04.27.23 Southwest Orange Observer

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D’UVA RETIRING FROM CHAMBER

Acting global

Stina D’Uva has announced her retirement from the West Orange Chamber of Commerce after 21 years with the business organization. Under her leadership as president and CEO, the chamber has grown into one of the strongest, most respected in Florida.

D’Uva has led the organization through different economies, numerous personnel changes and a multi-year pandemic. Her retirement will be official at the end of the year.

The chamber board has begun the task of searching for D’Uva’s successor.

OCOEE CLASS OF 1973 TO HOLD REUNION

The Ocoee High School Class of 1973 is holding its 50-year reunion and is looking for classmates. The event is Friday, June 9, and Saturday, June 10.

On Friday, attendees will celebrate with music, munchies and memories from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Tom Ison Senior and Veterans Center, 1701 Adair St., Ocoee. Classmates are asked to bring memorabilia. The Saturday event is from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. Cardinal classmates are asked to RSVP now to Mike Hopper, mhopper317@yahoo. com, or

Evan Fernando, a youth at St. Luke’s United Methodist, has been providing meals for people in his native country of Sri Lanka through his fundraising efforts. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4A.

Cause for alarm? Parents unsettled by increased threats at Hamlin Middle

The

Ocoee to examine election language

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Before the special election to select Ocoee’s new District 4 commissioner, members of the Ocoee City Commission on Tuesday, April 18, called for a revision of the current City Charter — and especially on the language pertaining to residency requirements to run for a board seat.

The discussion began after Ocoee resident Angel de la Portilla spoke to the commission about some concerns he had pertaining to the clarification of the written language of the charter.

“There is a lot of confusion when you read the charter,” he said. “The City Commission has the authority, vested in the charter, to appoint a charter review commission at any time as such deemed necessary by the City Commission.”

After the city elections that took place Tuesday, March 23, the commission identified some vagueness in the City Charter’s language

IN OTHER NEWS

n The Ocoee Music Festival Chick-fil-A 5K beneficiary check was presented during the meeting to the Ocoee Babe Ruth League.

related to the election process, candidate qualification and special elections.

“There are little things that you have to catch that should have been caught, but they weren’t, and that happens,” Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen said. “We need to have a facilitator (who) is qualified in municipal election policy and qualified to advice in the necessary things that we need to change in our charter.”

Currently, any person who wants to run for the any commission seat can do so as long as they are “bona fide residents of their respective districts as of the date of qualifying to run for office.”

Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson believes the language pertaining residency requirements should be reviewed.

“It’s ridiculous that you can move into (the city) tonight, and then tomorrow morning, you can sign up to run for office in this city,” he said. “There is something wrong with that, and we have to change it.”

Commissioners Richard Firstner and Scott Kennedy agreed.

“We need a comprehensive review of the charter but mainly on the election section,

n The commission recognized the Ocoee Youth Council for winning the 2022 Youth Council Video competition.

n All items in the consent agenda were approved unanimously. These included the approval of the elections services contract with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, allowing the office to open and run an unquestionable vote-by-mail ballots for the June Municipal Special Election; and the approval of the proposal for the final design and engineering services for the South Bluford Avenue Streetscape that will run from Old Winter Garden Road to Geneva Street.

n Ocoee resident Ages Hart was sworn in as the temporary District

because we found this last time a lot of discrepancies in there,” Firstner said. “I think it should be done right away: Form a commission and get a facilitator (who is) qualified.” “Expediting the charter review absolutely has to be done,” Kennedy said. “We need to better define the residency (requirements), and I think we also need to better define

4 commissioner during the Tuesday, April 18, meeting. Hart will serve as the interim commissioner for District 4 until the special election, which is currently set for June 13, takes place.

n The commission approved the annexation and rezoning of 911 Marshall Farms Road, located in the Surujlall Property, and the annexation and rezoning of Phat An Temple Inc., a property located on 413 Whittier Ave.

n The commission OK’d the first reading and public hearing pertaining to the resolution to create the Ocoee Northwest Brownfield Area. The second reading for this item is scheduled for the Tuesday, May 2, meeting.

n The commission also passed the resolution to increase the rates pertaining solid waste and residential curbside services for garbage, recycling, and yard and bulk waste collection by $1.25 per month, with the intention of

the vacancy question.”

The commission plans to discuss the appointment of the charter review commission, as well as who it will select as the legal adviser to lead the review process at its Tuesday, May 2, meeting.

The commission also postponed discussion regarding the special election to select a new commis -

creating a sanitation coordinator position that will act as the liaison between the city, its citizens and the vendor to ensure the contract requirements and customer services expectations are being met.

n The commission approved Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen as Mayor Pro Tem for the 2023-24 term.

n The commission approved the change of format for future meetings. This change includes to host public comments from citizens at the beginning of the meeting and remove comments from citizens at the end of the meeting; to limit the commissioner comments from 10 minutes to five minutes at the end of the meeting; and to eliminate city commission announcements following the adjournment of the meeting. All items were approved unanimously and will go in effect starting Tuesday, May 2.

sioner for District 4 until its next meeting. All members agreed it would be beneficial to announce it as an item on the agenda prior to making a decision on the matter.

TALL TALE:

For Ocoee resident Jason Gage, bamboo has been a lifelong passion.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Gage moved to Ocoee as soon as he was able. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, uncle and father, who also made the trek south before him.

“When I was younger, because my dad (John Gage) lived in Florida, he had bamboo and all that,” Gage said. “He had bamboo canes, so he brought those canes to Minnesota when we were kids, and we would always play with the bamboo canes, making big huge Indian tepees. It was really cool stuff.”

BAMBOOZLED For Gage, the Ocoee Bamboo Farm originally started as an experiment, one that provided many trials and errors prior to the first sale two years after the initial attempt to grow healthy and fast-growing bamboos.

“I am a very passionate person, and that just sucks me in,” he said. “I don’t only want to know bamboo. I want to know how it works and how to experiment (with it). I spent thousands and thousands of dollars experimenting — this whole farm was an experimental farm — it was experiment after experiment. Some of them failed, but that 10% of learning is what moved me ahead.”

Fourteen years ago, when Gage began to feed his passion toward the plant he adores, he wasn’t sure he would be successful pouring his heart and soul into his hobby. Today, the 20-acre farm located in the heart of Ocoee has more than 50 varieties of bamboos ready to be the new addition

Meet the man behind Ocoee Bamboo Farm

READY TO BUY?

Contact the farm by text at (407) 7774807 with a picture of the area you wish to put the bamboo in, the length of the area and city where you live. The farm will respond within minutes with what variety of bamboo would best fit the area, how many plants will be needed and pricing for the project. If for some reason you prefer email, contact the farm at jason@ocoeebamboofarm.com.

This is a shopfrom-home experience that also provides the option of installation within the state.

The farm is located at 815 Pine St., Ocoee. For more, visit ocoeebamboofarm. com.

to any homeowner’s property.

“People think they are buying it for ornamental or privacy purposes, but when they get (the bamboo), they realize that there is a new joy and excitement there that they never new existed,” he said. “I’m not talking small way, it’s a big way, for these people, this is their joy, they come home to watch their (bamboos grow).”

CLUMPING BAMBOO

The type of bamboo that Gage sells is known as clumping bamboo, which differs from the type of bamboo people don’t want in their homes — running bamboo. “Clumping bamboo, unlike running bamboo, grows in tight clusters and does not spread rapidly, making it a perfect choice for those who want a bamboo privacy screen without worrying about it taking over their property,” he said. “In addition to privacy,

clumping bamboo also makes a beautiful ornamental plant with its tall, slender canes and lush green leaves.”

Clumping bamboo creates a tall, and natural, fast-growing privacy screen, which can provide a dense barrier to block unwanted views from neighboring houses. It also can dampen loud noises and unwanted sounds such as highways, noisy neighbors and industrial noises, and can even serve as a wind barrier when needed.

“(The plant can) provide shade to people and homes, cutting down on electric bills … can soften and mask bright lights … and … is an attractive plant that adds beauty and texture to a backyard or garden,” Gage said. “Its slender canes and lush leaves create a tropical and exotic feel, making it a popular choice for landscapers.”

Aside from its decorative benefits, clumping bamboo also provide environmental benefits, such as helping

reduce the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

“It’s a reusable resource that can be used in a variety of ways, including construction, paper and textiles,” Gage said.

