SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
SEASON FALL 2024
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SEASON YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. T H E O B S E RV E R ’S G U I D E TO A R TS A N D S O C I E T Y
MUSIC DANCE ART THEATER BLACK TIE
VOLUME 11, NO. 51
FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
Board certified
Two Windermere wakesurfers will represent Team USA at the IWWF World Wakesurf Championships in China. SEE PAGE 9A.
YOUR TOWN NATURE FEST RETURNS TO OAKLAND
One of Oakland Nature Preserve’s most popular events, Nature Fest, returns this weekend. The annual event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Saturday, Sept. 26, at Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. Attendees will enjoy wildlife interactions, guided hikes, boat tours on Lake Apopka, children’s activities, a Youth Art Show, local vendors and great food. For more, visit oaklandnaturepreserve.org/naturefest.
Join the queue
‘FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL’ OPENS THIS WEEK
If you gotta cut loose, make plans to be at the Garden Theatre on Plant this weekend. DNA Productions opens its 2026-27 theatrical series Thursday, Sept. 24, with “Footloose: The Musical.” Evening showtimes take place at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24-27, Oct. 1-4 and Oct. 8-11, with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; Sunday, Sept. 27; Saturday, Oct. 3; Sunday, Oct. 4; Saturday, Oct. 10; and Sunday, Oct. 11. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit dnaproductions.thundertix.com.
RISING TO THE OCCASION
Photo by Liz Ramos
Emilie Scheetz grew up visiting Disney theme parks. She went on to participate in the Disney College Program and later worked for Disney. She used all she learned to write ‘The Single Rider Songbook.’
After earning awards at the Orlando Fringe Festival, Dr. Phillips’ Emilie Scheetz will bring her first musical production, ‘The Single Rider Songbook,’ to The Abbey. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Windermere hosts Rise Up: America 250 in Motion in recognition of Constitution Day 2026. SEE PAGE 6A.
Windermere leaders: Find a way to keep holiday bash
Spying or serving?
Town Council members urged Light Up Windermere should be added back into the budget after it was cut in preparation for the approval of property tax reform. SEE PAGE 5A.
Orange County will keep roadway cameras in place. The decision came after Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a ban on automatic license plate readers on all state roads. SEE PAGE 7A.
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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
OrangeObserver.com
FAST
tro Urban Eatery will be curating and cooking the food at the brewery, offering empanadas, chicken tostadas, burritos, and Cuban and barbacoa pork sandwiches. “Two businesses, one home,” HSB officials said in the announcement. “We’re so excited to have Carolina (Medina), Juan (Nessi) and the Cilantro crew joining us and bringing a brand-new menu to the HSB kitchen. ... Come check out the new menu, grab a beer and give our new fam members a warm HSB welcome.”
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Winter Garden Rotary donates $76,000 to local organizations The Rotary Club of Winter Garden announced it has donated more than $76,000 to 31 local organizations and community programs during Fiscal Year 2025-26, which ran from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. “A huge thank you to our incredible community partners and dedicated Rotarians,” Rotary officials said in the announcement. “Your generosity, leadership and commitment to supporting local make a meaningful difference throughout Winter Garden and West Orange County. To our Rotarians: Wear the Rotary logo proudly! It represents service, leadership, friendship and a commitment to strengthening our community. … Together, we’re building a stronger community — and having fun while doing it.”
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Home State Brewing Co. announced a new menu curated by Cilantro Urban Eatery is available at the brewery.
$468,000 more than what it has taken in. “Our donor base continues to grow; however, the need is far outpacing our current financial ability,” officials said in the announcement. “Obviously, we cannot continue providing all that we offer when registering an additional 150-plus homeless souls every month. That kind of growth is simply not sustainable.” Matthew’s Hope team members will meet to discuss service cuts. “Our typical supporter is the working class and we understand that you too are struggling in this economy but the Lord has told us to make our prayers and petitions known so we are putting it out there
and doing just that,” officials said. To help minimize service cuts, the nonprofit is asking residents to donate by visiting matthewshopeministries.harnessgiving.org/ donate.
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Home State Brewing Co. partners with Cilantro Urban Eatery Two businesses are partnering to bring beer and Latin American street food to Hamlin. Home State Brewing Co. announced Wednesday, Sept. 16, it has welcomed Cilantro Urban Eatery, a food truck serving the greater Orlando area, to the HSB family. Now, Cilan-
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Matthew’s Hope to cut services Matthew’s Hope Ministries officials announced the nonprofit will experience service cuts due to having spent
Courtesy photo
Church in the Garden opens in Horizon West A new church plant opened Sunday, Sept. 13, at Summerlake Elementary School in Horizon West. Church in the Garden founders Paul and Lynsey L’Ecuyer said they are excited to bring discipleship, belonging and the presence of God to Winter Garden and Horizon West residents. “We believe the true measure of church effectiveness is not what happens for one hour on Sunday but how deeply faith shapes Monday through Saturday,” they said. “If the way we live, work, love, serve and lead is not being transformed by Jesus, then we are missing the point.” The church’s launch was a success with dozens of attendees present. “While our vision reaches far, our focus starts close to home — loving, serving and investing deeply in the communities God has placed us in,” the L’Ecuyers said. To learn more about Church in the Garden, visit churchinthegarden.com
Emergency care that’s in the neighborhood, and on your side.
Have a plan and find a location. Fast emergency care starts with a plan. Scan the QR code to find an Orlando Health ER location near you, with a dedicated team when you need them the most.
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Orlando Health Advanced Rehab earns top ranking The Advanced Rehabilitation Institute located in Ocoee recently was recognized as the sixth best physical rehabilitation center in the state. According to an Orlando Health press release, the prestigious designation is based on a comprehensive evaluation of quality metrics,
recommendations from health care professionals, online reviews, and accreditations and certifications. “To once again be recognized by Newsweek as one of Florida’s leading rehabilitation centers underscores our team’s commitment to clinical excellence and patientcentered care,” said Annette Seabrook, vice president of Orlando Health and president of the Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute. “Every day, our physicians, therapists, nurses and additional team members work together to help patients recover and regain their independence.” The Ocoee rehab institute services patients recovering from amputations, neurological disorders, traumatic brain injury and other complex conditions. Newsweek said the rehab institute’s standout program is its stroke program for recovering patients.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
OrangeObserver.com
OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
Orange County Commission District 2 Before the Nov. 3 general election, the Observer will be publishing Q&As featuring candidates in key races that will appear on ballots in West Orange and Southwest Orange. This week, we introduce the candidates for District 2 Orange County commissioner. Two candidates — Kamia Brown and Mike Crabb — are in a runoff after no candidate earned 50% plus one vote in the August primary. Some responses have been edited for grammar and space. Unedited responses are available at OrangeObserver.
KAMIA BROWN
MIKE CRABB
Age: 45 Residence: Ocoee Family: One son Education: Florida A&M University Occupation: Health care for Sunshine Health Qualifications: Florida House legislative aide; former state Representative District 45 (2016-2022)
What makes you the best candidate for District 2 Orange County commissioner? I am the best candidate for District 2, because as a product, resident and former state representative of this area, I understand our community’s challenges and am committed to delivering practical, people-centered solutions. I will bring accessible, accountable leadership to the County Commission; listen to residents; protect taxpayer dollars; support local businesses; expand affordable housing; and ensure every neighborhood receives the resources and attention it deserves. What are the three key differences between you and your opponent? The three key differences are my approach, priorities and commitment to accessibility. I lead by listening to residents and building community-driven solutions. I prioritize practical results on affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure and economic opportunity. What are the three most pressing issues facing Orange County District 2? The three most pressing issues facing District 2 are infrastructure and traffic; environmental protection; and affordable housing. We must improve roads, reduce congestion and ensure infrastructure keeps pace with growth. We must also protect our lakes, natural resources and communities from flooding and overdevelopment. Finally, we need more attainable housing options so working families, seniors and young people can afford to remain in our community. Discuss your familiarity with the city of Ocoee, its residents and its unique issues. Ocoee is home to me. I live right off Carcona-Ocoee Road, so when I talk about this city, I’m talking about the road I drive every day to take my son to and from school five days a week, the neighbors I wave and talk to, the growth I watched happen right outside my window. I also have a history here that goes back further than my address. When I represented Ocoee in the Florida House, my legislative office was inside Ocoee City Hall (and) accessible in the community, where residents could walk in and talk to me directly about what was on their mind. That’s where I first heard, from city leaders and residents, how much Ocoee’s growth was outpacing its infrastructure. And it’s where I fought to pass the Ocoee Massacre Scholarship, because understanding a community means understanding its full story, not just its zoning maps. So when I say a significant part of downtown still needs to move off septic, I know what that means for families here: their water, their health, their property values and whether Ocoee can keep growing without leaving people behind. Development is happening fast, and I’ve felt that tension too, watching new rooftops and industrial buildings go up around roads that were never built to carry this much traffic. That’s the Ocoee I’ll fight for on the commission as a neighbor who (is) already living these conditions and concerns, and a former legislator who already put in the work to solve them. How do you plan to work with the Ocoee City Commission to be a representative for their interests at the Orange County Commission? I will maintain an open and consistent partnership with the Ocoee City Commission through regular
communication, joint planning and collaboration on shared priorities. Previously, I worked very closely with the City Commission and mayor during my tenure as state representative. I will advocate for Ocoee’s interests at the county level, particularly on transportation, infrastructure funding, the transition from septic to sewer, responsible development and economic growth. Affordable housing continues to be an issue in Orange County. What steps should the county take to address this? Orange County must expand its supply of affordable and workforce housing while protecting current residents from displacement. The county should use public land strategically, strengthen partnerships with nonprofit and private developers, streamline approvals for qualifying projects, and require meaningful affordability in developments receiving county incentives. We must also preserve existing affordable units, expand rental and down-payment assistance, and connect housing decisions with transportation and job access. There will be many new faces on the Orange County Commission following this election cycle. What changes would you like to see with this influx of new leadership? With new leadership comes an opportunity to build a more collaborative, transparent and responsive County Commission. I would like to see commissioners work across district lines, engage residents earlier in the decision-making process and focus on long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. This new commission should prioritize responsible growth, affordable housing, infrastructure, environmental protection and equitable investment across every community in Orange County. What are the ramifications of Amendment 3 should it pass? I’ve learned that a ballot title can be written to sound like relief, while the fine print does something very different — and that’s exactly what’s happening with Amendment 3. Because this amendment affects the entire state, we should look at it holistically versus as a count. Many of the various cities inside of Orange County will be greatly impacted if this passes. The Revenue Estimating Conference says Amendment 3 will cost $12 billion in recurring revenue. That’s money that disappears from the counties and cities that fund police, fire, roads and infrastructure. Locally, that means less capacity to fund the transportation or community projects and septic-to-sewer conversions Orange County residents are counting on. That’s additional to the public safety and first responder budgets in need for increased support due to the ongoing growth in our community. What also concerns me is what the amendment doesn’t say. It directs the Legislature to eventually eliminate non-school homestead property taxes entirely, with no plan for how to replace that revenue, and it does that without requiring another vote from us. We essentially would be handing Tallahassee a blank check, and our counties (would be) left to figure out how to keep local services funded. That is not right. I want property tax relief and our residents deserve it. I’ve fought for fiscal responsibility throughout my career, but relief has to be honest about its cost (and true shift) and that’s not the kind of governing Orange County deserves.
