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Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Ocoee High School community remembers beloved teacher. SEE 3A.

FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

VOLUME 11, NO. 46

Angie Gallo wins School Board chair However, the race for Orange County mayor will continue in a runoff between Chris Messina and Tiffany Moore Russell. PAGE 7A.

Made for this

YOUR TOWN WGFD LIEUTENANT EARNS RECOGNITION The Winter Garden Fire Department announced Lt. Fred Davis was recognized with a Fire Officer designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing. This national recognition is given to those with a commitment to excellence in leadership, ethics, service and professional development. Davis has served the Winter Garden community for more than two decades. “This accomplishment is another reflection of the high standard he brings to the job every day,” WGFD officials said.

WINDERMERE WARNS RESIDENTS OF UNAUTHORIZED CANDLELIGHT EVENT The town of Windermere issued a notice of an unauthorized event 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Town Hall. An American Songbook by Candlelight was advertised to take place at Windermere Town Hall. However, event organizers never received approval. The town is advising residents who already purchased tickets to contact Eventbrite directly for a refund.

PERSONAL

SPACES West Orange High seniors show off talent as they paint their parking spots. SEE PAGE 13A.

Courtesy photos

Southwest Orlando Young Life allows its members to create meaningful connections with each other and Jesus Christ.

Southwest Orlando Young Life, a not-for-profit ministry, is being rebuilt with a new area director with the goal of impacting more children and teens. STORY ON PAGE 4A.

GAME OF THE WEEK The First Academy begins its 2026 campaign with a freshman under center and a tough test with Dr. Phillips High School. SEE PAGE 9A.

Windermere denies home proposal The homeowners sought variances that would make room to build a singlefamily home and pool on the property. PAGE 6A.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

FAST The behavioral health unit will serve as a safe, tranquil environment for adults in mental-health crisis awaiting transfer to specialized care clinics.

Divine Wellness reopens at new Winter Garden location Winter Garden business Divine Wellness reopened Friday, Aug. 7, at 95 E. Palmetto St., Winter Garden. The wellness center went four months without a storefront after having to vacate its previous downtown location in April. Owner Michele Miller said staying in Winter Garden was important. It’s where she’s owned the business since 2010 and where many longtime customers live. “We have more room, better parking and quieter treatment

Courtesy photos

The Publix at 2600 Maguire Road, Ocoee, will close for renovations Aug. 22.

spaces now, but I still want it to feel like the same place where you can walk up to the counter, ask a question and have a real conversation,” Miller said. Divine Wellness is open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For more information, visit divinewellnessshop.com.

MoonCricket Grille closes in Winter Garden MoonCricket Grille is saying goodbye to Winter Garden. In a post on social media, owner Bert Valdes, who is 73, said “it’s way past time” to retire after 23 years owning the downtown Winter Garden restaurant. The restaurant’s last day was Sunday, Aug. 16. “It has been an incredible journey

for the past 23 years to make new friends and of course lots of fun,” Valdes said. Valdes also said he wanted residents to know the city and remaining downtown merchants are fully invested in preserving the district’s feel and integrity. “I do want to remind everybody what a wonderful place downtown Winter Garden is,” he said. “Over the years, I have been in dozens (maybe hundreds) of meetings about downtown Winter Garden concerning its direction. There are a lot of changes in downtown and a lot of concern from residents. I can assure you the city and property owners’ goal is to continue the progress that has been made. ... The goal is to revitalize some of the downtown properties, not remodel but restore and keep the

Ocoee Publix to close for renovations until 2027 One of Ocoee’s popular Publix stores will temporarily close beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at 2600 Maguire Road. According to Publix officials, remodeling will create a fresh and updated shopping experience for customers. The remodeling will take about one year, and Publix is rescheduled to open in the fall or winter of 2027. “Thank you for your loyalty, patience and support over the years,” Publix officials wrote. “We can’t wait to serve you again in our newly remodeled store. See you soon.” Three other Ocoee locations will remain open, including at Silver Crossing at 1720 E. Silver Star Road; Fountains West at 301 West Road; and Good Homes Plaza at 8863 W. Colonial Drive.

Eggdose now open in Winter Garden Eggdose, a breakfast location, now is open in Winter Garden at 12615 W. Colonial Drive. The breakfast spot serves breakfast sandwiches such as the maple dose, made with a French toast bun, a side of maple syrup, thick-cut bacon, cheddar cheese and of course, eggs. Others include the Mexican sandwich, turkey sandwich, scrambled sandwich and steak sandwich. Eggdose also offers bowls with a spinach or fries base, protein, eggs and toppings. Drinks include lattes, espresso, Americanos, water and soda.

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Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips opens behavioral health unit The Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital opened its behavioral health unit Wednesday, Aug. 12. The behavioral health unit will serve as a secure and calm environment for those suffering from mental-health crisis while they await transfer to facilities to receive specialized care. The unit accommodates four patients at a time, with mentalhealth technicians assigned to support patients’ temporary stay. “We recognize the important role that a peaceful setting contributes to a patient’s health and sense of

well-being, so the unit is designed to foster a safe and calming environment to help provide our patients with the very best quality medical and mental health care that they deserve,” said Dr. Brian Head, chief of staff and chairman of emergency medicine for Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. Units are decorated with natureinspired murals and soft lighting to contribute to the tranquil environment.

mom-and-pop feel. … This is truly a bittersweet moment, and I will miss you all.”

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

‘Every school needs a Mr. Olson’ Staff and students at Ocoee High School celebrate the life and legacy of social studies teacher Jason Olson. STAFF WRITER

LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR

Courtesy photo

Jason Olson was a U.S. history teacher at Ocoee High School from 2005 to 2025.

Even after graduating, Olson kept in contact with his students through Facebook, often congratulating them for college graduations, new job opportunities, birthdays and all other celebrations. “He was just kind of a constant even years after I left school,” O’Brien said. “He really cared about his students and made an impact that went way beyond just teaching U.S. history.” Armbruster said U.S. history was simply a way for Olson to connect with kids and provide them with hope. “Kids actually looked forward to going to his class,” he said. “In fact, sometimes, they came to school just to go to his class.” Olson will remembered for his caring soul, wittiness, quirkiness and unique ability to have profound impact on his students and all those around him. So much so, former students have

created a group to create a T-shirt in his honor, to wear his legacy and remember his life. “He was an amazing teacher, an awesome friend and one of the purest souls I’ve ever known,” said Cathy Cannon, who teaches social studies at Ocoee High. “To use one of his own phrases, he was truly ‘the bee’s knees’ and ‘the cat’s pajamas.’” He will be remembered for his unwavering and positive dedication to making his students’ lives better and exciting as well as his big personality and sense of humor. “Every school needs a Mr. Olson,” O’Brien said. A celebration of life in honor of Olson will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, in Georgia. He is survived by his mother, Karen Ross; his two sisters, Tracie Collins and Lindy Schwartz; his brother, Chuck Ross; and all his friends and students from Ocoee High.

City of Winter Garden creates budget tool to show effects of tax proposal Residents are able to use the Budget & Finance Portal to better understand the proposed property tax amendment. LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR

With the property tax reform coming up on the Nov. 3 ballot, the city of Winter Garden has created a concise, easily readable tool for residents to understand how Amendment 3 could impact the city. The city launched a Budget & Finance Portal on its website to provide a budget prioritization tool, Amendment 3 ballot information and a budget transparency report. The city has 15,226 residential properties within its limits, and of those, 10,526 are homesteaded. The city could face an estimated $5.2 million reduction, or 17% of total property tax revenue, in the first year of the property tax referendum based on the city’s current millage rate of 4.8565. In the second year, it could face another $8.5 million, or 28% of

Estranged wife files lawsuits against Larweth companies Leah Larweth filed lawsuits against entities tied to her soon-to-be ex-husband, James Larweth, seeking financial records and alleging he spent millions from the couple’s company on personal real estate acquisitions.

LETICIA SILVA

Jason Edward Olson joined Ocoee High School when it opened in 2005. Mike Armbruster, principal at the time, said he hired Olson to the instructional team because of his unique ability to build relationships with students. “Jason was one of my unique hires in the sense that he really was a gentleman in the way he worked with kids,” Armbruster said. “He built amazing relationships with all students, but particularly with some students who wouldn’t have had somebody else — an adult — to relate to in the way that they related to him. … He had a very unique sense of humor and it resonated with the kids. He was 56, but if you were around him, you thought he was 17 in the very best way.” The Ocoee High School community will remember Olson as one of the teachers who walked the halls for 20 years taking care of each student in his classroom and making sure they believe in themselves. After a battle with cancer, Olson died Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 56 years old. “He led with his heart and followed with his mind, as opposed to some people who lead with their mind,” Armbruster said. “He brought sincere belief in all kids. Everybody says that all kids can learn, but not everybody believes it. He believed a word of kindness or a bad, funny joke or playing a song that nobody liked and trying to convince them that it was a good song, all made up the point to be who you are. … To have a couple of adults in your life that actually show an interest, it can change the course of your life. He made a difference, and that’s the bonus for an educator.” And that he did. Nick O’Brien, who was Olson’s student in 2011, said Olson was the type of teacher a student remembers long after leaving school. “He was an excellent teacher and extremely funny,” O’Brien said. “One of the things I remember most was that whenever it was a student’s birthday, he would play this ridiculous birthday song for them in class. Even after I graduated, he continued to send it to me every year on my birthday. It became a little tradition and is something I’ll always associate with him.” O’Brien said Olson made it a point to make class entertaining. “He was one of those teachers who could always make you laugh,” he said.

total property tax revenue, reduction. The public safety budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is $38.4 million, which exceeds all property tax revenue of $30.3 million by $8.1 million. City Manager Jon C. Williams said the city has not yet made any decisions regarding changes or cuts to the budget, which will be presented to the Winter Garden City Commission Thursday, Aug. 27. The presentation will include requests from departments for new staff, but Williams said the recommendation will be to delay moving forward with new personnel requirements until after the results of Amendment 3. He said the budget presentation also will include a financial sustainability model looking at the forecast over the next 10 years and what the potential impact would be for the second and third years if the property tax reform is passed and no new revenue or significant cuts are made. “We have been looking at this reality probably for a little bit over a year and a half, and doing a lot of planning, a lot of analysis,” he said. “So we’ve entered this year and are going to submit a proposed budget that really maintains somewhat of the sta-

ONLINE Budget & Finance Portal, visit budget-portal.cwgdn.com.

