this type of development?” Commissioner George Oliver commented on a need for infrastructure improvements in the city. “What I’d like to see just one time — just one time — is that when we’re presented with these projects, that you lead with infrastructure,” Oliver said. “I would like to see a project (where) one

day, one developer will come to us and say, ‘Look, let’s talk about the infrastructure first, and then we’ll present the project.’ I have yet to see that, and I hope one day that I will see it. … We talk about so many different things when we talk about all these projects, but to me, when I look at it in layman’s terms, I see cars.” “Part of our challenge is — as Commissioner Firstner and Commissioner Oliver mentioned — there’s a lot of traffic that’s being generated by all these homes and buildings coming out of the ground,” Commissioner Larry Brinson said. “What my challenge is – I have to look at this as a whole and take a holistic approach to this. I’m looking at every project in the north end of Ocoee … and I don’t see where the traffic … is very accommodating to what we currently have.”

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“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executive Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Terri Hope, thope@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

Scholarships helping send teen to music school The Windermere Town Council also surprised L.T. and his mother at the council meeting with $1,000 from the Windermere Police Department Foundation. This charity was established in 2014 after the death of Officer Robbie German to benefit Windermere residents, as well as employees and families of the police department. “They had told me (about) the first one … but the second scholarship from the foundation came completely out of left field,” L.T. said. “It was very surprising. I’ve been helping out with the foundation for a long time. My mom is a part of it, and a lot of times I help out.” Lori Sipek, a single mother who is employed by the Windermere Police Department, calls the scholarships a Godsend. “It really helps out, because without these opportunities he wouldn’t be able to attend this college,” she said. “As a single parent who was in the military,

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

L.T. Sipek has been accepted into Florida Southern College, in Lakeland, and now he must find a way to pay for his education. The West Orange High School senior is depending on scholarships to assist him in obtaining his degree in music education and has received two recently that will help get him there. Both were awarded to L.T. at the April 9 Windermere Town Council meeting — but the second one came as a surprise to the Winter Garden family. Anne McDonough, representing the Windermere Arts, presented a $1,000 scholarship that will increase annually over the next four years, L.T. said. He entertained guests at the March fine art show on his tuba. At his feet, he had placed his open instrument case for anyone who felt led to make a donation. His accompanying sign read: “Support heavy metal — donate here.”

a lot of the opportunities to do things like Florida Prepaid we couldn’t do because we didn’t live in Florida.” Florida Southern, a private college, has awarded a music scholarship to L.T. worth $27,000 per semester, Sipek said, but other education costs not covered will run about $15,000 per semester. “This is his dream, and I’m doing what I can for him,” Sipek said. “He’s doing what he can, too.” L.T. is grateful for the support he has received and is looking for opportunities this summer to play his tuba so he can contribute to the costs of college. After college, he plans to teach music or give music lessons while attending law school. The musician also plays the sousaphone in the West Orange High Warrior Band and bass trombone in the school’s jazz band.

Courtesy photo

L.T. Sipek and his mother, Lori Sipek, left, were surprised with two college scholarships at a recent Windermere Town Council meeting. He will attend Florida Southern College after graduation. At right is Anne McDonough, who presented the scholarship from Windermere Arts.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

COPS CORNER

WINTER GARDEN APRIL 7

3300 block of Daniels Road. Retail theft. At about 6:40 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a big-box retailer to investigate an alleged shoplifting. According to store employees, surveillance footage showed two women stealing merchandise. According to an arrest report, the footage shows the women pretending to scan most of the items in their shopping cart, even

According to an arrest report, the caller informed police that a man with whom he had a verbal argument earlier that day had attempted to harm him using a handsaw. The caller said the man sneaked into his tent holding a handsaw and the caller ran out of the tent in fear for his safety. The man then dropped the handsaw and pursued the caller while throwing rocks at the caller, one of which struck the caller’s leg and left a bruise. Others who witnessed the incident were questioned to verify the caller’s description of the incident, and the man was located at his place of employment, questioned and arrested. The man has been charged with battery, aggravated assault with a weapon and criminal mischief.

OCOEE APRIL 5

though they had not. One of the women is then seen paying for the items that were scanned with gift cards and attempting to exit with unscanned items in their cart totaling $545.61, according to police records. The two women were charged with grand theft of more than $300. APRIL 5

300 block of Ninth Street. Aggravated battery with a weapon. At about 7:30 a.m., an officer responded to a wooded area near some railroad tracks in reference to a battery.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

11130 block of West Colonial Drive. Dealing in stolen property. At about 11:30 p.m., an officer on patrol spotted a vehicle traveling 53 mph in a section of Old Winter Garden Road with a 35 mph speed limit. The officer conducted a traffic stop and asked the driver if there was anything inside the vehicle the officer should be made aware of. The driver said there was not, but while the officer was completing paperwork to cite the driver for speeding, a K9 officer arrived on scene and gave a positive alert to the vehicle. The driver then stated there was a pipe used for smoking marijuana inside the center console. A search of the vehicle revealed there was also a firearm inside a backpack with a serial num-

ber that was reported stolen out of Orange County. A locked metal box containing nine bags of methamphetamine totaling 11.2 grams also was located inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and dealing in stolen property.

OAKLAND APRIL 3

17500 block of West Colonial Drive. Drug possession. At about 1 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a gas station in response to an employee, who was concerned for an unresponsive woman inside a vehicle that had been parked in front of the business for more than two hours. At first, the police officer attempted to gain the attention of the sleeping female driver by loudly banging on the vehicle and yelling. The woman did not wake up until the officer decided to open the driver-side car door and touch the woman’s arm. According to an arrest report, the woman struggled to answer the officer’s questions, could not recall where she was and exhibited physical signs of intoxication. A syringe and a small bag containing a white substance that tested positive for heroin were located inside the vehicle. However, the woman stated it was not hers and that she had been clean since she had been released from detox two months ago. The woman was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and heroin.

Developer proposes 600 apartments, short-term rental units on 37.8 acres GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

A 37.8-acre site in southwest Orange County was the subject of an Orange County community meeting Monday, April 22, at Bridgewater Middle School. The vacant property — located on the east side of Avalon Road, south of Hartzog Road, north of Arrowhead Boulevard, and west of Vista Del Lago Boulevard — is currently divided into two parcels. And BTI Partners LLC, a realestate developer based in Fort Lauderdale and the property owners, seeks to develop the site with either 600 short-term rental units, 600 apartments, or a mix of 300 short-term rental units and 300 apartments, said David Evans, of Evans Engineering Inc., applicant for the development proposal. “It’s pretty early in the process, and the owners are still trying to figure out what they want to do, but once their plans start to evolve there will be a lot more information available,” Evans said. “So it would be either 600 short-term rental units, 600 apartments or 300 each. It’ll just be a financial decision based on market studies, and they’ll see what works best for that piece of property.” The property owners have requested a Future Land Use Map amendment to develop the property, currently desig-

SCHEDULE

TRANSMITTAL HEARINGS Local Planning Agency: June 20 County Commission: July 16 ADOPTION HEARINGS Local Planning Agency: Oct. 17 County Commission: Nov. 12

nated Growth Center-Planned Development-Commercial/ Low-Medium Density Residential and Growth CenterPlanned Development-LowMedium Density Residential. The request is to change the designation to Growth Center-Planned DevelopmentCommercial/Medium Density Residential. The development would have on-site parking and two access points: one on Hartzog Road and one on Avalon Road, Evans said. At this stage of the project planning process, it is still unknown what type of apartments the developer would choose to build and how much the full construction would cost as the development plan is still to be decided, he added. Assuming the approval process goes according to schedule, it’s estimated the project would be completed in 2021, Evans said.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

Junior Abby Marotta, left, and freshman Zach Miles are cast as two members of the Frake family in “State Fair.” Marotta plays Margy Frake, and Miles plays her character’s father, Abel.