Age: 59 Residence: Ocoee Family: Wife of 39 years; three children: daughter, Devin, 35; son, Garrett, 32; son, Trenton, 29; granddaughter, Willow, 4 Education: Graduate of University of Louisville, Command Officer Development; business degree in progress with Barry University Occupation: Orange County commissioner, District 2; retired lieutenant, Orange County Sheriff’s Office; owner, The Shirt Shop USA in downtown Ocoee.
What makes you the best candidate for District 2 Orange County commissioner? My combination of three decades of dedicated public service in law enforcement, small- business ownership right here in District 2 and hands-on experience as your current appointed county commissioner makes me uniquely qualified. (More than) 30 years with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office taught me how to manage critical infrastructure, handle multimillion-dollar operational budgets and prioritize public safety across diverse communities. Running a local small business gives me a real-world understanding of the economic pressures facing local entrepreneurs and families. I am not learning on the job — I hit the ground running on Day One as your sitting commissioner, ensuring District 2 has strong, accessible and accountable representation without missing a beat. What are the three key differences between you and your opponent? Decades of frontline public safety experience: I spent more than 30 years protecting Orange County neighborhoods as a law enforcement officer, giving me firsthand knowledge of community safety, emergency management and crime prevention. Local small-business ownership: As a business owner operating in downtown Ocoee, I understand government regulation, tax policy and local economic development from a business owner’s direct perspective. Immediate incumbent leadership: Having been appointed by Gov. (Ron) DeSantis to serve out the current term, I am actively making decisions on county policy and managing the $9.1 billion county budget today, whereas my opponent offers theories without recent executive commission experience. What are the three most pressing issues facing Orange County District 2? Public safety: Ensuring our sheriff’s deputies, fire rescue services and emergency responders have full funding. Affordability and infrastructure readiness: Addressing the rising cost-of-living and housing shortages while ensuring our water, sewer and transportation systems are upgraded before new developments are built. Managing growth; protecting rural character: Balancing residential and commercial development pressures while strictly preserving established neighborhoods and rural boundaries, particularly around Apopka and West Orange County. Discuss your familiarity with the city of Ocoee, its residents and its unique issues. Ocoee is my home — it is where my wife and I live on East Lakeshore Drive, where we raised our family and where I operate my business. I walk downtown streets every day, interact with local families and listen to shop owners, teachers and seniors. I understand Ocoee’s unique dynamic: balancing rapid modern growth with its rich local history and small-town feel. I know the local transportation bottlenecks along Clarke Road and Maguire
Road, the importance of protecting Lake Apopka and local water quality, and the necessity of keeping public safety high as the population expands. How do you plan to work with the Ocoee City Commission to be a representative for their interests at the Orange County Commission? Collaborative leadership requires open channels of communication. I plan to establish routine, scheduled briefings with the Ocoee mayor, City Commission members and city manager to discuss shared priorities before major decisions reach the county level. Whether securing intergovernmental funding for local infrastructure projects, coordinating public safety resources between local police and the Sheriff’s Office, or aligning zoning decisions along city-county borders, I will act as a direct liaison ensuring Ocoee’s local voice is clearly heard and respected at the county administration level. These discussions started already with meetings already taking place. Affordable housing continues to be an issue in Orange County. What steps should the county take to address this? Streamline permitting and regulatory red tape: Reduce costly delays in county plan reviews for workforce and affordable housing developments to lower construction costs. Encourage mixed-income development along existing transit corridors: Direct incentives toward developments built along established commercial corridors where public transit and infrastructure already exist, avoiding suburban sprawl. Expand public-private partnerships: Work closely with local builders, nonprofit community housing trusts and state housing funding programs to construct quality workforce housing tailored for teachers, first responders, health care workers and tradespeople who keep our community running. There will be many new faces on the Orange County Commission following this election cycle. What changes would you like to see with this influx of new leadership? I want to see a renewed focus on regional collaboration, fiscal discipline and practical commonsense problem-solving. With new leadership coming in, we have an opportunity to set aside partisan distractions and focus purely on core county responsibilities: public safety, infrastructure, smart growth and efficient spending. I look forward to fostering a culture of transparency and bringing a steady, common-sense law enforcement perspective to guide new commissioners toward sound public policy. I want good policy over politics! What are the ramifications of Amendment 3 should it pass? I believe in a stable, conservative approach to property taxes and do not support disproportionately hiking commercial property taxes to offset residential gaps, as doing so harms job creation and small business growth. If residential property tax revenues drop, the county should prioritize balancing its $9.1 billion budget through rigorous audits, eliminating internal inefficiencies and relying on the organic growth of sales tax driven by a strong local economy. I will not support any cuts to public safety.
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OrangeObserver.com
OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
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
“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Managing Editor / Liz Ramos, lramos@OrangeObserver.com Historian / Amy Quesinberry Price, amyqhistory@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Megan Bruinsma, mbruinsma@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Leticia Silva, lsilva@OrangeObserver.com
Photo courtesy of Gontran Durocher
Many of the cast members of “The Single Rider Songbook” have personal connections to Disney, whichi helps bring the Disney-inspired musical to life.
Disney magic inspires musical LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR
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r. Phillips’ Emilie Scheetz hadn’t been working long as a skipper at the Jungle Cruise in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom when thunder and lightning caused the ride to halt operations. While she was waiting for the lightning to stop, a fellow cast member took her on a tour of the queue to get on the attraction. The cast member shared the backstory of all the medicines in the cabinet, the posters on the wall and each book on the shelf. Every prop had a story to tell. Scheetz was wonderstruck and led to her diving into the behind-thescenes knowledge of other Disney attractions and rides. She wanted to know other stories that could be told. She fell in love with the theming and depth of dedication to make the Disney magic come to life. It became inspiration for Scheetz’s musical, “The Single Rider Songbook,” which won awards at the Orlando Fringe Festival and will be performed at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, through Wednesday, Sept. 30, at The Abbey. The musical launches six characters originating from the parks into the spotlight, diving into the untold stories behind their attractions. The musical love letter to Disney and anyone who ever has or will work for Walt Disney World like Scheetz will be expanded to feature more songs and a few surprises during its run at The Abbey. The characters pay homage to Scheetz’s own history, spending her childhood and adulthood visiting the Disney theme parks, participating in the Disney College Program and later working as a cast member.
COMBINING PASSIONS
Scheetz’s parents met as cast members opening then-MGM Studios, so naturally, Scheetz was a Disney fan since birth and spent her childhood making memories in the parks. But the love for Disney stems further back in the family. Her grandmother would fly from Massachusetts to Florida each year for a Disney trip. Her grandmother even was nicknamed Grandma ELP, short for the Electric Light Parade at Magic Kingdom. “I’ve been a passholder since I had to be, since a toddler; and it just stuck, and it hasn’t gone away,” Scheetz said. “I’m a Disney adult forever. ” After graduating from the University of Central Florida, Scheetz wasn’t sure of her next step, so she decided to apply for the Disney College Program. She worked at the Jungle Cruise, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and other attractions, learning “just how much
IF YOU GO “THE SINGLE RIDER SONGBOOK” WHEN: 7 p.m. nightly Monday, Sept. 28, through Wednesday, Sept. 30 WHERE: 100 S. Eola Drive, Unit 100, Orlando TICKETS: $23.18 DETAILS: Writer and co-director Emilie Scheetz is bringing back her production “The Single Rider Songbook” after its success at Orlando Fringe Festival 2026. These performances will feature more songs and a few surprises than the performances at the festival. INFORMATION: https://bit. ly/4roSsbe
MEET THE CAST
Photo by Liz Ramos
Emilie Scheetz references various Walt Disney World attractions, including Spaceship Earth, in her musical.
