052120 SWB DIGITAL EDITION
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
LAST CHANCE TO ENTER THE THAT’S MY DAD! PHOTO CONTEST ... PAGE 12
West Family
Law Group
Richard D. West (left) and Adam R. Sackrin
of West Family Law Group help families
during their most uncertain times.
HOME & GARDEN
A WILDCAT CARAVAN
When you want it SOLD
Darrell Nunnelley
BROKER
407-467-8069
For Sale
Lake Down
Windermere
Vacant Lot * No HOA * Bring Your Builder
For Sale
638 Duff Drive
* Gated Community *
4 Bed * 4 Bath * Game Rm
Theater * Inlaw Suite
Under Contract - Multiple Offers
10972 Bayshore - Lake Down
For Sale
1828 Tumblewater
Brookestone
* Gated Community *
* Solar House*
Huge
Game Room
Updated Interior
501 Main Street – Windermere
Local Office
DarrellSells.com
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x 3
4 x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOW TO .......................................................................................... 5
Update Your Home
ON THE SUBJECT OF ......................................................................... 6
The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season
IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ............................................................... 8
NEWS & BUSINESS BRIEFS .............................................................. 10
SOUTHWEST SEEN ......................................................................... 12
Share the Love Tour
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE ................................................................. 13
West Family Law Group
SCHOOL NEWS SEEN .................................................................... 14
Whispering Oak Elementary School
SOUTHWEST ORLANDO HOME & REAL ESTATE ................................ 15
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD ....................................................... 22
SOUTHWEST SERVICE DIRECTORY ................................................... 22
$
2 99
Meatball Marinara
271 West Rd
Ocoee
1569 E Silver Star Rd
Ocoee
2468 S Maguire Rd
Ocoee
8894 W Colonial Dr
Ocoee
May 21, 2020
Vol. XXXIV, No. 14
PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER
Rick V. Martin
VICE PRESIDENT
Yvette Martin
MANAGING EDITOR
Lisa Sagers
Cold Cut Combo
13530 Summerport
Village Pkwy
Windermere
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Lauren Salinero
7315 SR 535
Windermere
FREELANCE WRITER
Leona Braun
Limited time only at participating restaurants.
Additional charge for Extras. Plus applicable tax.
No additional discounts or coupons may be applied.
Prices and subs included may vary. Delivery available in
select areas. See Subway.com/delivers for details.
Subway® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP LLC. © 2019 Subway IP LLC.
Black Forest Ham
Spicy Italian
Also includes:
Veggie Delite ®
15504 Stoneybrook
West Pkwy
Winter Garden
1001 S Dillard St
Winter Garden
Now delivering with
P.O. Box 851
Windermere, FL 34786
407-351-1573
www.southwestorlandobulletin.com
The Southwest Orlando Bulletin is published semimonthly by
Cornerstone Publishing & Multi-Media LLC. No material may be reproduced
without written permission. Subscriptions are available in the U.S. and Puerto
Rico for $25.56 per year and in Canada for $31.80 per year. For foreign
surface mailing, add $20 per year.
Neither the publishers nor the advertisers are responsible or liable for
typographical errors, misinformation, misprints, etc., unintentionally contained
herein. All letters received become the property of Cornerstone Publishing &
Multi-Media LLC and may be reproduced and edited without consent.
©2020/Cornerstone Publishing & Multi-Media LLC
CIRCULATION
Robert Barlow
MARKETING CONSULTANTS
Madeline DeVito
407-351-1573, option 1
mdevito@kearneypublishing.com
Michelle Oakes
321-277-3467
michelle
@cornerstonepublishinggroup.com
It’s fair to say that lately we’ve
been spending more time in our
homes than ever before. With the
stay-at-home order in effect and
most outside sources for entertainment
closed, I’ve been staring at the
same walls for months. One thing
I thrive on is change. Since I’m not
planning on moving any time soon,
there are only so many ways I can
change my environment without committing
the time and money to a full
renovation. Luckily, there are several
ways to make significantly noticeable
changes around the house that
don’t require a general contractor.
One of the easiest ways to change
the look of your home is with paint.
Even if you aren’t changing the color,
a fresh coat of paint immediately
spruces up a room. For the adventurous,
try creating a bold focus wall
or use different paint techniques for
a unique finish. Think beyond your
walls by painting cabinets, the garage
floor or even old furniture. Take
an old coffee table and side tables,
dining room chairs or outdoor furniture
and give them new life with
chalk paint. The stressed look is still
very much in style. You don't have
to get it perfect — making it a great
project for newbies. In fact, it looks
better if you don’t.
Have you ever noticed how outdated
the fixtures in your home can
appear? It could be doors, hinges,
door and cabinet handles, light fixtures,
overhead fans, the list goes
on. I often find myself being drawn
to these seemingly small elements
in the house that could benefit from
replacements. There’s something so
satisfying to me about getting rid of
HOW
Updating a room doesn’t have to mean
spending lots of money.
old brass hinges and handles, and
replacing them with stainless steel.
It’s pretty satisfying on the wallet,
too. There are so many different options
out there for these elements, the
choices are endless.
Light fixtures and overhead fans
can also be replaced with something
more suited to your style. Whether
you go for geometrically shaped
hanging lights, recessed lighting,
palm leaf ceiling fan blades, crystal
or wood, you can find a fixture that
suits your style and literally brightens
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x 5
TO ...
Update Your Home
Simple Ways to Freshen Your Space
by Lauren Salinero
up or cools off your room. Replacing
overhead fixtures is fairly easy. Just
make sure you turn off the power before
handling wires, and follow the
instructions that come with your new
fixture.
Maybe it isn’t the inside lighting
that you want to update, but the light
coming in through the windows. If
you’re tired of looking at the same
standard miniblinds, update your
windows with fresh curtains, curtain
rods, shades or blinds. Wood or
faux wood shutters are a huge upgrade
to plastic miniblinds that will
automatically elevate your style.
Create a clean no-curtain look or
frame them with a tasteful set of curtains.
A classic set of white sheer curtains
allows light to filtrate the room,
or ward away unwanted brightness
Thank Youto all
eXp Realty Orlando
with blackout curtains that match
throw pillows or a rug.
For a more significant change, invest
in some new pieces of furniture.
Perhaps not the cheapest option,
buying a new piece of furniture can
be a great investment to update your
home. Last year, I upgraded a wornout
couch with a new sectional, and
my living room has never looked better.
Take some time to think about the
functionality of each room in your
home. Is this an entertaining space
or somewhere just for the family?
Are you looking to relax or be productive?
The furniture in your home
should reflect and enhance each
room’s overall purpose.
Making upgrades to your home
can freshen your space while giving
you a productive activity to do.
Get the entire family involved for a
fun weekend project. Whether you
are painting the walls or replacing
a faucet, a trip to your local home
improvement store will give you
access to everything you need, including
advice from experts and creative
ideas if you get stuck. ª
my friends and neighbors for voting me
a Best of Southwest Realtor for the 6th year in a row!
Visit our site today to:
• Find a Home with real time MLS property search;
• Request a Free and Fast Home Valuation;
• Use the Mortgage Calculator to prepare for monthly expenses;
• Request a Free Buyer or Seller’s Guide;
• Learn about the Rent-to-Own Program;
• Stay current with local real estate trends;
• And so much more!