A grand night for singing West Orange High School’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “State Fair” runs from April 25 to 28. ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

reshman Zach Miles went the country mile to prepare for his upcoming role as a livestock rancher in West Orange High theater’s upcoming production. “My mom’s boss actually owns a pig ranch, so I went out and I visited the pigs and got to kind of talk to them and act and go through method acting,” Miles said. “It was very fun to see how pigs react. It gave me basis for (the role).” Miles, 15, will be playing Abel Frake, a livestock rancher and father of the Frake family, in the theater department’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “State Fair.” The show runs from April 25 to 28. Showtimes are 7 p.m. April 25 to 27 with a 2:30 p.m. matinee April 27 and 28. “State Fair” tells of the Frake family’s journey to the 1946 Iowa State Fair. The story follows the family members’ experiences at the fair. Abel enters a pig in a competition; the mother, Melissa, enters a cooking contest; and the children, Margy and Wayne, each experience love and heartbreak, theater director and teacher Tara

Whitman said. “It’s a beautiful family story, (and) it’s a piece of Americana — I think,” Whitman said. “It started as a movie, and the first film came out in the ’40s. … The musical came after.” Whitman added the production will be the department’s first Rodgers and Hammerstein show since 2002. The show will feature an extended stage, and the music in the show will be performed live by the school band. “We’ve added the stage extension to ... bring the actors closer to the audience,” Whitman said. “We will be working with our school band who will play in the live pit, so they sit (within the extended stage). It’s just like being in a real Broadway pit. … This is our favorite time of year when the two programs get to work together.” Junior Abby Marotta, 17, plays the role of Margy in the show. She chose Margy because she enjoys the character’s strength and adventurous nature. “I think that she is sort cheesy, but she also is very strong, and I like that about her,” Marotta said. “She wants adventure, and she wants to have this really nice, adventurous life, and I relate to that. I think that’s really cool.” Marotta added although she enjoys taking audiences back in

“State Fair” cast members rehearse a song-and-dance scene.

time on stage, adapting to the period the show is set in is something that challenged her. “I love shows like this where we get to go to a different time period and really transport the audience,” Marotta said. “Trying to move like we would in the 1940s … is difficult when I’m so set in 2019, but it’s been really cool to get to do that.” For Miles, playing fatherly roles is nothing new. In fact, he often seeks out those roles and enjoys playing them because they allow him to see the world from a different perspective. “I like playing fatherly characters, because you get to kind of see the world in a more adult way,” Miles said. “My favorite thing about Abel’s character (is) he’s

IF YOU GO ‘STATE FAIR’ WHEN: 7 p.m. April 25 to 27; 2:30 p.m. April 27 and 28 WHERE: West Orange High theater; 1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden TICKETS: $10 for students, $12 for general admission and $15 for VIP. Tickets are available the day of the show at box office or in advance at teachtix.com/ wohs.

Photos by Eric Gutierrez

kind of a fun character. He’s very easygoing. He’s very passionate about what he does with his livestock ranching. … He’s great fun to play. He’s also very emotionally connective, because, while he seems fun on the outside, he’s also very empathetic and supporting of his children.” Miles added that adapting to the role of a 60-year-old man proved to be a challenge. To help meet that challenge, he spent some time with his grandparents. “Acting like an old man — that’s been the greatest challenge,” Miles said. “I’ve been around my grandparents a lot (to) try to study how they (act). Being around my grandparents helped a lot.”

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

Easter eggs dotted the field as parents and children ages 2 and under waited for the Church at the Cross egg hunt to begin.

Hoppy hunters complete

EGGS-CAVATION I

Tommy De La Cruz, 2, had fun playing with bubbles before the Church at the Cross Easter egg hunt began.

t took West Orange kids mere minutes to collect tens of thousands of eggs at various Easter egg hunts hosted throughout the community. The fun started April 13, with the town of Oakland’s fifth annual Celebration Among the Oaks. Hundreds of children and families came out to enjoy the spring event. The main event was the egg hunt, where thousands of colorful eggs were scattered around VanderLey Park for children of all ages to collect. Three children who found the golden eggs received circus tickets and scooters. The event also included visits with the Easter Bunny, inflatables, a crafts booth, a petting zoo, music and food trucks. Then on April 20, kids flocked to four different hunts throughout the area. Bunny ears, egg-filled Easter

baskets and smiling, painted faces were everywhere during the city of Ocoee’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza. Held at the Jim Beech Recreation Center on Saturday, April 20, the festivities drew crowds of families ready to celebrate. Children up through age 12 were invited to participate in the egg hunt and also enjoyed face-painting, bounce houses, a visit from a balloon artist, food and photos with the Easter Bunny. Just a few miles away, 5,000 plastic eggs filled with candy and prizes were scattered around Newton Park in Winter Garden on Saturday, April 20, for the Winter Garden Lions Club’s 68th annual Easter Egg Hunt. Despite the chilly breeze coming off Lake Apopka, hundreds of children lined up in their respective age groups and waited for the go-ahead to pick up as many

Amelia Rothstein, 8, and her sister, Madelyn, 5, were excited to fill their Easter baskets at Hamlin’s event.

treat-filled eggs as possible. Easter baskets were presented to the children who found the coveted golden eggs. Horizon West celebrated its first Hamlin Easter Fest April 20, at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas. Children got to take part in an egg hunt featuring 6,000 Easter eggs and got to enjoy games, bounce houses and meeting the Easter Bunny. Attendees also got to enjoy live music, food, drinks and a variety of vendors.

Finally, thousands of attendees gathered at Church at the Cross Saturday, April 20, for its inaugural Easter Egg Hunt Under the Lights event. More than 10,000 Easter eggs were up for grabs during the Easter egg hunt. Children age 12 and under raced to find the golden eggs as they filled their baskets with colorful Easter Eggs. The event also featured a variety of bounce houses, food trucks, music and fun for the whole family.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

Left: Clara Begliomini, 2, enjoyed the playing in the bounce house at Hamlin’s event. Below: Dozens of children, including Paisley, Brooklyn, Jed and Stella Wickham, visited with the Easter Bunny during his stop in Oakland.