thought the Imagineers put into these rich stories that are actually behind these different rides and locations.” Scheetz learned designers spent considerable time on even the smallest prop, with hopes someone might find joy in connecting with it while waiting in line for the attraction. “I really fell in love with theme parks — not as anything to do with my family or with my friends but as a storytelling medium,” she said. The costumes, props and lights always attracted Scheetz to theater and live entertainment. Not only is she the daughter of a couple who found their way to each other at Disney but also the daughter of theater kids. Her mother adored “Les Misérables,” and her father always was playing “Phantom of the Opera.” Her parents encouraged her budding interest in the arts, filmmaking, theater and more. She started participating in theatrical productions in middle school and became involved in Florida Junior Thespians. Passion for theater only grew as she participated in various performance opportunities including competitions and local theater through high school, but in college, she shifted focus as she minored in music and was able to take composition classes, which inspired her to become a writer. Her background in contemporary musical theater flourished, but it wasn’t until this year when she finally had her dream of a musical she had written performed on a stage come true. “The Single Rider Songbook” became the perfect way to blend her passion for Disney and theater. She admittedly chose attractions that were her favorite at Disney for her musical. She drew on her experiences of working on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood Studios for the Tower of Terror portion, including the style of music from the attraction. She knew she had to include Pirates of the
Caribbean to pay tribute to how it’s epic in a “very Les Mis kind of way.” She saw a “crazy, bombastic opening number” that could be written about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. She strived to cover different genres and areas of the parks but found herself leaning more toward Magic Kingdom. She ensured she covered past, current and future rides to attract all generations of Disney lovers. ON THE RIDE TOGETHER
“The Single Rider Songbook” not only was a way for Scheetz to connect to her Disney roots but also gave her a connection point with others. The musical also reconnected her with friends from her Disney career and life in the theater world, as well as people she always wanted to work with but never had the chance. Although her friend Aaron Otten didn’t know when it was announced her musical was selected to be performed at the Orlando Fringe Festival that he would become a co-director, it took no time for him to come aboard, as well as all those who were cast for the musical. “I’m very lucky that the first time I put my music in the hands of other people, a lot of them were cast members and team members,” Scheetz said. “A lot of them connected with the material, and a lot of them were very talented and collaborative and very much helped fill in the inbetween bits and make the show the living, breathing thing that it is now.” They were a team she entrusted to bring her vision to life for the first time at the Orlando Fringe Festival in May. She had applied with other productions in previous years, but “The Single Rider Songbook” felt special. She was shocked to learn the musical was selected by lottery for six performances at the Sig and Marilyn Goldman Theater, her preferred venue. She screamed and immediately went home to write the second act. While working at a Disney-affil-
n Writer and co-director: Emilie Scheetz n Co-director: Aaron Otten n Starlet from Tower of Terror: Lex Bentley n Swashbuckler from Pirates of the Caribbean: Molly Cabbage n Scoundrel from Smuggler’s Run: Paige Christoffers n Skipper from Jungle Cruise: Cassie Klinga n Specter from Haunted Mansion: Christian Inirio n Seeker from Dinosaur: Aidan Wamsley
iated resort, she would slip out her tiny journal from her pocket to jot down any ideas that came to mind before slipping it back into her pocket to refocus on work. Even three weeks into rehearsal, the writing continued as she had another song idea, and the cast was supportive of the addition. Learning the cast members’ strengths, she also was able to add flairs and addition to match the cast member. After six performances, “The Single Rider Songbook” had received Critic’s Choice for Outstanding Original Music and the Patrons’ Pick, which means it was one of the top two shows in the venue to sell the most tickets. “That was announced at the closing ceremonies, where we were all just under a giant tent, just screaming and crying,” Scheetz said. “It was really, really cool to get that on my first foray into writing, directing. That was crazy.” After being introduced to the festival in high school and previously performing in two shows at the festival, winning awards as a writer and director brought her devotion to it to a new level. After the success of the Orlando Fringe run, people encouraged her to put the play on once again. She started thinking of what she would change and add. Scheetz allowed herself a two-week break before diving head first back into the creativity behind the musical, even writing a new finale. “The Single Rider Songbook” hopefully is just the beginning, Scheetz said. “I’m not quite sure what my next project is going to be, but I definitely want to take this momentum, all these lessons I’ve learned, all these connections I have been blessed enough to have made through this project and just start working on the next thing, creating art that resonates with more people,” she said.
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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
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Windermere leaders direct town staff to find funds for Light Up event LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR
Windermere Town Council members directed Town Manager Robert Smith and town staff to put funding for the town’s annual holiday event back into the budget during the first budget hearing for Fiscal Year 2027. Light Up Windermere was one of two town-sponsored events that were proposed for elimination or suspension during a budget workshop Tuesday, July 28, in preparation of having to make cuts if Amendment 3 passes in November. Town Council unanimously approved Wednesday, Sept. 16, adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget with an operating millage of 3.7425 and a total budget of $12,464,394.17. Council Member Tom Stroup advocated for Light Up Windermere to be put back into the budget during council’s first budget hearing Thursday, Sept. 3. “The community involvement and the community events are important to our community, and I think in this case, we need to do all we can within the budget to continue to maintain those events, especially some of the more historic ones we’ve had (for) quite a while,” he said. “I think we can cut smaller item projects in order to keep our town events for our residents.”
“I think in this case, we need to do all we can within the budget to continue to maintain those events, especially some of the more historic ones we’ve had (for) quite a while.” — Town Council Member Tom Stroup
Smith said typically, Family Church of Windermere provides the activities for Light Up Windermere in front of Town Hall, and White Swan Academy provides performances indoors and outdoors — all for free. Food Truck Nights were the other town-sponsored events proposed for elimination or postponement. The event usually coincided with Light Up Windermere. Council member CT Allen said the town still could eliminate Food Truck Nights but have food trucks at Light Up Windermere to ensure the same experience for residents as past years. “I’d like to make sure we protect Light Up Windermere, whether it’s a food truck or whatever, I want to protect that event environment,” she said. “The other Food Truck Nights, I don’t want them tied together that we either say yes for all Food Truck (Nights) and that incorporates Light Up Windermere. I want Light Up Windermere to be a separate line item.” Smith said hosting Light Up Windermere can be absorbed into the current budget. Part of Light Up Windermere is the lighting, which was eliminated in the budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027. Stroup also wants council to consider adding funds back into the budget for the lights. Last year, the town spent $35,955.27 on a contract with Humbug Holiday Lights to bring lights, put them up and take them down, and any maintenance of the lights. During the Windermere Town Council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8, council voted 4-1, with Council member Brandi Haines dissenting, to authorize town staff to spend up to $25,000 for holiday lights. Windermere Public Works Director Tonya Elliott-Moore said she asked Humbug Holiday Lights for the cost of having similar lights as last year, which remained around $35,000. She also asked for the cost of a reduced scope, which entailed lights for the
File photo
Light Up Windermere will take place this year.
area around town square. The estimate came back at $24,997. A second company came in with an estimate of $49,000, and ElliottMoore said the company is working on a quote for a reduced scope. Mayor Andy Williams said he’s been talking to residents who are willing to contribute toward the costs of holiday festivities. “We’ve got a limited group of people you can find to do it that actually have some sort of resume to look at because the last thing I want to do is hire two guys in a truck and pay them $15,000, and we get $5,000 worth of work,” he said. As for the rest of the budget, Haines said she had concerns there weren’t more cuts across the board, but rather cuts were made to events that provide funding for the Historic Preservation Board and the Windermere Tree Board. Historic Preservation receives some funding from proceeds from Food Truck Nights. “We’re supposed to be cutting from Parks and Rec, we’re cutting
the sidewalk budget and some other things, and then I hear all these other ones creeping back in,” Haines said. “But it still seems unfair the Historic Board and Tree Board budgets, if we’re going to put it back for everything else and then they’re the only ones who are getting cut. … I just feel like I thought there’d be broader cuts. If we’re cutting 10%, I think it should be 10% across the board. We should be finding everywhere that we can save, not just hitting our committees.” Haines and Stroup said they have heard from residents asking for Food Truck Nights to be offered. Haines said she’s had several parents of school-age children tell her they don’t care if there is a DJ or band at Food Truck Night because they simply want to gather at a community event. One resident suggested bringing an approved playlist to play on a speaker. Stroup asked council to have a discussion in the future about offering Food Truck Nights.
JOIN US FOR THE
Benefiting Matthew’s Hope Ministries Saturday, October 24, 2026
6:00pm to 10:00pm
125 N Lakeshore Dr Ocoee, FL
Get your group together and reserve your table now! Community Sponsor Tables enjoy early access at 5:00 PM to decorate and personalize their table, including custom centerpieces and décor. Attire for the event should match your table’s chosen theme. Individual and Couple Ticket Holders: You will be assigned a table theme in advance, and your attire should coordinate with the theme of your assigned table. The MH Team will decorate your table for you. The evening kicks off with heavy hors d’oeuvres and an exciting silent auction. Followed by a delicious plated dinner, thrilling games of chance, live entertainment, dancing and more! Bar beverages available throughout the night & a little sweet treat at the end! Silent Auction Donations Needed! Silent Auction Questions: Taylor Ball taylor@mhm25.org 407-905-9500 ext. 602 Event & Sponsorship Questions: Courtney Woolbright, Event Director courtney@trinityoaksvenues.org 321-514-6215
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now!
Williams said council should receive “hard numbers” on the cost, sweatequity for town staff and more before having a discussion about bringing Food Truck Nights back. “I think coming up with some hard numbers and see if we can find a path forward,” he said. “But the bottom line is, we still have to cut something else to bring it back.” Smith said the budget is a “living and breathing document,” so council can make adjustments in the future. During the Sept. 3 meeting, Haines also questioned other cuts such as the budget for sidewalk repair and construction going to $20,000 from $100,000 and signage to $5,000 from $44,000. She said members of the Tree Board also aren’t pleased with Duke Energy donating one-gallon pots of trees for Arbor Day after residents have been receiving larger trees. Smith said it comes down to needs versus wants. With the sidewalks, he said the town needs to maintain what it has and not plan for any extensions until staff learn the outcome of Amendment 3. As for signage, if a sign is falling down or doesn’t meet standards, it will be replaced, but the town will not be adding new signage. He said prior to the Historic Preservation Board receiving funding from Food Truck Nights, the committee had to fundraise. He said the Tree Board receives “some good money” from the Windermere Farmers Market. As for the Arbor Day trees, Smith said “it might not be what the residents want, but it’s what we can afford at this time because $5,000 here, $10,000 here, $35,000 here, it all adds up to that 10%.” “In April, hopefully, if everything goes well for us, we’d be able to reconsider what the overall budget is going to look like because it’s a living and breathing thing,” Smith said. “But again, … it’s needs versus wants, and the more we keep in the budget as far as wants, then I start cutting needs.”
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OrangeObserver.com
OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
Nehrling Gardens seeks Look around, exception to fix driveway, look around … expand offerings Garden officials will make their case to Orange County at a Special Exception Hearing Oct. 1. STAFF WRITER
For more than a century, Nehrling Gardens has served as a popular destination for thousands of residents and tourists. Serving as one of Florida’s earliest experimental botanical gardens, Nehrling Gardens now is owned and operated by The Henry Nehrling Society nonprofit’s volunteer board and staff to preserve its rich history while providing horticultural education and environmental conservation. Recently, board members requested to be officially recognized to become an arboretum, which would allow the board to receive the proper permitting to tend to the gardens’ driveway remodeling and rehabilitation of its historic buildings. The gardens’ main building, originally built as a residence in 1910, was never legally converted for non-residential use. With approval from Orange County’s Board of Zoning Adjustment as an arboretum, the gardens would be able to create better access to accommodate emergency vehicles; create more parking spaces; and also be able to host more educational programs such as field trips. “We just want to make sure that while (people) are visiting the gardens, that we have the accommodations that are safe for them,” Nehrling Gardens President Giordana Lyons said. “If they have a medical emergency, if there’s a fire in the gardens, that we are able to tend to that. That’s the sole request of us being able to fix the driveway.” While meeting most special exception criteria, the gardens did not meet the county’s landscape buffer yard requirement. In its original request, the gardens’ directors indicated the appropriate buffer yard was identified as a residential subdivision buffer. However, county officials said it must be intended to separate community commercial uses from all residential uses.
