The Regular Season ended on an amazing high note on Saturday.

   Three teams, the Sanford River Rats, Winter Park Diamond Dawgs and defending champion Orlando Snappers were fighting for the final two playoff spots and all stood within just 1/2-game of each other.

   Wins by Sanford and/or Winter Park would clinch spots, while a loss by either one and a win by Orlando would get the Snappers in.

   All three were able to pull out wins, thereby eliminating Orlando.

   The biggest surprise was the River Rats, who were in last place most of the season and were at least five or more games out of a playoff position right before the All-Star Break. And not only did they make the playoffs, but with a sweep of DeLand, Sanford moved all the way up to the No. 3 seed.

   Here is the results for the final week of the regular season and the Postseason Schedule:

Tuesday, July 14

   * Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 4, Leesburg Lightning 3, 7-innings.

   * Orlando Snappers 8, Sanford River Rats 0.

   * Winter Garden Squeeze vs. DeLand Suns, cancelled.

Wednesday, July 15

   * Winter Garden Squeeze 18, Orlando Snappers 13.

   * DeLand Suns 5, Orlando Snappers 0.

Thursday, July 16

   * Winter Garden Squeeze 12, Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 7.

   * Sanford River Rats 8, DeLand Suns 4.

   * Leesburg Lightning 5, Orlando Snappers 4.

Friday, July 17

   * Winter Garden Squeeze 8, Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 7.

   * Sanford River Rats 6, DeLand Suns 5.

   * Leesburg Lightning 9, Orlando Snappers 8.

Saturday, July 18

   * Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 12, Winter Garden Squeeze 7.

   * Orlando Snappers 6, Leesburg Lightning 0.

   * Sanford River Rats 8, DeLand Suns 3.

Sunday, July 19

   No games scheduled.

PLAYOFFS

Play-In Game:

Monday, July 20

   (5) DeLand Suns vs. (4) Winter Park Diamond Dawgs at Rollins College/Alfond Stadium at Harper Shepherd Field, 6 p.m.

Semifinals

Best-of-3

Tuesday, July 21

   Play-In Winner vs. (1) Leesburg Lightning on Buddy Lowe Field at Pat Thomas Stadium, 7 p.m.; (3) Sanford River Rats vs. (2) Winter Garden Squeeze at Horizon High School, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, July 22

   (1) Leesburg Lightning at home of Play-In winner; (2) Winter Garden Squeeze vs. (3) Sanford River Rats at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 23

If Necessary

   Play-In Winner vs. (1) Leesburg Lightning on Buddy Lowe Field at Pat Thomas Stadium, 7 p.m.;  (3) Sanford River Rats vs. (2) Winter Garden Squeeze at Horizon High School, 6 p.m.

Friday, July 24

   Make-Up Day.

Championship Series

Best-of-3

Saturday, July 25

   At home of Higher Seed.

Sunday, July 26

   At home of Lower Seed.

Monday, July 27

   If necessary: at home of High Seed.

Tuesday, July 28

   Make-Up Day.

Wednesday, July 29

   Make-Up Day.

   Here's an inside look at the race for the Whiting Cup.

Play-In Game:

Monday, July 20

   (5) DeLand Suns vs. (4) Winter Park Diamond Dawgs at Rollins College/Alfond Stadium at Harper Shepherd Field, 6 p.m.

   The Winter Park Diamond Dawgs qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2023, while the DeLand Suns are in the postseason for the third year in a row. DeLand is in the Wild Card Game for the second straight year, and will look for a repeat of last year's Wild Card win over Winter Garden. Winter Park's last trip to the playoffs in 2023 featured a Wild Card win, a walk-off victory over Orlando.

   DeLand and Winter Park's last meetings in the playoffs were in the 2018 and 2019 Florida League Championship Series, with the Suns winning in 2018 and the Dawgs answering in 2019.

Florida League Semifinals (Best of 3):

#2 Winter Garden vs. #3 Sanford

Tuesday, July 21

   Game 1 _ (3) Sanford River Rats vs. (2) Winter Garden Squeeze at Horizon High School, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, July 22

   Game 2 _ (2) Winter Garden Squeeze vs. (3) Sanford River Rats at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 23

If Necessary

   Game 3 _ (3) Sanford River Rats vs. (2) Winter Garden Squeeze at Horizon High School, 6 p.m.