AMAZING GROWTH Before the bamboos are available to any consumer, the plants already have been growing at the farm for 12 to 18 months depending on the gallon size of their pots — three gallons, seven gallons or 15 gallons.

“People literally get amazed watching these things grow,” Gage said.

“They can grow one to two (feet) in height a day, so (my costumers) are going out there and counting the shoots every day and text me telling me they got this many and then they send beautiful pictures of their homes with the bamboos. ... That to me is what it’s all about.”

FAST FACTS

n Bamboos at the Ocoee Bamboo Farm can range from 6 to 80 feet tall.

n Some bamboo can hang over when they grow, and others grow straight like an arrow. n Cane widths can vary depending on the type of bamboo.

Healthy West Orange opens first off-campus HUBB

The satellite office for the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange is located at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation — Healthy West Orange Heritage and Cultural Center.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The Foundation for a Healthier West Orange has opened its first satellite office of HUBB, called HUBB Direct, in downtown Winter Garden.

Healthy West Orange representatives held a ribbon-cutting program Tuesday, April 18, at its secondary space at the city of Winter Garden’s history office, archive and research center, 21 E. Plant St.

The building’s new name is The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation — Healthy West Orange Heritage and Cultural Center.

HUBB is an online, easy-to-access database of full- and reduced-cost whole-health resources for the West Orange community. Residents can find — in one location — community-based organizations that provide much-needed programs and services in a vast arena of topics, some of which don’t have high visibility.

WHAT IS HUBB?

HUBB by Healthy West Orange is an online platform and physical resource center designed to connect residents to a variety of health and wellness services in the community. HUBB can be accessed online at healthywestorange.org/ HUBB; at the main HUBB at 1200 E. Plant St., or the new HUBB Direct at the WGHF center, 21 E. Plant St., both in Winter Garden; or by calling (407) 337-6920 to make in-person appointments. To learn more about HUBB, visit hwohubb.org.

“Every day, there are thousands of Central Floridians searching for services that help contribute to their overall health and well-being,”

Healthy West Orange officials said.

“Last year, more than 6,500 Orange

County residents used HUBB to search for various programs and activities in our community.”

The lobby of the WGHF building has been transformed into a colorful Healthy West Orange station set up with an interactive touchscreen monitor that allows access to the local programs and resources. A large image of the mascot, Westly, is situated on the wall of the WGHF office waiting for guests to high five him, take a selfie and upload it to social media with the tag #High5Westly.

Tracy Swanson, HWO foundation CEO, said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, “Building the healthiest community in the nation takes collaboration and intention, and we’re fortunate to have all that and more in West Orange.”

“We are grateful for being part of this dynamic endeavor by Healthy West Orange,” Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Director Jim Crescitelli said. “This user-friendly, super-connected resource will ultimately benefit everyone.

“We all strive to live healthy lives in today’s world, and the opportunities available to the public through this

first HUBB Direct brings us even closer to our community,” he said. “We are proud to be included among and to benefit from Health West Orange’s commitment toward the cultural organizations located throughout West Orange County, and we look

forward to nurturing HUBB.” Angela Withers, president of Nehrling Gardens in Gotha, also spoke at the ceremony. Nehrling Gardens has formed a partnership with Healthy West Orange and will serve as a HUBB Direct location.

Gotha teen feeding people in Sri Lanka

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Evan Fernando’s original goal was to feed 1,000 hot lunches to hungry people in his native country of Sri Lanka. In less than three months, the Gotha teen doubled that goal. Now, he has set his sights even higher, hoping to reach 10,000 people with a warm meal and a dose of hope.

Fernando is a member of the youth group at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, in Orlando. To help him in his humanitarian quest, the church’s SERVE ministry agreed to host a Sri Lankan fundraising lunch called Evan’s Fishes & Loaves.

The event, set for April 30 at the church, will introduce guests to authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

Although the deadline to buy tickets has passed, Fernando is hoping people still will want to help him reach his goal by making a donation on his GoFundMe page.

As of Monday, April 24, he had raised more than half of his $4,000 goal.

“A meal can give hope to the hopeless, happiness to those in sorrow and love to those who feel unloved,” Fernando wrote on his fundraising page.

His vow for 2023 is to reach out to the youngest residents of the country off the coast of southeast India.

“We call it the pearl of the Indian Ocean,” Fernando said.

FEEDING HIS PEOPLE Fernando was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 2007. When he was 8, his family moved to the United States, but he still has a deep love for his native country.

“Sri Lanka is so special to me, because the culture is so hospitable, so loving, so accepting and so inclusive,” he said.

On his fundraising page, he explained his yearning to help.

“Fast forward to the summer of 2022 — my family and I were planning to go to Sri Lanka just for vacation, to rekindle family connections,” he wrote. “Less than a month before we were planning to go, Sri Lanka’s economic crisis steepened, and the plight of Sri Lankans deepened to a

TO HELP

to the people who need it most.

“We would create a system where we would (have) trustworthy people to distribute the food and they would take obvious proof of feeding people,” he said. “We are very careful with our teams. We believe in transparency and authenticity and integrity as a whole.”

“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.”

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PUBLIC NOTICES

point in which I could not just ‘vacation.’ I could not let it be in my heart to stand back and stand by while the common person suffers. I could not live my summer vacation in luxury.

“So, less than three weeks before I went to Sri Lanka, I created the Food Packet Initiative, an initiative with a goal to feed 1,000 hot meals to people in Sri Lanka,” Fernando wrote. “This goal seemed to be impossible, but less than three months later, I was able to double that goal and raise enough money to feed around 2,000 hot meals to people in Sri Lanka.”

Fernando has remote teams in Sri Lanka that make sure the food is given

He receives photos of the children with their meals so he knows the food is getting to the right people.

“In urban areas, we do it more faceto-face,” Fernando said. “We asked sellers to create meals that were both nutritious and cheaper so we could feed more people.”

In GoFundMe updates, Fernando shared that children are being fed at the Uyana Methodist Church in Sri Lanka: 100 in December and 120 in March. Those numbers continue to rise.

“Why children?” he asked. “Because children did not ask for the Sri Lankan crisis: children did not cause the Sri Lankan crisis; and the children of Sri Lanka deserve better. The Save Sri Lanka: Food Packet Initiative strongly believes that children are the backbone of society and we will not allow children to be starved.”

Fernando said $1 equates to one meal.

“One of the key quotes I use in my campaign is, ‘When leaders fail to lead, it is those that follow that must lead in ways that those that led couldn’t,’” Fernando said.

BECOMING A HUMANITARIAN

Fernando is hoping for a career in politics. The Olympia High sophomore already has a list of experiences on his curriculum vitae: He is chief strategic officer of Students Act Now, a national nonprofit that helps children get involved in political issues; was chief innovations officer for Silverline Tutoring, an international nonprofit that gave educational resources to other countries; and had fellowship with Team ENOUGH, a youth-led gun violence prevention nonprofit. He is slated to serve as Environmental Action Club president next year.

“I’m obsessed with politics,” Fernando said. “I feel like I need to give my message to my generation: ‘Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you’re incompetent. You are unique, and you can change the world in a unique way.’”

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Brain center opens in Winter Garden

The

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Orlando Neurosurgery, the oldest and largest neurosurgical practice in Central Florida, has opened its new Orlando Neurosurgery Spine and Brain Center in Winter Garden.

The center is part of the new 23,241-square-foot medical office building acquired by Flagship Healthcare Properties. The property is anchored by AdventHealth Well 65+, a primary care practice that has five locations across Central Florida. Co-tenants of the space include AdventHealth Sports Med and Rehab, Winter Garden OB/GYN, Orlando Neurosurgery and The Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery Associates.

Orlando Neurosurgery celebrated its grand opening with its partner AdventHealth at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Dr. Ravi H. Gandhi, neurosurgeon and partner at Orlando Neurosurgery, said the center is filling a vital role to the residents of West Orange County by providing a comprehensive offering of spine and brain care treatments to serve the growing population in the area.

“We saw an opportunity; we’ve been coming to Winter Garden,” he said. “Winter Garden is a well-established community with a large number of people and then an area that has just been underserved by quality neurosurgery for a very long time, and so we thought, ‘Hey, this is a good test case to prove this model is something that patients want.’ Now, they can come and get the best care in the state in their own backyards.”

CENTER CREATION

Craig

AdventHealth’s Neuroscience Institute, said the organization had physicians that had offices in the West Orange County area that had been part of the institute for a period of years, but they were mostly part-time offices because there was not a proven need.