NEHRLING GARDENS’ SPECIAL EXCEPTION HEARING DETAILS: Nehrling Gardens’ members requested to have the gardens officially recognized as an arboretum. Buffer requirements led to board members of the gardens to request a continuance to find a solution. AT ISSUE: Community members are unhappy with what this entails. More accessibility means increased visitors and in turn, more noise. NEXT HEARING: Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Orange County Administration Building at 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando.
“We have worked tirelessly — every decision that’s made is very thoughtful for the community,” board member Tiffany Acireale said. “We do things that impact nature, impact preservation, impact the environment. … The exception that we’re asking for is to provide more safety so that everyone coming can have more accessibility. The part of the issue that we’ve had is that we don’t fit any of the established criteria for the buffer zone,” she said. “We’re not turning into a business, we’re not trying to build a facility or a strip mall. We’re trying to continue with what we’re currently doing but find a middle ground that we can keep the integrity of the gardens.” Nehrling Gardens’ board members do not agree with this buffer yard recommendation and requested a continuance to find a solution. “Essentially, the application that the Henry Nehrling Society is seeking is to have the county recognize, by way of a special exception, our existence as a botanical garden, to reflect what it was from its inception under the guidance and development of Dr. Nehrling,” Nehrling Gardens Director Ralph Leemis said. “The garden would still continue to be owned, preserved and protected by our nonprofit society.” Leemis said the goal is to fully and properly address the buffer requirement. Richard Nehrling, great-greatgrandson of Dr. Henry Nehrling, said the gardens’ request only would help it continue serving the public through education, conservation and historic preservation. “With a mature canopy of historic trees and plantings already providing natural buffer, we believe there’s a path forward that protects the neighboring homeowners while preserving Florida’s oldest surviving botanical garden,” he said. “Nehrling Gardens is not simply a piece of property but a living part of Florida’s history.” Others disagree with the request. “This is all designed around increasing capacity which increases noise,” Gotha resident and Lake Nally Woods HOA President Paul Dehart said. “It’s a source of tension and conflict in our community. … (The gardens) are already working on improvements inside to make it more accessible, to allow events to occur there. They already have weddings there, which we don’t allow. … I think some of the homeowners who live directly on it, they have to buy into this. That’s the only thing that’s fair. They lived in their home for 35 years and they now have events going on 20 feet behind their house.” Dehart hopes there can be a resolution between homeowners and the board. Nehrling Gardens board members will go before the Board of Zoning Adjustment Thursday, Oct. 1, with resolutions.
Celebrating
Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden was awarded the America 250 Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the West Orange community.
The Lone Sailor Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Color Guard presented the colors. The Sea Cadets were presented with a $2,500 donation at the event. Right: Margot Diviney wowed the crowd as part of The Climbers.
T
he Climbers silk aerialists took to the skies in Windermere as they performed a “Hamilton”-inspired routine to celebrate Constitution Day at Rise Up: America 250 in Motion, held Thursday, Sept. 17, outside Windermere Town Hall. The event — the latest America
250 celebration held in West Orange — raised $2,500 for the Windermere-based Lone Sailor Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. With that donation, all together, local America 250 have raised $15,000 for the veterans and youth in West Orange. In addition to the acrobatic per-
formance, attendees also enjoyed an appearance by Marcea Oetting, aka Abigail Adams. Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden also received the America 250 Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the West Orange community.
— MICHAEL ENG
Developer seeks approval for retail, office project in Winter Garden LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved Tuesday, Sept. 15, the first reading of three ordinances to allow for the construction of three new single-story, multitenant commercial buildings. Commissioner Colin Sharman was absent. One ordinance allows for the annexation of about 1.3 acres located at 1221, 1233 and 1281 Beulah Road on the northeast corner of Beulah Road and Gillard Avenue into Winter Garden. The second ordinance amends the Future Land Use Map of the city’s Comprehensive Plan for those parcels, as well as 921 Palm Ave. from Orange County Low Density Residential and City Low Density Residential to City Commercial. The final ordinance rezones these properties as well as 882 Magnolia St. from Arterial Commercial District, City Single-Family Residential District and Orange County SingleFamily Dwelling District to all be Planned Commercial Development. The Planned Commercial Development designation would permit the development of the 2.11-acre site with three new single-story, multi-
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tenant commercial buildings with about 17,997 square feet of combined retail and office space. The project would include associated site improvements such as sidewalks, buffer wall, landscaping and stormwater ponds. Planning Director Kelly Carson said the owners of the properties surrounding the proposed project properties attended the city’s community meeting and had questions regarding how the stormwater would be handled on the adjacent site and impacts of construction. “They were really happy with the fact there’s going to be a solid buffer wall between their properties and (the commercial project),” she said. “We also talked about potentially annexing them into the city, and they were very receptive to that, so they might be coming in, but I believe they still want to keep it as residential.” Carson said already three homes were demolished on the properties, and one existing residential property remains, but it is abandoned. Mayor John Rees said he has faith city staff will ensure the project looks good “because once we start redeveloping all that, whatever goes in first is going to set the train down the road.” The second reading of the ordinances will go before the Winter Gar-
den City Commission at its meeting Tuesday, Sept. 29. FIRST BUDGET HEARING
The commission unanimously approved the first reading of ordinances to adopt the city of Winter Garden’s proposed budgets and millage rate for Fiscal Year 2026-27. The budget consists of $181.3 million and a $265.6 million citywide fund balance. One ordinance maintains the city’s current millage rate of 4.8565, the second-lowest among seven regional cities and towns. Another ordinance sets the General Fund operating budget for the city. Ad valorem revenue is expected to total $32,606,994 and other revenue to total $42,637,077. Total revenue is expected to be $75,244,071. A third ordinance addresses funds for the Community Redevelopment Agency. It is expected there will be $1,924,430 in ad valorem revenue and $1,884,203 in other revenue sources for expenditures totaling $3,808,633. A final ordinance is for the authorization of appropriations of city funds for Fiscal Year 2026-27. A second reading and budget hearing will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29.
RUN AMONG THE LAKES
Year
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
Starting Line: 520 Main Street, in front of Windermere Town Hall w w w. w i n d e r m e re r u n . c o m
463405-1
LETICIA SILVA
OrangeObserver.com
Local agencies catch flak for flock cameras
West Orange County’s
Church DIRECTORY
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
AUTOMATIC LICENSE PLATE READERS MOST COMMON: Flock, Motorola Solutions and Axon WHAT THEY CAPTURE: license plate, make, model, color, body style, bumper stickers, dents, scratches, direction of travel, location, time and date FIND CAMERAS NEAR YOU: bit.ly/4h6XiGN
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
“I believe we should periodically evaluate the appropriate retention period based upon actual investigative need,” he said. “We have retention levels set for Axon cameras, and Motorola set it for three years.” Sibley agrees. “If strict boundaries are set and enforced with real consequences, these cameras will do far more good than harm,” she said. To some, however, privacy concerns outweigh the beneficial aspects of the cameras. “Obviously, the cameras can help law enforcement with tracking and finding missing people and child abductions, but I also see the cameras as a violation of privacy and misuse of the data they collect,” Winter Garden resident Brian Sanders said. “It’s just one of those topics that you don’t know the short- or long-term effects that the cameras will have on us. You just hope and pray that the people that have access to the data use it in the proper manner and they don’t abuse or misuse the technology.” Ogden said residents’ concerns of actively being tracked by police departments is a misconception. “These systems can generate enormous numbers of scans,” he said. “Motorola told us some cameras can produce approximately a million scans in a month. Most of those scans have no investigative significance unless there is a legitimate reason to search for a particular vehicle. Capturing a license plate as a vehicle travels on a public roadway and actively investigating or tracking a particular vehicle are not the same thing.” As Orange County continues to move forward with the usage of automatic license plate readers, Ogden said a plan is in place for regulations. The agency will limit access, audit the system’s use, evaluate retention, protect data, correct misinformation and remain transparent with the community. He believes to use powerful technology, agencies have an obligation to demonstrate their lawful, secure, responsible and transparent use of it. Ocoee Police Chief Vincent Ogburn said the agency supports appropriate policies and meaningful accountability governing the use of automatic license plate readers. When used appropriately, license plate readers can assist law enforcement in various ways. While complying with state’s orders to remove cameras from state roadways, they’ll remain running where allowed. “Our priority is complying with the current requirements while preserving effective tools that help keep our community safe,” Ogburn said.
Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy
1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
Matthew’s Hope is in need of single server food items.
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Items can be dropped off Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 4 PM or by appointment.
611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 905-9500 | MatthewsHopeMinistries.org
Want to see your listing here? 502063-1
Call (407) 656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com 465514-1
Prompted by privacy concerns, Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered all automatic license plate readers to be removed from state roadways Monday, Aug. 31. “I’m all about having law enforcement have tools to be able to hold criminals accountable,” he said during a press conference. “I think that’s important that we do that. And no one’s been stronger on law enforcement than me. But I don’t want to have this become a surveillance state. And when I see a police officer using this to track an ex-girlfriend, I’m like, ‘What the hell’s going on with this.’ So, I think this has happened very quickly (and) I think people are right to be concerned.” With that, agencies throughout the state have until Wednesday, Sept. 30, to take down all license plate readers located on state roads, such as State Road 50, State Road 429, State Road 91 and State Road 408. Some counties around the state went a step further and removed all license plate readers within countyand city-owned roads, including Osceola, Volusia, Brevard, Seminole and Sumter counties. Orange County, however, chose to keep ALPRs where allowed. While complying with the state’s order to remove them from state roads, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said in a statement the cameras are important tools to deputies and investigators in locating violent criminals and missing persons. Horizon West resident Linda Gabriel Sibley agreed and said cameras help address the issues at their roots. She believes the benefits outweigh the governor’s concern and the cameras can provide crucial information in cases such as hit-and-run crashes, missing children, stolen vehicles and more. Instead of a ban, Sibley believes the cameras should be regulated. In the town of Windermere, Chief of Police David Ogden took the time to address residents’ concerns by meeting with Motorola Solutions representatives, who work at the technology company providing ALPRs to the town. During that meeting, Ogden learned the cameras capture license plates, the location associated with the scan and the image of the vehicle. Through artificial intelligence, the system then can identify limited characteristics of a vehicle, such as color, make and model, as well as bumper stickers and dashboard figurines. However, Motorola advised him the system is not directly tied to the DMV, and officers must go verify information through their normal secured systems. He also verified Motorola cannot, without authorization, access any information and data pertaining to the town of Windermere. While these cameras are important assets for the community, Ogden said there are two areas in which he wishes to improve. The first is regarding data sharing and access. While Motorola cannot access any of the data, any agency approved for the system can insert a tag they are looking for, and if the license plate has appeared throughout the readers, it would direct them to the exact location including date and time. His goal is to establish precisely who has access to what information. Retention is his second area of concern. While he understands agencies have the power to retain information for a certain period of time, he does not necessarily believe it means they should.