Esther Pelissier, ARPN-BC
Esther Pelissier
6 x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
If the coronavirus, stay-at-home
orders and social distancing are not
enough for Central Floridians to contend
with, we now have to add the
2020 Hurricane season to our lists
of things to worry about. Yes, come
June 1 through Nov. 30, we have to
pay close attention to news sources
or watch the Weather Channel to
see what is happening during this
year’s hurricane season.
This year, forecasters are predicting
a very active hurricane season
(see image). Last year, we were
glued to the news about the onset
of Hurricane Dorian, which was
a Category 5 storm predicted to
head straight toward Central Florida
and the Orlando area. However,
Hurricane Dorian headed for the
Grand Bahamas instead and stalled
there, leaving us to wait for days to
see where it would go next. Florida
lucked out, but the Grand Bahamas
was not so lucky — 84 deaths and
$4.68 billion in damages.
So far in 2020, the sea surface
in the Atlantic Ocean is at an
above-average temperature, and
ON THE SUBJECT OF...
The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Hurricane Season Begins June 1
by Andy Phillips, Agent State Farm Insurance
7608 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando • 407-354-1320 • andy.phillips.kraa@statefarm.com
Named Storms
Hurricanes
Cat 3 or Greater
predictions are that it will be well
above by the time June 1 gets here.
This means that we could see more
2020 2019 Actual
16 18
8 6
4
3
hurricanes coming off the coast of
Africa, and the storms could intensify
more rapidly.
The following is a list of some
things you should consider doing between
now and June 1:
• Since you are already in the
mode of stocking up on essential items
for the coronavirus, do the same for
the beginning of hurricane season.
Make sure you add flashlights and
batteries to your previous list.
• Take a look at your homeowners
or renters insurance, so you are
fully aware of your coverages before
hurricane season arrives. If you
have any questions, call your insurance
agent. Pay particular attention
to your hurricane deductible. It is
difficult to change once hurricane
season begins.
• In case a hurricane does strike
Central Florida this year, make sure
you have an evacuation plan in
place if you choose to leave or it’s
mandatory to evacuate your home.
Everyone is under stress with
COVID-19 currently; however, preparing
now for the 2020 hurricane
season will help to eliminate
stress to accomplish last-minute
preparations. ª
Beth Moffett, RNFA
When all this is over you
deserve a makeover!
Face the world again looking better than ever.
FREE CONSULTATION
As the most experienced injector in
Orlando, Beth will work closely with you
to customize an anti-aging treatment
plan to meet your individual goals in a
comfortable setting.
Book Online at
NaturallyYouOrlando.com
30+ YEARS
EXPERIENCE
12139 S. Apopka
Vineland Rd.,
Lake Buena Vista,
FL 32836
863-604-6021
Jan V. Karlin, M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
With over 40 million Americans unemployed
and 20 million small businesses or more at risk
of failure as they rack up losses due to closures
and layoffs, businesses and consumers alike, at
no fault of their own will default on loans and
other debt obligations. America was not built on the principal of shutting down
because of wars, pandemics, or any other disaster. Unfortunately, because of this
unforeseeable pandemic, we were forced to shut down our country and are just now
feeling signs of reopening. The financial impact of this shutdown is going to fall
upon the people, not the government. Small businesses especially will struggle to
keep staff on the payroll as their revenues collapse.
Like it or not, our country is about to face financial difficulties and businesses
and individuals will be forced to file bankruptcy. It isn’t easy to file bankruptcy and
start over but it is going to happen; for many it will occur sooner than later. The
sooner this reality is accepted, the sooner financial futures will restart.
Initial Grief
Following any crisis, acceptance is the last concession we make. Catastrophic
events cause a chain of emotions beginning with disbelief, then denial, anger, hope,
reflection and finally, acceptance. Don’t wait for the government’s guarantees of
false hope. You need to financially protect your own family. If you are forced
to file bankruptcy, remember that there is nothing shameful about the process.
Bankruptcy laws were put into effect to give a chance at a Fresh Start.
Consider Your Alternatives:
• Debt Settlement by striking an agreement with creditors to pay less;
• Debt Consolidation through a personal loan;
• Selling Assets such as coin sets, guns, antiques, or even your home;
• Credit and Debt counseling.
Bankruptcy Can Be A Fresh Start
by: Kristen M. Jackson / Attorney
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x 7
If you are unable to find an alternative, you should seek legal advice for options
about bankruptcy.
Don’t Go It Alone
In times of crisis, when grief, stress and emotions are already running
high, you need the most experienced allies you can find. If bankruptcy
appears imminent, a bankruptcy lawyer can advise you on the most prudent
courses of action to preserve your business and personal assets and protect
your long-term financial interests. Because bankruptcy laws are complex, the
counsel and support of an experienced lawyer is essential to avoid losing assets
unnecessarily.
What Will Happen To Me?
Nothing harmful is going to happen. You will not go to jail because
America does not have debtors’ prison for not paying bills or filing bankruptcy.
What will happen is your debts will be wiped out with certain exceptions, giving
you a chance to rebuild your credit and pay your normal living expenses.
Road To Recovery
Remember, bankruptcy provides a new financial beginning, and you need
not be ashamed if you have no other alternatives. Financial sacrifice due to this
Covid-19 pandemic is not your fault and if you believe bankruptcy may be your
only course of action, you should consult an experienced bankruptcy lawyer
to protect your interests to give you and your family the
Fresh Start you deserve.
Legal Areas of Practice
By our Team of
Attorneys
Administrative
Advance Directives
Bankruptcy
Business
Buy / Sell Contracts
Commercial
Contracts
Corporation
Criminal
Employment
Estate Planning
Family Law
Guardianship
Litigation
Last Wills
Medicaid
Powers Of Attorney
Pre-Nuptials
Probate
Real Estate
Special Needs
Title & Closings
Trusts
Trademark
Estate Planning
Wills, Trusts, Probate, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives,
Pre-Need Guardians, Trust Administration, Pet (Animal) Trusts
Probate
With or without a Last Will, in order to obtain assets, pay debts and taxes
and distribute remaining assets to the heirs or beneficiaries, the deceased’s
estate requires the assistance of an attorney to manage the court supervised
administration.
Corporation & Business Law
Contracts, Start-ups, Purchase or Sales, Corporations (Inc.), Limited Liability
Companies (LLC’s), Trademarks, Copyrights, Franchise Agreements
Real Estate
Closings, Title Insurance, Sales & Purchases, Leases, Contract Review,
Contract Preparation
(407)363-9020
www.JacksonLawPA.com
Offices: Orlando
Credit Cards Accepted
Kristen Jackson
Attorney At Law
8 x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
n Dr. Phillips
Tori Torres of Dr. Phillips played
Gibbon/Lindsay in Assumption
College’s production of the 2012
Broadway revival of Godspell. Tori,
a member of the Class of 2020, is
a political science major and philosophy
minor; one of Assumption’s
Vocal Scholars; the current president
of Chorale; and a member of the select
a cappella chamber ensemble
Voce, which means “voices” in Latin.
She also performed as one of the
narrators in the college’s 2018 production
of Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat.
n Oakland
The Committee of One Hundred of
Orange County, a charitable organization,
donated funds to the Oakland
Police Department to assist with the
department’s purchase of ballistic
shields and vests. The equipment will
better protects officers in the field.
“I would like to thank The
Committee of One Hundred for this
IN YOURNEIGHBORHOOD
The Oakland Police Department receives
a donation to allow for the purchase of
ballistic shields and vests to better protect its
officers.
generous gift and their charitable
support to the men and women of
the Oakland Police Department,”
said Oakland Police Chief John
Peek. “This donation will go a long
way to help modernize and protect
our personnel should they need to
respond to extreme situations and
encounters.”
n Windermere
compiled by Lauren Salinero
Kalen Wright, a Dr. Phillips
High School Class of 2011 alumna,
graduated from the University
of Louisville School of Medicine.