tus quo, if you will, and then if ultimately the amendment is approved, then we’ll be coming back to the commission with a recommendation on whether it’s new fees, user fees, assessment and so forth.” The budget prioritization tool is a hands-on tool for anyone to see the budgets for the police department; fire and rescue department; building inspection; parks and recreation; public services; general government; and community and economic development. While using the tool, users can adjust how much they would like to see each department funded and as a result, what would be cut. The simulation results can be saved as a PDF. The city also is asking for Winter Garden residents only to participate in the survey at the bottom of the budget prioritization tool to share their preferences regarding alternative revenue sources, service levels and spending priorities. Residents will need to provide a valid e-mail address tied to an active utility billing account number. Williams said the proof of residency is to ensure city staff is prioritizing what the residents want, rather than people from outside the city who won’t be directly impacted. The Amendment 3 ballot information only is to provide facts regarding the amendment and its impact to the city if passed. Williams said the city is

Winter Garden-based real-estate investor James Larweth is involved in numerous civil lawsuits regarding financial records under multiple LLCs under his name. His former business partner and soon-to-be ex-wife, Leah Larweth, filed at least seven lawsuits Wednesday, Aug. 12, against entities related to James Larweth, the founder and executive vice president of Anton Rx and Anton Health. The suits were filed against Anton Rx, Anton Healthcare LLC, PowerChord Ventures LLC, Lake Avalon Ranch LLC, Lake Cypress Ranch LLC, Prooost LLC and Anton Health LLC. Leah Larweth alleges in the lawsuits that her soon-to-be ex-husband withheld financial records from her and used shared funds to buy dozens of properties in Winter Garden. James Larweth has spent more than $60 million purchasing 37 residential and commercial properties in downtown Winter Garden using at least 26 different LLCs. She also alleges after James Larweth instituted a dissolution of marriage proceeding June 7, 2024, he terminated her employment at their shared companies, revoked her access to her email address, instructed company employees not to speak or share information with her and revoked her access to the entity bank account the Larweths deposited revenue Anton Rx generated. Leah Larweth alleges in multiple lawsuits that James Larweth “began diverting tens of millions of dollars from Anton Rx’s funds for his personal use on speculative real estate investments, vacations” and more. She is seeking to inspect the books and records of the companies, including the past three years of the multiple LLCs’ tax returns, financial

FURTHER READING For more about James Larweth’s purchases in downtown Winter Garden, read our previous coverage at bit. ly/3U0xSSg.

statements as well as ownership and governance documents and contribution records. In the Prooost LLC lawsuit, Leah Larweth alleges her husband “took the position that he was the sole manager of the company” after he began the dissolution of marriage proceeding. As a result, he “significantly increased the frequency with which he acquired real property.” He also acquired commercial properties, such as spending $46 million to “acquire a honky-tonk bar in Nashville, Tennessee,” and $25 million on a “buying spree” to acquire the Edgewater Hotel and other real-estate investments in downtown Winter Garden that “cause ‘concern’ among residents.” The same lawsuit states James Larweth stopped using one of the couple’s shared business entities, Prooost, to acquire and/or hold title in some of the properties he purchased. Instead, he used Anton Rx and other LLCs, even though Prooost historically was the only company the Larweths used to invest in real estate. According to property records, in 2025, LLCs connected to Larweth purchased the Edgewater Hotel for $10.3 million; the Khouzam Building for $3.2 million; portions of the Bond Building for $4 million; the building where Black Bean Deli previously was trying to open for $2,002,499; and the building that houses The Real Estate Collection Offices for $4,497,501. In March 2026, The Exchange was sold for $24.5 million to Legacy Exchange LLC. Sarasota’s Mitchell Lomazov is tied to Legacy Exchange LLC, but the deed also states the address associated with Legacy Exchange LLC is 228 Seminole St., Winter Garden, which is the principal address of dozens of LLCs connected to James Larweth. James Larweth also has bought The Chef’s Table and The Tasting Room, located in the Edgewater Hotel but now is being relocated to the portions of the Bond Building he purchased. He also purchased The Attic Door from Kevin and Laurie Tarter, who also entrusted James Larweth with The Chef’s Table and The Tasting Room.

HOW PROPERTY TAX REVENUE FUNDS CITY SERVICES

The chart shows the city of Winter Garden’s Fiscal Year 2026 adopted budget allocation of General Fund expenditures, the majority of which are funded through ad valorem property tax revenues.

not trying to sway anyone’s vote. The third element of the Budget & Finance Portal is the budget transparency report, which details the city’s finances for the past 10 years. “There’s been a lot of skepticism with local government over the last year and a half, and we felt like it’s important to be very transparent and to try to provide as much information we could and allow everybody to be able to do some research on their own and to substantiate the information we’re presenting,” Williams said. If Amendment 3 passes, Winter Garden could make cuts to areas such as parks and recreation programs; special events; planning department; and economic development. Williams said those areas are “extremely valuable and contribute to the quality of life” in Winter Garden. Cutting all

those departments would allow the city to make up the $5.2 million funding gap in the first year of Amendment 3, but the city won’t be able to address the funding gap that will come in the second year. Then the city will have to consider cutting core services, such as police and fire. Williams said the process of putting together the Budget & Finance Portal has given city staff the opportunity to review and scrutinize revenue sources and expenditures to eliminate any areas that aren’t needed, challenge staff to look for opportunities for efficiency and analyze the city’s processes and why it operates in certain ways. Williams said city staff is willing to meet with anyone in the community who has questions or would like more information.

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Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek

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Photo by Leticia Silva

New Area Director Ryder Jones often is out in the community introducing Young Life to others.

New director rebuilds local Young Life chapter LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

outhwest Orlando Young Life’s new Area Director Ryder Jones is no stranger to teaching God’s word. As a former worship pastor of 15 years, he understands the impact and importance Jesus Christ has on one’s life. More important, as a father of three, Jones understands children and young adults — now more than ever — need to disconnect from social media and tune into God and one another. Jones spent the past year leading Young Life in Michigan, teaching and introducing children and young adults to Jesus Christ in a fun but controlled environment. As the new director at Southwest Orlando Young Life, his goal is to grow the ministry’s outreach to impact more children and teens, as well as its leadership team and donors list. Leading the nonprofit ministry in a fast-growing area such as Horizon West, Jones said there might even be the possibility of starting a Young Life there. “We couldn’t be more excited to invest into the community through the work of Young Life, which at its core is showing up for kids right where they are, caring for them as young adults and adult volunteers and having lots of crazy fun with them,” Jones said. “What a privilege it is to be able to do this kind of work.”

LEADING WITH THE LORD

Jones made a commitment to serve the Lord and help children and teens come to their faith. “Students are the heart and the future of hope of any community because they’re the ones who are going to be taking over,” Jones said. “Now that I’m a parent, it matters a whole lot more. … In not that long, our 8-year-old will be in that middle-school-age season of life, and so seeing what all kids are up against now makes me just want to not sit on the sidelines and then do something about it.” With technology, social media and AI, teens are glued to their phones and lack real-life connections that are essential for growing, Jones said. Through Young Life, the goal is to get them to socialize, find their crowd and create meaningful connections.

SOUTHWEST ORLANDO YOUNG LIFE

DETAILS: A not-for-profit ministry targeted for young adults to grow in their faith and create real-life connections. WHERE: Club is hosted every first, second and fourth Monday of every month at the Bell Tower, at 4700 Lincoln Ave., Orlando. GET INVOLVED: Email Director Ryder Jones at ryderjones. younglife@gmail.com or visit sworlando.younglife.org UPCOMING EVENT: Annual Gala from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Trellis 925 to support Southwest Orlando Young Life.

Alexis Mincey, a freshman at the University of Central Florida, is a longtime member of the ministry and a testimony to its mission. Her journey began in sixth grade, and she was a part of Wyld Life (the middle school group) followed by Young Life. “Young Life makes having a relationship with God fun,” she said. “A lot of people might think it’s boring to go to church and that you have to follow a bunch of rules — Young Life just brings in the fun aspect of it.” Through the ministry, Mincey created a deeper connection to God, while having fun, learning and making real connections outside of social media. Now, as a college student, she will serve as a Young Life leader to provide other young adults the same graceful, yet fun experience she had. Her goal as a leader beyond creating meaningful experiences is to attract more kids and teach them that following Jesus Christ is fun. “It’s a very outgoing ministry, but even if you’re one of those closedoff, shy people, it’s OK,” she said. “There’s something for everyone.” Through Mincey’s recommendation, Alejandro Bonilla joined Young Life out of curiosity. But he stuck around because getting to know Christ became important to him. “It just felt right for some reason,” he said. “It showed me how important community is within the faith.” He now will be a leader at Southwest Orlando Young Life alongside Mincey while also attending UCF. “I’m going to continue to come back,” he said.

The ministry hosts various meetings and events monthly, including club, which takes place every first, second and fourth Mondays of each month. There, students socialize with one another, play games, participate in fun activities — all while learning about Jesus Christ. Students connect and dive deep into their faith. Small-group Bible studies also are held for girls and boys, as well as camp. “The way that club runs and the way that the events run are very energetic and very chaotic and fun,” Bonilla said. “But it’s not just that. You also get to see the faith side of it, and we have these deep conversations about Christ and get to know Him and just sit in prayer with your friends. Everything just revolves around Christ.” With new leaders coming in and members leaving for college, however, Jones’ mission is to introduce the nonprofit to communities and schools to bring in more members and continue to share the gospel. HOPES AND GOALS

With the goal of reaching more community members in mind, Jones wishes to collaborate with Orange County Public Schools. “With coming alongside schools, our main focus for that is to enhance and strengthen what schools are already doing … and help in any way we can,” he said. “Sometimes, it’s as simple as having adult volunteers that are in lunchrooms showing up for kids, looking for the kids that are on the out a little bit or just showing up and doing a fun raffle and giving away a coupon for free ice cream. It’s giving a kid a win for the day because you just never know — that win for that kid could be just what they needed.” It’s about meeting the children and teens where they are. It’s about contact work. “It just makes such a big difference when a young adult or caring adult is doing that for a student, be it a high-schooler or middle-schooler,” he said. “I think we, as adults and even young adults, don’t realize the power we have and how kids look up to us. We often can write that off and discount it because sometimes they seem apathetic. But the reality is, they really do need and want to learn from you and to look up to you. … We do have inherent power and a big responsibility to actually wield that well and to lead that well.”