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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
OrangeObserver.com
OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
West Orange Chamber of Commerce
Celebrates Business
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Kumon of Winter Garden The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Kumon of Winter Garden. Located at 16112 Marsh Rd Ste 404 in Winter Garden, Kumon is a reading and math center that focuses on helping students develop academic confidence and discipline through daily practice. The center assists with students ranging from kindergarten to high school. To learn more, visit https://kumon.com/winter-garden.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Sprout & Bean Play Cafe The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Sprout & Bean Play Cafe. Located at 965 Vineland Rd in Winter Garden, Sprout & Bean is a play café and indoor playground, created for families who want a welcoming place to gather, play and enjoy great coffee. Their location features a thoughtfully designed indoor playground with a charming tiny village, climbing structures, sensory swings and a ball pit, offering a safe and engaging environment for young children. To learn more, visit https://www.sproutandbeancafe.com.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Gator Cybersecurity & MSP The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Gator Cybersecurity & MSP. Located at 751 Garden Commerce Pkwy ste 110 in Winter Garden, Gator Cybersecurity & MSP is a Florida division of Wizard Computer Services with almost 30 years in business. They are a customer-focused business partner specializing in cybersecurity & IT solutions. They protect businesses by managing and monitoring security software behind the scenes, allowing clients to operate confidently and securely. In addition, they provide modern, up-to-date hardware, with experienced in-house technicians handling installation, monitoring, and ongoing support. They offer free consultations to identify risks, strengthen defenses, and deliver clear, tailored IT solutions built on trust and long-term partnerships. To learn more, visit https://gatorcpu.com/.
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 30-year anniversary of LaPorte Financial Located at 2 W Oakland Ave Ste 200 in Oakland, LaPorte Financial is a private wealth management firm based in Oakland, FL, serving individuals, families, and business owners across Central Florida. Founded by Michael LaPorte, the firm offers financial planning, investment management, and insurance services, with a focus on building long-term client relationships rooted in the local community. LaPorte Financial is a registered entity under LPL Financial and has called the West Orange area home since 1996. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/ SIPC. To learn more, visit https://www.laportefinancial.com/.
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to 35 YEARS Bay Meadows Elementary School 30 YEARS Knox Horticulture LLC. 15 YEARS Innovation Montessori Ocoee Two Men And A Truck
10 YEARS American I.T. Solutions Inc. 5 YEARS Beads for Beats, Inc. Kingdom Culture LiveTrends Boutique Central Florida Insurance Advisors Prodalim USA Spectrum
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304
447067-1 501999-1
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SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
SPORTS
GAME OF THE WEEK
HIGH
1
Hilina’i Kong is leading the way for Lake Buena Vista’s girls volleyball team as a freshman outside and right side hitter. Page 11A.
5 BETTER THAN YESTERDAY OLYMPIA HIGH (2-3) VS. DR. PHILLIPS HIGH (2-2)
Dr. Phillips High athletics announced Friday, Sept. 18, the addition of Will Thomas to the boys basketball team’s coaching staff. Thomas brings nine years of experience coaching high school basketball and Nike EYBL circuit, a youth AAU basketball league. His most recent coaching experience was serving as the associate head coach at Northside Christian School, assisting the team on its journey to the FHSAA Class 2A State Semifinals. He also was an assistant coach and skills instructor at Arizona Compass Prep, which won the 2024-2025 CAA National League State Championship. Thomas’ other coaching experience includes serving as the varsity associate head coach at Louisville Collegiate and coaching roles with Team Mookie Betts and Team Thad.
Linebacker Colton Showley and quarterback Noble Davis both have played for Olympia since they were sophomores. Now as seniors, they’ve grown into their pads and are ready to leave their mark.
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The Windermere High girls volleyball program celebrated a productive night against University Thursday, Sept. 18. The three teams didn’t drop a single set to University. The freshman team kicked off the streak with a 2-0 win, followed by JV’s 2-0 win. The varsity team completed the sweep 3-0 (25-7, 25-7, 25-16). Windermere’s varsity team continued its success in its tournament Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19, against Harmony, Parrish Community and Circle Christian. The Wolverines swept the tournament and advanced to 11-3.
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West Orange High announced Thursday, Sept. 17, the hiring of Kevin Schmidt as the new boys volleyball head coach. Schmidt currently is the head coach of the Windermere Preparatory School girls volleyball team. He led the Lakers to a 6-2 record after finishing 4-11 in 2025. He takes over the program following former head coach Royal Webster’s departure. Under Webster’s guidance, the Warriors compiled a 16-5 record in 2026 and made it to the Class 3A regional quarterfinals, where they fell 3-1 to Winter Park.
SCHEDULE Photo by Megan Bruinsma
Throughout their careers, Olympia seniors Noble Davis and Colton Showley have endured injuries. But for them and their teammates, true football success means getting 1% better every day. MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
O
ne year ago, Olympia High was battling crosstown rival Dr. Phillips. Colton Showley never will forget that game. Not because of the score. Not because of some Herculean play. That’s the game he tore his ACL. And since then, he has spent every day rehabbing his body for this, his senior year. Then, after beginning this season
2-1, Showley and quarterback Nobel Davis both suffered injuries against Apopka. They fell to 2-2. Although their injuries were minor, they were forced to watch the next game, Windermere, from the sidelines. caused them to sit from the sidelines — along with Olympia’s seven other injured starters. The Titans fell again and now sit at 2-3. This week, Olympia hosts Dr. Phillips. And for Showley, it’s a chance to right last year’s wrong. “I need to bounce back,” he said. “It
All games kickoff at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted THURSDAY, SEPT. 24 n Windermere (3-2) vs. Liberty (1-3)
(the torn ACL) happened for a reason, and now, it’s just fueling me. … I know how it feels when (the ability to play) can be taken from me so fast. I try to, every time I play, I’m trying to live in that moment as much as possible, focus as much as possible, have as much fun as possible.” Each time Showley, Davis and their teammates fall, they come back with a new level of determination and fight. They all come back with their heads held high ready for the next battle.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 25 n Windermere Prep (22) vs. Trinity Prep (2-2), 6 p.m. kickoff* n Dr. Phillips (2-2) at Olympia (2-3)* n Horizon (2-3) vs. Ocoee (2-2) n Lake Buena Vista (05) vs. Colonial (2-3)* n Central Florida Christian Academy (2-2) vs. Legacy Charter (0-6) n West Orange (5-0) at Edgewater (2-2)*
SEE TITANS PAGE 10A
* District game
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The First Academy boys golf team made history in its first-place finish at The 2026 Brophy Rodeo Thursday, Sept. 10, to Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Royals became the first team not from Arizona to win the tournament. The boys played the Raptor Course, which spans about 7,000 yards. The Rodeo brought together teams from across the country, showcasing more than 200 high school golfers. It began in 2009 as the Antigua National High School Invitational but closed in 2020, and in 2021, Brophy became the new sponsor.
5
West Orange Girls Club’s fall softball season now is in full swing. Its teams had an intense battle Thursday, Sept. 17, where the WOGC 8U Lady Fury and Lady Lightning played six full innings. The innings were a back-and-forth battle, with Lady Fury claiming a 17-15 victory. The Lady Lightning finished the game with 25 hits, while the Lady Fury had 23.
Wakesurfers prep for competition in China Two young Windermere wakesurfers, Beau Walters and Declyn Van Der Riet, will represent Team USA at the IWWF World Wakesurf Championships.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Windermere 11-year-old wakesurfer Beau Walters starts preparing for a competition 30 minutes before her run. She completes it in her mind — rehearsing different scenarios for her time on the water — focusing on calming her nerves. Declyn Van Der Riet, a 13-yearold wakesurfer, takes a different approach. He focuses on having fun, keeping his nerves down and reminding himself the sport is about enjoying the experience. He tries his best and leaves the rest up to fate. Despite their different approaches, both have landed at the same destination: an opportunity to represent Team USA at the International
Waterski and Wakeboard Federation World Wakesurf Championships Friday, Oct. 9, to Sunday, Oct. 17, in Hangzhou, China. “It means a lot,” Declyn said. “It’s my first time out of the country, so it’ll be cool to do it. We’re surfing for the USA, so it means a lot, and it’ll be fun. We got a great team.” The competition, which is being held for the second time and takes place every two years, features only 14 athletes. The coordinators of the event analyzed how riders have done in other events and ranked them against peers to determine who was selected. Declyn’s mom, Kim Van Der Riet, said she is especially looking forward SEE TWO PAGE 11A
Courtesy photo
Declyn Van Der Riet rides skim-style, and Beau Walters rides surf-style. The two young wakesurfers from Windermere now are training for the same goal — represent Team USA in China.
OrangeObserver.com
OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS Titans ready for tilt with Panthers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A
“They’re fighters,” head coach Travis Gabriel said. “They’re going to work. They’re going to fight — even when they want to quit, a lot of the times, they just don’t. I’ve seen a lot of kids leave it on the field. One of the other guys, Keyshawn Woods, he just leaves it on the field. He’s used all over the place, and we have other guys (who) are just trying to step up in place.” Gabriel said their fight shows their character. They aren’t making excuses. They aren’t lying down. The players who are injured and sitting on the bench are helping those who replaced them get better, stronger and be mentally ready for the challenges ahead. “That’s all we can do,” he said. “I always tell my kids, ‘I don’t care about the scoreboard. I want you guys to go out there and fight for four quarters and whatever the scoreboard says, we walk away with our heads held high.’” Davis and Showley, two of Olympia’s captains, look to walk out with their heads high as they prepare for the second half of their final season as Titans. SECOND COACHES
The two captains admitted they were nervous to take on their leadership roles. They both have been playing varsity since their sophomore year and watched other seniors lead in a style they didn’t want to replicate. They said previous leaders didn’t put effort toward being a true leader, which to them means creating a family-like culture. They knew to change the course of Olympia’s success, they needed to first change the off-field relationships. “Everyone can tell that it kind of feels different this year,” Davis said. “It’s not off to a hot start, but everyone knows what we got and what we can do with what we got. It feels different, and it gives us a new level of excitement to just want to get 1% better every day.” Davis said he knows who he is. He knows what he can do on the field,
UP NEXT: Foundation heads into its bye week before hosting Windermere Prep Friday, Oct. 2. LEGACY CHARTER EAGLES (0-6), 0 HALIFAX ACADEMY KNIGHTS (1-4), 42 For the sixth consecutive week, Legacy Charter hoped for a win or at least to put points on the board but once again the team was shutout. The Eagles have gone through changes over the past two years, playing eight-man football in 2025 and now entering back into the 11-man landscape with players still adapting. UP NEXT: Legacy Charter hits the road again to visit Central Florida Christian Academy.