   Winter Garden is in search of their second trip to the Florida League Championship Series, as the Squeeze came up one game short of the title in 2023. Sanford, which qualified for the playoffs for the 23rd time, has unfinished business from a year ago, when the River Rats had the best regular season record in league history only to flame out in a 2-0 Florida League Championship Series sweep.

   Sanford and Winter Garden last met in the playoffs in 2023, when the third-seeded Squeeze swept the second-seeded Rats in the FCSL Semifinals, sending Winter Garden to the Florida League Championship Series for the first time.

#1 Leesburg vs. Wild Card Winner

Tuesday, July 21

   Game 1 _ Play-In Winner vs. (1) Leesburg Lightning on Buddy Lowe Field at Pat Thomas Stadium, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, July 22

   Game 2 _ (1) Leesburg Lightning at home of Play-In winner, TBA.

Thursday, July 23

If Necessary

   Game 3 _ Play-In Winner vs. (1) Leesburg Lightning on Buddy Lowe Field at Pat Thomas Stadium, 7 p.m.

   The Leesburg Lightning are the playoffs' top seed for the third time in the last four years. The top seed in the playoffs has gotten to the Florida League Championship Series in each of the last four years, with Winter Park's upset of Sanford in 2021 the last major upset.

   Should the Lightning match up with DeLand, it would be a rematch of the 2024 Florida League Championship Series, a 2-0 sweep for Leesburg. The Lightning last faced Winter Park in 2023, when Leesburg swept the Diamond Dawgs in the FCSL Semifinals.

Florida League Championship Series

Best-of-3

Saturday, July 25

   Game 1 _ At home of Higher Seed, TBA.

Sunday, July 26

   Game 2 _ At home of Lower Seed, TBA.

Monday, July 27

   Game 3 _ If necessary: at home of High Seed, TBA.

   The 2020s have belonged to the Leesburg Lightning, who have been in the championship series five times since 2020. Sanford (2020) and Winter Park (2022) also have titles this decade, with DeLand (2018) searching their first crown in almost a decade. The lone Florida League team without a franchise is Winter Garden, coming the closest in 2023. Who will claim the crown this year?

Mr. Willie Lewis Williams, 67, was born on January 7, 1959, in Miami, Florida. He attended
Seminole High School and was the son of the late Eddie Mae Polk Williams and Henry
Williams, both of Sanford, Florida. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his beloved wife,
Geneva Jefferson Williams of Alma, Georgia, and his brother, Eddie Charles Williams of
Newark, New York. He will be remembered for the love he shared with his family and friends
and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m.
on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Calvary Temple of Praise, 2020 McCraken Rd., Sanford, Florida.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at A. C. Wynn
Funeral Services, Inc., 1300 Historic Goldsboro Blvd. Sanford, Florida. Interment will take place
following the service at Restlawn Cemetery, 1818 W. 25 th St., Sanford, FL. Final arrangements
are entrusted to A.C. WYNN FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., (321) 363-3685.

Eddie Lee Jackson, 79, affectionately known as “Bubba”; of Sanford, Florida, peacefully

departed this earthly life on July 4, 2026, surrounded by his family. Mr. Jackson proudly served

his country in the United States Army and was a faithful servant of God, serving as a Trustee at

Allen Chapel AME Church in Sanford, Florida. He retired from CSX Transportation (railroad)

after a notable career as a District Safety Manager. He was preceded in death by his beloved

wife, Eva Jackson. Though he has departed this life, his legacy of love, service, and devotion

will continue to live on through those who cherished him. He leaves to treasure his precious

memories: his daughter, Myra T. Hall; his loving sister, Laverne “Honey” Thompson; his godson,

Dr. Pernell “Peanut” Bush; a host of loving nieces, including his devoted caregiver, Kenya “Kiki”

Thompson; nephews, cousins, devoted friends, neighbors, and all whose lives were touched by

his kindness and wisdom. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026,

at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, 1203 S. Olive Avenue, Sanford, Florida. Visitation will be held

from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church.