Through the partnership, Wyld Life also would relaunch. Current ministry members include students from Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Lake Buena Vista, Horizon and West Orange high schools — all who have joined with the purpose of strengthening their faith and creating real-world connections. “It can be a bridge for kids to help their friends along and come to their faith and come to know God or just find a community, a sense of belonging, and it can also then be a bridge to get plugged into church,” Jones said. “We’re in the middle of an identity crisis of, ‘Who am I, really?’ And that’s something any kid, as a core question growing up, has to reckon with at some point, and I think the only way to find a true north is to find the true north, and I truly believe that’s faith in Jesus Christ and what His word tells us. We are who He says that we are, and we are who He made us to be.” Bryce Frazer, a Young Life member since his freshman year of high school, joined the ministry to make friends outside of school and church, and is leaving to Penn State, leaving best friends from Young Life behind. As he moves on to a new chapter in his life, he’ll continue to seek Young Life wherever he goes. “Young Life has helped me come back to a central point in what I believe, and it (kept) me away from the bad parts of high school,” Frazer said. MORE LEADERSHIP, MORE IMPACT

Jones’ goal not only is to expand its community reach but also its leadership team and donors list. To be able to go where kids are, there needs to be an increase in volunteers who are willing to be a lending hand to young adults. “There’s so many young people here that just need connection, need to be cared for and communities that need to be straightened, hopefully by things that we can offer as an organization,” he said. By doubling the organization’s leadership team, the organization can have a greater impact on children and teens. To become a leader, the only requirement is to love God and to want to help kids do the same. To be a leader means to show up, do contact work, attend club, take kids to camp and be a role model. Donors also are needed to ensure the ministry’s mission can carry on. Nonetheless, Young Life gives Jones the responsibility to show children and teens that they matter to those around them and God, and to help them grow in their faith; to Jones, this responsibility is one he takes with pride and care. “We’re just here to show up for kids right where they’re at and help them,” he said.

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Signal change should improve Story Road traffic n The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved a bid proposal from Core & Main to purchase 1,225 water meters, meter boxes and cables in the amount of $382,809.29.

MANAGING EDITOR

SITE PLANS APPROVED

Commissioners unanimously approved two site plans. The first site plan was for 12152 W. Colonial Drive for Orlando Orthopaedic Center at Winter Garden. The proposed project will convert the existing 17,494-square-foot store, which previously was a furniture store, into a medical facility on 2.82 acres along West Colonial Drive. The new use requires additional parking, landscaping and stormwater improvements to the site. Orlando Orthopaedic Center plans to renovate the entire building including windows and doors as well as provide a main access to the rear of the building. “It’s great to find someone to come in that building because that’s a big eyesore sitting there,” Mayor John Rees said. The second site plan approved was for 1680 Marcel Drive. The applicant, Winter Garden Basketball Academy, is proposing building a two-story, 21,800-square-foot indoor basketball academy, with associated site improvements such as parking and enhanced landscaping on about 1.49 acres. The academy will be located in the Daniels Commerce Center commercial subdivision. DAYCARE PLANS APPROVED

The Community Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved hiring Dragonfly Architecture LLC to provide architectural and engineering services for property located at 95 Center St. in the amount of $48,900 to convert JJ’s Grocery into a daycare facility. The architectural and engineering services are part of a JJ’s Grocery commercial revitalization project and the city’s ongoing revitalization effort in the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood. Marc Hutchinson, the economic development director, said the project also builds on the progress made along Center Street, including the recently completed Dyson’s Plaza project. The owner of the property, Laquitta Kegler, also operates a licensed daycare facility in Orlando. The property’s zoning classification allows for daycare operations and supports neighborhood-friendly commercial activity. “This type of use fills a significant

n Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase order for Mead and Hunt, Inc. to design Southwest Reclaimed Water Main in the amount of $576,714.12. n Outfront Media’s request to remove two of its existing billboards located at 1101 E. Plant St. and 14909 W. Colonial Drive and construct a new double-sided digital billboard on a property located at West Colonial Drive was approved. The property doesn’t currently have an address but is close to Ninth Street.

need in the community, as many families must travel outside the neighborhood to secure these services,” Hutchinson said. Per licensing requirements, Hutchinson said daycare facilities also must provide a dedicated playground area, but the existing property does not have the required sufficient space. To meet the requirement, Kegler has executed a five-year ground lease agreement with Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, the owner of the ANGLICAN property directly behind Kegler’s site, to have a portion leased to meet the ANGLICAN COMMUNITY regulations. FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

Rector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas 1146 East Plant St, Winter Garden The Community Redevelopment SUNDAY SERVICE Agency unanimously approved a 10:00 AM Find us at: $30,000 grant to support theTheacf.net neighHABITAT PROGRAM CONTINUES

borhood revitalization program through the West Orange Habitat for BAPTIST Humanity that the city of Winter Garden has supportedBEULAH since 2023.BAPTIST Pastor Casey Butner The program provides minor home repairs and improvements 671 Beulahfor Rd,nonWinter Garden habitat homeowners in the Historic 407-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org East Winter Garden Neighborhood SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM and has completed improvements SUNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM on 40 homes to date and targets 20 homes each year. WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM The $30,000 grant will be for an FIRST additional 20 homes in theBAPTIST upcomingCHURCH cycle of July 31, 2026, JulyWinter 31, Garden 125through E Plant St., 2027. 407-656-2352

SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional am Bible Study The Community9:45 Redevelopment 11:00 am Contemporary Agency unanimously approved a city WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana of Winter Garden General Fund reimbursement for renovations ZanPastor Timfor Grosshans ders Park, as well www.fbcwg.org as the purchase of furniture for the park. 2nd Campus: The improvements have included WORSHIP installation of newFOUNDATION playground equipSUNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages ment, resurfacing of one basketball Foundation Academy court, installation of new hoops, High School installation of three pickleball 15304 Tildencourts Rd., Winter Garden and a conversion ofwww.FoundationWorship.com the other remaining basketball court. 407-730-1867

BAPTIST

METHODIST

First Baptist Church

First United Methodist

Pastor Jeremy Woods 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:00 AM Traditional 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM Contemporary

www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube

Starke Lake Baptist Church

Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org

CHURCH

Victory Baptist Church &STARKE Christian Academy LAKE BAPTIST

1601 A.D. Mims Rd, CHURCH PO Box 611 W Ave, Ocoee Ocoee 520, FL 34761 Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-3097 (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM CHURCH OF GOD Wednesday: 7 PMOF GOD OCOEE CHURCH

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

NON-DEN

PURPOSE C 13640 W. Colo Winter Garden 407-654-9661 Fellowship 9:4

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

ZANDER PARK

Part of the planned improvements also include the demolition of the old playground equipment and converting the area into an open gathering space. T.D. Thomson Construction Inc. submitted the proposed cost of $68,831.25 for the removal of old equipment, existing rubber matting, concrete footers and the new installation of brick pavers and sod. Hutchinson said due to the “progressive unsafe condition of the area, coupled with high foot traffic from the surrounding activities, the city was compelled to commence work sooner rather than later.” As a result, the city’s General Fund covered the costs temporarily, and now the CRA approved reimbursing the fund. The CRA also approved the purchase of six benches, 12 picnic tables, four additional tables with ADA accommodations, four 32-gallon trash receptacles and two surface mounted park grills. The purchase totaled $28,976.69.

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. OCOEE, FL 34761

Matthew’s Hop

ORDER YOUR Matthew’s Hope is looking CUSTOM MADE for new or gently used • Custom Furnitur Barn Doors, and CHRISTMAS casual type clothing. • Repaired, Refinis GIFTS NOW! Items can be dropped off Monday - Friday, Repurposed Wo

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The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved Thursday, Aug. 13, a change to the traffic light at the intersection of South Dillard Street and East Story Road. Commissioners Iliana Ramos and Lisa Bennett were absent. City staff worked with a traffic consultant to analyze the intersection to look at improvements to allow more traffic through the lights for east- and west-bound traffic on Story Road. The light change will be to a splitphase traffic signal, giving a green light to all movements — turning left or right and going straight — in one direction first. Then the green light will be given to all movements in the opposite direction. “This would clear much more traffic, stop all the backups that happen on Story Road and be able to be done without making major improvements to the roadway,” Assistant City Manager Steve Pash said. The City Commission approved hiring Traffic Engineering and Management LLC doing business as Control Specialists to modify the lights for a total of $14,600.

Church DIRECTORY

611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 905-9500 | MatthewsHopeMinistries.org

Want to see your listing here? Call (407) 656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

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LIZ RAMOS

IN OTHER NEWS

West Orange County’s

LV14252

Winter Garden commissioners approved a light change for the intersection of Story Road and South Dillard Street.

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Windermere council denies variance requests The homeowners seek to build a new home and swimming pool on their property.

able to build their dream house on their dream lot. A lakefront lot is not a hardship. It’s a beautiful piece of land, and I think you have to build to the lot. It is too much house on that size lot.”

LIZ RAMOS

Council members unanimously approved the interlocal agreement for permit inspection and review and fire services with the city of Ocoee. Assistant Town Manager Tonya Elliott-Moore said there were two issues with the initial agreement proposal. One issue was the town would be required to provide the city of Ocoee with a tanker truck in the first year of the agreement. The other issue was in previous agreements, the town made two installment payments for fire services, but the current agreement proposal required a single payment on Feb. 1. Elliott-Moore said she called the Ocoee fire chief and deputy fire chief and requested the town be able to provide the tanker in the third year of the agreement and that payments be made in two installments as in the past. The city of Ocoee was agreeable to the town’s proposals.

MANAGING EDITOR

Windermere Town Council on Tuesday, Aug. 11, denied 3-2 three variance requests for the owners of the home at 637 Ridgewood Drive. Council members Tom Stroup and Tony Davit dissented. Owners TJ and Caitlin Karr submitted the variance to request to reduce the front-yard setback from the required 25 feet down to a proposed 15-foot setback, as well as reduce the normal high-water elevation setback from the required 50 feet to a minimum 25 feet to construct a new single-family home and swimming pool. The Karrs want to construct a single-family home 15 feet from the front property line and 40 feet from the normal high-water elevation of Lake Down. The owners proposed constructing a 5,360-square-foot home, which includes 3,900 square feet of living area in a two-story home. Dirk Arace, the custom home designer for the Karrs said the average square footage of homes on Ridgewood Drive is between 3,200 and 3,300 square feet, with some houses being as large as 4,900 square feet and others being as small as 1,800. Arace said he has designed many lakefront homes over the last 30 years, and the Windermere home is the first he has seen with drastic reductions in setbacks. The setbacks limit the depth and buildable depth for the pool, house and front porch, he said. “Can a house be built? Yes, obviously,” Arace said. “It would not be a house that’s in harmony with the neighborhood. It would not increase the home values. It would actually, in my opinion, depress home values. It’s not a functional design. It would be a two-story box. … The variance will definitely allow the design to be more in harmony with the general intent of the land development.” He said the approval of the variance will benefit the lake shore, improve property values and improve the area for the “lakeshore, for the beauty, for the neighborhood and for the homeowner.” Council members Brandi Haines, CT Allen and Mandy David all said the proposed variance does not meet all the criteria needed for approval. “I am not in favor of massive variance requests,” Allen said. “Setbacks were put in place for a reason. It is to protect the rural esthetics of Windermere. We all chose to live in Windermere because of its rural quaintness. … I want the Karrs to be

IN OTHER NEWS n Mayor Andy Williams read a proclamation for West Orange Healthy Selfie Day.