Photo by Phillip Pacheco
The First Academy held a 24-7 lead over IMG at halftime.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 THE FIRST ACADEMY ROYALS (4-1), 27 IMG ACADEMY ASCENDERS (4-0), 48 Entering halftime, the Royals held a 24-7 lead over the No. 3 team in the nation, which was made possible through QB Deuce Woods Jr.’s two rushing touchdowns on his 36 yards and his one completion to fellow freshman Jaylen Johnson. But after the break, IMG began its ascent, started by a pick-6 for a touchdown and two more end zone appearances within six minutes. The script had flipped. Although the Royals tallied their first loss of the season, it came at the hands of the team specifically cultivated to produce notable athletes. TFA remains at No. 1 in Orlando and No. 7 in Florida. UP NEXT: The Royals take a week off before their game Friday, Oct. 2, against Cocoa. CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY EAGLES (2-2), 34 NEXTGEN PREP LIONS (4-1), 12 The Eagles came into Week 5 ready to right the last two weeks’ wrongs. After trailing by 12 at the end of the first, CFCA turned on its game,
and he’s ready to go out there and prove himself. He credited Gabriel for teaching him the playbook since his sophomore year. Now is the time to display it. But it’s more than displaying his physical talents — being a senior leader means teaching others the Titan Way. Because he was out for the team’s game against Windermere, Davis
shutting out the Lions for the remainder of the night. Its offense also flipped its switch back on, and through QB Gavin Pritzkau’s ability to find his receivers, the team tallied 15 in the second quarter, claiming control of the game. UP NEXT: The Eagles will host Legacy Charter. LAKE BUENA VISTA VIPERS (0-5), 0 CYPRESS CREEK BEARS (1-4), 32 Lake Buena Vista failed to pull away with a victory over Cypress Creek, who also entered without a game ending in celebration. The squad of Vipers filled with first-time football players are working toward finding their groove individually and as a team. UP NEXT: The Vipers return home to host Colonial. FOUNDATION ACADEMY LIONS (2-2), 14 CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN LANCERS (2-4), 28 The Lions are back to .500 this year after its loss that required a mid-game adjustment after one of its players went down with an injury.
stepped up in practice in the week leading up to the game. Olympia didn’t have a backup quarterback ready, so a wide receiver stepped in. Davis worked with him, showed him the routes to run, how to execute, and how to go out there and fight with no excuses to play Olympia football. If the group they’re responsible for isn’t in line, Gabriel informs the captains to put their men in line. They’re
WINDERMERE WOLVERINES (3-2), 42 OLYMPIA TITANS (2-3), 3 For the first time, Windermere hosted fellow Southwest Orange program, Olympia, and claimed a dominating victory. The win was Windermere’s largest differential of the season and also its highest scoring game. Quarterback Dean Monroe tallied 241 yards on 12 passes with four touchdowns, and running back Jabari Anderson added on one of his own.
WEST ORANGE WARRIORS (5-0), 36 LAKE MARY RAMS (1-3), 13 The Warriors continued to showcase their success is no fluke. West Orange limited Lake Mary to 13 and shut the home team out in the second half in the Warriors’ first road game of the season. West Orange has remained relentless and consistent this year and owns the only perfect season in West Orange and Southwest Orange. The Warriors are No. 8 in Orlando and No. 40 in Florida. UP NEXT: West Orange prepares for its biggest game against district rivals Edgewater, the No. 12 team in Orlando. WINDERMERE PREP LAKERS (2-2), 16 BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN CATHOLIC HURRICANES (1-4), 17 The Lakers fell just short of the Hurricanes after allowing BMLC to put up 10 points in the fourth quarter, tipping the scales in their favor. Windermere Prep still is early into its year after only playing three games, while others have five under their belts. UP NEXT: The Lakers head home to host Trinity Prep.
UP NEXT: Olympia heads home to host its biggest rival, Dr. Phillips. Windermere remains in Windy City to play Liberty. HORIZON HAWKS (2-3), 7 APOPKA BLUE DARTERS (2-3), 28 The Hawks suffered their third loss this year after Apopka’s defense swallowed up Horizon’s offense — including negative rushing yardage and three fumbles. Horizon’s lone score came from the air, when quarterback Jackson O’Rourke’s found Christian Massanet for six. UP NEXT: Horizon heads back home to host Ocoee, which is coming off a bye-week.
Photo by Megan Bruinsma
Windermere running back Jabari Anderson found the end zone.
taught how to coach and hold one another accountable. For Gabriel, seeing his young men step up in the way Davis and the other three captains, Showley, Woods and Russell Britt and have, is the reason why he coaches. “I don’t coach for the accolades,” he said. “I don’t coach for stardom. I don’t care if people talk to me or whatever. I don’t care about any
record. I love to coach kids to make them believe they can run through that wall and that’s it. Football teaches these kids about life, especially as young men, about how to overcome. In life you’re going to fall down. You have to get back up and keep fighting. You can’t give up in life because you go on to be somebody’s husband, somebody’s dad and that’s what I use this platform to do.”
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
11A
Roper YMCA launches Hilina’i Kong youth training academy SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES
As a freshman on Lake Buena Vista’s girls volleyball team, Hilina’i Kong already is displaying her value to the Vipers. Kong is an outside and opposite hitter for LBV. She’s leading the team in kills per set with 3.5, totaling 105 for the season, and has the highest hitting percentage of .297. The Vipers are 4-6 this year.
Has it been challenging for you being a freshman playing on varsity? Not really. I play club, so I’ve been around a little bit of competition but it’s been fun though. For what club are you playing? Game Point. How did it feel playing your first game against East River? It was exciting. It was actually really exciting being on one court — just having one court to yourself and the stands. Would you say club or high school is more challenging? I would say maybe club, just the feeling of going to (games) since I travel a lot, too. I go to different states as well, so it’s like feeling just a little bit more (new) because I’m with this
THE BASICS
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Age: 14 Grade: Freshman School: Lake Buena Vista Sport: Volleyball
group of (club) girls for a long time, but high school is fun. We’ve only started for a month. You are leading the team in kills and your killing percentage is the highest on the team. How has that felt for you? Inside, it’s kind of like (excitement), because I’m a libero at club, so that’s just a little bit of motivation for me. … I haven’t been there (hitting) for a little bit, because I’ve always been a libero. So it’s actually been a little bit of motivation for myself. I played outside in my 12s year, and then 13s and 14s, I’ve played libero. What is your favorite part about actually attacking the ball? Attacking. Just getting a pass and getting a hit in the same play or going up to block (at the net). It’s really exciting. I feel like I’m doing everything almost. How do you approach each game? In my head, I think of just go out there and play. If you mess up, don’t (think) — just play. Everything you learn in practice, put it into play. How has your team been working together so far? It’s been pretty good. We had a little bit of ups and downs, but I think that’s because of the amount of time that we’ve had … we’re on different levels. There’s only three freshmen on the team, and there’s juniors, so it’s a different balance of levels and grades. Why volleyball? Why has this been your sport? It’s kind of my family. My sister played at OVA (Orlando Volleyball Academy) before it was OTVA, so I grew up playing volleyball and just going outside. … (I love) just the game in general. There’s only six players on the court. You’re playing with your team … it’s so exciting.
The Roper YMCA has a large-scale youth sports program designed to introduce more than 650 rising athletes to any number of sports each session. The program utilizes the expertise and encouragement volunteer coaches who serve as role models. As participants progress from recreational leagues and look toward high school and more competitive programs, they require more specialized training — specifically on how to improve their strength and coordination. They need to learn how to move their bodies. The Roper YMCA’s new Youth Performance Academy is designed for that exact purpose. The Youth Performance Academy, which launched its first session in September, is an eight-week program for athletes ages 12 to 17 to develop skills that will extend beyond the playing field. “We realized that there’s definitely an opportunity where we wanted to be a supportive environment for the young athletes to do other things — and not just build their skills and confidence on the sports field or courts but also just learn how to actually work the mechanics of their body when taking it to youth performance or sports in general,” Roper YMCA Associate Executive Director Jessica Porritt said. The academy is the brainchild of Executive Director Brooke Herrera, who has a child who plays sports. Herrera wanted to create a developed plan to enhance the abilities of young athletes. The academy is led by YMCA personal trainer Vlad Figueroa, a certified basketball coach and referee with experience at the collegiate and national levels. His background allows him to incorporate exercises that focus specifically on body mechanics while connecting the training to movements
Courtesy photo
The Roper YMCA launched a new Youth Performance Academy to help athletes understand their body mechanics. Trainer Vlad Figueroa will work alongside them in stations to teach techniques and drills to translate to their sport.