Three years ago, before the pandemic, Gandhi came to his office and suggested creating a walk-in spine center.

“The intent of this is to give a nextday appointment for somebody (who) needs back pain care and attention,” Brubaker said. “Our rehab — it sits downstairs, they haven’t opened yet — but our physical therapies, they’re going to have their acupuncture, pain medicine has lease space in here, we have imaging, concierge service. … Making sure that we’re treating every aspect of the patient’s needs and their busy (schedules) is important.”

The Orlando Neurosurgery Spine and Brain Center spans 2,100 square feet and houses five exam rooms with office space.

There are six staff members at the office with four doctors: Gandhi, Dr. Kelvin Wilsom, Dr. Saeed Sadrameli and Dr. Ryan Moncman.

Gandhi, who has been in his role for more than eight years, said his job has been to help modernize the customer experience, in addition to providing cutting-edge medicine. He said the Winter Garden center and flagship office, which was moved to AdventHealth’s Innovation Tower in downtown Orlando in December, are the first iterations of that concept.

Gandhi expects the new West Orange office to provide a fast and convenient way to treat patients.

“Obviously, some patients may not be able to feasibly be seen within 24

hours but they can get an appointment, they can get an answer as to what the next step is very quickly,” he said. “That is something that is different. Most surgeon’s offices, most spine-related people, you have to go see your primary care doctor, then your primary care doctor has to order an MRI. Then they get the report of the MRI, then they send you to a spine surgeon. Then you have to wait a couple of weeks to see the spine surgeon. … Here, we are going to be able to get everything done in one facility. We’re creating a one-stop shop for all of your spine and brain related care.”

Orlando Neurosurgery treats myriad conditions, including brain cancer, brain tumors, carpal tunnel syndrome, disc herniation, spinal cord injury and failed back surgery.

Gandhi said his hope is the center can prove this concept and that

patients have improved experiences so they can replicate the model in other places in the West Orange County division, such as Clermont or Apopka, and then expand to other territories.

Already, in the five weeks the center has been open, it has seen more patients than had been seen in the whole year of 2022 from Winter Garden.

BLOSSOMING PARTNERSHIP

From a young age, Gandhi knew he wanted to be a neurosurgeon.

In fourth grade when his grandfather died of a stroke, he knew he wanted to do his best to be able to prevent that for someone else.

“Patients are the focus of why we do what we do,” he said. “It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of everything that we do, but because I always remember what my family went through, what my grandfather went through, and I always think about how I can make those things better … we treat lots of patients with strokes.”

AdventHealth Orlando is ranked No. 36 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for neurology and neurosurgery. Brubaker said the goal is to be in the top 15.

Gandhi said published data shows if a patient has a stroke and walks into an AdventHealth facility, they have a 10% better chance of walking out and

a 10% better chance of surviving.

“When it comes to medicine and it comes to hospitals, I think sometimes hospitals tend to focus on, ‘How can we get people into our hospital?’ or ‘How can we basically get as many surgeries as possible?’ he said. “But I think it’s important for any medical facility, any doctor to remember that our goal and our obligation to the community and patients is to get people better. … I think that AdventHealth has done a very good job in realizing that our goal and our objective is to deliver care to patients where patients are and make things convenient and accessible.”

Brubaker said the partnership with Orlando Neurosurgery allows AdventHealth to do so many more things together to deliver whole-person care.

After an appointment, Brubaker said he hopes a patient takes away a specific experience from their visit.

“That they came into a top, affiliated, neurosurgical partners facility, received comprehensive, diagnostic care — or at least the next steps for getting their diagnostic care — and the right message about what the next steps are to alleviate their pain,” he said. “It’s efficient, and it’s easy with clear communication, and they’re back to their normal lives as soon as possible.”

Orlando Neurosurgery Spine and Brain Center will provide comprehensive spine and brain care to serve the growing West Orange community.

Turns out, the fries weren’t bottomless

The Red Robin location in Winter Garden Village will be closing its doors on April 30 after more than 10 years of business.

SIKES

ANNABELLE

NEWS

Red Robin fans have less than a week left to enjoy gourmet burgers and bottomless fries in Winter Garden Village.

Andrew Alkire, managing partner at the location, confirmed on Facebook the eatery would be closing its doors April 30.

“We will continue to look for other options in the Winter Garden area, but for the time being, come by and see our amazing team members for the great service and food you are used to,” he wrote on Facebook. “Thank you so much for supporting us and making Red Robin your go-to place for burgers.”

LEASE LITIGATION

Red Robin, located at 3310 Daniels Road in the Winter Garden Village shopping plaza, has been at the center of an ongoing lawsuit since Nov. 18, 2022, when the company sued DDR Winter Garden LLC, which owns the property, for a breach of contract.

The litigation is between Red Robin parent company Greenwood Village, Colorado-based Red Robin International Inc. and Ohio-based Site Centers Corp. subsidiary DDR Winter Garden LLC.

Red Robin’s complaint pertains to the company’s attempt to extend its original lease, which was signed in 2012.

According to court documents, the lease allegedly provided the tenant an option to extend its original 10-year term by three to five years, provided it did so by June 3, 2022.

Red Robin alleged it communicated with DDR Winter Garden staff on several occasions regarding its intent to extend the lease, even dating back to February 2022.

A countersuit was then filed by DDR Winter Garden Dec. 1, 2022.

Court documents show Site Centers sent Red Robin a letter on June 21, 2022, in which executives state that because the business had not taken action to extend its lease, the option was considered to be waived. Therefore, the lease would end Nov. 30, 2022.

Additionally, court documents, show DDR Winter Garden’s counterclaim asks for judgment for possession of the property and for damages incurred due to the landlord’s inability to deliver the property to a prospective tenant for that space.

Site Centers Director of Property Management Kerri Ryan declined to comment regarding the property or the litigation.

Although closure due to litigation has not been confirmed by executives from Red Robin, executives from Site Centers, or from either legal team,

an employee on duty at Red Robin Thursday, April 20, said an issue with the lease was the reason behind the closure.

In addition, Alkire shared the following on Facebook: “Yes we are closing, and it is not due to any fault of our team members or revenue,” Alkire wrote. “We just couldn’t reach a lease agreement with the property owner.”

Orange County Clerk of Courts records show the case is still open and pending, as of press time.

COMMUNITY CHANGES

Local resident Tracey Norton said her family always has loved Red Robin, as she and her husband grew up in Washington where the restaurant was born.

“We’ve brought all of our kids throughout the years to several Red Robin locations,” she said. “Many birthday celebrations have been there, as well just getting together with friends and their families. We will miss having a Red Robin nearer to us … my kids grew up in Winter Garden. I can’t tell you how excited I was to first hear about a Red Robin coming to town since we’ve had to drive to much farther locations here in Florida to enjoy our burgers. We were on Thanksgiving vacation back in 2012 when it first opened, but as soon as we got back home, we went! Lots of memories there; we are very sad to see it close. Fingers crossed that they’ll open another location again outside of Orlando.”

Resident Mary Seketa agreed.

“I will miss this location, because it’s the closest one to us,” she said. “I have so many memories from there over the years. It became a comfort restaurant for me and friends over time. I know everyone has been saying just go to the other locations, but it’s not the same and never will be!”

The space at WGV is marketed and leased locally by Colliers Executive Vice President Jorge Rodriguez and Vice President Chris Alders.

Although Rodriguez declined to comment on the matter, and Alders could not be reached for comment, a Colliers property flyer shows the space Red Robin currently occupies to be available.

According to court documents, Red Robin also accused the defendant of disregarding the notice to replace the eatery with a higher-paying new tenant. In addition, documents show “DDR’s counsel advised Red Robin’s counsel that DDR had secured a new tenant for the leased premises.”

The name of the possible tenant is not mentioned in court documents, but the worker on duty at Red Robin on Thursday, April 20, said they had been told the tenant is Torchy’s Tacos. With more than 90 locations, Torchy’s Tacos delivers menu items including breakfast tacos, signature tacos, chips and queso, salads, burritos, and margaritas.

Torchy’s Tacos representatives did not respond to repeated attempts seeking comment or confirmation as of press time Tuesday, April 25.

Hamlin Middle faces ongoing threats at school

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

A string of threats at Hamlin Middle School has put parents on edge.