FIRE AGREEMENT APPROVED

RIDGEWOOD ORDINANCES APPROVED

Council members unanimously approved two ordinances for the 3.37-acre property at 618 Ridgewood Drive. One ordinance was to adopt a small-scale Future Land Use Map amendment of the Comprehensive Plan from agricultural to singlefamily residential. The other ordinance adopts a town official zoning map amendment from agricultural to singlefamily residential. PAVER VARIANCE APPROVED

Windermere Town Council approved 4-1 a variance to permit a maximum impervious surface area greater than the restriction for properties with a residential land use district. Davit dissented. The maximum impervious surface area allowed is 45%, but the owners of the home at 2 First Court, Michael and Barbara Hogan, requested the variance to permit a maximum impervious surface area of 52.9%. Cornelius said the Hogans installed additional pavers at their home a couple years ago without going through the proper permitting. Someone submitted a complaint to Code Enforcement, which then evaluated the property and determined the property exceeded the 45% threshold. He said the previous town administration allowed the couple to go to a 50% threshold. Barbara Hogan said when the couple went to add the pavers years ago, two installers she contacted said the permit she received to initially install the pavers in the 1990s was sufficient and still valid for the installation of the new pavers, so they moved forward.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Winter Garden House of Jerky co-owners Lisa Bergin and Laurren Willhite offer 68 types of jerky including various flavors for beef, turkey, python, camel, elk and kangaroo.

Here’s the beef! Two Winter Garden residents carry on a family legacy with the opening of Winter Garden House of Jerky. LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR

Winter Garden’s Lisa Bergin remembers working as a cashier at her stepfather’s business, House of Jerky, in 1997, in Temecula, California. Now she stands inside the Winter Garden House of Jerky watching her daughter, Kaylee Bergin, work the cashier and interact with customers. House of Jerky has stayed within the family since Bergin’s stepfather, Ron Hargett, started selling three flavors of jerky in 1993 to different convenience stores as well as on the side of the road. There now are 37 locations across the United States, with the Winter Garden House of Jerky being the newest to open at 27 N. Dillard St. “I’m honored to even have the chance to be a part of (the family business),” Bergin said. “(My parents) were such great people, and all they wanted to do was help people and see people be successful and grow. I’ve learned so much from them, and I’m really lucky to be able to continue on.” Bergin opened Winter Garden House of Jerky in July with her friend and fellow Winter Garden resident Laurren Willhite. Willhite brings 13 years of working in sales and advertising in the corporate world, while Bergin brings her knowledge of the family-owned business and experience of opening other House of Jerky locations in other states. Both Bergin and Willhite are transplants to Winter Garden, yet they said they feel like the city is home, so they thought what better place to open the next House of Jerky? “I’ve probably lived here longer than I have anywhere,” Bergin said. “It’s such a unique little town and full of personality, and we just love to be a part of the community.” The co-owners simply were wait-

ing to find the right place to open up shop in Winter Garden. When they found the little white house on the corner of Dillard and Plant streets it felt perfect. Since opening day, Bergin and Willhite said they have appreciated how the community has embraced the new business, with many longtime business owners in the area and residents coming to not only shop but also share their personal histories in Winter Garden. “There’s so many people who have so many good stories, and even hearing them and seeing the old pictures of what Winter Garden used to look like, I feel like our store kind of still brings that historical attribute to downtown Winter Garden, too,” Willhite said. Willhite said the store sells something for everyone whether they love the classic types of jerky such as beef, or they are more adventurous because the offerings feature 68 varieties of beef, turkey, buffalo, elk, python, kangaroo, camel, fish and more. They also sell gluten-free items, variety bags and beef bites. Bergin said her jerky is a healthy snack filled with protein that is easy to take on the go, and the shop will add to the city’s eclectic nature, providing an option that isn’t available in the rest of downtown Winter Garden. “We’re a stop on your way to your next adventure, biking or boating or anything you’re out doing,” Bergin said. “It’s the perfect little companion to go with you.” To complement the small-town, cozy feel Willhite and Bergin have for the city, the co-owners provide a small table and two chairs on the business’ front porch so people can sit back, enjoy some jerky and take in Winter Garden. “We want it to be a community

Winter Garden House of Jerky co-owner Lisa Bergin’s stepfather Ron Hargett and mother Janie Hoeycutt started House of Jerky in 1993 in California.

IF YOU GO WINTER GARDEN HOUSE OF JERKY 27 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden FACEBOOK: @wghouseofjerky WEBSITE: houseofjerky.com

place where people feel like they can sit on our front porch and eat their jerky and cool off,” Willhite said. But one of the most rewarding parts of opening Winter Garden House of Jerky for Bergin and Willhite has been seeing their daughters, Kaylee Bergin and Tensley Willhite, work in the shop, learning, obtaining real-world experience and investing in the business. All their children are taking an interest in the local shop. In the future, Bergin and Willhite want to pursue partnerships with nonprofits, community organizations, other businesses and others. “We want to do what we can to connect and help other businesses or community members with their goals and dreams, too, because now we’re in the center of things, and we have more connection to people,” Bergin said. “That’s what my stepdad did. His thing the whole time was, ‘You can be successful on your own, and if I have any tools or means to help you, I want to be there for you because when we all succeed, we’re all doing better.’”

Oakland Nature Preserve director earns national honor LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

Oakland Nature Preserve’s Managing Director Nicole O’Brien was recognized at the Oakland Town Commission meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11. Julie Butler, member of the AdamsOnís Treaty Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, commended O’Brien for her dedication and efforts to preservation. “When I found out that DAR had a national conservation award, there was only one person that I knew that we absolutely had to nominate for this award,” Butler said. “We’re very lucky to have her.” O’Brien received the NSDAR Conservation Award, which is given to those who go above and beyond to protect and preserve the natural resources of the country, such as its wildlife, soils, minerals, waters and forests.

“Nicole, congratulations,” Mayor Shane Taylor said. “I think you do an awesome job at ONP and running that, so thank you very much for everything you do here.” SCHOOL ZONE REPORT

Oakland Police Chief Darron Esan said 1,370 violations were cited from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, during an annual report presentation required per Florida statute. These drivers were cited for driving 11 mph above the speed limit where speed zone cameras are located. This means commuters were going at least 31 mph during school hours or at least 46 mph during nonschool hours. As part of the school speed zone program, Oakland Avenue Charter School has received $12 for every citation given since November. The money is used to fund a crossingguard program.

Since the program’s inception, OACS has received $3,532.50. “The main point to remember is this program was not generated as a revenue-builder,” Esan said. “We started this and brought this program here to make sure the children coming and going from school are safe. That’s it. This is not about money.” In addition to the 1,370 citations, Esan said 735 violations were canceled after secondary assessments deemed the citations not legitimate. While not exact, there was a 92% decrease in violations since the program’s inception, he said. “The goal would be zero violations,” Esan said. “If we don’t have to write a single citation — perfect. But we’ve had zero traffic crashes. … I would hope that (speeding violations) continue on that downward slide, but as long as we’ve had zero crashes, we’re right on target with where we wanted to be.”

IN OTHER NEWS n Mayor Shane Taylor proclaimed the month of September as National Preparedness Month. n The Oakland Town Commission unanimously approved the donation of a police vehicle. n Nancy Ross was reappointed to the Planning and Zoning board for another three-year term. n Town Manager Elise Hui announced the town received $1.5 million in legislation appropriation funding to bring central sewers to portions of North Pollard Street and West Gulley, Postell and West Henschen avenues. Construction is set to begin in 2027.

n The “Wildness & Wonder: The Photography of Jon Burket” exhibit now is on display until Friday, Oct. 30, at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center. n The town’s biweekly farmers markets are back. The markets take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 126 W. Petris Ave., Oakland. n The Oakland Police Department received a grant from the state for a new F-150 truck, which has been delivered and now is in use. n The tentative budget hearing for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 will take place Tuesday, Sept. 9. The final budget hearing will take place Tuesday, Sept. 22.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Dance conservatory moves, Race for Orange County mayor heads to runoff expands programming The move allows Orlando Dance Conservatory to expand — not only in size but also its offerings. LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

Ballet dancers showed off their talent while dancing to “Swan Lake” during the Orlando Dance Conservatory’s grand opening Saturday, Aug. 8, at its new location at 751 Business Park Blvd., Suite 102, Winter Garden. Dancers, family and friends gathered at the not-for-profit dance studio to tour the new 3,500 square-footfacility, socialize and celebrate. Aretuza Garner, founder of ODC, is a master ballet teacher, professional ballet dancer and mentor who left Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to pursue the arts and support those in need through it. Garner began dancing at age 3, following in the footsteps of her mother, who also was a dancer. Garner’s dedication to ballet was like no other — it was her passion. At just 16 years old, she began teaching ballet. In no time, she was traveling the world, performing on big stages, teaching and making waves in the dance industry. She always has believed dance and the arts can change lives, and after opening a dance studio in Turks and Caicos, she saw it happen. There, she founded an adopt-a-

Leticia Silva

IF YOU GO ORLANDO DANCE CONSERVATORY 751 Business Park Blvd., Suite 102, Winter Garden HOURS: Office hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays PRICES: Classes begin at $90 per month HOW TO HELP: Donate and volunter by visiting orlandodanceconservatory.com

she found the location to be adequate for her dancers, who come from all over Central Florida. The new space offers private instruction rooms, larger studio space for both the dancers and their parents, a changing room, a kitchen and Marley floors for the safety and comfort of dancers. Not only has ODC been able to expand in size but also in programming. The studio now is offering a program called Open Dance, which launched Tuesday, Aug. 11, with the goal of providing lessons to a wider audience. “It’s important for dancers, even adults, to have contact with the arts and not just to go the gym and do fitness,” Garner said. “A lot of people have told me they would love to dance again, or they danced as a kid, or they never danced because they didn’t have the funds. Now the adults want to dance, so we want to support that as well.” Through this new program, anyone above the age of 7 can attend various classes such as pilates, contemporary, ballet, jazz and tap without committing to weekly classes, performances or competitions. Through her belief that dance can change lives and touch souls, Garner believes this program will have a positive outcome on those who try it. “I’m very excited, especially for the kids, the community and the adults that can enjoy the benefits of dance and the arts,” she said.