She will begin a residency in emergency
medicine at Harvard Medical
School’s Massachusetts General
Hospital and Brigham and Women’s
Hospital next month. Kalen looks
forward to the diversity of cases
and fast pace of the ER. She thanks
the Disney Scholarship Program for
helping her to obtain chemistry and
biology degrees from the University
of Kentucky. Kalen’s proud parents
are Keith and Donna Wright of
Windermere.
n Winter Garden
Windermere
resident Kalen
Wright
graduates from
the University of
Louisville School
of Medicine.
Officials of the Orange County
Bar Association presented annual
professionalism awards to three
women in the legal profession.
One of the honorees was Winter
Garden resident Keshara Davis
Cowans, Esq. Keshara received
the Lawrence G. Mathews, Jr. Young
Lawyer Professionalism Award. She
is the EEO/equity and title IX officer
of Orange County Public Schools
and previously served 11 years as
Save $761. *
Combine Home & Auto.
Andy Phillips, Agent
7608 W Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
Bus: 407-354-1320
Andy.Phillips.kraa@statefarm.com
Save money and time when you combine your home and auto insurance.
Just another way I’m here to help life go right.
CALL ME TODAY.
1601489
*Average household savings based on 2015 national survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm ® .
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company
State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company
Bloomington, IL
counsel for The Florida Bar. Keshara
was recognized for her volunteer
work with the Teen Parent Education
Program.
U.S. Naval Logistics Specialist
3rd Class Quinn Koller of Winter
Garden was assigned to the amphibious
assault ship USS America
(LHA 6). He assisted with cargo
during a replenishment at sea with
fleet replenishment oiler USNS
excellence in accounting, business
administration, economics and finance,
management and marketing.
It takes its name from the initials of
the Greek words that signify wisdom,
honor and the pursuit of meaningful
aspirations.
n Et Al
Southwest resident Nikhil Reddy
earned an R.J. Knobel Scholarship
from the Robinson College of
Business at Georgia State University.
The R.J. Knobel
Scholarship was established
upon Roland
“Knob” Knobel’s retirement
in 1985, after
teaching at the institute
since 1970. This
award is given to MHA
students based on academic
performance
and to recognize those
who have achieved
distinction through professional
and community
activities.
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x 9
and continue to plan for future events,
including safety and protective procedures.
In an effort to support the
Rotary Club
of Lake Buena
Vista member
Jeff Calvert
(left) presents
a $500 check
to Freddie
Clayton,
president of the
Orlando Union
Rescue Mission.
community during the coronavirus
pandemic, the club donated $500 to
Orlando Union Rescue Mission.
Although we try to ensure that all information presented above is the most current, correct and dependable
available, we do rely on others for the source of our news. Therefore, the Southwest Orlando Bulletin and
Cornerstone Publishing & Multi-Media LLC cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information presented
here, nor does mentioning it constitute an endorsement. In Your Neighborhood news is welcome and may be
mailed to P.O. Box 851, Windermere, FL 34786; or emailed to Lauren@kearneypublishing.com. ª
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vincent E. Zline
Winter Garden resident and U.S. Navy Logistics Specialist
3rd Class Quinn Koller moves cargo on the ship’s port
aircraft elevator during a replenishment at sea.
John Ericsson (T-AO 188) and dry
cargo and ammunition ship USNS
Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11).
America, flagship of the America
Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st
Marine Expeditionary Unit team,
was operating in the 7th Fleet area
of operations to enhance interoperability
with allies and partners and
serve as a ready response force to
defend peace and stability in the
Indo-Pacific region.
Winter Garden resident Sarah
Simpson, a senior majoring in business
administration at McKendree
University, was welcomed into
Sigma Beta Delta, an international
society in business, management
and administration. Sigma Beta
Delta honors students for scholastic
Several Southwestarea
residents were
initiated into the Honor
Society of Phi Kappa
Phi, the nation’s oldest, most selective,
collegiate honor society for
all academic disciplines. They include
Florida State University students
Emily Logan of Southwest
Orlando and Windermere
residents Jessica Beasom,
Kathryn Crowell and Lauren
Diaz; Windermere resident Sally
Murrell of Texas Tech University;
and Winter Garden residents
Quinn Corbett of East Carolina
University and Allison Donley of
the University of North Florida; and
Windermere resident Caroline
Price of Troy University.
Rotary Club of Lake Buena
Vista has conducted its meetings
through Zoom in lieu of in-person
gatherings. Members are hopeful
SWIM LESSONS
REDUCE RISK OF
DROWNING BY 88%*
DROWNING IS THE
LEADING CAUSE OF
ACCIDENTAL DEATH
IN CHILDREN 1-4
YEARS OLD.**
*National Institutes of Health **U.S.
Centers for Disease Control
Safety First Swim School
teaches children as young as
six months old how to roll on
their back and float in case they
accidentally fall into water.
call 321-236-0240 ext. 5
visit www.safetyfirstswim.com
268293
10 x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
n Shepherd’s Hope medical
appointments available
To best serve the medical needs
of the uninsured, Shepherd’s
Hope is providing by-appointment,
face-to-face care for urgent medical
needs at its West Orange Health
Center. It is also offering telemedicine
appointments in English or
Spanish; however, Shepherd’s Hope
is not a COVID-19 testing or treatment
center.
Community partners helped the
nonprofit obtain the necessary safety
equipment and fixtures to comply with
COVID-19 protection requirements
issued by the Centers for Disease
Control, the health departments of
Orange and Seminole counties, and
other authorities. ABC Fine Wine &
Volunteers are ready to assist patients at the Shepherd’s Hope West Orange Health Center.
and
For more information, please call the professionals 407-345-1191
at John E. Russi, CPA, PA immediately to learn more about this program.
NEWS & BUSINESS BRIEFS
compiled by Lauren Salinero
Spirits donated 10 plexiglass screens,
which were installed at the Winter
Garden Health Center reception
and treatment areas. AdventHealth
has provided financial support. Along
with Orlando Health, they both continue
to partner with Shepherd’s Hope
in patient care. Supporters have also
donated to the nonprofit’s
critical needs fund.
“The generosity of spirit
and support of the Central
Florida community is truly
amazing,” said Southwest
resident Pam Gould,
president and CEO of
Shepherd’s Hope. “People
all over our community are
helping us provide medical
treatment to the most vulnerable
men, women and children
in our community. They
are also helping us expand
our services to continue to
meet the increase in acute
care needs, keeping these patients out
of the already-strained hospital emergency
rooms.”
Under-insured and uninsured people
can contact Shepherd’s Hope
at 407-876-6699, ext. 221, for
condition assessment and eligibility.
Information is also available at
www.shepherdshope.org.
n He touched the lives of
thousands
Harry Robert Bumba, aka
Santa, who brightened Christmas
Harry Robert Bumba, aka Santa, dies at the age of 79.
for many children and adults, was
laid to rest by his family and friends
on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.
Well-known throughout the Southwest
Orlando community, Harry portrayed
Santa Claus for many local businesses,
including the Loews Portofino
Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando for
12 years; Orlando Health Dr. P.