According to information from Orange County Public Schools, three of the four threats at the school in the past year occurred in April.

The threats, which occurred Dec. 15, 2022, April 5, April 6 and April 14, all were found to be unsubstantiated, according to OCPS.

According to information from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, since the beginning of the school year, six incidents have been reported related to school threats.

The Sheriff’s Office said all were unfounded — not a credible threat — school shooting or bomb threats.

LATEST INCIDENT

The Sheriff’s Office on Friday, April 14, received information of an alleged threat at the school via the FortifyFL App, a reporting tool that allows the user to relay information to law enforcement and school officials regarding suspicious activity.

Based on the information received, there was an increased presence of school resource officers on campus. The Sheriff’s Office conducted a general investigation and determined the threat was not credible.

“We understand the community is rightfully concerned about threats of violence at our schools,” Sheriff’s Office officials said in a prepared statement. “We take these threats very seriously and will continue to work with OCPS to provide a safe and secure campus.”

Neil Williams, parent at Hamlin Middle, reached out to officials from the school district and the Sheriff’s Office on April 14, requesting information surrounding the recent threats.

“Over the last three weeks, there have been multiple reports of threats being made against our school,” Williams wrote in an email. “As a result, many parents and teachers are understandably worried about

the safety of our children. I am hoping you can provide me with more information about these threats.”

Suzanne Knight, principal at Hamlin Middle, responded to Williams by email April 14. Knight said when she sends out messages to parents communicating a threat, she shares the format as to how the threat was received and law enforcement is immediately contacted. She said the school’s SRO is an Orange County deputy who works full-time at the school.

“Student safety is our priority,” Knight wrote in the email. “All entries to the school are locked and secured. Visitors must enter the front office and are not able to enter the building without checking in and meeting clearance through our sign -in system. … In addition, OCPS has partnered with Gaggle to help support student safety and well-being when students are using their OCPS Google Workspace for education and Microsoft accounts. OCPS will use the Gaggle Safety Management solution for Google Workspace for Education and Microsoft OneDrive to proactively help ensure students are safely and correctly using schoolprovided digital tools.”

Middle, said she has kept her daughter home on the days when a threat was reported.

“I’m not really sure they’re doing much about it or taking it seriously enough … kids still go to school on those days,” she said. “The school should be shut down if there’s a threat of any kind. I called the school the day it happened and they were pretty laid back about it and would not tell me any details except that the situation was under control.”

The Sheriff’s Office said it has generated informational reports, alerted the appropriate units at the agency and more to combat the threats.

“(Because) all of the threats were found not to be credible, no further law-enforcement action was taken (like an arrest),” Sheriff’s Office officials said. “But the school may have disciplined students administratively.”

Sheriff John Mina also replied to Williams’ email April 18.

“Throughout the weekend, FortifyFL tips continued to be generated with similar information,” he wrote. “An incident report was completed. … The OCSO will have an increased presence at the school in the days to follow.”

That can mean an extra deputy on

campus, increased patrols in marked cars in the area and increased attention paid to the area by unmarked vehicles.

“There is nothing more important to me and to my deputies than ensuring our children are safe in their schools,” Mina said in a prepared statement. “I am confident in saying that in OCPS, we have some of the best trained deputies and officers anywhere. But we also rely on students, parents and school personnel to let us know about anything troubling they see or hear. I am glad

parents are engaged in school safety, and I have no doubt that our school resource deputies, with their depth of knowledge, training and experience, will continue to keep our kids safe.”

BAD FOR BUSINESS

Although the Sheriff’s Office said there has been no increase in threats district-wide, or in any particular area, some local businesses have voiced concern about inappropriate behavior by students in the area outside of school.

Jennifer Pelcher, owner of Abbott’s Frozen Custard in Hamlin, posted about several instances on Facebook.

“I really hate to have to post this, however, I feel the need to,” she wrote. “There is a group of middle school aged boys (I believe students at Hamlin Middle) that come into Abbott’s on a regular basis and harass me and my employees. In addition, they disturb my customers. This is not OK. A couple of these boys ride electric scooters. They come in and try to reach around the glass to take candy, they bang on my shop windows and they are loud and disruptive in my shop as well as very disrespectful.”

Although she said the group of about five boys has been identified and the parents have reached out to her, she is also aware other businesses in the area have encountered the boys, and she has plans to reach out to those businesses as well as the authorities.

Pelcher said she also has heard the boys have been kicked out of Huey Magoo’s and Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. She said her employees also have told her the boys are banned from Toastique and Mogee Tea.

“My thought on first steps would be for an officer to meet with the boys, perhaps have a talk with them regarding the consequences of their actions,” she said. “Some of these kids are quite young, they need to know the negative impact they are having on their community. Maybe even have them participate in some community service, picking up trash, things like that.”

“(Because) all of the threats were found not to be credible, no further law enforcement action was taken (like an arrest). But the school may have disciplined students administratively.”

Lakefront estate sells for $3.5M

An estate on Lake Butler topped all West Orange-area residential realestate transactions from April 15 to 21.

The home at 12623 W. Lake Butler Drive, Windermere, sold April 17, for $3.5 million. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 4,447 square feet of living area. Days on market: 53.

These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS

BAY PARK

The home at 5789 Craindale Drive, Orlando, sold April 17, for $649,900. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,351 square feet. Days on market: Three.

MILLIONAIRE ROW

The home at 9036 Charles E. Limpus Road sold April 20, for $683,000. Built in 1980, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,441 square feet. Days on market: Three.

PALM LAKE

The home at 8734 Crestgate Circle, Orlando, sold April 21, for $1,075,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,998 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

SAND LAKE HILLS

The home at 6457 Rockingtree Lane, Orlando, sold April 18, for $517,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,914 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

HORIZON WEST HAWKSMOOR

The home at 16286 Taliesin St., Winter Garden, sold April 21, for $597,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,372 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

The home at 8143 Graycliff Ave., Winter Garden, sold April 20, for $595,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,372 square feet. Days on market: 22.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 15179 Lake Claire Overlook Drive, Orlando, sold April 20, for $1,175,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,842 square feet. Days on market: 19.

INDEPENDENCE/

SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 15236 Evergreen Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold April 21, for $649,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,715 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.

The home at 15636 Expedition St., Winter Garden, sold April 20, for $505,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,186 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.

SANCTUARY AT HAMLIN

The home at 7590 Tangerine Knoll Loop, Winter Garden, sold April 17, for $885,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,199 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 10102 Bedtime Story Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 17, for $430,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,784 square feet of living area. Days on market: 69.

The townhouse at 13946 Title Way, Winter Garden, sold April 19, for $380,840. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,992 square feet.

SUMMERPORT

The home at 4507 Blue Major Drive, Windermere, sold April 19, for $688,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,211 square feet. Days on market: Three.

VINEYARDS AT HORIZON WEST

The home at 6870 Merrick Landing Blvd., Windermere, sold April 17, for $555,100. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,127 square feet. Days on market: Three.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 16465 Point Rock, Winter Garden, sold April 20, for $502,740. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,689 square feet of living area. Days on market: 72.

WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

The home at 14597 Black Quill Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 17, for $999,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 4,305 square feet. Days on market: Six.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 11800 Gray Rock Trail, Windermere, sold April 20, for $690,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,317 square feet of living area. Days on market: 148.

OAKLAND JOHNS LANDING

The home at 748 Strihal Loop, Oakland, sold April 20, for $582,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,522 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

OCOEE ESTHER HEIGHTS

The home at 124 Rewis St., Ocoee, sold April 20, for $340,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,212 square feet. Days on market: Three.

LAKE MEADOW LANDING

The townhouse at 1695 Terrapin Road, Ocoee, sold April 18, for $435,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,104 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

OCOEE LANDINGS

The home at 1890 Ibis Bay Court, Ocoee, sold April 17, for $595,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,641 square feet. Days on market: 49.

REFLECTIONS

The home at 1763 Sparkling Water Circle, Ocoee, sold April 21, for $464,500. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,881 square feet. Days on market: Three.

SILVER GLEN

The home at 1374 Century Oak Drive, Ocoee, sold April 18, for $785,000. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,790 square feet. Days on market: 29.

WESTYN BAY

The home at 568 Westyn Bay Blvd., Ocoee, sold April 17, for $730,000. Built in 2010, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,214 square feet. Days on market: 48.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

PROVENCE AT LAKE SHEEN

The home at 10419 Lavande Drive, Orlando, sold April 19, for $675,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,592 square feet. Days on market: Three.