OBSERVER STAFF

Orange County will have to wait until November to find out its next mayor. Tiffany Moore Russell and Chris Messina will face off in the Nov. 3 election after none of the four candidates received at least 50% of the vote during the primary Tuesday, Aug. 18. The two candidates with the most votes enter into a runoff during the General Election Tuesday, Nov. 3. Moore Russell garnered 53,009 (31.77%) votes, while Messina received 45,882 (27.5%). Stephanie Murphy followed behind Messina with 43,555 (26.11%) votes, and Mayra Uribe received 24,396 (14.62%). Moore Russell said after 15 months of campaigning, “Orange County chose progress.” “Every dollar was a blessing, every supporter was valued, and every ounce of effort was about reaching voters and earning their trust,” she said. “Tonight is a victory because you used your voice. You showed up. You believed.” Messina said he was both humbled and gratified to be one of the runoff candidates. “It’s humbling to know the hardworking citizens of Orange County trusted me in large numbers to represent them,” he said. “I know my team worked super hard to get our message out. We were the least funded, and I also want to congratulate Tiffany Moore Russell because she was the next-least-well funded, and both of us prevailed in terms of getting our messages out effectively to the Orange County voters.” ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR

In a two-way race for Orange County School Board chair, Angie Gallo 96,268 (59.08%) beat Alicia Farrant 66,672 (40.92%). Gallo, who previously served on the School Board for District 1, said she is excited to continue to serve Orange County Public Schools.

“I just want to thank the community for their overwhelming support,” she said. “This will be a critical four-year period for Orange County Public Schools, and I appreciate the mandate the voters have given to end culture wars once and for all, to pay teachers a living wage and provide them with affordable health care, and to be innovative in providing the absolute best public education for all our students, no matter their background or ZIP code.” Gallo will succeed Teresa Jacobs, who is stepping down after serving in the role since 2018. FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

As of press time Tuesday, the race between Republican candidates Joe Strada and Carey Baker was too close to declare a winner. At about 10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, Strada held a narrow lead — 27,245 votes to Baker’s 26,842. In the Democrat race, James Pericola bested candidates Dan Williams and Royal Webster. “Six weeks ago, we decided to jump in (the race), and I’m really happy and proud with the organization we built,” Pericola said. “We’ll keep doing everything we can to meet as many voters as possible and to share our message that it doesn’t have to be this way. We’re better than this as Floridians, better than this as Americans. … Congress needs to do its job as a separate, co-equal branch of government and provide vigorous oversight and work on costs for Americans and address the health care crisis that is bankrupting far too many people.”

ORANGE COUNTY CLERK OF COURTS

Voters selected Roberta Walton Johnson to serve as the county’s next clerk of courts and succeed Moore Russell. Walton Johnson received 44,150 (53.05%) votes, easily besting opponents Rick Singh and Maribel Gomez Cordero.

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Aretuza Garner prepared to welcome families into the new studio.

dancer program, where community members paid for children’s dance lessons, offering them opportunities they would not otherwise have had. From orphans to the homeless, there was not one child left behind. Today, her lessons and teachings in dance, including character, dedication, discipline and perseverance, have paid off. Some of those students now are engineers and use their creativity every day. Others are singers and dancers, embracing the arts completely. To Garner, that is what ODC is all about. After closing her school in Turks and Caicos, Garner moved to Winter Garden. She worked with the Orlando Ballet as well as other dance companies, judged in competitions and appeared as a guest teacher at various studios. She never stopped teaching. In 2021, she decided to open ODC, a nonprofit dance studio with the goal to teach community members through a classical ballet system based on the Vaganova and French techniques, at the West Orange Country Club. Besides ballet, ODC also offers jazz, contemporary, pointe and tap. Soon after, however, with hundreds of students, the nonprofit outgrew the space. “The floors were not so big to have dance workshops, I didn’t have enough space to do grand allegro and have that whole room,” she said. “Five years later, I was like, ‘OK, now it’s time.’ … I found this place and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is the place for me.’” Being near State Road 429,

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

SNAPSHOT

Total Sales: 70 High Sale Price: $2,900,000 Low Sale Price: $267,000

REAL ESTATE

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The home at 7503 Lake Albert Drive, Windermere, sold July 29, for $1,650,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,329 square feet. TILDENS GROVE

The home at 12720 Jacob Grace Court, Windermere, sold July 30, for $2,500,000. Built in 2005, it has six bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 5,882 square feet. Days on market: 115.

WINDERMERE DAVIS SHORES

redfin.com

The home at 12720 Jacob Grace Court, Windermere, sold July 30, for $2,500,000. It was the largest transaction in the Windermere area from July 27 to Aug. 2. The sellers were represented by Adrian Jacob, Redfin Corporation.

Vizcaya estate sells for $2.9M A

home in the Vizcaya

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 8124 Red Crossbill St., Winter Garden, sold July 29, for $820,000. Built in 2013, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,708 square feet of living area. Days on market: 237.

community in Dr. Phil-

lips topped all West Orangearea residential real-estate transactions from July 27 to

The home at 8266 Purple Sandpiper Ave., Winter Garden, sold July 27, for $618,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,274 square feet. Days on market: 44.

Aug. 2. The home at 8020 Firenze Blvd., Orlando, sold July

WATERLEIGH

27, for $2,900,000. Built in 2002, it has six bedrooms, six baths and 5,901 square feet. Days on market: 59. The sellers were represented by Shannon Michelle Trayers, Florida Lifestyle Realty LLC. These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange. DR. PHILLIPS BAY HILL

The condo at 6206 Masters Blvd., No. 302, Orlando, sold July 31, for $1,150,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,054 square feet. Days on market: 97. DIAMOND COVE

The home at 10027 Crystalline Court, Orlando, sold July 30, for $660,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,365 square feet of living area. Days on market: One. ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB

The home at 6325 Parson Brown Drive, Orlando, sold July 31, for $550,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet of living area. SOUTH BAY

The home at 9000 Shawn Park Place, Orlando, sold July 28, for $2,250,000. Built in 1986, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 5,071 square feet of living area. Days on market: 47. VIZCAYA

The home at 8020 Firenze Blvd., Orlando, sold July 27, for $2,900,000. Built in 2002, it has six bedrooms, six baths and 5,901 square feet of living area. Days on market: 59.

HORIZON WEST AVALON RIDGE

The home at 16161 Barkly Ridge Court, Winter Garden, sold July 30, for $1,660,000. Built in 2024, it has six bedrooms, five baths, two halfbaths and 5,284 square feet. Days on market: 57. AVALON WOODS

The home at 15268 Maritime Pine Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 30, for $896,528. Built in 2026, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,675 square feet.

realtor.com

The home at 8020 Firenze Blvd., Orlando, sold July 27, for $2,900,000. This home sits on the shores of Big Sand Lake and near Restaurant Row. The sellers were represented by Shannon Michelle Trayers, Florida Lifestyle Realty LLC.

The home at 15130 Tea Tree Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 30, for $883,000. Built in 2026, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,740 square feet. Days on market: 80. The home at 16175 Leyland Cypress Lane, Winter Garden, sold July 30, for $896,321. Built in 2026, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,108 square feet. The home at 15075 Tea Tree Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 28, for $793,347. Built in 2026, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,038 square feet. Days on market: 221. DEL WEBB OASIS

The home at 13037 Sandcastle Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 28, for $950,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,902 square feet. Days on market: 19. HAMLIN MEADOWS

The home at 17060 Haggerty Hollow Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 28, for $795,671. Built in 2026, it has six bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,117 square feet. Days on market: 50. The home at 17066 Haggerty Hollow Drive sold July 29, for $769,378. Built in 2026, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,038 square feet. Days on market: 92. The home at 17037 Haggerty Hollow Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 30, for $584,611. Built in 2026, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,520 square feet. Days on market: 50.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE — PEACHTREE

The home at 8632 Abbotsbury Drive, Windermere, sold July 29, for $615,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,720 square feet of living area. Days on market: 41. ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 4896 Palmetto Park Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 27, for $673,900. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,888 square feet. Days on market: 55. The home at 5091 Palmetto Park Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $655,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,224 square feet. Days on market: Two. The home at 5795 Mangrove Cove Ave., Winter Garden, sold July 28, for $590,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,466 square feet of living area. OVERLOOK AT HAMLIN

The home at 5460 Bowman Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 27, for $550,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,474 square feet. Days on market: 47. PALMS AT WINDERMERE

The home at 14347 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold July 29, for $1,058,989. Built in 2026, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,100 square feet of living area.

The home at 9976 Beach Port Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $1,100,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,910 square feet of living area. The home at 9506 Bolero Road, Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $735,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,117 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14. The home at 16098 Mangrove Road, Winter Garden, sold July 28, for $552,500. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,472 square feet of living area. Days on market: 171. WATERSIDE

The home at 17314 Bal Harbour Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 28, for $850,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,261 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

OCOEE

AMBER RIDGE

The home at 1976 Key Lime St., Ocoee, sold July 29, for $450,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,645 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. WYNWOOD

The home at 3235 Spineywood Drive, Ocoee, sold July 30, for $509,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet of living area. Days on market: 60.

WEST ORANGE BUTLER RIDGE

The home at 5128 Butler Ridge Drive, Windermere, sold July 31, for $1,018,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,816 square feet. Days on market: 20.

The home at 81 Oakdale St., Windermere, sold July 31, for $2,200,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,284 square feet. Days on market: 177. LAKE BUTLER SOUTH

The home at 11449 Lake Butler Blvd., Windermere, sold July 31, for $1,620,000. Built in 1995, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 4,648 square feet. Days on market: 62 LAKE DOWN CREST

The home at 9011 Pinnacle Circle, Windermere, sold July 31, for $1,875,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 6,546 square feet. Days on market: 61. LAKE DOWN WOODS

The home at 2014 Down Woods Lane, Windermere, sold July 28, for $1,390,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,344 square feet. Days on market: Six. TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 412 Forest St., Windermere, sold July 30, for $765,000. Built in 1973, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,539 square feet. Days on market: 21.

WINTER GARDEN

BLACK LAKE PRESERVE

The home at 14378 Black Lake Preserve St. sold July 28, for $755,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,167 square feet. Days on market: Four. JOHNS COVE

The home at 902 Johns Point Drive sold July 27, for $1,749,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,085 square feet. Days on market: 10. JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 402 Egret Place Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 29, for $649,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,711 square feet. Days on market: 65. LAKE AVALON HEIGHTS

The home at 17569 Seidner Road, Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $575,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,408 square feet. Days on market: 26. OAKLAND PARK

The home at 720 Lake Brim Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 30, for $1,590,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,781 square feet. Days on market: 119. The home at 931 Kylee Alley, Winter Garden, sold July 30, for $745,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,831 square feet. Days on market: 46. WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE

The home at 16826 Broadwater Ave. sold July 27, for $1,335,000. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 4,451 square feet. Days on market: 97.