YOUTH PERFORMANCE ACADEMY WHEN: The next session will begin around Thanksgiving. Each sessions lasts eight weeks and 90 minutes per class WHERE: Roper YMCA, 100 Windermere Road, Winter Garden INFORMATION: email bherrera@cfymca.org
found in a variety of sports from basketball to football to volleyball and more. He knows what agility levels coaches are looking for as athletes head to the more competitive levels. Rather than measuring athletes’ success through their game statistics, the academy uses physical assessments to track their progress throughout the session. Porritt described them as “measurable” statistics. She said the academy tracks athletes’ agility, speed and strength. “Balance is a huge one also,” Porritt said. “What most people don’t realize is that balance is really important on the sports field —
Two to represent U.S. at China championships CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A
to seeing them all compete as a team and represent the United States at the selective opportunity, rather than the typical events that allow riders to sign up. If you were going to pick a “You have to be good enough to spirit animal, what would get that invite and be able to comyou pick? pete with the goal of winning a gold I kind of want to think like individually to help the team win not a dog but just having the overall goal,” she said. “It’s difa dog game like that’s my ferent, because it’s very limited. … mentality sometimes. So You have to have that skill behind I guess I would say maybe it and the support. It’s halfway a dog — but not physically around the world, it’s a big expense — like just having the mindand commitment — but one that I set of being a dog. think will be a phenomenal experience for all the riders.” What do you see the future Both Beau and Declyn began ridof technology being in 25 ing five years ago. Walters rides years? surf-style, while Van Der Riet tranMaybe flying cars. I’ve sitioned from surf-style to skimheard of that. style. He said skim-style offers a — MEGAN BRUINSMA different challenge with more technical tricks made available through the lack of fins on the board. “He loves the sport,” Kim Van Der Riet said. “It’s been great to watch him work hard at something, to see Shannon Till, Agent We’re all in this together. the hard work pay off and just for Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd State Farm has a long traditionhim to have a love of the sport.” Winter Garden, FL 34787 Toll Free: 855-742-1591 of being there. That’s one reason Declyn’s record reflects his prowww.shannontill.com why I’m proud to support Westgression and the reason why he Orange county.. received the invitation to represent
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Team USA. Kim Van Der Riet said he won 11 of 12 events last year and finished in second in the one he missed. This year, he also has won all but one event, in which he placed second. Beau said she never thought the sport would take her to this level. She remembers going out on the lakes five years ago for fun on Saturdays as she learned the sport. MENTAL GAME
In competition, riders have fewer than two minutes in the water. They have one pass down the water, which is 50 seconds, and a second pass. If they fall, the boat only will pick them up once. While riders aren’t deducted points for falling, it eats up their time and ability to score. But after the stressful two-minute run is over, the riders return to the dock and continue to act like kids, running around the area and having fun together. Beau and Declyn often ride with other local athletes, including Camden Small, a 12-year-old who also was invited to China. His mom, Jen Small, said although it was a remarkable opportunity, the family decided not to go because of a scheduling conflict. The three families live just blocks from one another.
especially if you’re kicking a ball, you have something in your hand and you’re moving forward with it.” Athletes are measured at the beginning of the eight-week session and again at the end of the session to see the progress. Figueroa will train them in different disciplines — strength, speed, agility, power and coordination. Athletes rotate through different stations of exercise modalities. Every station is designed to enhance the participants’ performance, Porritt said. “We know that kids want to come in to become better athletes, and what we at the Y want them to leave with is skills that extend beyond the sports: discipline, accountability, the teamwork and the perseverance that they’re going to learn,” she said. “The biggest goal is we really want young people to see what they’re capable of and that progress doesn’t mean they have to be the fastest or the strongest athlete in the room but that they can improve their technique, reach a personal goal and become more comfortable in the gym.”
IF YOU GO
WAKESURFERS SEND-OFF WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 WHERE: Windermere Brewing Company, 111 W Fifth Ave., Windermere DETAILS: The community is welcome to join the wake surfers for drinks, food and raffle prizes.
“We all push (one another),” Declyn said. “We kind of push (one another) to keep going.” The friendships have helped make the sport more enjoyable — especially because they can see their friends’ progression and have built-in familiar faces at competitions. It’s provided a strong support system for the parents, too. “It’s a great community,” Kim Van Der Riet said. “We’ve made some lifelong friends through wakesurfing, and we have a great group that we travel with and compete with.”
Athlete of the Week Sponsored by Shannon Till,
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Shannon Till, Agent We’re all all in this together. We’ re in this together. TM Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd ® State Farm® has a long tradition State Farm has a long tradition Winter Garden, FL 34787 Toll Free: 855-742-1591 of being there.there. That’s one reason of being That’s one reason www.shannontill.com
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IVAN PEREZ HORIZON WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL Ivan Perez is the crew leader at Horizon West Middle School. He oversees the custodial team and helps ensure the school is clean, safe and well maintained. He especially is proud the school achieved a 99.45% excellence rating in cleanliness, which he said reflects the hard work, dedication and teamwork of the entire custodial staff. Principal Andrew Agudo said the custodial team is a fantastic team that always is willing to “help at a moments notice and truly work together each day.” What brought you to your school? I was given the opportunity to join this school six years ago, and I was excited to become part of a team where I could make a difference. Since then, I have grown to really appreciate the people, the students and the school community. What do you love most about your school? What I love most is the people. I enjoy being part of a team that works together every day to make sure our school is a clean, safe and welcoming place for our students and staff. What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part is knowing that the work we do makes a difference every day. I take pride in helping create an environment where students and staff can learn and work comfortably. What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? I would probably be a grocery manager. I spent many years working in supermarkets, and management has always been an important part of my professional life. Who influences you? My family has always been one of my greatest influences. They remind me of the importance of working hard, treating people with respect and always doing my best. Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? One teacher who always stood out to me was someone who taught me the importance of responsibility, discipline and believing in myself. I may not remember every lesson from school, but I remember the teachers who made me feel that I could accomplish something. What is your favorite children’s book and why? One of my favorite children’s books is “The Little Engine That Could.” I like its message about perseverance and believing that you can accomplish something even when the challenge seems difficult. What do you like to do in your spare time? I enjoy spending time with my family and relaxing. I also enjoy horse racing, a passion I developed with my father when I was young. It has always been more than just a sport to
REPORT CARD YEARS WITH SCHOOL: Six YEARS WITH OCPS: Six
me; it is something that brings back special memories of the time I spent with him. If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why? If I could have dinner with anyone, I would choose my father, who has passed away. He was an important part of my life, and having the opportunity to sit with him again, talk to him and share a meal would mean more to me than having dinner with any famous person. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would choose the ability to heal people. Being able to take away someone’s pain and help them have a better life would be a superpower worth having. If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why? Ricky Martin would definitely be one of my choices, because I have always admired his journey, his determination and how he has continued to grow and succeed since he was young. I would also choose El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, because their music connects me to my Puerto Rican roots, culture and many wonderful memories. My third choice would be Marc Anthony, whose music has a special place in my heart because his songs have been part of important moments in my life, including the love story I share with my wife and the beautiful memories we have created together. What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student? My favorite school lunch was white rice with stewed pork, a simple meal that I absolutely loved and still remember fondly. There was something special about the way it was prepared, and it remains one of those childhood meals that brings back happy memories of growing up. What is your favorite holiday and why? Christmas, because it is a time to be with family and appreciate the people we love. It is a special time to create memories and remember what is truly important in life. What is a fun fact about yourself that would surprise people? I spent many years working in grocery stores before beginning my career in schools. My experience in management taught me many of the skills I use today, especially leadership, organization and working with people.
— LIZ RAMOS
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INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK
OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
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12A
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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE
13A
Sportsmanship | Discipline |Competitiveness ORLANDO’S PREMIERE PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
ATHLETICS
Our Greatness, His Glory Facilities team members and Maria Penuela had fun during their English lesson Tuesday, Sept. 15. Photo by Leticia Silva
TALK OF THE TOWN:
Foundation teacher helps staffers learn English STAFF WRITER
With pencils in their hands and notebooks opened, four Foundation Academy facilities staff members listened to Spanish teacher Maria Penuela’s questions and explanations during their weekly English lesson Tuesday, Sept. 15. Penuela has been teaching four staff members English during her planning period — an opportunity she considers a blessing. Penuela moved to the United States from Colombia at 7 years old. But when she was 16 years old, her family moved back to Colombia. While in the U.S., she forgot her native tongue and had to relearn it. She said it was extremely difficult to adjust to a new culture, new school and learn a new language at that age, but through tutoring, she was able to learn not only how to speak Spanish but also to write and read in the language. At 21, Penuela began teaching English at a multilingual, multinational company. “I never thought I would be a teacher,” she said. “That’s something that I never wanted to do. But when the opportunity came and I had the opportunity to teach people how I learned a second language … I thought it was a great way to give back to people what was given to me when I was learning a language.” For another 10 years, she taught English, and sometimes, Spanish, to adults in Colombia. She then made the choice to move to Florida and began working at Foundation Academy seven years ago as a Spanish teacher. One day, facilities staff approached her and asked if she would be willing to teach them English. FA’s COO Robert East asked if they would be willing to take English lessons to better communicate with the rest of the school’s staff, and they gladly accepted the proposal — as long as Penuela taught them. “When they asked me about it, I was so excited,” she said. “I didn’t
even think about it. I was like, ‘When do we start?’” Penuela began holding classes twice per week in April during her planning period. They are learning to have conversations about their daily operations, such as sweeping, mopping, cleaning and stacking chairs. In the past five months, she has seen great improvement. Penuela is dedicated to this class to ensure staff members have more opportunities in their lives and careers. She said God gave her a gift to share her knowledge with others who need it, so she is doing just that. Currently, staff members still are learning about daily vocabulary needed in their jobs, such as “I mop the cafeteria twice a day,” or “I sweep the first-floor hallway,” and “I take out the trash once a day.” Penuela not only is teaching them to formulate sentences about their daily tasks but also prepositions, when to use verbs ending in “-ing,” as well as proper verb conjugations, articles, plural vs. singular verb pronunciations, and more. “Once they get the knowledge and they’re able to make sentences using that vocabulary they’re going to be using on a daily basis in their jobs, then I can go on and focus on other things that they can use the language outside of their jobs, like going grocery shopping or going to the store and buying clothes,” she said. Although she sees they are learning and able to communicate in English to a certain extent, she wishes more classes would be held. “The more you practice, the more you learn,” she said. “And they’re willing to learn, because they know they need it to be able to communicate with the rest of the staff.” To Penuela, this isn’t more work. It’s a joyful experience in which she is able to provide a positive environment designated for growth, success and better opportunities for Foundation Academy’s facilities staff members. “It just makes me happy,” she said. “I’m more grateful of this opportunity than anything because it is a great opportunity for me to help others.”
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14A
OrangeObserver.com
THE WAYS
WE WERE
THROWBACK THURSDAY
FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
SEPT. 9, 1976 Two Winter Garden eateries across the street from one another advertised their food options in The Winter Garden Times. Dreamland Drive-In celebrated its grand opening at 20 W. S.R. 50 and touted “food service with the speed of a 747.” The restaurant sold burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches (steak, ham or fish), french fries, onion rings, shakes and Frito chili pie. A coupon offered a free soft drink (25-cent size). Across the highway, at the Winter Garden Inn, the Gold Lion Room sold daily luncheon buffets for $2.25 and gigantic seafood buffets on Fridays for $3.95.