WINDERMERE

LAKE BUTLER

The home at 12623 W. Lake Butler Drive, Windermere, sold April 17, for $3.5 million. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,447 square feet. Days on market: 53.

MANORS AT BUTLER BAY

The home at 2661 Stanton Hall Court, Windermere, sold April 17, for $855,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,200 square feet. Days on market: Four.

SAWYER SHORES

The home at 6620 Sawyer Shores Lane, Windermere, sold April 20, for $805,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,800 square feet. Days on market: 117.

SILVER WOODS

The home at 9456 Woodbreeze Blvd., Windermere, sold April 17, for $584,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,026 square feet. Days on market: Three.

The home at 9312 Woodbreeze Blvd., Windermere, sold April 17, for $535,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,489 square feet. Days on market: 32.

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 111 Main St., Windermere, sold April 17, for $610,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,272 square feet. Days on market: 23.

The home at 811 Main St., Windermere, sold April 19, for $585,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,398 square feet. Days on market: 94.

WINDERMERE LANDINGS

The home at 6234 Roseate Spoonbill Drive, Windermere, sold April 18, for $873,750. Built in 2011, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,664 square feet. Days on market: 119.

WINTER GARDEN

BELLE MEADE

The home at 1620 Debut Lane, Winter Garden, sold April 21, for $675,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,015 square feet. Days on market: 62.

BRANDY CREEK

The home at 1025 BJ Brandy Cove, Winter Garden, sold April 18, for $580,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,821 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

EDGEWATER BEACH

The home at 17711 Adams St., Winter Garden, sold April 20, for $495,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,062 square feet. Days on market: 50.

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 15351 Heron Hideaway Circle sold April 21, for $625,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,701 square feet. Days on market: 97.

SANCTUARY AT TWIN WATERS

The home at 16761 Sanctuary Drive sold April 20, for $760,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,748 square feet. Days on market: 165.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 2154 Oakington St. sold April 20, for $455,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,585 square feet.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Culver’s of Winter Garden

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Culver’s of Winter Garden. Located at 13649 W Colonial Dr in Winter Garden and under new ownership, Culver’s of Winter Garden genuinely cares, so every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy. Whether cooking the perfect ButterBurger® to order or scooping up their freshest batch of the Flavor of the Day, they work hard to ensure you will always leave happy. It all goes back to our small-town Wisconsin roots. They know you have a lot to do and many options to choose from, so they appreciate when you take the time to visit Culver’s. If they can make your day better - with a wholesome, delicious meal or a heartfelt smile - they’ve done their job.

To learn more, visit https://www.culvers.com/restaurants/wintergarden-fl-colonial-dr.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Horizon West Pediatrics Center

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Horizon West Pediatrics Center. Located at 5730 Hamlin Groves Trail in Horizon West, Horizon West Pediatrics Center provides exceptional medical care in a family-centered environment. They firmly embrace the concept of the patient centered medical home; a centralized location for caring for children and young adults during regular hours and outside regular office hours with their walk-in, urgent care facility located at the same address. To learn more, visit https://www.hwpediatrics.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Chain of Lakes Primary Care

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Chain of Lakes Primary Care. Located at 8976 Conroy Windermere Road in Dr. Phillips, Dr. Moss and Dr. Solomon formed Chain of Lakes Primary Care as a concierge primary-care practice, MDVIP affiliated, that also offers medical-grade skincare products and medical weight loss. They also have a mission to provide life-changing, personalized preventative care so their members can live healthier and more vibrant lives.

To learn more, visit https://chainoflakesprimarycare.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 40-year anniversary of Central Florida Treatment Centers

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 40-year anniversary of Central Florida Treatment Centers. Located at 1800 W. Colonial Dr. in Orlando, Central Florida Treatment Centers specialize in medication-assisted treatment for opioid and narcotic addictions. They have served the needs of those suffering from addiction to heroin, fentanyl, and pain medications since 1983. They understand opioid dependency and the current epidemic ravaging our communities, state and nation. Their professional medical and clinical staff consists of Board Certified Physicians, Nurses, licensed substance abuse & mental health counselors to assist their patients to a path of long-term sustainable recovery.

To learn more, visit http://cfltreatmentcenters.org.

Congratulations on Membership Milestones to:

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 55-year anniversary of Metrowest Rotary Club

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 55-year anniversary of Metrowest Rotary Club. Meeting at the Friendly Confines restaurant at 2461 S Hiawassee Rd in Orlando, Metrowest Rotary Club is a business to business networking group that also focuses on service projects within the community/communities they serve. Past projects have been constructing wheelchair ramps for the disabled, serving at UP (United Against Poverty), etc.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 20-year anniversary of Lake Meadow Naturals

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 20-year anniversary of Lake Meadow Naturals. Located at 10000 Mark Adam Rd in Ocoee and locally owned and operated, Lake Meadow Naturals has provided the Central Florida community with cage-free eggs, humanely-raised proteins, and an array of farm-made items. Come taste the difference!

To learn more, visit http://www.lakemeadownaturals.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of LavishiBrows Microblading Studio of Winter Garden’s new location

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of the new location of LavishIBrows Microblading Studio of Winter Garden. Now located at 160 S Main St in downtown Winter Garden, LavishiBrows has served Winter Garden and surrounding communities since 2017, and their new location is in a charming house of the Downtown Historic District. Owner Amanda Huss has 20-plus years of experience as a Certified Master Permanent Make-Up Artist and Advanced Licensed Medical Aesthetician. Come meet her and learn how she can help you feel beautiful and confident in your skin. To learn more, visit https://www.lavishibrows.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Imagine That Promo

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Imagine That Promo. Located in Winter Garden, Imagine That Promo has always been about more than just promotional products and apparel. They want their clients to feel good about their purchase and buy products for a marketing purpose. That’s why this year they are changing the name of Minion Media Group to Imagine Marketing, a full-service marketing firm designed to bring your ideas to life.

To learn more about Imagine That Promo and Imagine Marketing, visit www.imaginethatpromo.com and www.imagineyourmarketing.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 110-year anniversary of American Cancer Society

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 110-year anniversary of the American Cancer Society. ACS is the leading cancer-fighting organization, with a vision of ending cancer as we know it for everyone. They are the only organization working to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer. To learn more, visit http://www.cancer.org.

Congratulations on Membership Milestones to:

West Orange water polo standout Gaby Tong recently was named West Orange Athlete of the Year. She finished her last season with the Warriors with 34 assists, 58 points and 43 steals. Page 2B.

TRIPLE CROWN

The Windermere High School boys varsity lacrosse team was crowned Class 2A, District 5 champion for the third connective year after defeating West Orange High 8-4 Thursday, April 13.

For head lacrosse coach Darren Fixler, that was the most rewarding moment of the Wolverines’ 2022-23 season.

“When you play West Orange, you want to win that game,” he said. “The (boys) were very focused in the two times that we played (the Warriors)

this year. And that’s why you play games and you play sports — to win championships. And so, although it’s not the most important thing — and we try to teach a lot of life lessons in lacrosse — you’re out here to win games. So, it’s always rewarding when you can lift a trophy at the end of the year.”

With four district championship titles in the last five years — 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 — and two regional runners-up finishes in 2021 and 2022, the Wolverines boys lacrosse team has cemented itself as one of the most dominant in the area.

“I told these kids: ‘It doesn’t matter what happens in the playoffs.

When you lift that trophy, nobody could ever take that moment from you,’” Fixler said. “That trophy case will always be in there. So, when you are my age, and you come back to high school and you look at it, you’ll say, ‘Oh, those were our three district championships.’ So I try to tell them, cherish your memories when you are in high school because it goes fast.”

For senior attacker and co-captain Luke Briggs, 18, this season was a surprising one given the team lost 11 seniors to graduation last year.

“It was a big change, because we lost a lot of seniors last year, so we

SEE THERE PAGE 2B

1

Windermere High School junior

weightlifter Andres Giron was crowned state champion for the second consecutive year during the FHSAA boys weightlifting championship meet Saturday, April 15, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. With a total of 580 points in the olympic lift and 655 points in the traditional lift, Giron achieved a goal he had set for himself: Walk away with a second medal and the championship title.

2

The Horizon High School boys tennis team recently was crowned district runnerup during the Class 3A, District 13, district tournament. On the girls side, sophomore Charlize Schmidt and freshman Mariah Aguiar Cardoso were named individual district champions and qualified for the state championship meet.