HAMLIN RESERVE

The home at 6408 Flat Lemon Drive sold July 30, for $540,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,979 square feet. Days on market: 60. HARVEST AT OVATION

The home at 12971 Harvest Rain Ave., Winter Garden, sold July 29, for $735,000. Built in 2026, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,858 square feet. Days on market: 109. The home at 12959 Harvest Rain Ave., Winter Garden, sold July 28, for $750,000. Built in 2026, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,858 square feet. Days on market: 11.

Tony Prochazka

The home at 81 Oakdale St., Windermere, sold July 31, for $2,200,000. It was the largest transaction in the town of Windermere from July 27 to Aug. 2. The sellers were represented by David Warzycha and Billinda Boldt, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.

AUGUST 20, 2026

SPORTS

GAME OF THE WEEK

HIGH

Water Spring Middle’s Lorenzo Alves is a three-time New England motocross champion. Page 10A.

THE FIRST ACADEMY VS. DR. PHILLIPS HIGH

High school football preseason classics kicked off Friday, Aug. 14. Here’s the scoreboard for the West Orange and Southwest Orange teams: The First Academy defeated Kathleen, 38-0; West Orange defeated Apopka, 38-18; Dr. Phillips defeated Boone, 34-16; Central Florida Christian Academy defeated Discovery, 61-0; Foundation Academy defeated Master’s Academy, 45-20; Horizon defeated Winter Springs, 15-10; Ocoee defeated Olympia, 29-0; Windermere High defeated Father Lopez, 14-0; Windermere Preparatory School defeated North Florida Educational Institute, 7-0. Lake Buena Vista scrimmaged against South Marion and did not keep a final score.

The Florida Collegiate Summer League named Winter Garden Squeeze’s Leo Suarez as the recipient of the 2026 David Eckstein Sportsmanship Award Tuesday, Aug. 11. Suarez, a Polk State player, became the third Squeeze player to win the award, behind Chase Smartt in 2017 and Tripp Landers in 2024. A player from each of the FCSL’s teams was nominated by their coach, with criteria including the player’s performance on the field, respect for the game, umpires and opponents, and willingness to work hard while showcasing high character. Suarez played in 22 games for the Squeeze, assisting with the team’s second-place finish in regular season by recording 14 walks with his 13 hits.

Lake Buena Vista High School hired Kevin McElveen as the new athletic director of the Vipers. He previously has worked as a teacher, coach and athletic director at Olympia High for 24 years. “I am very excited to take over the athletic department here and help the student- athletes become the best version of themselves as possible,” McElveen said. McElveen takes over for former Lake Buena Vista Athletic Director Lauren Bradley, who was the school’s founding AD. She thanked the LBV family for an amazing five years and said the memories always will hold a special place in her heart.

The Olympia High School boys basketball team has expanded its roster over the summer. The Titans brought in Dr. Phillips High players Josiah Gillard, Emmanuel Udeh and Brandon Perry, Lake Howell’s Issac Smithers and Central Florida Christian Academy’s Joshua Hernandez.

High school golf has made its way back to the fairways. The First Academy boys golf team finished tied for first in the Top 10 Preseason Tournament Saturday, Aug. 15. The team’s score of 283 tied it for first with Winter Park. Windermere High also competed in the preseason tournament, finishing in seventh place with a score of 320. TFA’s senior Nathan Erickson won the tournament overall, finishing with five-under par, 67, and junior Tyler Creavy tied for sixth with a 72.

Photo by Megan Bruinsma

Deuce Woods Jr. always has had a strong work ethic. It led him to become TFA’s starting quarterback as a freshman.

The young one

The First Academy has a new QB1 freshman Deuce Woods Jr. His leadership, combined with the seniors and others, will pave the way for the Royals’ domination. CONTENT SPONSORED BY

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

hroughout the history of sports, especially football, wearing jersey No. 1 has signified enhanced importance on the team. Some schools, such as the University of Michigan’s football program, actually have made its top wide receiver earn the number, rather than be granted it. It signifies leadership, talent and

carrying the weight of the program; it garners attention from opponents. It’s almost like wearing a giant target on your back.

The number’s history is what made The First Academy’s freshman starting quarterback Deuce Woods Jr. hesitate when he thought about giving it up. But the young playmaker knew the importance of the number also made it that more special for senior wide receiver Jaiziah Battle to wear it one last time in Royals colors. “It’s his senior year,” Woods said.

SCHEDULE Kickoffs are at 7 p.m. THURSDAY, AUG. 20 n West Orange High vs. Archbishop Hoban FRIDAY, AUG. 21 n CFCA at Trinity Prep n The First Academy vs. Dr. Phillips n Horizon High vs. Lake Buena Vista n Legacy Charter vs. Seffner Christian n Ocoee High at Edgewater n Olympia High vs. Colonial n Windermere High vs. Winter Park

SEE THE FIRST PAGE 10A

After cancer battle, swimmer gives back Montverde Academy’s Ethan Huynh was inspired to give back to others after battling brain cancer at 14. MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

Montverde Academy senior Ethan Huynh only was 14 years old when he heard the words that would crumble most adults. You have brain cancer. Huynh’s first question had nothing to do with his mortality or what treatment he would endure. “Can I still swim?” For half his life, swimming was his life. “To feel the water is just a necessity,” he said. But in 2023, he was forced to pause his passion for seven months of chemotherapy. And although that

doesn’t seem like a long time, swimming requires nearly daily training to keep up the strength. So with each passing day, Huynh knew he was losing ground. But it was so worth it. After defeating his cancer, Huynh launched Swim For Hope Beyond Borders, a fundraiser in partnership with the American Swimming Coaches Association and Swim Across America to fund cancer research and treatment for patients and families in need. Earlier this year, he organized The Golden Mile Saturday, May 23, at Lucky’s Lake Swim in Dr. Phillips to swim for cancer research. He used the 1-mile open-water swim event’s profits to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the same hospital that gave him his life back. Huynh was rewarded by being named the 2026 recipient of the Courtesy photo

SEE SWIMMING PAGE 10A

Ethan Huynh is raising funds for cancer patients after his own battle.

OrangeObserver.com

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

The First Academy begins Lorenzo Alves quest with freshman QB SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Ever since Lorenzo Alves was 6, motocross has been part of his life. The now-11-year-old’s childhood passion only has grown and become something bigger for not only him but also the entire Alves family. From a young age, he showed a desire to race, improve and compete, beginning in New England. Early success showed he could take his dream even further than local courses. He became a three-time New England Champion, won a National Arenacross Championship, finished third at Daytona RCSX and competed at some of the largest amateur events in the United States. Alves’ journey led him to the biggest stage — the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Motocross Championship. Alves then spent a year away from his intense racing schedule. The family decided to give him another opportunity to chase after his dream. They relocated from Massachusetts to Florida, which allowed Alves to train more consistently and settle within the heart of amateur motocross. From that point on, motocross became an even bigger part of the family’s everyday life, his mom, Andreia Alves, said. Lorenzo Alves set one goal for the 2026 season: Make it back to Loretta Lynn’s after spending two years away. It was a bumpy road. “During the qualifying process, we dealt with major mechanical problems, including bikes breaking at some of the worst possible moments,” Andreia Alves said. “There were times when everything seemed to be going against us. But Lorenzo kept racing, kept believing and ultimately earned his ticket to Loretta Lynn’s 2026. For our family, simply seeing him back at the ranch meant much more than another race. It represented everything that had happened during the years in between, the sacrifices, setbacks, changes and the decision to try again.” Loretta Lynn’s 2026 showed the family the challenges of Lorenzo’s beloved sport. During his second moto, he had a hard crash that resulted in a disqualified finish. Despite being sore afterward, Lorenzo stuck through and chose to line up for his third and final moto two days later. It was another challenging race. Lorenzo experienced more crashes, which resulted in him never finding the pace he is capable of reaching. “In many ways, that weekend represented one of the biggest lessons motocross has given him: keep going even when things don’t go according to plan,” Andreia Alves said. “As parents, we have always tried to teach him that results matter, but they cannot be the only definition of success.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A

THE BASICS

Age: 11 Grade: Seventh School: Water Spring Middle School Sport: Motocross

toward the next chapter of my racing career. What is your best memory in motocross? The first time I made it to Loretta Lynn, it was so emotional for my family and (me). It is the most prestigious amateur motocross race in the country. I qualified for Loretta Lynn’s in 2022 and finished in the Top 15. I also qualified in 2023 but then didn’t appear for two years. What has motocross taught you? Motocross has taught me that falling is part of the journey. What matters is learning how to get back up, line up at the gate again and keep chasing the dream. I understand the importance of discipline, responsibility, frustration, courage, hard work and resilience. While I have experienced major highs in the sport, I also have experienced many broken bikes, crashes and disappointing results that don’t showcase my work. How would you describe yourself as a racer? I’m an athlete who has never given up even through the highs and lows. I am fast, quick and fearless. What is your pre-race ritual? Before every race, I always pray for a good result for my family and my safety.

“I wanted to let him wear the number he’s been wearing all his life so I just wanted to honor him with that.” After all, Woods still will have three more seasons to wear it. The trade-off was more than just allowing a teammate to continue wearing his number; it was a showcase of the inner dynamic of TFA’s squad and the early leadership qualities the first-year starting QB will showcase. The Royals are unified on both sides of the ball. It will carry them as they return to the field and prepare for the next months of dog-

Some might remember Woods stepping up toward the tail end of the 2025 season when he was only an eighth-grader. He came into play during the middle of one game then started in TFA’s final game of the season. Over the summer, Woods has put in the work. Head coach Jeff Conaway said the major traits a dominant quarterback need are leadership, decision-making and accuracy. Woods has all three.

national Youth in Philanthropy Award, which recognizes youth service. Now, he’s continuing his efforts with another swim dedicated to SAA Saturday, Sept. 12, to unify teams from around the world to fund the next wave of cancer discoveries. DIAGNOSIS

Family. Family . Friends. Friends. Get to a better State . Community. Community . ®

Courtesy photo

Ethan Huynh swam one mile in Lucky’s Lake to raise cancer funds.

SWIM FOR HOPE BEYOND BORDERS WHAT: Ethan Huynh asks coaches and swimmers to join him in a swim dedicated to Swim Across America. WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 12 WHERE: Montverde Aquatic Club, 17114 Seventh St., Montverde HOW TO DONATE: tinyurl.com/3jkkkcnz

think it takes going through it yourself to truly understand it,” Huynh said. “There are a lot of times where you have no energy and sleep all day. I’d lose my appetite for days on end, and the sight or smell of food made me want to throw up.” Van-Huynh said when her 4-year-old went through treatment, he knew he was in a hospital and sick but didn’t know it could be life-threatening. Huynh, at 14, did. “(Huynh asked) ‘Is there any chance I’m terminal and you can’t tell me?’” Van-Huynh said. But he wasn’t. Once Huynh rang the bell signifying the end of treatment, he was ready to dive back into the swimming pool. At first, it was like relearning how to walk. Huynh no longer was in the same lanes as his former teammates; he went to the lanes with the beginners, who were lapping him. He dived into his training, still determined to reach his FLAG goal and return to his former self. Seven months after he finished his treatment, he qualified and competed. Although Huynh didn’t medal, he was proud knowing he still was able to achieve his goal after going through treatment less than a year ago.