Isabella and Blake Quiliche were happy to meet the Easter Bunny in Ocoee. Right: McKinley Cowans was the cutest little Easter Bunny in Ocoee. Right: Titus Smith was fascinated with stacking the plastic eggs he received at Ocoee’s hunt.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

Church at the Cross Worship Leader John Brown had fun as he spread out the Easter eggs. At the Winter Garden event, Easter baskets full of prizes were given to the lucky children who found the golden egg in their age group: Luke Guilkey, left, Michael Tostige, Vincent Marcus, Lily Carter, and Luke and Liam Twohig.

Chloe Cassidy concentrated on her rock painting at the Tildenville Marketplace booth during Oakland’s Celebration Among the Oaks.

Delaney Bergin plotted her route carefully at Winter Garden’s egg hunt.

Above: Angelique Santos, center, enjoyed taking her 4-month-old daughter, Isabella, to her first Easter event along with 2-yearold Arya Persaud. The trio attended Hamlin’s event.

Alain Quesnel, left, joined his children Chloe, 3, and Mason, 5, for a photo with the Easter Bunny in Hamlin.

Right: Farah Velez, 6, focused on the egg hunt during Hamlin’s inaugural event.

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Langston Cannady, Hannah Taylor and Marcus Cowans enjoyed one another’s company at Ocoee’s event.

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JACK HERSCHEL BRACKNEY DIED MONDAY, FEB. 25, 2019.

Jack Herschel Brackney, 87, of Windermere, Florida, passed away on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. Jack was born in Delaware, Ohio, on Nov. 9, 1931, to Herschel and Georgia Lucille Brackney, who precede him in passing.

Herman “Blue” Augustus Brown died April 20, 2019. Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha. Constance H. Dana, 85 of Ocoee, died April 9, 2019. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory — West Orange, Ocoee. Santiago Escobar-Gallegos 70, of Winter Garden, died April 22,

Taylor (Debbie) of Greenville, South Carolina; many nieces and nephews; as well as nine grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. Bobby had several jobs over the years. He was a Disney World stage hand (head of parade), an I.A.T.S.E. Local #631 Union stage hand member for 40 years, and, at different times, he worked as a projectionist at the Pine Hills DriveIn and the Winter Garden StarLite Drive-In theaters.

He retired as a construction supervisor for Orange County after 20 years of service and served proudly in the United States Navy. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Brackney; his son, Tyler C. (Effie) Brackney; and his daughter, Tosha Brackney.

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Bobby H. Taylor, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Cornerstone — Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont, Florida, surrounded by close family. Bobby was born Jan. 3, 1945, in Greenville, South Carolina. He is preceded in death by Morris and Virgie Taylor (parents), Shirley Taylor (wife), Scott Taylor (son) and Grace Smalley (daughter). Bobby married Shirley Balentine of Greenville, South Carolina, in 1964. They were able to celebrate 50 years of marriage prior to her death. He is survived by two daughters, Macie Taylor, Apopka, Florida, Betty DelleMonache, Geneva, Florida; one sister, Jean Howard (Pat), Greenville, South Carolina; two brothers, Jimmy Taylor and Larry

In the 1960s, Bobby served as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Winter Garden. In 2013, during the fire department’s centennial celebration, Bobby was recognized as the oldest-living volunteer firefighter and was featured in a front-page story by “The West Orange Times.” His family recalls that Bobby was proudest of his service as a volunteer firefighter because he was able to help people. Bobby also was a long-time member of the Ocoee Jaycees. Upon retirement, Bobby spent his time taking care of his wife and family, as he thoroughly enjoyed helping people. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Ocoee Cemetery, 368 E. Geneva St., Ocoee, FL 34761. Flowers are welcome but not necessary; Bobby’s favorite color was red. Flowers must be delivered to the Ocoee Cemetery the day of the service.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

Central Florida Prep to fundraise for expanded arts programs The Gotha-based preparatory school is hosting its fundraising event, An Evening with the Artists, to help add and expand arts and music programs for students.

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Central Florida Preparatory School is gearing up for some exciting additions to its arts and music programs, but it needs help to make them a reality. The Gotha-based school’s upcoming fundraising event, An Evening with the Artist, promises to offer an evening filled with entertainment, arts and a catered dinner. Attendees will be treated to performances from local artists with professional résumés and storied backgrounds in the Central Florida community. All of this is to help the school raise the funds necessary to support its emerging arts programs and expand opportunities for students in the creative realm. “The goal is to expand our dramatic, musical and drawing/rendering/2D/3D arts at the school through a lot of different opportunities for students,” said CFP Executive Director Chris Wester. “This year, we really want to expand the offerings for our students — both after school and consistent course-based arts. … Part of what this funding

provides us is the opportunity to enhance our existing programs and bring in new ones. “We want to have a very wellrounded arts program that gives our students opportunities to explore a myriad of pathways,” Wester said. “We’re very excited about it, and we’ve got some excellent performers that will be at the event that have all come up through the ranks during their schooling, and they’ve had people that have impacted their lives to set them on the paths of their own.” Wester said CFP staff is planning to add one-on-one lessons for students in piano, violin, drums and voice with the proceeds from the event, and new next year will be after-school music and drama clubs. He added that the school also wants to provide credit-based drama classes for the middle- and high-school grade levels, and students will put on two productions next year at the Garden Theatre. “I just came on board this past July, and we have worked really hard this year to create more programs and opportunities for our students,” he said. “We started on working on our athletic programs, but we wanted to address certainly in the same year our

The three guest artists have all left their footprints in the Central Florida arts community, and each will bring something different to the table. Anthony Parrulli is a drummer, actor and entertainer who performed for 16 years as a Blue Man in “Blue Man Group.” He now performs at Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the show “Swotu Wayä: Na’vi Drum Ceremony.” Recording artist Tiffany Coburn performs with Voctave and Disney’s Voices of Liberty, as well as her own concerts, and is the parent of a CFP student. Joseph Gatti is the artistic director at the United Ballet Theatre. He was previously a principal dancer with the Cincinnati Ballet and Corella Ballet, and first soloist with the Boston Ballet. “I’m excited for the outpouring of support to expand our arts programs because it will give students the ability and the skills to create and utilize their imaginations,” Wester said. “It used to be that going into the music or arts field was a heavy risk, but now … the arts provide a lot of occupations and projects for people, and they can be passionate about what they do every day.”

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MEET THE ARTISTS

APRIL 25, 2019

SPORTS

Even though he’s only in the eighth grade, Braden Holcomb is proving to be an offensive powerhouse for Foundation’s baseball team. Page 14.