Phillips Hospital; Beverly Hills
Jewelry, Watch & Loan; and Dave
Duffy’s Christmas parties. He was
loved and cherished by many people,
including his parents, John and
Eva Bumba; his wife, Barbara
Becker of Orlando; his children,
Beth Sullivan (John) of Winter
Garden and Edward Bumba of
Orlando; his grandchildren, T.J. and
Megan Sullivan of Winter Garden;
and of course, his two dogs, Taffy
and Shadow. Harry leaves behind a
legacy that touched the lives of thousands
and brought cheer to many. In
lieu of flowers, the family requested
donations be made to the Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
n Resource for families with
special needs kids
Nathaniel’s Hope, a nonprofit
operating since 2002 and one of
nine organizations tapped by the Tim
Tebow Foundation as a “Shine On”
partner, provides free resources, training
and education; and Buddy Break
respite programs, a series of special
events and plenty of encouragement
for special needs (VIP) kids, their families
and caregivers throughout North
America.
To provide extra support to VIP
families during this critical time,
Nathaniel’s Hope produced a series
of free programs, including
a recently launched
virtual online version of its
traditional “Buddy Break”
brick and mortar respite
program, which operates
in 32 states throughout
the nation. Fun activities
to engage VIPs are now
available in digital format
for families to enjoy together
in the comfort and
safety of their homes. The
virtual Buddy Breaks are
available at www.youtube.com/
watch?v=u0RcdhUHBAY&t=1300s
and www.nathanielshope.com.
In addition, Nathaniel’s Hope
has produced a host of downloadable
activities and materials to keep
VIP kids entertained, along with resources
for parents and caregivers,
through its website and social media
pages.
n Firehouse Subs meals for
local heroes
Local Firehouse Subs franchisees
Scott Anthony and Don Davey
partnered with the Firehouse Subs
Public Safety Foundation to donate
more than 300 Firehouse Subs meals
to feed health care workers and first
responders who have been going
without warm meals during this time.
They have donated meals to doctors,
nurses, police officers, firefighters
and staff at AdventHealth Hospital in
Apopka, Deland Police Department,
Orlando Police Department,
City of Altamonte Springs Police
Department, Orange County Fire
Rescue Station 36, Osceola Regional
Medical Center, Solaris Healthcare in
Subs Public Safety Foundation partnered
with Firehouse Subs restaurants
to feed health care workers
and first responders on the front lines
of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well
as individuals and families in need
and seniors who are unable to leave
their homes. People also can donate
to support the relief efforts online at
www.firehousesubsfoundation.org/
donate/.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Following the announcement of
Gov. Ron DeSantis initiating Phase
1 of the safe, step-by-step plan for
Florida’s recovery, West Orange
Chamber of Commerce
President and MetroWest resident
Stina D’Uva declared west
Orange County open for business.
“If we are smart and follow all of
the safety protocols, we will be
able to get to Phase 2 sooner,” she
said. WOCC builds partnerships,
strong businesses and commitment
to the community by serving as
the leading business advocate in
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x 11
photo courtesy of WOCC
West Orange Chamber of Commerce President and MetroWest resident Stina
D’Uva (center) and team members Tracy Solly (left) and Krista Carter declare west
Orange County open for business. ª
Your health and safety is our top
priority. Please visit our website at
WWW.WINDERMERESMILES.COM
for our advanced safety protocols.
And a BIG THAIMK YOU to all the frontline workers who
helped keep us safe these last 2 months.
AMERICA STRONG!!!
Scott Anthony and Don Davey, local Firehouse Subs franchisees, partner with
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to deliver Firehouse Subs meals to Orange County
Fire Rescue Station 36, as well as other police, firefighter and health care organizations.
Ocoee, AdventHealth in Kissimmee,
Orlando Health in Winter
Garden, and Nemours Hospital.
Through the foundation’s COVID-19
Disaster Relief Fund, the Firehouse
Central Florida, facilitating opportunity
to nearly 1,000 member businesses.
For more information about
WOCC, call 407-656-1304 or visit
wochamber.com.
Emilia Godoy-Rapport
D.M.D.
(407)909-1097
401 Main Streel, Suite A, Windermere, Fl 34786
12 x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
SOUTHWEST
SEEN
Cornerstone Hospice teams have been visiting local hospitals,
assisted living facilities and nursing homes to express their
appreciation to staff members and support personnel for the
patients and/or residents. Dubbed the Share the Love Tour, the
caravan recently visited the Orlando Health campus in Ocoee,
including a stop at the Orlando Health Center for Rehabilitation.
#AmericaWorksTogether
Send us your favorite photo — old or new — of you
and your dad. (Don't worry, we'll return it!) The best
ones, as judged by our editorial staff, will win your dad
some great prizes from area businesses. Even if you don't
win, your picture could appear as an honorable mention
in the Southwest Orlando Bulletin. Don't delay! All
photos must be received by May 27 for a chance to
appear in our June 18 issue.
Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, email address, your
dad's name and your dad's neighborhood. Feel free to include any additional
information about the photo. You and your dad must reside in Southwest
Orlando. Professional photos will not be considered.
Submit online at www.southwestorlandobulletin.com
To submit photos, email lauren@kearneypublishing.com
2018 Winner 2019 Winner
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x 13
West Family Law Group
A Collaborative Approach to Family Law
Life’s journey has many stressful
situations. Moving to another state,
losing a job, marriage planning and
divorce are among those which create
the most emotional stress. Luckily,
there are experts for advice and support
in such times of uncertainty.
When it comes to family law,
West Family Law Group has the
expertise needed to help navigate
the emotional experience of separating
from one’s spouse. Attorneys
Richard D. West and Adam R.
Sackrin empower their clients by
giving them facts and the options
they need in order to focus on a positive
outcome for all concerned.
The firm is a boutique marital and
family law practice that advocates for
their clients’ rights and for their best
interests. Richard focuses on customtailored
solutions for restructuring
families. For more than 35 years, he
has participated in high-profile cases,
litigating financially complex and
high-asset divorces. He is board-certified
in marital and family law by The
Florida Bar and a fellow of both the
American Academy of Matrimonial
Lawyers and the International Academy
of Family Lawyers.
This year, Richard was named
a diplomate of The American
College of Family Trial Lawyers. The
American College is a select group
of 100 of the top family law trial lawyers
from across the United States.
It was formed in 1993 to bring together
some of the best trial lawyers
in America, practicing sophisticated
and complex family law and matrimonial
matters both domestically and
abroad, ranging from the dissolution
of marriage (divorce), paternity, alimony,
child abduction and domestic
torts. Diplomates, all of whom are
members of the American Academy
of Matrimonial Lawyers, are chosen
based on their recognized litigation
skills and courtroom abilities.
Adam received his Juris Doctor in
2013 from the University of Miami
School of Law and is currently working
on his board certification. He
also received the 2020 Elite Lawyer
Award from Elite Lawyer. According
to their website, this award is given
to the most outstanding and experienced
lawyers who can meet or exceed
a demanding criteria. Adam is
a native of Miami and sees Richard
as a mentor and an admired friend.
“Richard has a wealth of knowledge
and experience,” Adam said.
“He is a walking encyclopedia of
Florida family law. He is available to
consult with me and shed his wisdom
on every case we accept.
“Richard handles both domestic
and international cases with complex
family holdings and closely
held businesses. I provide support
on those cases while also managing
my own robust caseload of custody
and timesharing disputes, original divorces,
paternity actions and modifications
of existing judgments.”