Interment will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Cape Canaveral National

Cemetery, Mims, FL. Final arrangements are entrusted to A.C. WYNN FUNERAL

SERVICES, INC., 321-363-3685.

James Berry “Berry” St. John, Jr. of Springfield, Virginia, died on July 4, 2026, at the age of 85 after a long illness.

He was born in Sanford, FL, on December 14, 1940, the son of the late James Berry St. John and Marion Appleby St. John. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Ann Newman St. John; his son and daughter-in-law, James Berry “Jay” St. John, III and Stephanie Hill Williams St. John of Alexandria, VA, and grandchildren Paige Elizabeth St. John and Julian Hill St. John; and his son, Matthew Rogers St. John of Kalispell, MT, and grandchildren Natalie Grace St. John and Sawyer James St. John.

Berry attended the University of South Carolina on a Naval ROTC scholarship and graduated in 1962. He was assigned to Navy flight training and received his wings of gold in 1964. He served as a pilot with squadron VS-28 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp and later flew in Navy Reserve Squadron VP-94, based at NAS New Orleans.

He studied at Tulane University Law School in New Orleans and received his JD degree in 1970. He practiced law in New Orleans for 34 years with the firm of Liskow & Lewis, and founded the firm’s environmental law section. He was a recognized authority on the Federal Clean Water Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the law governing offshore oil and gas operations, and argued cases throughout the country involving these statutes.

He served on the practitioner faculty at Tulane School of Law and was frequently listed in the publication “Best Lawyers in America” in the fields of Environmental Law and Natural Resources Law. He served as chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy and Resources Law and as president of the New Orleans Bar Association.

Berry had a lifelong interest in aviation. He and Mary Ann owned an antique Stearman open-cockpit biplane, and they enjoyed many years of fun and excitement flying it around the country.

After Berry’s retirement from the practice of law, the St. Johns moved to eastern North Carolina, where they enjoyed an active retirement in the Cypress Landing golf and marina community on the Pamlico River. In 2019, they moved to Greenspring Senior Community in Springfield, VA.

A memorial service will be held at Greenspring Chapel at 1:00 PM Saturday, July 25. Family and friends are welcome to a gathering in Hunter’s Crossing Conference Center immediately after the service. Inurnment of ashes will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date and time to be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Berry St. John to Christ the King Anglican Church, Alexandria, VA.

   Originally scheduled for Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium, the Florida League's 2026 All-Star festivities turned into a two-night affair all around Central Florida, with inclement weather causing the Home Run Derby to be contested Tuesday night in DeLand and the All-Star Game to be played for the first time ever at Rollins College/Alfond Stadium at Harper Shepherd Field in Winter Park on Wednesday.

   The Home Run Derby was moved to DeLand's Melching Field at Conrad Park on Tuesday, and was turned into a three-round effort as the award-winning field crew attempted to get the field playable. The Derby turned into a showcase for DeLand's Richie Collazo. The uncommitted infielder was the top slugger in each of the three rounds, hitting 14 total home runs to win the title. Collazo topped DeLand teammate Akhil Nimmala in the finals.

   The game itself had to wait until Wednesday after more weather moved into the DeLand area and forcing a postponement and move back to Sanford.

   But once again, a big storm hit Sanford mid-afternoon and the scene was shifted again, this time to Winter Park.

   For the first time since 2019, the East All-Stars claimed victory, scoring two runs in the third inning before the natural fireworks (lightning) arrived and the game was called in the fifth inning due to the weather in the area.

   The decisive third inning began with an infield single from DeLand's Bryce Pasternack (Daytona State), who eventually moved up to third on an error and a wild pitch. Pasternack the scored what proved to be the game-winning run on an RBI groundout off the bat of Orlando's Santiago Busot (St. Johns River State). The action continued with a single from Sanford's Adonys Velez (undecided), who proceeded to steal second. Derby runner-up Nimmala followed with a run-scoring RBI single to left field with two outs.