HIGH

A new stance 5

Ocoee’s Big Orange Games for physically challenged youth is back. The Ocoee Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual athletic event Saturday, April 27, at Ocoee High School, 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Parkway. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m., opening ceremonies are at 9:15, and the games begin at 9:30. Athletes will compete in various track-and-field events. The public is invited to attend this free event, which has taken place for more than 15 years. For information, contact the department at (407) 905-3180 or visit ocoee.org.

SPORTS EDITOR

With the spring football approaching, coaches and players look to get in early work before the start of the regular season in August.

when he landed awkwardly. Just like that, Gonzalez had torn his ACL. “It was rough,” Gonzalez said. “Physically, at first, I was really getting tired — I was like, ‘When am I going to be able to play baseball again?’ And mentally I was like, ‘I want to be back on the field.’ But my doctors and therapists were always telling me, ‘If you don’t want to tear it again, you’re going to wanna wait.’” No athlete wants to hear the words “be patient” when it comes to getting back to his or her sport, but Gonzalez had to be if he wanted to get back to 100%. What followed was surgery to repair his knee on May 5, 2018, and then nine long months of rehabbing.

riends. Floridians. Sports fans — I come bearing good news: Football season is back … sort of. As I sit on my throne — aka my large, cushiony chair — watching the Alabama A-Day game, I soak in the spring football goodness that the sports gods have bestowed upon me. Sure, regular-season football doesn’t start for another four excruciatingly long months, but at this point in the year, I’ll take whatever I can get. Now don’t get me wrong, I love all sports with a passion — my TV has been showing MLB all afternoon — but there’s something about football that just does it for this good ol’ Southern boy. And I’m not alone. Those in the local highschool football scene have been waiting for this moment since the postseason ended: It’s finally time for spring football. “I’m excited for what the West Orange Warriors are going to be able to do this 2019 season,” said first-year head coach Dee Brown. “I’m not big into hoopla and giving bulletin-board material, but I know we will be ready to go.” West Orange will get in its solo spring game against Viera at 7 p.m. Friday, May 17, but it’s really those practices beforehand Brown is anticipating the most. The game itself is just kind of the icing on the cake — so to speak — for the players. It’s a reward, and a break, from hitting one another and offers a real-game experience. But those practices — that’s where the real work gets done, Brown said. It’s the place where coaches get to see if a player has the drive to take it to the next level. “It’s definitely important just for the overall growth of the individual athlete,” Brown

SEE GONZALEZ PAGE 14

SEE SEASON PAGE 14

When football resumes this fall, it will do so with a significant change to the play clock. Based on a recommendation by the National Federation of State High School Associations, Florida high-school games will operate under a 40-second play clock. Previously, games were played with a 25-second play clock, which was started by the head referee. The change is meant to bring consistency to the time between plays.

4 5

Gymnastics USA’s competitive team, Team G.USA, added some more hardware to its trophy case. The latest win came for the men’s team levels 4, 5 and 6, which took first place at State Championships last month in Alachua. Teams level 9 and 10 took second and third place, respectively. Team G.USA also collected 24 individual state titles.

Spring marks return of football

TROY HERRING

The West Orange boys baseball team battled crosstown rival Olympia Monday, April 22. The Warriors lost 10-3.

Congratulations to West Orange High pitcher Jonathan Russell, who was selected as an alternate for the Florida State Senior AllStar Game. The voting for the game includes every senior at every position in all Orlando high schools across all classification levels.

SIDELINE SCENE

Troy Herring

Almost a year after tearing his ACL, Legacy Charter shortstop Alex Gonzalez finds his swing — and a retooled batting stance. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

ut at Bob Sorenson Fields in Ocoee, the Legacy Charter baseball team gets in a practice on a stifling hot day. They go through their stretches and warm-ups before taking some batting practice to work on their swings. Among them is Alex Gonzalez — the sophomore starting shortstop who happens to be one of the better hitters on the team, despite the major setback last year that almost derailed his young baseball career. On the first day of spring break last year, the then-Ocoee High freshman was outside enjoying a game of basketball

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORS

Braden Holcomb

Braden Holcomb is the only eighth-grader on the Foundation Academy varsity baseball team. With a father who used to play baseball, a mother who used to play and coach softball and a sister who plays softball at the collegiate level, baseball runs in Holcomb’s blood. The young tri-athlete also plays basketball and football.

When did you first start playing baseball, and what got you into the sport? I was probably about like 4 or 5. My sister plays a lot of softball, and I was always around when she had tournaments. I started playing when I was young (with) T-ball and everything. What’s it like being the only eighth-grader on the team? You put a lot of pressure on yourself, because you want to succeed. But I just try to remind myself that I’m the youngest, and I’m not going to be able to do everything. I just focus and don’t really worry about that. It’s your first year at Foundation Academy. How do you like it? I really like it here. It’s different from my old school, but I really like it. I think the athletics are a lot better here than my old school. What’s been the game highlight of the year for you so far? Walking it off against Legacy (Charter). (It was) a home game. (We won) 3-2. Which game has been the most challenging so far? Probably Lake Highland Prep, because when we went to Lake Highland Prep … everyone was struggling, and we all were just really down. But it kind of helped us, because we learned to stay positive.

THE BASICS SCHOOL: Foundation Academy GRADE: Eighth AGE: 14 HEIGHT: 6-foot-3 HOMETOWN: Niceville POSITION: Third base, pitcher BAT/THROW: Right/right TRAVEL TEAM: Team Orlando

What do you like more: pitching, fielding or batting? I like hitting a lot, because it’s just fun to get in there and compete, but I also do like pitching a lot, because you always have the ball in your hand. What’s the best piece of baseball advice you’ve received? I’ve been told by a bunch of coaches that baseball is one of the toughest sports you can play. You have to be really mentally strong, and that just helps remind me that … you just have to stay positive through it all. If you could play a game of baseball at any pro stadium in the world, where would you play? That’s a tough one. Probably Wrigley Field. What’s your favorite pro team? Do you have a favorite player? I really like watching the Yankees, but I would have to say my favorite player is Mike Trout. He’s a lot of fun to watch. — ERIC GUTIERREZ

Gonzalez adapts after injury CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

The physical aspect alone was difficult enough, but it was the mental part of the rehab that truly was draining, Gonzalez said. Slowly working up the strength in his leg was time consuming, and he wasn’t even allowed to start running until five months after the surgery. Both his reprieve from the process and first taste of baseball came three months into his rehab, after he was able to remove his knee brace. “I just started throwing with my dad, just to remember how to throw and get that muscle memory back — simple stuff like that,” Gonzalez said. “Then when six months hit, as soon as I was able to jog, I was on the treadmill every day trying to get back in shape and get ready for baseball season. Every step I took, I had to take it to another level to be sure that I was ready.” Gonzalez knew coming into his first year at Legacy that he would be cutting it close. Luckily, he got the green light before the start of the season. But in those early practices, he could tell something was off. Before his knee injury, Gonzalez had utilized a closed-off batting stance in travel ball that had been working well, but now, it just wasn’t.