West Family Law Group is a pioneer
in the practice of collaborative
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
law, which resolves family differences
without going to court. By focusing
on settlement, not conflict, and
without a trial, the parties maintain
control of the outcome. Families can
move on with life faster and avoid
the financial and emotional expenses
of litigation. A collaborative case
is generally less expensive, quicker,
more confidential and achieves a
more desirable result than traditional
divorce litigation. Richard was
one of the first attorneys in Central
Florida trained in collaborative law.
“We believe the collaborative approach
is the future of marital and
family law in the United States,” he
said.
If a person wants to retain control
of decisions affecting the restructuring
of a family’s emotional and financial
future, a collaborative decision
may be the most desirable way to
go. Collaborative settlements make
successful divorces. Ninety percent
of Richard’s cases settle amicably
outside of court.
When a divorce does go to court,
there are many concerns which West
Richard D. West (left) and Adam R. Sackrin take a team approach to family law at West Family Law Group.
Family Law Group can help a client
consider and resolve. These include
alimony, child support, custody and
timesharing with children. The attorneys
also handle enforcement and
modification actions.
Richard has extensive experience
in drafting and litigating pre- and
postnuptial agreements. When thinking
of getting married, it is important
to learn what legal rights and
obligations are created that affect
a person’s financial future. The firm
can give clients that education and
discuss whether a prenuptial agreement
is appropriate.
Richard and Adam believe in a
team approach to helping their clients.
“We work with only the most qualified
and experienced financial and
mental health professionals in order
to help our clients through this difficult
experience,” they said. “An educated
client is our strongest ally.”
West Family Law Group is located in Suite 130 at
7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. in Orlando. For more information
or to schedule a consultation, call 407-425-
8878 or visit westfamilylawgroup.com. ª
14 x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
NYC Dance Company, Bloque 45, Publix Supermarket
at Plantation Grove Shopping Center, The Big Cheese
Truck, and Westbrooke Elementary’s PTO.
School News
SEEN
Since students couldn’t come to school because of
COVID-19, the teachers and staff members of
Whispering Oak Elementary School decided to go to
their students. To show their love and support for each
other, the teachers and staff decorated their cars and
drove through students’ neighborhoods. The children
returned the gesture by making and holding up signs
while waving as the cars drove by.
#AmericaWorksTogether
Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate | May 2020 | 1
A Starter Home
Wish List
Preparing to
Sell a Home?
The State of Home
Improvement
Home & Garden
©Simon Simaan/407-558-1396
Available in Isleworth
6300 Deacon Circle, Windermere
2 | May 2020 | Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate
A home is one of the biggest purchases
and sales people will make
in their lifetimes. Selling is typically a
well-thought-out decision. According
to the Zillow Group, sellers spend
about seven months on average
thinking about their decision to sell.
It also states that 62% of sellers own
their homes for 10 or more years before
selling. That’s a decade or more
of memories within the walls of your
home. Getting it ready for a new
family and making sure your home
sells for its top value can be a challenge,
but there are steps you can
take to show your home at its highest
potential.
• Create curb appeal. First impressions
are important. The first
in-person view a buyer has of your
house is while pulling up to the curb
or into your driveway. This can make
or break a buyer’s impression of your
home. Make your landscape appealing
by keeping the lawn mowed,
bushes trimmed and all flowerbeds
neat and weed-free. Pay special attention
to the front door area, as most
buyers will pause here while their
Realtors open the door. Sweep away
cobwebs or unsightly bug areas. Even
power-washing the driveway, walkway,
front porch and roof turns a drab
appearance into a sparkling one.
• Depersonalize. As difficult as
it may be, you have to take a step
back and stop thinking about your
house as yours. You want buyers to
be able to imagine themselves living
in the home, which means removing
any personal items. Take down
cute knickknacks, family photos or
anything else that makes potential
buyers feel like a visitor instead of
DON’T MISS OUT
ON FUTURE ISSUES!
Delivered
to your
mailbox
or inbox.
407-351-1573
www.southwestorlandobulletin.com
Preparing to Sell a Home?
Tips for Showing Your House at Its Best!
by Lauren Salinero
Most people begin to draw conclusions about a home as soon as they pull up to it, so curb
appeal is a must for a quick, stress-free sale.
a potential owner. No matter what
your personal tastes are, remember
that you want your house to appeal
to as many people as possible.
• Paint. According to the Zillow
Group, 36% of sellers paint prior to
selling. It’s one of the easiest ways to
freshen up your home. When choosing
a paint color, remember to keep
it neutral. Though you may love that
teal color on the walls, it is hard for
potential buyers to look past colors
that don’t match their tastes. Light,
neutral colors will appeal to the most
people while also making rooms appear
large, bright and airy.
• Declutter. If you are still living in
your home, you’ll want to rent a storage
unit and declutter as much as
possible. Remove all oversized furniture
that may make rooms appear
smaller than they are. Remember,
you want potential buyers to visualize
their own furnishings in the
space, which is easier to do without
all of your personal items in the way.
Don’t be tempted to fill up your closets
and storage areas. Buyers want
homes that have plenty of storage,
and a messy closet looks small and
unappealing. Clear out anything
from the home that isn’t essential.
• Stage with purpose. You’ll want
to use the furniture and items that
you do keep in the house to show
off each room to its best advantage.
Make sure each space has a purpose.
If you have a spare room that
isn’t used for anything in particular,
consider turning it into an office,
playroom or guest bedroom. The
idea is to show buyers the potential
in the home. To appeal to the majority
of people, try to distance yourself
emotionally from the house. Walk
through room by room, pretending
that you are seeing it for the first
time, and make any adjustments you
may notice.
• Make minor repairs. If there is
anything in the house you’ve been
meaning to repair but haven’t gotten
around to — leaky faucets, squeaky
hinges, damages to the walls, etc.
— now is the time to fix it. Not repairing
minor fixes makes your
home look older and less cared for.
It gives the impression that you didn’t
keep up with the maintenance while
living there, which is a red flag for
buyers. They will likely doubt your
upkeep on major issues, like the roof
or AC unit, if small repairs aren’t
taken care of.
• Clean, clean, clean. If you’ve
ever thought your house was at its
cleanest, think again. Now is the
time to clean your home like you’ve
never cleaned before. You’ll want to
deep-clean carpets, dust every inch,
wipe down floorboards and scrub
tile grout. If you feel overwhelmed,
don’t hesitate to call in a professional.
Residential cleaning companies
are well-versed in how to get a home
spotless for a sale. Don’t forget the
smell test. The way your home smells
is just as likely to influence a buyer
as how it looks. If it smells like pets,
is stuffy or stinky, buyers will be put
off no matter how great the house
looks. There’s a reason why baking
cookies before an open house is a
favorite trick of Realtors everywhere;
it gives the house a homey, comforting
smell. You can also use essential
oils, candles or wax melts to infuse
an inviting scent of your choice.
• Take photos. Though in-person
first impressions have been mentioned
before, the true first impression
happens before a buyer steps anywhere
near your home. According
to The National Association of
Realtors, 87% of homebuyers who
used the internet during their home
search found photos very useful. The
pictures you post of your home can
mean the difference between potential
buyers contacting their Realtors
to view the home or moving on to
the next listing. If you can, have a
professional take photos. Some
Realtors even offer photos as part of
their service to sellers. If you take the
photos yourself, make sure you have
good lighting and take clear photos
of each room and the outdoor
areas. Consider including a virtual
tour. In today’s digital age and with
strictures of social distancing, many
buyers appreciate the virtual experience
of walking through a home
before taking the time to view it in
person.