1946: 80 years ago
The manager of the Edgewater Hotel was having all the rooms redecorated in light pastel shades and the baths in white enamel. Reservations were being made daily by tourists wanting to spend the winter here. Several schoolteachers already were occupying rooms for the school term. Reservations for 40 were being made at the hotel for members of the Chattanooga Lookouts baseball team who were coming to Winter Garden for spring training.
1971: 55 years ago
Four members of the Windermere Wake Watchers Ski Club attended a tournament at Calloway Gardens: Tom Curdts, Doug Fay, Steve Lamb and Jim Karr.
FROM THE ARCHIVES This 1920s photo shows a crowd on North Main Street in Winter Garden spectating something in front of the Garden City Garage. A sign in the center of the crowd reads “To-Night Big Vaudeville Show.” The Garden City Garage building no longer exists, but you might recognize the Tony’s Liquors building on the left side of the image. In those days, that building housed the Shelby Hotel. Interestingly, the Garden City Garage moved many times over a short time frame. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation archives hold photos of this business at this location, 129 W. Plant St. (now The Whole Enchilada), a building on East Plant Street, and in a barn.
The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.
2006: 20 years ago
Three members of the Winter Garden Police Department with a combined 73 years of service to the community began their retirement. Lt. John D. Gardner worked 30 years, Lt. Fred Carpenter served 27 years, and Officer Robert Brown put in 16 years. Ocoee celebrated the opening of the Tom Ison Veteran and Senior Center with multiple officials, including U.S. Rep. Ric Keller.
Young photographers showed their eye for detail in an exhibition at the Battaglia Memorial Winter Garden Library. Children ages 6 to 13 in the reading club at the Maxey Community Center were given disposable cameras and asked to take photos of people, places and things in their everyday life. Juanita Maxey was the guest of honor at a community party celebrating her 100th birthday. She received a proclamation
and a key to the city to mark the centennial occasion. Maxey was a schoolteacher for 45 years and a member of St. Paul AME Church for 69. She served 21 years on the auxiliary of the former West Orange Hospital, logging in more than 9,000 volunteer hours.
celebrity cipher
crossword
By Luis Campos
MEGA FREESTYLE 7 by Mike Graczyk, edited by Jared Goudsmit 117 “Get comfy!” 118 Beagles’ units of age 119 Famous Tchaikovsky ballet
DOWN 1 Western necktie 2 Regions 3 Decaf brand 4 Takeoff guess (Abbr.) 5 Fellow backer 6 Biblical peak 7 Digs for rock salt or gold 8 He wrote “The Bells” and “The Raven” 9 Small, for short 10 Keys in the sea 11 Conical homes
49 Restaurant where you may get a raw deal? 51 Parentheses’ shapes 53 French “Between us ...” 55 Successors 56 “Insecure” star Rae 57 Not your first strategy 59 Place to bluff or fold 62 French island near Newfoundland 64 Least aboveboard 67 Vietnamese festival 68 “I’ll take another card” 69 “And ___ final!” 70 Yale student 74 Yule fuel 75 Foreshadow 77 “Present!”
12 Bearded seasonal worker 78 “Totally!” in the movie “Elf” 84 Chicago Cub or Chicago 13 Semipro hoops org. Bear 14 Civil rights activist Bryant 86 “Eyes on me!” 15 Hard to miss
87 Philly Ivy
16 Mulligan 18 Days of rest 19 Inhales and exhales 21 Yogurt dish often served
88 “Dude, you can’t be serious”
with biryani 22 Brandish ©2026 Universal Uclick
ACROSS 1 Mountaineer’s starting point 9 College student whose schedule is booked with books 17 Musical works like Handel’s “Messiah” 19 Overcome 20 Listens sympathetically 22 “Smart move” 23 “Mighty” tree 24 Lead-in to “school” or “sale” 25 On a first-name ___ 27 “Electric” fish 28 ___-Magnon 29 Coconut-and-caramel cookies 31 Curl muscle, casually
32 Six-line stanza
63 _nglish as a _econd
87 Computer operator
34 Picnic invader 35 “Stranger Things” actress Dyer
_anguage 64 ___ Na Na (doo-wop group)
88 Dove shelters 89 ___ step (basketball move)
37 ___ Paulo, Brazil 38 Secretly loops in
65 Crude oil grp. 66 “I’d be in trouble if I
91 Guitarist’s sound investment?
40 Chow down, then get out weren’t a trained profes42 Silent assents sional!” 45 “The Crying Game” actor 71 Bit of French dressing?
93 Type of red algae 95 “Quiet!” 96 Beg
Stephen 46 Get-up-and-go
72 Biting fish 73 Mix of coffee beans
99 Parent such as Lorelai Gilmore
48 Letter-perfect 50 “Hoppy hour” brew, for short
74 Absolutely adore 76 When someone considers changing their locks?
100 Cards in wallets 103 “___ Miz” 105 Cupcake covering
52 Intimidate 54 Two ___ passing in the
79 Working bovines 80 “Anti-Elegy,” e.g.
106 Particle such as H+ 107 “Let’s call ___ day”
night 81 Seating level 58 ___board (film set slate) 82 Mechanical learning 60 James Bond’s alma method
110 Familiar, popular way to go 113 Loud New Year’s Eve
mater 61 Triage sites, for short
device 116 “Hmm, dunno”
83 Garlic-flavored salami 85 Doodled
26 Give the once-over 30 Apple computer 33 Overly 35 Forty winks 36 ___ cord (car cable you might pass) 38 Lunches that often contain onigiri 39 Pivotal moment in a fictional character’s life 40 Abrasive board material 41 Q: What do you call cheese that’s mine? A: ___ cheese! 43 Treat made by flashfreezing ice cream in liquid nitrogen 44 Tries to rush into a relationship?
90 Secretive U.S. org. 92 Med. scan 94 Single-celled life-form 97 Evening, in ads 98 Extremely excited 100 Footnote abbr. 101 Song’s early cut 102 Crooned 104 Goad, or an NBA player such as Victor Wemban-
Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
“JTSY MLY ZG LIVSXDHX ... MTXD GNI’QX L HNZSH, GNI KN JN NUXD ZSH DSKTJY. MTXD GNI’QX L RSV, GNI KN JN GNIQ HFLYY.”
QLUTLXF ONO-MLRYOXQK
“MU LWFFJX GPWF DZYJ FPXUGC LV GWV, Z’L BUZMB FU PWMSDJ ZF. ZF’C BUZMB FU TJ UA. Z SUM’F PWOJ FU GUXXV.” PWDDJ TJXXV
“XNGQGCO VFGREXKC GQ TM HNAUXGSK ZNXS UH TM RGHK. SFKXK’Q CUS KAKC N VRUQK QKVUCE – GS’Q SFK TUQS QNSGQHMGCO SFGCO G’AK EUCK.” QSKAK VNXKRR Puzzle Three Clue: O equals R
The West Orange Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees voted to purchase the 117-bed nursing home, Medic-Home Health Center, across from the hospital. Bill Love, owner/operator of the Windermere Standard Station, was offering a free lubrication to anyone who clipped his ad from the newspaper and took it to him. River Country, the newest attraction at Walt Disney World, offered many adventures, including a whitewater raft ride down a 240-foot slope, a plunge in the Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole, water slides, Slippery Slide Falls, the Play Pond and the Ol’ Wading Pool. Winter Garden Recreation Director Wayne Struble and the Klondike Center staff participated in a final summer program that included a clown party. Helping Struble were Freddie Anderson, Ted Triplett, William Green, Joyce Brown and Rhett Massey.
Puzzle Two Clue: P equals H
1976: 50 years ago
Puzzle Two Clue: T equals H
W EST O RANG E HISTO RY
OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
sudoku Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
yama 106 “Already noticed that” 107 Furniture brand that sells over 1 billion meatballs annually 108 Tropical hardwood 109 Work displayed in un museo 111 Hot Wheels car, e.g. 112 “___ Poetica” 114 Org. with taxing work 115 Gallaudet University lang.
45 Regretted 47 Exceed in height ©2026 Andrews McMeel Syndicate
09-24-26
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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
West Orange Chamber of Commerce
Celebrates Business
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Swalty Sisters’ expanded gift boutique The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Swalty Sisters’ expanded gift boutique. Located at 24 E Joiner St in downtown Winter Garden, Swalty Sisters is a unique gift boutique in the heart of Downtown Winter Garden, locally owned by two friends turned sisters. It is packed with one-of-a-kind gifts, local treasures, unexpected finds, and plenty of personality. Swalty Sisters serves up the perfect mix of sweet, salty, local and fun for everyone who visits. To learn more, visit https://www.swaltysisters.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Watermark Park The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Watermark Park. Located at 9940 Seidel Rd in Horizon West, The 5.69-acre Watermark Park is a $1.8 million neighborhood investment. Residents can walk to the park and watch their kids play on shaded playgrounds for ages 2-5 and 5-12 or stroll the paved path around the perimeter. Adults can work out with the fitness equipment. Families could have lunch at the pavilion, relax on benches by the lake and admire the open space with shade trees. To learn more, visit https://www.ocfl.net/cultureparks/parks. aspx?m=dtlvw&d=146
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 5-year anniversary of Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream Horizon West Scoop Shop The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 5-year anniversary of Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream’s Horizon West Scoop Shop. Located at 14387 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd in the Horizon West part of unincorporated Windermere, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream is a family-run business that has proudly served Central Florida. From a scoop shop to a food truck and catering services, every flavor is crafted in small batches, bringing quality, creativity, and genuine community connection to every cup and cone. To learn more, visit https://www.kellyshomemadeicecream.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Optimal Level Chiropractic The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Optimal Level Chiropractic. Located at 1921 Maguire Rd Ste 103 in Windermere, Optimal Level Chiropractic believes your body has the power to heal itself when your spine and nervous system are functioning at their best. Dr. Delinette Rodriguez combines advanced chiropractic techniques with a compassionate, patient-first approach to help you get back to the activities you love. Whether you’re dealing with chronic back pain, recovering from an injury, or simply want to optimize your overall wellness - they create personalized treatment plans designed around your unique needs and goals. To learn more, visit https://optimallevelchiro.com/.
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to 35 YEARS Bay Meadows Elementary School 30 YEARS Knox Horticulture LLC. 15 YEARS Innovation Montessori Ocoee Two Men And A Truck
10 YEARS American I.T. Solutions Inc. 5 YEARS Beads for Beats, Inc. Kingdom Culture LiveTrends Boutique Central Florida Insurance Advisors Prodalim USA Spectrum
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304
447067-1 502000-1
16A