He didn’t know whether it was the time off or the constant worry he had about his knee holding up, but Gonzalez knew something had to change. “His normal batting stance is to have his toes pretty much lined up, but he — with his left foot — would step forward significantly and then when he would swing; he was fighting against himself,” said head coach Jack Chambless. “His hips would rotate, but his front foot was so far forward, he couldn’t make good contact, and I think that it was starting to shake his confidence a little bit.” That’s when Chambless decided to take him aside and talk to him about opening up his stance a bit more. Recalling MLB player Carney Lansford of the Oakland A’s, whose stance was so open that he could see the pitcher with both eyes, Chambless began working with Gonzalez on changing things up. Despite the difficulty and adjustments that came with totally going about his hitting in a different manner, Chambless said Gonzalez was always open to advice. “Instead of talking back or just shaking his head and going back to what he wanted to do, he did something that is hard for a lot of teenagers to do, which

is to listen,” Chambless said. “Sometimes, you’ll have kids three to four years, and they’re no different their fourth year than they are their first, because they are just reluctant to listen. “But he was willing to listen, and then things started to click in batting practice at first, and then in increasing the opportunities he got to play into games, it just all fell into place,” he said. “Now he is in the lineup every day and is just wearing the pitchers out.” His stance now sees Gonzalez start off open — with his front foot open — before closing up as the ball arrives at the plate. Although it takes batters an extended period of time to get used to the mechanics of a new stance, Gonzalez has made it look easy. Despite only using the new stance for just a few months, he already has racked up a .430-plus average — the best on the team. There’s still plenty of time left in the season to ratchet up those numbers, but following his injury, Gonzalez said he relishes most the opportunity to play the game he loves and be a part of the Eagles baseball team. “I love playing baseball,” Gonzalez said. “It’s one of the things that I probably couldn’t live without.”

Season marks football’s return CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

said. “If you’re talking about being able to play at a high level … the spring is a vital part of it. You can see their growth and their weaknesses.” That mindset is shared by coaches throughout the West Orange area, including at Ocoee High School. Under head coach Aaron Sheppard, who went 5-6 in his first season last year, football is something that’s not simply inseason only — it’s a year-round passion. The season, off-season, spring season, recruiting — it’s all he thinks about. But going into this spring season — which includes a game against Lake Gibson Friday, May 17 — Sheppard has a new set of priorities on which to focus. “It’s different now than last year — last year I was coming in and establishing it, and now I’m

building it — so it’s a whole different process,” Sheppard said. “At one point, you’re building the house. And now that your house is built, you’re kind of cleaning your house and finetuning things — that’s where we are.” Both Sheppard and Brown are looking to the spring football season. It’s during this time when the new guys are taught proper techniques, while the older guys put in more work to perfect those same fundamentals. “I just want to make sure that this springtime, we actually get better,” Sheppard said. “That we use it to do what we want to do. Not that we didn’t last year, but I just want us to get better right now.” Earlier, I mentioned a lot of the coaches said the spring game was mostly for the players, but there is an aspect tailor-

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made for coaches, too. Practice is essential, sure, but there’s nothing that can quite prepare an athlete more than playing against another team in a realgame scenario. Will the outcome actually count? Not in the standings, no. But to see how a team and its players can compete? Absolutely. “Anytime, as a coach, you can get your team in a game-like situation, it makes the anxiety less when those realities do come during the season,” Brown said. “Scrimmages and organized practices are all tools to do those things and kind of eliminate the mistakes that you cannot (have) on Friday night.” For those who — like me — are now a tad bit more impatient for the start of football after reading this, hold steady and take a deep breath: We’re almost there.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

GAME FILM

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THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

West Orange girls fall in district final

This FREE Event is a meeting open to anyone desiring a better understanding of homelessness and this growing population in West Orange County however, there is limited seating so please RSVP. We will discuss the Do’s and Don’ts in interacting with the homeless, the services available in our community and how you can make a difference. People complain, others are overly compassionate. We will openly address both. West Orange’s Caroline McCarthy drove hard to the goal against East Ridge.

t was a tough night Thursday, April 18, for the West Orange girls lacrosse team, which fell 18-9 to East Ridge in the District 9 final. Going into the tournament, the Warriors (13-4) were the No. 1 seed, while host East Ridge (17-1) was the No. 2 seed. After East Ridge went into the half up 10-6, the Knights went ahead 12-7 with 12:42 left in the second half, but Caroline McCarthy and Hope Whitener scored goals 35 seconds apart to bring West Orange within 12-9. East Ridge dominated possession time for the final 11 minutes of the second half as penalties started to add up for West Orange. The Knights scored six unanswered goals — three during an 82-second span — to make the final score 18-9. — CHRIS MAYER

Bring your questions, concerns and ideas. If you have a particular issue you would like to see addressed during the Town Hall, please contact Scott.Billue@gmail.com What:

Matthew’s Hope Town Hall Meeting on Homelessness

Where: Winter Garden Elks Lodge 700 9th St. Winter Garden When:

Saturday, May 4th 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Please RSVP to 407.905.9500 or Shelley@MatthewsHopeMinistries.org https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/donate-money https://vimeo.com/299973524 www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

CHURCH DIRECTORY

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352 SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus: FOUNDATION WORSHIP SUNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407-730-1867

CHURCH OF GOD

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

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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

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 5:30pm. 407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

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

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly. This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com. To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com

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Beulah Baptist 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

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up-to-the-minute news from Winter Garden, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Horizon West, Winter Park and Maitland.

Monday - Friday DON’T WAIT FOR TOMORROW, FOR TODAY’S NEWS.

* One entry per person. The contest is open to subscribers of the Observer’s eNewsletters. All entries must be received by 5/31/19. Late entries will not be entered. Participants will be entered into the drawing to win an Apple Series 4 Watch (image pictured above is an illustrated smart watch, actual prize is an Apple Series 4 Watch up to $400 value, color and style may vary). No cash alternative to the prize is offered. The prize drawing will be independently supervised. The winner will be selected at random and notified by the Observer by 5/31/19. It is the recipient’s responsibility to obtain any permission necessary and entrants must be aged 18+. The winner agrees for their name, job title and company to be published on our website, OrangeObserver. com and on the Observer’s social media channels. Employees of the promoter and their immediate families or anyone professionally connected with the promotion will be excluded from the prize drawing. The winner is responsible for any tax liability which may arise from receipt of a prize. The promoter is the Observer whose decision in all matters is final. Promoter does not accept liability for damaged or faulty prizes. The winner’s details are available upon request from rlankton@yourobserver.com. These terms and conditions are available upon request.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

Scheduled for the Winter Garden Theatre: Jane Withers in “The Arizona Wildcat”; James Cagney in “Oklahoma Kid”; Lloyd Nolan in “King of Chinatown”; and Shirley Temple in “Little Princess.”