Although other factors — like location,
style and size of the house,
and price — play pivotal roles in
buyers’ decision-making, when preparing
your home to sell, show it
at its absolute best, and buyers will
imagine themselves turning your
house into their home. ª
When we’re young, many of us
dream about living like the “king and
queen of our castle” — residing in a
big, bountiful, mansion-like home in a
coveted community. While that grandiose
vision may eventually come to
fruition for some, the reality is that the
first home most people end up buying
likely comes with some compromises:
perhaps a smaller footprint,
fewer amenities or a neighborhood
that may not be our first choice.
Clovered officials recently conducted
a study (details at tinyurl.
com/clovered19) to find out what
is on the starter home wish list for
most. The following are among the
key findings:
• The ideal size is 3,320 square
feet for millennials, 3,311 for
Generation X, and 2,949 for baby
boomers.
• The top-three ideal home styles
are, in order: modern, ranch and
Victorian for millennials; and ranch,
modern and Victorian for Gen Xers
and boomers.
• The ideal number of bedrooms
and bathrooms, respectively, is 4.2
Starter Home Wish List
Features That Matter Most in a First Home, by Generation
by Erik J. Martin
and 3.3 for millennials; 4.1 and 3.2
for Gen Xers; and 3.7 and 3.1 for
boomers.
• The top-rated factors when buying
a starter home are affordability
(ranked tops by 75.1%), low crime
rates (70.5%), proximity to work
(45.2%), climate (40.3%) and geography
of the area (39.7%).
• The most-valued starter home features
are central A/C (62.7%), a private
backyard (61.9%), storage space
(53.5%), ample natural light (50.4%),
hardwood floors (39.5%) and a separate
laundry room (40.3%).
The difference between the perceived
acceptable starter home cost
and the actual starter home price
is highest in Massachusetts (where
starter home costs are $86,811 higher
than anticipated), Washington
($69,854 higher) and California
($51,689 higher); and lowest in
Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate | May 2020 | 3
Ohio ($5,928 less than expected),
Texas ($3,353 less) and Michigan
($3,171 less).
Janelle Thomas, a real estate
agent, says most of these findings
align with what she sees in the market
nowadays.
“Today’s starter homes are often a
matter of taste and expectation,” she
said. “In many cases, starter homes
have evolved into more functional living
spaces that have been updated
for style as well as the current needs
of today’s families.”
Given that starter homes are typically
purchased by younger buyers
(especially millennials), it’s essential
for these home shoppers to set realistic
expectations based on what they
can afford.
“Most buyers of average-priced
starter homes in my market will not
find the central air or private laundry
room that they desire,” says Jeremy
Zucker, an agent. “I constantly remind
buyers that they need to stick
to their budget and keep their housing
expense at a maximum of 35%
of their monthly gross income. This is
important so that buyers don’t stress
out about their upcoming mortgage
payment and can ideally save money
for other goals, like renovations,
retirement, college savings and
more.”
Zucker stresses that, instead of
wish list amenities like a decked-out
kitchen, private backyard or hardwood
floors, first-time buyers should
prioritize quality construction and
a desirable neighborhood with low
crime and reliable services.
But if you can afford it, a wellequipped
first home that you won’t
need to fix up soon after moving in
can be a smart purchase.
“Many millennials are staying in
their starter homes longer and looking
for a turnkey residence,” says Alison
Bernstein, president of a real estate
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
4 | May 2020 | Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate
RULES
OF
MODERN
TM
INVESTING
#1
#2
ASK YOUR BROKER QUESTIONS.
ASK YOUR BROKER MORE QUESTIONS.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
firm. “They don’t want to be spending
their weekends picking out faucets or
remodeling their home.”
Kyle Wallace, CEO of Wallace
Group/Keller Williams Realty in
Franklin, Tennessee, finds this latter
trend troubling.
or be looking for luxurious amenities
and features. And they need
to keep timelines in perspective —
no purchase is worth being ‘house
poor.’”
For these and other reasons,
Thomas recommends considering a
condominium, townhome, duplex or
other residences within a new/newer
#3
IF YOU DON’T LIKE THEIR ANSWERS,
ASK MICHAEL.
Visit Schwab.com/Questions to learn more
Michael Wytiaz, CFP ® , Financial Consultant
Windermere Independent Branch
4848 S. Apopka Vineland Rd, #204
407-909-0485
schwab.com/windermere
The Charles Schwab Corporation provides a full range of brokerage, banking and financial
advisory services through its operating subsidiaries. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles
Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab), Member SIPC, offers investment services and products, including
Schwab brokerage accounts. Its banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank (member FDIC and
an Equal Housing Lender), provides deposit and lending services and products.
©2020 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Member SIPC.
(0917-739) SCH1484-7 (2/20)
When buying your first house, a wish list can help you decide what you need in the home
and what you’re willing to compromise on.
“Many first-time buyers aren’t willing
to put in the sweat equity like
previous generations, often due to a
mix of demanding jobs and lack of
know-how with fixer-upper projects,”
he says.
Consider that, on average, most
homeowners remain in their properties
for only about seven years,
“and that number is even lower for
first-time buyers,” Wallace says.
“So first-timers should not expect
subdivision as a starter home, if you
can afford it.
“Being in a building or subdivision
can offer a good start for first-time owners,
and builders often have attractive
buying options that buyers may not get
with an existing older home,” Thomas
says. “This also allows you to live in a
community that is required to be wellkept,
which will aid in selling quickly
when it’s time to move.”
©CTW Features ª
Pressure Washing
Drainage Solutions
Lightning Damage
Locate Valves
Wire/Valve Issues
Timers/Rain Sensors
Moving/Adding Heads
Sprinkler Maintenance Program
Pre/Finish new Pools/Patios
Landscaping
Residential & Commercial
Since 2005
Licensed & Insured
IRRIGATION
The Water Conservation Specialist
Joseph A. Kelly
407-433-3233 • 407-433-3234
www.sparklingjak.com
E: info@sparklingjak.com
Judging by the numbers, this
country continues to have home improvement
fever. Consider that an
estimated $326 billion was spent on
remodeling in 2019, according to
the Joint Center for Housing Studies
of Harvard University data — down
from a record $425 billion spent in
2017, but still no small amount.
Of course, some states spend
more on residential upgrades than
others. Curious where your home
state places among renovation dollars
paid in 2019? Fixr.com has
gathered a list (details at tinyurl.
com/fixr112019) based on data provided
by the National Association
of Home Builders. While some of
the top states aren’t surprising, others
are. Among the findings:
The 10 biggest spenders are: (1)
California ($20.2 billion spent); (2)
Texas ($14.2 billion); (3) New York
($12.9 billion); (4) Florida ($11.8 billion);
(5) Pennsylvania ($9.8 billion);
(6) Illinois ($9.2 billion); (7) Ohio
($8.3 billion); (8) Michigan ($7.8
billion); (9) New Jersey ($6.7 billion);
and (10) North Carolina ($6.0
billion).
The bottom five spenders are
Wyoming, D.C., and Alaska ($400
million each), Vermont ($500 million),
and North Dakota ($600 million).
Most states are expected to
spend between $1 billion and $5
billion. The top-spending states are
also those where the construction industry
is booming.
Nearly 31% of homeowners make
improvements in each state. This
growth in home improvement spending
is likely due to a rise in median
income levels and the fact that many
owners are opting to stay put and
upgrade versus buying a new home
with upgrades already built-in.