3

Foundation Academy senior and baseball player Braden Holcomb recently hit his 28th career homer while playing his 100th game as a Lion.

4

The Ocoee High School flag football team became the Class 2A, District 5 champion for the first time in Knight Nation history after defeating Dr. Phillips 12-0 Thursday, April 20, during the district championship game.

The Lady Knights currently own a 12-2 overall season record and are seeded No. 2 in their district with a 5-1 district record — just behind the Apopka Blue Darters.

Windermere Prep girls basketball coach steps down

riences she got to live as part of the Lakers family with all her athletes and students.

MILLER’S ACHIEVEMENTS

2022-23

n Most success in girls basketball program history with a 17-9 overall record

n Named FACA Class 3A, District 11 Coach of the Year (first recognition for a coach in the program ever)

n Sofi Miller Named FACA Class 3A, District 11 Player of the Year (first recognition for a player in the program ever)

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

5

Foundation Academy alum and current football defensive coordinator Denzel Irvin celebrated the first anniversary of his heart transplant surgery, which took place Monday, April 25, 2022.

Irvin also was recently named the new college placement coordinator for the Lions after Brad Lord’s resignation from the position at the end of January.

After her third season leading the Windermere Prep girls varsity basketball team, head basketball coach Radhika Miller won’t be returning with the Lady Lakers to the court next year. Instead, she will head down to Sarasota, where she has accepted the head girls basketball coach position at Sarasota High School.

“My entire experience here — and moving forward — has been nothing but positive and supportive,” she said. “I truly believe that Windermere Prep helps prepare the leaders of tomorrow as students and as professionals.”

Miller said the three years she called Windermere Prep home was nothing short of special thanks to all the relationship-building expe-

“I’ve had the opportunity to build some great relationships with players and families and colleagues here and they all have been so welcoming,” Miller said. “When this position opened up, it seemed like the right opportunity at the right time for my family and (me) … to start something new and build something new. And so we did.”

LAKER LEGACY

During her time at Windermere Prep, Miller left her mark at the school. The Lakers made their first regional appearances in 2021 and 2023. They also claimed district runner-up honors all three of Miller’s seasons — 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 — and had the most success in the program during her last season with the Lady Lakers — 2022-23 — with a 17-9 overall record.

n Sofi Miller named Spectrum 13 News Athlete of the Week (first recognition for a player in the program ever)

n Sofi Miller named to the Orlando Sentinel All-Area Team (first recognition for a player in the program ever)

n Zoe Sedo scored the 1,000th point of her career (first recognition for a player in the program ever)

2021-2023

n First regional appearances in the program’s history

2020-2023

n District tournament runner-up all three seasons

2020-21

n Sofi Miller named to the Orange Observer All-Area basketball Team (first recognition for a player in the program ever)

Radhika Miller has accepted a position at Sarasota High School.

The Windermere High boys varsity lacrosse team added another district championship title to the Wolverines’ history books — its third consecutive district trophy.

Gaby Tong

West Orange High School senior water polo team wing/flat Gaby Tong recently was named West Orange Athlete of the Year. She finished her final season with the Warriors with 34 assists, 58 points and 43 steals. “It’s a huge honor,” Tong said of the award. “I was not expecting it at all, but it’s really special, because swimming and water polo are not known sports as much as football or baseball, so it’s really good to see that a (water polo athlete) got that recognition.”

Tell us about your years as a water polo player.

I’ve been a swimmer since I was 5 (years old). That’s what got me into water polo. I’ve done (swimming) for four years at West Orange, and then I just heard about water polo from a couple of my friends. (During my sophomore year), coach (Jennifer) Dailer saw me at a swim meet and said, “Hey, we could use you.” So I said, “I’ll try it.”

What do you love most about water polo as a sport?

Water polo showed me what being on a team is about. It was really hard for me at first, because the whole communication and working with other people, I had never done before. But I learned to love it, and it’s just nice to be able to celebrate things with the team. … And some of the pressure is taken off, because you do all of the things together.

What do you believe water polo has taught you not only in the pool but also out of it? It’s taught me to adopt a leadership role and making sure everyone is leaving everything out of the water, and when you get in the pool, you are just focusing on the game.

Do you have a favorite drill at practice?

We have a game called “Pairs,” and you have a partner and you have to have one good pass. Then if you catch it, you can score. There (are) no rules … and then if you score, you are the goalie until the next pair scores.

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team?

By being a mediator to everyone. I try so stay out of things and keep it chill and calm, and just try to put the team above everything else. Keep everything out of the water.

THE BASICS

Age: 17 Sport: Water polo

Position: Wing or flat

Grade: Senior School: West Orange

What would you like to study in college? Biomedical sciences. I hope to work somewhere in the medical field; I’m not exactly sure where yet.

Where would you like to go to college? University of Florida.

What is your favorite aspect about being a part of your team? When you get out of the water, we all are really good friends.

What’s your favorite hobby?

Hang(ing) out with my dogs — Kai, Tags, Coco — and with my sisters — Vivy and Karyna.

What do you like to do on the weekends? My mom loves antiquing — it’s not my favorite thing to do — but it’s something we do as a family.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? My dogs because I can’t live without them, a blanket and my sisters, because I feel they’d be pretty good about surviving.

What’s your favorite movie?

“Encanto.” I love that movie, I know every single song. My favorite message from it was that you don’t need powers or to be the best at everything to have worth.

What TV series are you watching right now?

“Love is Blind.” It’s a thing with my sisters. We watch it together, and then we get together and talk about it.

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?

China, because that’s where my grandparents are from and I’ve never seen that part of my culture. Somewhere snowy, like Alaska, and maybe New Zealand.

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why?

I watch “Bridgerton,” and I love their dresses, so I would go back to the 1800s. Not to live there, but I just want to see their dresses and everything and the royalty. I think that’d be so cool.

What color represents your personality?

Pink. Even if I’m not happy all the time, it makes me appreciate happiness.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?

A dolphin, so I can swim in the ocean — I love swimming, obviously — and I just love to feel the water. When I get in the water, it’s so serene, and it blacks out everything, and it’s just me in the water.

‘There was no quitting’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

didn’t know how our team would do (this season),” he said. “And then, we saw the group of guys, we went out there, we got it, and we ended up being a pretty good team this season.”

Adapting to a new offensive team altogether and having many new players on the team this year also played a huge part in the team’s success, according to junior defense Max McGonnell, 17.

“Adapting is always a little scary, because you think, ‘I don’t know what we are going to do. We just lost those players. I don’t know how we are going to be good again,’” he said. “But I think once we stuck it out in (our) long practices trying to get these guys better and coach them up as much as you can, then eventually (we all) rise to the occasion and get better.”

Unfortunately, the Wolverines recently exited the postseason play after losing to Viera High School 7-6 Wednesday, April 19.

“Everybody wants to go further,

and I obviously wanted to go further,” McGonnell said. “But holding that district championship trophy is something special, and I’m hoping to get it next year too.”

For senior defense and co-captain Alex Garcia, 18, this season is bittersweet; he won’t play another game alongside the team that saw him grow into the person he is today.

“When I was a freshman, I remember coming here to Windermere, and I really didn’t know my path,” he said. “The coaches and the program developed me off the field, (kept) me a good person, developed me as a man and (have really helped me grow into a better) person off the field and keeping right in school. And then, that kind of picked up on the field and it just made me more fundamental, because of what my off-the-field habits were.”

This year, the team is losing its entire starting defense to graduation — about 11 more players — so the team will soon enter a reloading phase to continue its success.

“There (are) guys (who) can step in to take that leadership role,” Fixler said. “People want to beat us when they play us now, because we’ve made a pretty good name for ourselves in lacrosse. … We got to just try to keep the expectations. Like we always say, ‘The first goal of the year is to win districts, and then everything after that is gravy, so we want to lift that first trophy and then you never know what could happen in the playoffs.”

The one word Garcia would describe his team this year: resilient.

“There were times when you go down against some really good teams, and you just didn’t quit,” he said. “We’d be down by a couple of goals, and there was no quitting. We kept fighting back, kept grinding. No one pointed fingers, and I think that’s what brought us so far (this season). … Even when people were hurt or not knowing what they were doing, they were just fighting and working — a resilient team that wouldn’t give up.”