65 years ago

Oscar Bryan Ford Inc. featured a 1940 Chevrolet coupe with good transmission for $29.50. Piggly Wiggly food store carried round or sirloin steak for 69 cents a pound, Ballard or Pillsbury biscuits for 21 cents and 10 pounds of U.S. No. 1 Main white potatoes for 25 cents.

20 years ago

Orange County Commissioner Bob Freeman, Oakland Mayor Jon VanderLey, Jim Thomas and Jack Amon cut the ribbon to open the first portion of the Oakland Nature Preserve. “This preserve will be a link between the past and the future, a sacred place where those who come after us can enjoy the peacefulness and stability

FROM THE ARCHIVES Two unidentified women stand at the intersection of Dillard Street (known as State Road 535A at the time) and State Road 50 in Winter Garden. They are indicating the new “Business District” sign. In the

background stands the older neon sign, which was eventually removed; a sign for West Orange Memorial Hospital — which once stood within the property bordered by Division Street, Surprise Drive and Dil-

of an earlier time,” Amon, ONP president, said. Plans were announced for Ocoee Middle School to become a new state-of-the-art State Demonstration Middle School,

complete with a brand-new facility. The Bay Hill Rotary Club asked residents to send a letter or card to military personnel deployed in the Balkan region. The “Any

per) 33 Noted wine valley 1 Auto shop items 36 Smoking and drinking 6 Puts on the market 37 Looking good getting 11 Guitar type frozen yogurt? 15 Padlock holder 44 Chocolates’ container 19 Very impressed 45 Honda’s luxury line 20 Galahad’s quest 46 Path from pt. A to pt. B 21 Little bit 47 Biblical wise guys? 22 Passionate about 51 Snoopy’s hipster 23 Nation that forbids persona stale mints? 55 Ankle-knee connector 27 Turkish capital 28 Flower bud’s protector 58 Like food in a doggie 29 Green with white leaves bag 60 Tire company’s ancient 30 ___ B (“I Like It” rapvehicles?

lard Street — also stood at that corner. If anyone can help identify the women, call the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation at (407) 656-3244.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

PLACEMENT by Rob Gonsalves; CROSSWORD PRODUCT Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS

THROWBACK THURSDAY

63 Presses with heat 64 Bird in a hayloft 65 Cut (off) 66 Mate, in Manchester 69 Theater chain 72 2,000 pounds 73 Like a pancake 74 Melody 75 Nanny on a farm 79 Author Calvino 83 Fancy crystal’s design? 88 Synagogue singers 89 Big name in tractors 90 Reason to see a doctor 93 URL starter 94 How the weasel goes

96 Digital greeting 98 Santa ___ winds 99 Fate of gunk on glass? 105 Former SeaWorld attraction 109 Knighted ones 110 Hold forth 111 Trees of Lebanon 113 Run off to get hitched 117 Showed puppy love? 121 Judge’s last words in an insurance case? 126 Venus de ___ 127 Cranny’s partner 128 Feminist icon Kahlo 129 Pertaining to birth

130 Look intently 131 Some offspring 132 Stand in good ___ 133 Secret appointment

Service Member Mail” program is mail sent by the general public to an unspecified deployed service member. Mail is limited to first-class letters (33 cents) only, 13 ounces or less.

62 Recessed navel 66 What wide receivers do 67 Cymbals with a foot pedal 68 “___ you clever!” DOWN 70 Happy or sad state 1 ___ colada 71 Where to get an espresso 2 Bard’s “soon” 73 Bit of paperwork 3 Corral, as billiard balls 4 Like plays with one break 75 “___ ‘nuff!” 76 Winfrey’s studio 5 He painted many dots 77 Some printers 6 Lt.’s underling 78 Message in 280 char7 Make a boo-boo acters 8 Pringles competitor 9 Alternative to Risk or Clue 80 Wall Street floor job 81 Movie arts org. 10 Feed for pigs 82 Chuckle in textspeak 11 Sci. class with petri 84 Longtime NASCAR dishes sponsor 12 “You’ve got mail” co. 85 Gateway ___ 13 Benchmark (Abbr.) 86 Suckling spot 14 Unchanged 15 Origin of shampoo and 87 Like a broken laptop 91 Austin-to-Tulsa dir. bungalow 92 Mid-April payment 16 Shenanigan 95 I.M. conceived long 17 Pot’s spot before texting 18 Prepares for a selfie 97 Letter after pi 24 Not even 99 Inspiring spiritual leader 25 Hierarchy position 100 Destroys, as a car 26 Jealousy 101 Land in the ocean 31 Call a radio show, e.g. 102 Classic Pink Floyd 32 Business magazine album, with “The” 34 Each 103 Refuting words 35 Conductor Toscanini 37 Kid’s sandwich, for short 104 Bee’s need 105 Mischievous kid 38 Pooh’s young friend 106 Olympic skater Sonja 39 Corporate VIP 107 Perplex 40 Stroke on the green 108 Focus at college 41 Colorful eye part 112 ID theft targets 42 Muckety-muck 114 Rubs out 43 Extend a subscription 115 After-dinner wine 47 Yogi’s accessory 116 A Great Lake 48 Ring-shaped reef 118 “Roar” singer Perry 49 Kind of salami 119 Flight approximations, 50 Lacking skill briefly 52 Poker betting unit 120 Shoulder muscle, for 53 Rower’s need short 54 Gold, to Guillermo 56 “___ first you don’t suc- 122 Also 123 Charged particle ceed ...” 124 Early programmer 57 Do with a pick Lovelace 59 Night school subj. 125 Young fellow 61 Midwestern tribe

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

“Y GPHT VP CT XEVYUI OUVYN Y’K HNXAYUI VGT LPNT PD ILXUMKX. ... Y’NN BNTTH ZGTU UP PUT ZXUVB VP GYLT KT.” –XKTLYEX DTLLTLX “CMR PZP Z HWOJP UFF EMOHO ROUVH WFURZJB YTVZJB OIVTWOUJH? Z CUH DUPO XTV UKEZTJ DTAZOH!” –UHZU UVBOJET Puzzle Two Clue: M equals H

George Kennedy, TV’s Blue Knight, stopped by Humana Lucerne Hospital for a chat with Mark Parker. Mark is the young correctional officer from Winter Garden who was shot twice last January during a shooting spree at the Orange County Courthouse.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

APRIL 27, 1967 The Star-Lite Drive-In Theatre ran weekly advertisements in The Winter Garden Times to notify local residents of the latest flicks being shown on the big screen. The drive-in was located on East Plant Street, where a 7-Eleven and strip mall now stand. A Winter Garden landmark, it was closed in 1996 after 46 years in operation. For 42 years, the grounds also were home to a drive-in church. When residents learned the owner, Floyd Theatres, was going out of business and closing the drive-in in 1996, a local group started S.O.S. (Save Our Star-Lite).