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“I’m alive to tell the tale, and I’m not just surviving after my chemo and all of that,” he said. “I almost say I’m thriving at this point.” SERVING OTHERS

Now as a high school senior, Huynh feels privileged to return to school and swimming and thrive in both. He turned his focus to helping others in need, something he already had been doing since 2019, when his brother was in the hospital. The toy room was the only one that didn’t feel like a hospital room — it was a land filled with toys and colors. Young children such as Christian Huynh spent hours in the room, playing with toys and picking out one to light up their smiles. That’s when Ethan Huynh joined the mission of Lily’s Warrior Project, a nonprofit supporting cancer patients by providing toys to local children’s hospitals. After returning back to life as normal, Huynh was inspired to start his own fundraiser. He founded Swim For Hope Beyond Borders, aimed at helping the disparity other children face when paying for and receiving the same treatment as he did. It led to The Golden Mile swim, which brought in more than 300 swimmers from 13 states to Florida. All were swimming not only for Huynh but also for everyone who battled or currently is battling childhood cancer. When Huynh made the fundraiser live, he hoped for $3,000. He actively watched the donations coming in, elated when $100 was donated. Then $200 came in. Then $5,000. In the end, he raised more than $32,000. Without the community support none of it would have been possible. “This is the fabric of our family now,” Van-Huynh said.

We Simplify the Complex

Athlete of the Week Sponsored by Shannon Till,

We’re all in this together.

SEE PAGE 11A

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A

Family. Friends. Community.

In what levels do you race? In 65cc and 85cc. I’m continuing to develop as a rider and focusing especially on progression in the 85cc class as work

RISE TO START

“We’ve watched him lead when it was difficult,” Conaway said. “We’ve watched him continue to make great decisions, and he’s been able to (make decisions) with the 7-on-7 season that we just left. He got a whole lot more accurate throwing the football, and so I do think those are improvements that we will see on Friday nights this season.” Through summer training, Woods saw a team that needed a guy who would continue to stay vocal and lead the team — no matter the score. The Royals needed consistency, and Woods stepped

Swimming fundraiser set for Sept. 12

Ever since Huynh was 2 years old, his family took him fishing. Those days atop the ocean turned into If you could pick a different days in water following his parents’ sport, what would it be? guidance to learn how to swim. I would probably choose jiuThey never forced it on him; it was jistu, because I am very good at Huynh who kept himself in comit, and it is fun to win and beat petitive swimming after beginning someone up. in second grade. It began as a “chill sport” — Who do you look up to the attending meets and training but he most? never set goals — until seven years My idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. in. Huynh set the goal of reaching Even if he doesn’t ride motoFlorida Age Group Championships. cross, he still teaches me a lot. He watched his friends qualify for the meet, but he just wasn’t fast If you had to pick a spirit enough to make the cut. animal, which would you He was determined to do everychoose? thing to become faster. The hawk because But that unraveled one Saturday it is the fastest in 2023 when he sat down to study land animal and I for the PSAT. Almost as quickly as love velocity. he flipped open the book, he felt — MEGAN a throbbing pain in his head. He BRUINSMA called his mom, Lien Van-Huynh, to let her know. She laughed it off, assuming her 14-year-old was trying to get out of studying. But the headache persisted. For days it grew, intensifying to the point where Huynh went to Van-Huynh the morning of swim practice and said he was too sick to participate. That’s when she knew something was wrong. Huynh remembered he hit his head on the wall a few days before at practice. Thinking it was a concussion — or worse, a hemorrhage — they raced to the doctor. The doctors found two tumors. After a biopsy, they diagnosed Huynh with brain cancer Feb. 21, 2023. He had a few weeks of rest from surgery before beginning chemotherapy. Four years prior, Huynh’s youngShannon Till, Agent We’re all in this together. est brother, Christian, who was 4 Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd State Farm has a long traditionyears old at the time, was diagnosed Winter Garden, FL 34787 Toll Free: 855-742-1591 of being there. That’s one reason in 2019 with leukemia. www.shannontill.com why I’m proud to support West “Seeing Christian going through Orange county.. all of it was painful enough, but I

What do you enjoy most about motocross? The speed. It always makes me feel alive, and I enter the zone.

fights and grueling competition under guidance of their young offensive leader.

Let us do what we do best, so you can do what you love.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

up. He’s already begun to direct guys where to go on the field and call out and help with plays. Woods is learning everything needed of him, such as offering to stay after practice to work on any troubles or fix connections, always being ready to put in extra to get the most out of the opportunity. That’s why he is one of the three captains. Woods credits his leadership to his upbringing. His dad was a drill sergeant in the military, so he was a leader himself. “You have to stay consistent,” Woods said. “My dad always pushed me. He never wanted me to be a quitter, someone that’s soft, because he wasn’t soft himself. I just stay consistent with my work ethic. I have to have a real high work ethic so I have a high motor, too. I don’t like losing. I don’t like quitting. I don’t like not being successful.”

On the drive to practice, Woods and his dad talk every morning to get him in the right mindset. His dad tells him what he should be doing, weak points and how to gather the guys together and be the best figure he can be for the team. Woods is prepared to be QB1. “I just want to do it for the seniors (who) graduated the last two years,” he said. “They didn’t have a chance to compete for a state title, so I just want to do it for them. I want to go to states. I want to win states. I want to honor them when we win states.” CONNECTION

Woods said the most important aspect of this year’s smaller roster of 31 players, which is an elite group, is to continue their connections. Last season, they were connected but began rocky through the summer 7-on-7 games, but after a few reps, the flow came back. “We started being more vocal as a group,” he said. “Our younger guys

Photo by Megan Bruinsma

Freshman Deuce Woods Jr. gave jersey No. 1 back to senior Jaiziah Battle to honor Battle in his final year as a Royal.

are starting to lead with their play on the field. Some seniors are leading with their voice, leading with the play on the field, and we’re starting to put things together for the season.” They’re putting the pieces togeth-

er to continue building TFA’s standard: Expect competitiveness both on the field and in the classroom. It’s a program built first on a strong Christian faith and growing its relationship with Him. “(TFA’s) a program that’s build-

Foundation student represents Florida at inaugural Patriot Games Junior Hannah Symons participated in the Patriot Games, a youth sporting event that honored the United States’ 250th anniversary. MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

THE GAMES

Courtesy of ESPN

Hannah Symons was honored to be the one female selected to represent Florida at the Patriot Games.

chance to represent Florida and just even represent part of my country in it,” she said. “So I’m definitely very grateful that I was the one that was able to do that.” In Symons’ entry video for the games, she said she wanted to be challenged. She already is as a dual-sport athlete, playing soccer for Founda-

tion Academy and lacrosse for West Orange High, which she’s able to do since Foundation doesn’t have a girls lacrosse team. But she craved a new challenge. Her wish came true as she faced some of the highest level athletes in the country. “The majority of those girls at the

Symons truthfully wasn’t sure what to expect. She knew she would be competing in individual-and teamskill games, but the administrators of the games purposefully kept athletes out of the loop to enhance the excitement. After unlocking her dorm, Symons discovered a room full of decorations, full bedding, pillows, backpacks, water bottles and all types of merchandise. The athletes truly were treated as professional athletes with snack stations scattered everywhere and coolers piled with energy drinks, electrolytes and water, along with an athlete lounge. But her time wasn’t spent enjoying the accommodations. It was spent on the floor. Day One brought the Presidential Qualifier, a test of the athletes’ individual strengths. It consisted of an agility shuffle, 100-meter dash, medicine ball throws, arm hands and broad jumps.

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Symons ended in 25th overall. The games then used the individual scores from the Presidential Qualifier to make equal teams for dodgeball and kickball, which was where the soccer player truly was able to shine. Many of the girls on Symons’ kickball team never had played the game before, but they continued to encourage one another as they worked through learning the field positions and proper technique. She had a small leg up because she had experience kicking through soccer. Symons said many of the girls had no idea how to kick a ball so she used her soccer expertise to help teach them on the side, showcasing her leadership and ability to work with others. Symons’ team won kickball and tied for dodgeball. Following the first day of activities, Symons and the other athletes were challenged again in Day Two’s varsity circuit and military-style obstacle course. The circuit was a time-based challenge, with skills for each sport including soccer, tennis, football, baseball and volleyball. Participants were required to do different movements for each sport such as soccer, which required hitting a target that had one, three or five points for each spot, and the goal was to get to five. The obstacle course continued the time-based challenges with stations of climbing under ropes, monkey bars and more. While the games were competitive, the girls weren’t trying to do better than everyone else; they wanted to do the best for themselves.

We’ll take the first step with you

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One week before Foundation Academy junior Hannah Symons’ appearance in the 2026 Patriot Games, she sprained her ankle playing pickleball. It was nerve-wracking knowing she would be competing in the Patriot Games, the youth sporting event for the United States’ 250th anniversary, while injured. It became her biggest obstacle during the games Sunday, Aug. 9, to Tuesday, Aug. 11, as she navigated three days of various circuits to test the high school athletes’ capabilities. She dealt with the constant pangs of pain, especially after falling during the game’s Day One Presidential Qualifier agility shuffle. But she never allowed it to stop her from pushing forward and maintaining a positive attitude. It never took away from the joy Symons felt by becoming the only female chosen from Florida to represent the state in the Patriot Games’ inaugural year. “That was definitely an incredible honor that I was even given the

Patriot Games were all the best of the best of their sport, so it definitely challenged me because I’m going against people that are also very competitive and locked in as well,” she said. Each day presented the 120 total athletes with a unique challenge.

ing champions spiritually, physically and academically,” Battle said. “They push us to be the best in the classroom. They push us to have our best foot forward with God and push us to be better men in general.” Senior offensive lineman Reed Ramiser said he has trust in the coaches and his younger teammates to continue building everything the Royals work toward and keep it the same after his departure. “When we’re gone, it’ll stay the same way and the standard will just be the same,” he said. “The bar won’t go lower, it will only stay high, and if anything, it’ll keep growing.” Ramiser, an Auburn commit, is proud of the freshman stepping up. He and Battle, a University of South Florida commit, weren’t brave enough to do it when they were in their shoes. “Looking at that is awesome,” Ramiser said. “It’s really exciting for where the program will be in four years.”