Miller leaving Lakers

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

However, for her, the legacy she hopes she left ingrained in the hearts of her players is not one that can be measured in numbers.

“I would like for my legacy here at Windermere Prep to be kind of similar to what my coaching philosophy was when I started coaching,” Miller said. “I’m a very defenseoriented coach, so that would be based upon a legacy of hard work, putting in the hours and commitment to your goals, structure, discipline and just fighting hard for … what you want to achieve.”

During her years with the Lakers, Miller — along with the support and collaboration of the athletic department at the school — was able to increase the number of girls who are interested in trying out for girls basketball and making the team.

“We have a solid middle-school program now; we have a solid high school program; and I just see that continuing,” she said. “We even have some kids who are playing travel ball in a program. So, I’ve seen the interesting girls basketball here doubling, tripling, in the last three years. That makes me so happy, because I know that I’ve shared the love and the passion I have for the game.”

That love started when Miller was in third grade. She recalls playing with her two older brothers — Bryan and Chris Miller — back in her hometown of Crossville, Tennessee.

“I grew up with a basketball in my hand,” she said. “So, besides my parents, basketball was my best friend growing up; it (has always) been a part of me. I was able to channel so much of my competitive edge and enthusiasm and energy through the sport, and so it became a huge part of my life. Then it continued through college and into my own family.”

As she grew up playing through middle school and high school, Miller moved on to play at the collegiate level for two years at Northwest-Shoals Community College in Alabama and later at the University of North Alabama. That was when Miller realized she had found her lifelong passion: education.

“I knew immediately that my playing career was over, but I had to stay involved,” she said. “I wanted to continue to share the passion I had for the game and the love I had for the game of basketball — and just educate young people. And so, it was an easy decision for me to get involved in education, get involved in leadership. … I always consider myself more than a coach,

because you are (both), a teacher and a coach.

“So, I’ve always taught in the classroom — whether it’d be history, government, health and wellness — and then I’ve also coached,” Miller said. “It was easy for me to make the career choice. Once I finished (college), I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and I always will. … The impact and the blessed opportunity that you have in that position can change life, and I think that’s, overall, probably the biggest blessing that I’ve been given in coaching, is the ability to impact and changes lives.”

Miller’s last day with the Lakers will be the last day of school. Then, come summer, she and her family will relocate to Sarasota to start a new chapter of their lives.

“I’ll definitely miss the students and their families here, the support I’ve had from them, as well as my colleges... (because) they became my family when I moved here from Tennessee,” she said. “I will miss that because I’ve developed a great support crew here. … I will definitely miss the relationships (even though) those relationships will continue no matter where I am. But I’ll definitely miss the interaction that I had over the past three years with all the families and the players and my colleagues here.”

Ocoee faculty, students meet on

hardwood

The Ocoee High School teaching staff defeated the student body 30-28 in the first staff versus students basketball game Wednesday, April 19. According to Athletic Director Bill Alderman, Principal Lisa Karcinski was “one of the top performers with (nine) points in the staff victory.” Staff and students gathered at the gym to enjoy snacks and refreshing drinks while watching their classmates and teachers face one another on the basketball court. The school hopes this game will be the first of many that will provide the students a fun atmosphere to create lasting memories with their high school teachers.

ASHLEY STEPHENS, FOUNDATION ACADEMY

Ashley Stephens has taught second and third grade for several years at Foundation Academy’s Lower School Plant Street campus, and this year, she is teaching STEM across multiple grade levels.

“I love my job because I get to teach out-of-the-box thinking and problemsolving using the engineering design process as well as help students grow in their team-building and communication skills,” Stephens said.

“She does an amazing job,” said Jacquelyn Conover, Lower School principal. “The students love having her as a teacher. She brings STEM alive for the students. She also does a math help class during the week. She is kind and encouraging to every student.”

What brought you to your school?

We moved near downtown Winter Garden several years ago and had heard wonderful things about Foundation Academy. I started teaching here four years ago, and my daughters started attending the same year.  What do you love most about your school?  One thing I love about teaching at FA is being surrounded by educators who have the biggest hearts for their students. As a faculty, we support (one another), learn from (one another) and are truly a family. As a mom of students at FA, I have been so happy with the education my children have received as I have watched them grow under the wings of so many wonderful teachers.

What is your motivation?

My motivation is definitely my students. My passion as a teacher is for every student in my classroom to know that God made them on purpose, for a purpose, and to believe that they all have strengths that can be used both in the classroom and in the world.

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

My favorite teacher was my high school music teacher, Mr. Weber. He directed both the choir and band and also ran our traveling music team. He was willing to work with any student regardless of how much experience they had and helped so many of us grow as musicians. You could always tell he loved his job and his students.

REPORT CARD

POSITION: STEM teacher TIME AT SCHOOL: Four years

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the progress students make throughout the year, achieving things they once thought impossible. I also love building relationships with my students. I have a place in my heart for each one of them, even after they leave my classroom. It always makes my day when a former student stops me to say hello.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

When I was in kindergarten, I knew that one day I wanted to be a teacher and never wavered from that.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

I love “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” It has bright illustrations, a fun story line and a surprising ending that kids love.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy using the trail near our house for walking and running, and I love to read. My daughters and I also like baking together on the weekends.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

I love music, and it would be very hard for me to just choose three artists. One artist that stands out to me is Lauren Daigle. She is a wonderful singer and role model and is someone my daughters and I enjoy listening to together.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student?

I was a peanut butter-andjelly fan and loved Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies. Even though I was able to make my own lunch, my mom considered packing my lunch a gift she could give me every day and did it all the way through my last day of high school.

What is your favorite holiday?

I enjoy creating traditions for holidays, and my favorite traditions are probably on Thanksgiving. ... On Thanksgiving night, we give our girls something we call a “Christmas box.” It has their Christmas PJs, hot cocoa mix, candy canes and a new ornament for the tree. They wear their Christmas PJs that night, and it is our way to kick off the Christmas season.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why?

My best friend growing up was Meredith, and we have been friends since first grade. She lives in New Jersey, and we still talk frequently.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student?

I accompanied the choir and traveling music team in high school (my husband sang on the same team) and played timpani. I received first place for piano in a national private school music competition and received a piano scholarship for college.

TFA head of school celebrates 20 years

regulation court, and a kitchen and lunchroom.

For The First Academy’s Dr. Steve Whitaker, 20 years as the head of school have flown by.

Whitaker joined the TFA team in 2003 after a request from Jim Henry, the senior pastor of First Baptist Church at the time and the lead of the school’s search committee.

Whitaker said as soon as he and his family spent time in Orlando and were able to learn about the community, he knew it was the right place for them.

Throughout his journey, he said, a special Bible verse has become his compass: Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

“If you have your priorities right and you’re focused on things that are eternal, not things that are temporary, then life’s going to go pretty well for you,” Whitaker said. “That’s kind of what centers me and keeps me going in the right direction...the role of faith in my journey of servant leadership is essential. It’s the essence of all that we do here.”

EDUCATION JOURNEY

Although education was never a professional path Whitaker saw himself pursuing, after graduating from college, a friend shared the high school his wife worked at had unexpectedly lost their basketball coach and history teacher, and he wanted to know if Whitaker was up for the challenge.

Whitaker worked at the school for a year before moving on to a school in Jupiter, Florida, where he worked as a teacher and a dean of students. He then served as the

high school principal at the school for about six years.

Before coming to TFA, Whitaker served as the head of school at Whitefield Academy in Kentucky, where he had been for more than seven years.

Whitaker never thought he would be at TFA for as long as 20 years, but said he knows “God’s plan is always better than our plan.”

“I tell people that as long as I’m still having fun, I’m going to keep going,” he said.

Whitaker’s role lies heavily with building a team of leaders to carry out a vision that is developed with constituents. He compares it to being similar to a leadership coach or running a business. He equips, encourages and provides resources for the five levels of school at TFA: Lower, Middle, Upper, Classical (hybrid homeschool) and The First Hope (unique abilities program). Although people typically stay serving for about five to six years in

head-of-school positions, Whitaker said what continues to spark his passion is the people he serves both with and for.

“Great people who have believed in the school and have said, ‘We want to come alongside you and do something special,’” he said. “I’ve always felt like if you have a team of people that want to do something significant, you can get so much more done than if you were to try and do it yourself.”