80 years ago

35 years ago

Puzzle One Clue: C equals B

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

4-25-19

18 2

WEST WESTORANGE ORANGETIMES TIMES&& OBSERVER OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com OrangeObserver.com

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GARAGE

TFN

Phone 407-656-6646

301972

REG# MV-01095

TRAYWICK'S

TFN 301974

301961

TFN

www.budgetupullit.com

301971

407-656-4707

302037

• Bridgestone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires

CALL 407-656-2121

or email us: advertisenow@orangeobserver.com

19 3

WEST WESTORANGE ORANGETIMES TIMES&&OBSERVER OBSERVER | | THURSDAY, THURSDAY, APRIL APRIL 25, 25, 2019 2019

OrangeObserver.com OrangeObserver.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

REALTORS

FIRE TECH

norb@HomeRebateRealty.com

SERVICE

301965

EXTINGUISHER

ROOFING

TFN

407-496-4900

50% Commission Rebate!

Ocoee, FL

Danny Motes

HomeRebateRealty.com

301964

TFN

NORB WELLER

• 18 YEARS OF REBATES •

Broker

301975

www.Firetechextinguisher.com

305784

Buying or Selling Any Builder or Realtor

Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395 Fax 407-654-2986

Your ad here!

407-656-2121

UPGRADES & REPAIRS

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

RECTORY

- BUSINESS DI HERE’S MY CARD

WICK'S TRAYRA GE GA

TFN

... ET RP From CA alled st

r Garden 1045 S. Vineland Rd. •Winte ent • New and Used Tires • Alignm • Complete Auto Repair • A/C Serv. & More

gsairsyst www.gsairsystems.com email:

on Call for a FREE estimate Equipment Replacement. We offer financing with approved

credit

Transmission and Engine Repair

Scheduled Maintenance

Ray Cornell Jr. Doug Gallinger Working Owners

www.r-dauto.com

Computerized Diagnostics

In House Towing Available

930 Carter Rd #202 Winter Garden, FL 34787 7 Telephone: (407) 614-382 om rdtransautorepair@cfl.rr.c

FLOORING T E • WAT E R P R O O F CARPET • LAMINA

407-614-5027

Ocoee, FL 34761 11159 W Colonial Dr. • .com IntegrityLaminateFlooring

Estimates

298995

Serving Orlando & Surrounding Areas

- 5PM

tters.com

407-656-4707

www.bud getu pulli t.com

ONLY

89.95

IN PRINT AND ONLINE!

boring Europeans? I was made for action movies!” – Asia Argento

PAINTING

Color included on all ads! Publishes every thursday, and deadlines Friday the week prior.

302117

See store for details

Full Synthetic Oil Service $

CALL FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION TODAY!

iumShu 407-415-7185 • OrlandoPrem

301027

STRESS

179.95 Mercedes E-Class $199.95

MADE IN THE USA

• All Engines $200.00 each each • All Transmissions $100.00 • Tires $15.00 and up • Batteries $25.00 • Warranties on all parts sold!

FREE

179.95 BMW 5 Series $199.95

Custom measured, designed, manufactured and installed by shutter experts.

34787 Street • Winter Garden, FL

Puzzle Two Solution: YOUR CARD HERE! “Why did I spend all these years playing

3.3" x 1" starting at $25.00 3.3" x 2" starting at $30.00 3.3" x 4" starting at $50.00

HOME SERVICES

ORLANDO PREMIUM SHUTTERS

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 8AM

Puzzle One Solution: “I hope to be acting until I’m playing the role of Grandma. ... I’ll sleep when no one wants to hire me.” – America Ferrera

Tires and Alignments

Tune-Ups and General Repair

WE BUY JUNK CARS WE BUY SCRAP METAL

Financing

$ 99/ sq. ft.

The best shutters! The best prices! With the best warranty!

881 S. 9th

s C-Class BMW 3 Series Mercede $

3 Business Card Sizes to choose from:

/ sq . ft.

WATERPROOF

AUTO SERVICE

BRA KE PAD SALE

3 59

Fully Installed From...

301025

Battery Testing and Replacement

301016

• Quality • Service • Sales • Installation • Commercial • Residential

License #CAC1814407

407-656-1817

OPERATED – -FAMILY OWNED &

68 407.296.9622 407.877.62 ems@cfl.rr.com Licensed & Insured - State

Fully

Fully LAMIN AT Inst alle E d Fr om...

. ft.

/ sq 99

VIRUS & SPYWARE WinterREMOVAL Garden’s Premier Roofing Company Since 1978 Serving All of West Orange County DATA & PASSWORD Fully Licensed and Insured Roof Repairs and Replacement RECOVERY 407-656-8920 WIRELESS & WIREDWestOrangeRoofing.com NETWORKING FREE ESTIMATES

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

FLOORING

AUTO SERVICE

AIR CONDITIONING

LV11098

301035

OBSERVER

301014

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

301021

LV11098

HERE’S MY CARD - BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Includes up to 7 quarts of Full Synthetic Oil. Parts and Labor. Service includes: Front or Rear Pads, Expires 3/31/19. Not valid with any other offers. Tax and recycling fees are extra.

PEST CONTROL

e Center” “Your Complete Servic Garden, FL 34787 10 West Story Rd. Winter 5

OrangeObserver.com This week’s Sudoku answers

TO ADVERTISE CALL 407-656-2121

or email: AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com

Hudson

301029

REG# MV-0109

6 Phone 407-656-664

Richard Hudson • Reggie

TFN

• Bridgestone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG

Willie’s Bar-B-Que Beef

302828

CATERING

“A luxury everyone can afford!”

Tires

• Chicken • Ribs • Pork • • Small & Large Orders • Catering

PET SERVICES

l Puppy Dreams Pet Hote

Willie J. Fulmore Owner

from home Your pet’s home away

CLASSIFIEDS Open

a unique no-cage facility g boardin daycare and overnight

301015

to fund Homeless

(407) 654-8885

TFN

703 S. Vinelan d Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787

11 am until 7 Friday and Saturday •

CONSTRUCTION

www.puppydreams.com

301018

TFN

301017

A portion of the profits help

301030

Style BBQ! We make Old Fashioned, Texas Women and Children.

407-469-0060 17436 7th Street •FL Montverde, 34756 pm

271 Maguire Rd Ocoee FL 34761

10% OFF your rental

(407) 654-9516 Office (407) 491-0355 Mobile (407) 654-0145 Fax pcm050@sunbeltrentals.com

301024

Mention this ad for

sunbe ltrent als.co m

Thursday, April 25, 2019

INFO & RATES: 407-656-2121 • Fax: 407-656-6075 • EMAIL: classifieds@wotimes.com • ONLINE: www.wotimes.com HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm • DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at 10:OOAM • Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card ©2019 NEA, Inc.

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

Traditions at Winter Garden. Friday, May 10, 7 AM to 3 PM. Saturday, May 11, 8 AM to 3 PM. Housewares, furniture, costume jewelry. Something for everyone. Lots of stuff!! DOWNSIZING.