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PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL

HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL Charlene Cannon is the band director at Horizon High School. She teaches concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, two jazz band classes, percussion and color guard. Cannon also is the director of the school’s marching band, The Sound of the Horizon. She was named a Yamaha 40 Under 40 Music Educator in 2024 and a Music for All John Parks Award finalist in 2025. She also has received the Florida Bandmasters Association’s Oliver Hobbs Award in 2026. Principal Brian Sanchez Corona said Cannon is “considered the heartbeat” of the school’s performing arts department. He said she is known for her unmatched dedication and impact as she currently leads the band program solo, working with more than 300 musicians daily, and she leads intensive three-hour rehearsals twice per week on top of her full daily teaching schedule.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? I love being a teacher! It feels so rewarding to explain something to a student — and if they don’t get it, figure out a different way to explain it — and work with them until they figure it out. It’s that “lightbulb” moment that makes me keep coming back, beyond a pure and unending love for band, music and being around kids.

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What inspired you to go into music education? I’ve always known that I wanted to be a teacher, and it took me until band in 10th grade to figure out that I wanted to specifically be a band teacher. I remember listening to a recording in the band room at Boone High School during my band class and feeling something within me that I couldn’t identify and realizing that maybe I could do what my band director did. What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? At one point, I wanted to be a vet. Then, I think I wanted to be an English teacher (my ninth-grade English teacher was amazing)! I also think I considered being a motorcycle cop. I definitely can’t imagine any of these scenarios at this point. I always knew I wanted to help people, and I think teaching is the best way to do that for me. Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? I have three very memorable teachers that I’d love to mention. My Conway Middle School band director Keith Nichols has been an amazing source of support as I’ve grown up. He is currently teaching at Pershing K-8, which replaced Pershing Elementary

REPORT CARD Years at school: Six Years with OCPS: 17

School, where my love for music began. My Boone High School band director, Eric Simpson, pushed me to recognize my potential in the band program; it’s thanks to him that I decided to become a music educator. Finally, I truly love my high school flute lessons teacher, Katie Nicklin. She taught me at Band Room Orlando and is the person who made me realize my potential as a flute player. I have her to thank for vibrato, discovering Laurel Zucker (my favorite flutist) and getting into the FSU Flute Studio. What do you like to do in your spare time? I love to sit in my backyard and look at my trees. I live near a nature preserve, and these quiet moments are sometimes few and far between; sitting outside in the still, quiet of nature makes me feel calm and centered. I also love to watch movies, hang out with my friends and take long naps! If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why? This is easy: Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She is such an inspirational figure, and I cried when I learned of her passing. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I think I might like to go back in time. I would give anything to just sit and talk with my dad again (who passed in 2015). I don’t want to change time; I just wish I could revisit some moments. If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why? I absolutely adore the United States Marine Band, of course — along with Taylor Swift and Raye at the moment. The Marine Band sets the ultimate standard for what band students and teachers strive to achieve. I’d like to think Taylor Swift and I could have been sisters or best friends in an alternate life, and Raye’s current album, “This Music May Contain Hope,” is a masterpiece. What is your favorite holiday and why? Christmas! It’s such a sweet time of year, and the weather is (usually) lovely. I also usually visit Chicago for The Midwest Clinic (International Band and Orchestra Clinic), and it’s one of my favorite moments of the year. It feels like a midpoint in the school year, too! What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I have my motorcycle endorsement! I’ve owned two motorcycles and almost purchased two more at different times.

— LIZ RAMOS

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What brought you to your school? When I became aware of the opportunity to open a new school, I applied and I was very lucky to be selected as the band director by our opening principal, Mrs. Laura Beusse. I had been teaching high school for five years at Freedom High School and dreaming of running my own program.

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WARRIOR PAINT PHOTOS BY THOMAS LIGHTBODY | TK PHOTOGRAPHY

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spaces Saturday, Aug. 15. They spent hours creating masterpieces showcasing animals, playlists, colleges and universities, flowers, Bible verses, characters from TV shows, movies and comic books, and more.

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he West Orange High School Class of 2027 has started to make its mark on the school’s campus. This time, with paint. The seniors participated in the annual tradition of painting their parking

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Why have a ballroom with no balls?

Cyah Crawford brought the loyal and sensitive yet cynical personality of Kristoff to life.

Bryan Hill and Sheryl Loesch provided information regarding animal therapy.

Raising the woof R otarians from the Pet Rescue Orlando Rotary Club brought their families and furry friends to the annual Dogs Night Out event Thursday, Aug. 6, at Yellow Dog Eats. The event was brought to life with music, LED lights, barbecue and fourlegged friends. The Rotary Club also held a silent auction, with items such as football tickets, theme park tickets and mini-golf tickets, to raise funds to continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming pets in need across the Orlando area.

ith every note and every joke, Arts After 5 performers had the audience smiling, laughing and, at times, feeling heartache during the cast’s performance of Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” After nearly two months of rehearsals, all the cast members gave their all into the performance, captivating the audience Saturday, Aug. 8, at Maxey Elementary School. “I’m so proud of them,” Director Ke’Lee Pernell said. “They really showed they are all little professionals.” — LIZ RAMOS

Alice Hoffman sang the last note of “Reindeer Are Better Than People.” Right: Isabella Rodriguez sang with all her heart.

— LETICIA SILVA

Steve Dopuch posed with golden retriever Willa Kay.

Alice Hoffman, Cyah Crawford, Cache’ Arrington, Ava Cox and Milani Spence danced while singing “Hygge.”

celebrity cipher

crossword

By Luis Campos

“S NZHV PUSFD MZ MHOKY ODBMKID S’Y PNUXSZJ FAUNKJA INYDFASZJ OSJ MZR WUSTMFD FAMF S BMZ’F RN PSFANKF FAD ADHW NQ YV MUF.” HNURD

“MDAJSEAJM SIJ DOWB TXB BDN KXO UJS XO XNCEJOKJ EM XS XO XNCESEDO. E’C OJHJG JQYJKS SD UJS SIJ GDWJ, DL KDNGMJ.”

XW YXKEOD

“PMVB S MVCK RDTSY, RL FGQL ADTO TOCKOT OG RGNV. SO MCT BGOMSBJ OG QG PSOM OKCSBSBJ GK CBLOMSBJ. OMCO’T ADTO RV.”

LGUG GBG

Puzzle Three Clue: C equals A

56 Crack, like a cipher 57 Insurance giant named after a volcano DOWN 61 Racehorse’s straps 1 “You’re on your ___” 62 Athlete’s shoulder 2 Karate move protectors 3 Kermit’s greeting 63 Goes down 4 Withhold 64 Class struggle? 5 Go ape 66 Extreme zeal 6 “Actually, that is allowed 68 Person with basic of me” tastes, in slang 7 Froot Loops mascot 71 Mustang or Beetle Toucan ___ 73 Number on a Wash8 “Help!,” e.g. ington 9 Pool net materials 77 Rustic lodging 10 Cart-pulling group 78 Some parents’ siblings 11 Opposite of save 79 Luxury scarf fabric 12 Itty-bitty 80 Colorful Hindu festival 13 It’s a struggle 81 “Zoolander” actor 14 Butter-making device Wilson 15 Word after “price” or 82 World’s most common “vocal” last name 16 Up and about 84 It’s “slung” in attack ads 17 Plateau relatives 88 Puzzle in which you 19 Subway barriers might open with ADIEU 21 Swindlers 89 Confess a secret 27 Subj. with sines 90 Ivy in Philly 28 Artsy online marketplace 91 Some Indigenous 30 Yucatan town with ruins Alaskans ©2026 Universal Uclick 33 Strip in front of a 93 Alex Trebek’s signature 65 Mysterious and obscure actress) 32 Printer powders ACROSS window? signoff 67 Louse, for one 33 Stellar new industry? 97 Outer eyeball layer 1 Number before nueve 34 Upper-crust 94 Spots for watches 69 Decompose (“Top Gun” and “Mission: 101 Future oak 5 Bit of smoke 35 Soreness 95 In the direction of 70 “Hereditary” director 103 Unspecified amount 9 He received the Ten Com- Impossible” actor) 36 Let ‘em cook! 96 Loves, in Lima 72 Bygone bird 38 Reprimanding syllable 104 Foul territory boundary 37 Acclaim mandments 97 Boba tea tube 39 Scottish bodies of water 74 Na+, e.g. (“The Wire” and “Hijack” 14 Study all night, say 38 Dance like Savion 98 Country where paper 75 Hole foods? 40 Part of a table actor) 18 Fanciful Glover was invented 76 Performance with food 107 Eager response to a 41 Keeps hating 20 Kick out 41 Observe 99 In a red state? 46 Athlete/activist Arthur (“Grey’s Anatomy” and “Kill- hypothetical 21 Citi competitor 42 Grassy surfaces 100 Dry-___ marker 47 Blackball 111 Celtics, to the Lakers ing Eve” actress) 22 Rare baseball feat 43 A majority 101 Like biryani and bulgogi 112 Farm storehouses 83 Tiff (“Pearl” and “Frankenstein” 49 Consume fully 44 Find repugnant 102 “Queen of Salsa” Cruz 51 Solemn column 113 Prominent performanc- 45 San ___, CA 84 ___ Carlo actress) 105 Venomous vipers es, or a hint to this puzzle’s 47 Brainpower 23 Trial transcriber, briefly 53 Lady Gaga album with a 85 Artist’s inspiration 106 “NFL Live” channel scary name (“La La Land” 86 Ames’ state circled squares 24 Smallest littermates 48 Thus 108 Squeak-stopping and “Cruella” actress) 87 Gradual buildup of anger 116 Licoricelike herb 25 Witch’s concoction 49 Nation with the highest substance 56 One of Santa’s reindeer 90 One standing in an alley? 117 House coat? 26 R.E.M.’s hometown GDP 109 Boring 58 UPS vehicle 118 Trims to the essentials 50 Confident gait 91 ___ wrench (“Superbad” and “The 110 Ancient Andean 59 Tear’s partner 119 Walk in water 92 Getting on in years Studio” actor) 52 Moderate gait 114 Principle in Chinese 60 No longer being held 120 Obtains 93 Coaxing with flattery 29 Intense craving 54 “Stop!,” at sea philosophy 62 Adobe file type (“Titanic” and “The Holiday” 121 Silent assents 31 “___ when you are” 55 “You ___ worry” 115 Chicago WNBA team 122 Site where people do their bidding?

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

Puzzle Two Clue: K equals C

ACTING DIFFERENT by Daniel Grinberg, edited by Aidan Deshong

Puzzle Two Clue: H equals L

Left: Becca and Simon Yorinks enjoyed the event with their furry friends, Kermit and Gonzo.

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

08-20-26

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