TFA IS FAMILY

Whitaker said one of the biggest changes he has seen in his 20 years is that when he started at the school, most of the academic programs were all in church facilities. Over the years, TFA set out on a path to build new facilities so the school could grow and expand. During his tenure, the school has built and renovated numerous buildings, including the middle school, a field house with an NBA

Another memorable moment for Whitaker was about 12 to 13 years ago, when 60 students were in Haiti for a mission trip and they got stuck there during the earthquake. TFA was able to rescue the children and bring them home to safety through the resources provided by the school community.

Whitaker said the TFA school community is like a family.

“In families, none of us (is) perfect, right?” he said. “We’re all growing together. None of us (has) a perfectly intact set of gifts that we use, but when we all come together as a family, significant things happen.”

In addition, the academic programs have achieved many awards throughout the years, such as becoming a Blue Ribbon School. However, there is more to the story than just tangible rewards.

“Probably on the peak of all that is when you see students who may have gone through a family struggle, maybe they’ve gone through an emotional struggle, and through the incredible teachers that God has brought into their lives, they begin to see their sense of purpose and what God is calling them to do,” he said. “They begin to understand who they are as being made in His image, and their life becomes transformed by the power of the gospel and the people who are around them.”

In addition to seeing the students grow, Whitaker has seen his three children – Amanda, Stephen and Caleb – graduate from the school. He said his children made the journey even more joyful, as did his wife, Tricia, who he fondly refers to as the most supportive teammate, friend and caring spouse imaginable. He said she’s been a friend, confidante, wise counselor and faithful encourager.

Ocoee Fire Department hosts open house

The Ocoee Fire Department returned with its annual open house event Saturday, April 22. Family, friends and neighbors were able to interact with and meet members of the local city of Ocoee department. The open house included food, vendors, games, raffle prizes, station tours and inflatables.

CAROLYN “SUSIE” MURPHY DIED APRIL 13, 2023.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Carolyn “Susie” Murphy, a caring wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend to many. Susie passed away on April 13, 2023, at her home in Winter Garden.

Susie was born to William and Imogene Michels on Feb. 3, 1946, in Olney, Illinois. She grew up in Bluford, Illinois, and attended Webber Township High School.

Susie married Harrell Murphy on March 5, 1990, and they shared many wonderful years. She found comfort in reading the Bible and spent many hours with her beloved Terrier Yorkshire, Princess.

Susie is survived by her devoted husband, Harrell Murphy; her daughter, Kimberly Mullins; two stepdaughters, Lisa Frana and Debbie Clark; and two stepsons, Michael and Greg Murphy; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Jack Michels, and his wife, Martha, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Susie’s memory will be cherished by all those who knew her. She touched the lives of so many people, and her legacy will live on through the memories she created.

Olympia graduate featured in new film

experience and has made a lot of new friends.

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Olympia High School graduate Evan Bialosuknia made history as Florida’s first transgender Homecoming queen in 2021.

Now, Bialosuknia is the subject of a new documentary, “Evan Ever After,” which was screened at the 2023 Florida Film Festival.

“Evan Ever After” is a short documentary directed by Ariel Mahler and Radha Mehta, both of whom are preparing to graduate from the American Film Institute as directing fellows. Both screenings of the film sold out, and since the start of filming, Bialosuknia has been a guest on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and featured as a NextGen leader in TIME Magazine.

ENJOYING THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

Since graduating from Olympia High, Bialosuknia has moved to Boca Raton to attend Florida Atlantic University for business management. Bialosuknia was the first transgender person at the school to pledge and be accepted into a sorority.

Marnie Bialosuknia, Evan’s mother, said watching Evan’s growth has been challenging but also amazing.

“As a parent, you want your child to be happy, but the truth is they have to learn to make their own happiness, so you kind of have to give them tools to figure out how to be happy,” she said. “For me, my whole thing is I want my child to be safe, and I want my child to be accepted. As a parent, it is still scary. There are things we had to think about that maybe others don’t when selecting a college.”

Evan has been enjoying the college

“Honestly, I’ve just been trying to focus on myself — have more self respect and just spread the positive vibe, not just on the outside but also on the inside when I’m alone,” Evan said. “Sometimes, that positive energy is like a mask, and it used to be.”

Since starting to transition, Evan said the positive energy has been easier to maintain.

“I’ve definitely blossomed more as the person I am, and I gained a lot more confidence and have been a lot happier mentally,” Evan said. “Obviously, there are still points where I’m down. There’s still times that are hard, and there’s still things that happened before that happen now that are never going to not happen. You’re all in your head, but it’s all in your heart for how you decide to handle it and what you do to make the best of it. It’s not a choice, so you have to push through.”

Despite the many highs, Marnie Bialosuknia said there are still challenges.

“The biggest thing is maintaining her mental health and making sure she’s taking care of herself and doing all the things she needs to do to be feeling good on the inside and not just presenting to the world that everything’s wonderful,” she said.

Marnie Bialosuknia explained she thinks it is important to state Evan’s experience could be different than a lot of other transgender people and she recognizes Evan comes from a place of privilege not all people have.

“Not only does she have a family with two parents (who) support her and a brother and a sister, but we also have insurance that gives her the opportunity to continue on with her transition,” she said. “Not every trans person has that, and I think that that has a big impact on her happiness.”

‘EVAN EVER AFTER’

Marnie Bialosuknia said the idea of a documentary was never in her realm of possibilities.

“Your kid says, ‘I’m going to run for Homecoming queen.’ And I’m going, ‘Oh my God, this is going to be a nightmare; I mean, this is not going to end well,’” she said. “That’s what I was thinking. While Evan is so positive, I’m very untrusting.”

Mehta, who is bicoastal and has a home in Windermere, said she reached out to the family after seeing Evan’s story go viral.

“I just felt like these are good people,” Marnie Bialosuknia said. “I knew they were going to take care of it and they’re going to present the story in the right way.”

Mehta said she did not want to just share the story from the perspective of an ally but wanted Mahler, who is transgender, to help direct it. She recommended they bring on cinematographer Leo Behrens, who also is transgender.

“I feel like all of the different avenues this film explores between the two of us and our own experiences helped us capture Evan’s story really well,” Mahler said. “I am always wanting to air on the side of almost underexplaining the trans journey, because to me, I know that, and I’ve seen it a million times. But Radha brought in the very healthy and necessary perspective that a lot of people haven’t seen it and do not know what it means to transition or what the journey is like. I think we reached this really beautiful middle ground.”

After connecting over phone and

‘EVAN EVER AFTER’

WEBSITE:

Zoom calls, Mehta, Mahler and Behrens traveled to Florida during winter break 2021 to begin filming.

The crew stayed at the house for multiple days and collected more than 30 hours of footage, cut down to about 15 minutes by editor Jiye Won.

“Having other trans people on the film was wonderful for my family, because my other children had never met any trans people before,” Marnie Bialosuknia said. “It was difficult, because it was a new experience, but it was the best experience.”

The directors are continuing to tour the festival circuit, and their hope is to win a jury award at other Oscar qualifying festivals so they could be considered for a possible Oscar win if the film called for it.

MOVING FORWARD

Evan said the purpose of the film is not to persuade or to change people’s opinions but rather show people who are in that position that life-changing things can happen in an instant.

“If you just put yourself out there and be friendly and have that positive energy with the right people, you can be happy and have a normal life, and you don’t have to feel like you’re different or mistreated,” Evan said.

Evan’s last surgery is scheduled for May 2024 in San Francisco.

“The narrative that is coming out is just completely false,” Marnie Bialosuknia said. “No doctor that I’ve called is performing surgery on a child. Most of them won’t even see you if you’re under the age of 18. … (And) not all trans women want this opportunity; everybody has their own experience that’s true to them.”

Marnie Bialosuknia said she hopes other young trans people who are struggling see the film and see they can overcome the negatives.

“None of this was going on when Evan first started her transition,” she said. “It’s horrific. ... It infuriates me. ... It makes me embarrassed to live here, and it makes me not want to be in this state. … It’s scary, because Evan was a minor when she started transitioning, so based on the legislation today, it would mean, ‘Guess what — you can’t do that. You have to stop.’ If that had happened, I wouldn’t have a kid.”

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First

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God

Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah

241 N. Main St., Winter Garden

Sunday: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM., 4PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org

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

Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com

Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135

Services: 9 AM Traditional

10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando

13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661

Sunday Service: 10:05 AM

Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Saturday Service: 6 PM www.purposechurchorlando.org

But Wait ... THERE’S MORE!