Merchandise Wanted NOW PURCHASING

301983

SCRAP BATTERIES Announcements

This week’s Crossword answers

Puzzle Two Solution: “Why did I spend all these years playing boring Europeans? I was made for action movies!” – Asia Argento

This week’s Sudoku answers

Fast Easy Certification

301981

Orlando: 407-755-0012

1801 E. Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32803 CMMDR.COM

306687

Call now for your FREE pre-evaluation by phone

FREE MARIJUANA DELIVERY Delivered directly to your home or business

We provide Medical Marijuana in a variety of forms such as tinctures, pills, pain patches, vapes, concentrates, buds, vape shatter pills, dry flower & much more!

301982

Puzzle One Solution: “I hope to be acting until I’m playing the role of Grandma. ... I’ll sleep when no one wants to hire me.” – America Ferrera

GET YOUR – MEDICAL MARIJUANA – CARD HERE

13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

407-656-3495

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Health & Medical

You NOW get the dry flower to

SMOKE!

TO ADVERTISE IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS CALL 407-656-2121

2019

This week’s Crossword answers

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LV16621

West Orange Times & Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in West Orange Times & Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

Pat Sharr Realty

BUYING A HOME? SELLING YOUR HOME?

Which IRA gives you the best tax advantage?

CALL ME TODAY! 407-656-7947

PAT SHARR

Broker/Owner

MultiMillion Dollar Producer

patsharr@aol.com

www.patsharr.com

407-948-1326

S AL

PAMPERED PERFECTION!!!

“LET ME HELP YOU MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE”

ING END EP

WELCOME HOME***WATERFRONT***IN-LAW SUITE***OPEN DECK ON 2ND FLOOR OVERLOOKING THE GORGEOUS WATERFRONT CANAL, TO THE RIGHT IS STARKE LAKE TO THE LEFT IS LAKE PRIMA VISTA, STATELY TREES AND WILD LIFE!!! CUSTOM BUILT 2 STORY, 4Bdrm., 3 Ba. HOME!!! Formal living room, spacious formal dining room EAT-IN KITCHEN complete w/ stainless steel appliances, bay window breakfast nook overlooking the WATER!!! The FAMILY ROOM is conveniently located next to the kitchen and is highlighted by the wood burning FIREPLACE, also features glass doors leading to the open PATIO and the landscaped fenced yard with PRIVATE dock.The IN-LAW SUITE consist of a LARGE bedroom, bath, LIVING room and KITCHEN complete with APPLIANCES and PRIVATE open patio.Upstairs you will find the Master bedroom/master bath and the other 2 bedrooms centered around the guest bath. The Master Bedroom has French doors leading to the large open deck, look out over the manicured lawn, stately trees on all sides and the lakes. The Patio also features a stairway leading downstairs to the patio on the first floor. This home was painted in the last year also features 2 air conditioning units.Make your appointment to see this home today!!! Asking Only $350,000

JUST LISTED!!!

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH!!! ***NO HOA ***NEW ROOF IN 2013*** NEW A/C IN 2016*** FRESHLY PAINTED INSIDE AND OUT*** ALL APPLIANCES STAY*** Take a look at this BEFORE it is gone! This home is located in an established neighborhood in Winter Garden, minutes from downtown! Open the door and it’s like the house is saying” Welcome Home”. There is nothing to do here but move in, This home features a split bedroom plan, living room, dining area, laundry room with plenty of storage, Florida room, Covered screened patio, Master bedroom, adjoined by master bath. On the other side of the home are the two guest bedrooms centered around the guest bath. Wood Laminate flooring in living room, dining room and kitchen, tile in wet areas and carpet in all bedrooms.Kitchen comes complete with STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES!!! Laundry room comes with the Washer & Dryer! Also features a two car garage and storage shed in the back yard! Beautiful Stately trees shade your home, what more could you ask for? Immaculate condition...Asking only $309,900

Roth? Or traditional? We’ll help you choose.

Michael Wytiaz, CFP® Independent Branch Leader and Financial Consultant

The best IRA for you will depend

Windermere Independent Branch 4848 S. Apopka Vineland Rd. Suite #204 Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 909-0485 schwab.com/windermere

on a number of factors, including current and future tax rates and your plans for withdrawals. We’ll walk you through your options and help you decide which is right for you. Call me today at (407) 909-0485.

SOLD IN 13 DAYS

! LD

SO MUCH TO OFFER IN THIS 3 Bdrm., 2 Ba. beauty!!! Everything has been done, new laminate flooring in Living room, Dining, Kitchen and Family room, new carpet in all bedrooms, new vanities in both bath rooms. This home has been freshly painted inside and comes complete with appliances, window blinds!!! This home has been upgraded with double pane windows, A/C replaced in 2009, replumbed, upgraded electrical service. Fenced in back yard with 2 storage sheds, stately trees and so much more. Conveniently located to shopping, schools and all major highways!!! Take a look at this home today!!! Asking Only $169,000

Clermont Independent Branch 1600 Hancock Road, Suite D Clermont, FL 34711 (352) 404-5238 schwab.com/clermont

SOLD IN 11 DAYS!!!

WINTER GARDEN... 3 BDRM. 2 BA.HONEY STOP THE CAR!!! THIS IS THE POT OF GOLD AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW...Everything has been done, freshly painted inside, exterior paint 6 months ago, Master Bedroom and bath are only 4 years old and features shower/granite vanity. No CARPET in this jewel all LAMINATE WOOD flooring throughout except for bath areas. The living room is a cheerful center for everyday living and no hemmed in feeling... Convenient Dining with only steps to the kitchen! Unforgettable ULTA modern kitchen, beautiful CABINETS and plenty of them, ALL APPLIANCES are STAYING! Just off the kitchen is the laundry room complete with WASHER and DRYER!!! Open the laundry room door to the back porch where you will enjoy the PRIVACY of the VINYL FENCED back yard with access to the OVERSIZED carport and storage/workshop complete w/electric. Just look at some of the upgrades...ROOF IS 4 YRS., DOUBLE CARPORT 4 YRS., A/C 3YRS., VINYL FENCE 3 YRS. Grab your GOLF CART and let’s go the Farmer’s Market on Saturday or the many restaurants and shops downtown!!! This home is a REAL CHARMER and a MUST SEE!!! Asking Only $329,000

Schwab does not provide specific individualized tax or legal advice. Where such advice is necessary or appropriate, please consult a qualified attorney, tax advisor, CPA, or investment manager.

306685-1

301757-1

Eat, Play & Stay Healthy West Orange!

291957-1

ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Call 407-656-2121 or Visit OrangeObserver.com

Join Westly’s Dance Challenge!!! Put on your dancin’ shoes and get your groove on. Just do 30-minutes of dance from now until April 29 to complete the challenge. It’s a great way to have fun and get moving!

301853-1

HealthyWestOrange.org Observer March Print Ad MARCH 28.indd 1

4/23/19 12:17 PM