Yuka Kato, an industry analyst
at fixr.com, says the main takeaway
here is obvious: More highly populated,
urban and developed states
have higher rates of expenditure
than others. Yet, she didn’t expect
the wide divide in spending between
many states.
“Given the cost of living in
California, it makes sense that it
would come in above the others,”
she says. “But the rate of spending
The State of Home Improvement
Where Does Florida Rank on Home Improvement Spending?
by Erik J. Martin
Effective planning is the key to an effective renovation.
outstrips other states so much that it
was a little surprising. I’m going to assume
it has something to do with the
cost of living and how urban or rural
areas are. Take New Hampshire
and Massachusetts, adjacent states
with similar climates and styles of
architecture. Massachusetts is much
more urban and developed than
New Hampshire, and the spending
on home improvement in the former
is much higher than in the latter —
$5.5 billion versus $1.1 billion.”
Realtor Amanda Bettencourt
says these results lined up with her
expectations.
“I think if we were to look at the
states where the population is investing
more into home renovations, we
would also find a connection with
increased pay compared to other
states,” says Bettencourt.
Even though officials of the Joint
Center for Housing Studies of
Harvard University expects remodeling
activity to decelerate this year,
others predict a continuation of big
spending on home improvements
across the nation.
“More consumers have built up
equity in their homes and are able
to draw it out for home improvement
Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate | May 2020 | 5
projects today,” says Realtor Maria
Holland. “Today, consumers want
their upgrades now, without waiting,
and they want it to look like
what they find on the internet or
HGTV.”
If you’re planning a renovation
project this year, prepare carefully
and crunch the numbers.
“Ask yourself: How are you going
to fund these improvements — by
paying cash, taking out a home equity
line of credit, pursuing a home
equity loan, or using credit cards?”
Bettencourt says. “Each method has
its pros and cons that you should
investigate carefully. Also, are the
improvements you want to invest in
this year going to make it easier or
harder for you to sell later on down
the road? Which projects offer the
best return on your investment?”
Kato says if you’re planning on
putting a lot of money into your
home, “you should also be seriously
considering remaining in your
home for at least five years in order
to see the biggest benefits and
still get a decent return on your
investment.”
©CTW Features ª
EXTERIOR HOME CLEANING
AND SPECIALTY
COATING SERVICES
PRESSURE WASHING
DECORATIVE SCORED CONCRETE
PAVER SEALING
POOL DECK COATING
321-947-2541
Imperial Outdoor Living, LLC
Facebook.com/imperialoutdoorliving
6 | May 2020 | Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate
Home & Garden
Spring has sprung and so has the organizing and sprucing-up energy
that usually goes with it. Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s Home & Garden is
a compilation of local experts who can improve and protect your home
and garden this season.
Imperial
Outdoor Living LLC
A screen enclosure is a great way to enjoy your backyard in bug-free comfort,
and it provides a perfect place for entertaining and hosting celebrations. MD
Construction LLC offers free estimates and custom designs. For more information,
call 321-663-5203 or email info@mdconstructionfl.com.
MyGardens
Imperial Outdoor Living LLC is an exterior home improvement company
with more than 10 years of experience in its field. The staff handles
everything from pressure washing to paver sealing. They are highly focused
on providing the best possible service available for all their clients’ home exterior
needs. Imperial Outdoor Living shows up! They get the job done right,
and they do it in a timely fashion. Absolute customer satisfaction is what they
strive for, and it’s their guarantee for every customer every time. They are
confident that you will enjoy working with them. For more information, call
321-947-2541 or visit facebook.com/imperialoutdoorliving.
MD Construction LLC
MD Construction LLC is your expert source for pool/screen enclosures,
screen rooms, sunrooms, patio covers and lanais. The company provides highquality
enclosures using material that is manufactured right here in Florida.
Enjoy growing flowers, tomatoes and lots of fresh vegetables and herbs in
just 8 square feet on your balcony or patio. KoolSci Inc. makes and supplies
professional, carefree, hydroponic MyGardens of all sizes for both indoor
and outdoor use. Nothing thrills like “Kool Science!” For more information,
call 407-965-9867, email info@koolsci.com or visit www.koolsci.com.
Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate | May 2020 | 7
area’s largest paver display for your outdoor living spaces. Royal Landscape
Nursery is located at 2204 Hempel Ave. in Gotha. For more information, call
407-296-3042 or visit www.royallandscapenursery.info.
Royal Landscape Nursery
Royal Landscape Nursery is the place to go to beautify your garden.
You can avoid crowds at the big box stores, save money and get better quality.
Browse beautiful outdoor gardens for all sizes of plants, trees, palms,
shrubs, sod, mulch, rocks and pottery. For homeowners and professional landscapers,
Royal has the best quality and prices. In addition, check out the
Sparkling Jak’s Irrigation
The staff at Sparkling
Jak’s Irrigation know what
they’re talking about when it
comes to commercial or residential
irrigation. With more
than 40 years of experience in
the business, they’ve seen it all
and done it all. Sparkling Jak’s
specializes in sprinkler system
repairs; sprinkler system upgrades
along with rain sensors;
valve locations/solenoid issues;
new construction before and
after pools, patios or septic
tank installations; modifying existing
new or old irrigation systems;
moving sprinkler heads;
lightning damage; drainage
issues; pressure cleaning;
tree removal and more.
For more information, email
info@sparklingjak.com. ª
Royal Landscape Nursery
• Pottery
• Citrus Trees
• Topiaries
• Palm Trees
• Mulch
• Rocks
• Ground Cover
• Shrubs, etc.
WE DELIVER
Call for availability
and pricing
Royal Brick Pavers
• Driveways • Patios • Walkways • Retaining Walls • Pool Decks • Fire Pits
SOD, SOD, SOD
• By the Piece • St. Augustine Floratam
• St. Augustine Palmetto
• Pallet
• Zoysia Empire
• 1/2 Pallet • Bahia
Paving the way to beautiful living
Now selling
Fruit trees
Nursery: (407) 296-3042
Pavers: (407) 296-8545
*Please call ahead or check us on
google for Saturday hours
RoyalLandscapeNursery.info
For future Events and Specials, visit our website and follow us on social media.
2204 Hempel Avenue, Gotha, FL 34734 | Mon–Fri 7am – 4pm • Sat* 8am – 3pm
22 x May 21 — June 3, 2020 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com
n Charities/Fundraisers
Aug. 29 — Benefit Wine Tasting
The Mini Cooper Showroom, 350 S. Lake Destiny
Drive, Orlando, hosts The Dunhill Companies and
Fields Auto Group’s 13th annual Benefit Wine
Tasting. Time: 7-10 p.m. Cost: $100, with proceeds
benefiting Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and
Go Baby Go, UCF’s mobility and sociabililty program.
For more information, visit www.varietyflorida.org
or www.facebook.com/varietyflorida.
Oct. 9 — A Grand Night For Singing
The Alford Inn at Rollins College, 300 E. New
England Ave., Winter Park, hosts Opera Orlando’s
fifth annual gala, A Grand Night for Singing, a
black-tie event hosted by Orlando Sentinel columnist
Scott Maxwell and honoring Mary and Frank J.
Doherty. Activities include dinner, drinks, dancing,
silent and live auctions, and operatic selections
performed by renowned soloists. Time: 6 p.m. for
cocktail hour, 7 p.m. for formal dinner. Cost: $250,
with proceeds benefiting Opera Orlando’s future
seasons as it prepares to move to Steinmetz Hall at
the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. For
more information, to RSVP or to purchase tickets,
call 407-512-1900, email info@operaorlando.org
or visit operaorlando.org/gala.
Oct. 15 — Celebration Of Motherhood 2020
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave.,
Orlando, hosts the Celebration of Motherhood
2020, including a plated breakfast. Time: 8:30-11
a.m. Cost: $50, with proceeds benefiting Healthy
Start Coalition of Orange County families. Donations
are appreciated, and sponsorships are available.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
For more information, call 407-228-1481 or email
info@healthystartorange.org.
Nov. 14 — Harvest Of Hope Garden Party
Matthew’s Hope Ministries’ seventh annual Harvest
of Hope Garden Party, including light hor’doeuvres,
music and fellowship, takes place at the Pines of
Windermere. Cost: $75, includes catered meal.
Donations are accepted online, and partnerships
are available. For more information, call 407-
905-9500, email scott.billue@gmail.com or visit
matthewshopeministries.org/partnership-levels.
n Classes/Programs
Through Sept. 1 — Virtual Events & Classes
The Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter
Garden, is open for essential services — returns,
grab-and-go service and computer usage for up
to one hour — only. Face coverings are required.
Virtual library events and classes take place through
Sept. 1. The Summer Reading Program also takes
place online through virtual Zoom events and meetups,
livestream events, prerecorded entertainment
on social media, and virtual reading challenges
and activities. For more information about the reading
program, visit ocls.beanstack.org/reader365.
For more information about library services, call
407-35-7323.
compiled by Lisa Sagers
n Events/Performances
June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Oct. 5,
Nov. 2 & Dec. 7 — First Free Mondays
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando,
hosts First Free Mondays, during which guests can visit the
50-acres garden and explore more than 8,000 varieties
of plants. Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. For more
information, call 407-246-2620 or visit leugardens.org.
n Networking/Clubs
May 27 — Virtual Horizon West
Networking Group Meeting
West Orange Chamber of Commerce holds a virtual
Horizon West Networking Group meeting. Time:
8-9 a.m. The meeting is exclusive to one person per
industry. For more information, email Tracy Solly at
tsolly@wochamber.com.
May 28 — Virtual Thursday Networking
Group Meeting
West Orange Chamber of Commerce holds a virtual
Thursday Networking Group meeting. Time: 8-9 a.m. The
meeting is exclusive to two business members per industry;
however, you must be a WOCC member to join. For more
information, email Tracy Solly at tsolly@wochamber.com.
n Volunteer Opportunities
Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
The Foster Grandparent Program seeks limited-income
volunteers 55-older to join in helping children in schools
all around Central Florida. For more information, call
407-298-4180 or visit volunteersforcommunityimpact.org/
wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FGP-Info-Flyer-1-13-20.pdf.
Ongoing — Volunteers/Docents Needed
Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland, seeks
adults interested in learning about the history, wildlife, plants
and restoration efforts at ONP to volunteer at the preserve
to greet visitors, help answer questions and lead a tour from
time to time. Workdays are Mondays and/or Saturdays.
For more information, email outreach@oaklandnaturepreserve.org
or visit www.oaklandnaturepreserve.org/guide. To
register online, visit oaklandnaturepreserve.org.
Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, 12 Mustard Seed Lane,
Orlando, seeks volunteers who can help with donation sorting,
mattress recycling, warehouse maintenance, administrative work,
special events or general maintenance. For more information,
call 407-875-2040, ext. 110; or email jessi@mustardseedfla.org.
Ongoing — Volunteers Needed
The town of Oakland seeks volunteers to assist in various
fun and fulfilling roles at The Healthy West Orange
Arts and Heritage Center. Applicants must consent to
a criminal background check. For more information,
call Pamela Stewart, 407-656-1117, ext. 2112; email
arts&heritage@aoklandfl.gov; or visit bit.ly/artsandheritagecenter.
Contributions to Community Bulletin Board are welcome. Please send
information six weeks before the event to P.O. Box 851, Windermere, FL
34787; call 407-351-1573, option 5; or email Lisa@kearneypublishing.com. ª
Mention
this ad and
get 10% off
any service.
Universal Service Center
YOUR ONE-STOP, ON-THE-SPOT SERVICE CENTER.
• ASE Certified Techs
• Import Service
• Precise Diagnostics
• Tires
• Towing
• Oil Change
ALL GENERAL REPAIRS.
• Batteries
• A/C Repairs
• Brakes
5989 Turkey Lake Road • 407-345-4860
Hours of operation:
M-F 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sat 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sun Closed
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce
FACILITATING OPPORTUNITY FOR OVER 45 YEARS
Dr. Phillips | Gotha | Horizon West | Lake Avalon | MetroWest | Oakland
Ocoee | Orlo Vista | Pine Hills | Windermere | Winter Garden
(407) 656-1304
Networking
Marketing
Education
Advocacy
Live and in Person.
Your Message Targeted.
Sharpen Your Saw.
Stay “In The Know” So You Can Grow.
Dr. John Nowell • Dr Ben Konynenbelt
SouthwestOrlandoEyeCare.com
7208 Sand Lake Rd., Ste. 202, Orlando, FL 32819
24/7 Emergency Eye Care 407.271.8931
• Adult and Pediatric Optometry • Routine Vision, Medical Eye Care and Vision Therapy
• Award-Winning Optical Boutique • Most Insurance Accepted
• Early Morning, Evening and Weekend Appointments Available
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Ken
PROFESSIONAL HANDYMAN
Interior & Exterior Painting
All Flooring • Pressure & Chemical Cleaning • Screen Repair
Drywall • Texture • Popcorn Removal • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling
407-769-1348
All Repairs, Improvements & Odd Jobs, Large or Small
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
One record day after another. Although our intention was to be 100% mobile twice a week, the flow of people in
need is growing at the Outreach Center, as well. We are now caring for more people than we ever have, people
finding themselves homeless right here in our community. We are providing a Protective Mask, Food, Clothing and
Hygiene Items, and more to every Structurally Challenged Individual we serve, twice a week. Our inventory burn
rate is 6X what it was before the COVID-19 Crisis.
Our Bus has been converted into a moving pantry, distributing nonperishable foods, hygiene essentials and
basic clothing needs. Our Medical & Mental “Health Care” Team is visiting with each person, comforting, taking
temperatures & blood pressures, and making sure our homeless friends remain compliant on their medications,
dress wounds, etc. A third Team is delivering warm, prepared breakfasts and lunches sponsored by or prepared by
some of our Community Partners.
If you can’t get to us, would you consider ordering online and having your donation delivered to us; or donate
financially instead in the same amount you may have otherwise purchased? Without you, we cannot continue to
care for the homeless men, women and children of our community.
Want to help in some way? Need more information? Call 407.905.9500
or contact us at info@MatthewsHopeMinistries.org
To donate financially, TEXT MHM to 41444
or https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/donate-money
Donations can be delivered or shipped to 611 Business Park Blvd., #101, Winter Garden, 34787
P.O. Box 851
Windermere, FL 34786
PRESORT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #335
Lakeland, FL
Emergencies are never convenient. But your emergency care can be. With 24/7 care
that’s right in your community, the Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital Emergency
Room has the experience and expertise to care for any emergency situation.
• Accredited Chest Pain Center
• 24/7 adult and pediatric emergency care
• Dedicated Children’s ER
• Board-certified emergency medicine physicians
• Nurses certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and
Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and neonatal resuscitation
• Online scheduling for minor emergencies*