   The East's five pitchers combined to shut out the West on two hits, with DeLand's Couper Gatch (Eastern Florida State) earning the win with a scoreless top of the third inning. Sanford’s Brian Kendall (undecided) got the final two outs to preserve the shutout and earn the save. Winter Garden’s Brady Montrowl (UCF) took the loss.

   Velez earned Most Valuable Player honors, going 2-for-2 with a stolen base and a run scored. Paternack (1-for-1, run scored), Nimmala (1-for-2, RBI) and Busat (RBI) also contributed to the scoring for the East.

   The lone hits, both singles, for the West were provided by Winter Garden's Osjun Rivas (undecided) and Leesburg's Cory Banasiak (Seminole State).

   With the All-Star Game in the rearview mirror, the League is now in a sprint to the end of the regular season this Saturday (July 18. The FCSL Playoffs scheduled to begin next Monday (July 20).

   For the second week in a row, the Florida League Player of the Week is Leesburg's Charlie Keller (Ball State). Keller continued to put together one of the league's best-ever slugging seasons, belting his seventh and eighth home runs of the season in back-to-back games against the Suns. He logged seven hits on the week, including four extra base hits. For the week, he scored seven runs and drove in four, recording a slugging percentage of .810.

   With a week and a half to go in the season, Keller stands on the doorstep of Florida League history. His next home run will tie the single season record set by Tyler Palmer in 2013 and evened by Jarrod Cande in 2019. With two home runs, he'd sit alone on the single season list and tie four-year Florida Leaguer Joe Burke for the regular season career record at 13. His current .696 slugging percentage would also be a Florida League record.

   The newest Florida League Pitcher of the Week is Sanford's Brock Bracher (Undecided). Bracher led Sanford's doubleheader sweep of the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs with a complete game shutout on Wednesday. In his seven innings of work in the opening game of the twinbill, the lefthander allowed just three hits, striking out nine Winter Park hitters while surrendering only one walk.

   The victory on Wednesday was the second of the season for Bracher, with both coming in his last three appearances. The Sanford native has shown electric strikeout ability playing for his hometown team, logging 33 strikeouts in 23 innings on the mound. In each of his six appearances this season, Bracher has averaged more than one strikeout per inning.

   Additionally, the Florida League honors one player from each team that was not selected as Player or Pitcher of the Week.

   Florida League Honor Roll (Hitters):

   * Derek Lopez (DeLand/Embry-Riddle).

   * Adonys Velez (Sanford/Undecided).

   * Colby Brewington (Orlando/Florida Southern).

   * Alexander Galan (Winter Garden/Lake Sumter State).

   * Skyler Jersey (Winter Park/Undecided).

   Florida League Honor Roll (Pitchers):

   * Ryan Kelley (DeLand/Rollins).

   * Brandon Reiter (Leesburg/Pittsburgh).

   * Ryland Happel (Orlando/Undecided).

   * Kaden Howell (Winter Garden/Santa Fe).

   * Tyler Mecchella (Winter Park/Florida International).

   On the field, the Leesburg Lightning (20-8) stayed hot, going 4-2 for the week, to widen their lead to 6.5 games, but other five teams are in a tight battle for the rest of the standings.

   It looked like the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs (12-14-1) was going to make a run to the top, but after winning five in a row, the team dropped five straight to drop from second to fourth in the standings behind the Winter Garden Squeeze (13-13) and the defending champion Orlando Snappers (11-12-1). The DeLand Suns (11-14) and Sanford River Rats (10-16) are just a couple of games out of second place through Week 6 (Games through July 5).

   Here are the most up-to-date results and upcoming schedule:

Friday, July 3

   * Winter Garden Squeeze 5, Orlando Snappers 2.

   * DeLand Suns 12, Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 4.

   * Leesburg Lightning 4, Sanford River Rats 3.

Saturday, July 4

   * Leesburg Lightning 6, DeLand Suns 1.

Sunday, July 5

   * Winter Park Diamond Dawgs vs. Sanford River Rats, cancelled.

   * Winter Garden Squeeze 9, Leesburg Lightning 8.

   * Orlando Snappers vs. DeLand Suns, cancelled.

Monday, July 6

   No games scheduled.

Tuesday, July 7

   * All-Star Game, postponed.

Wednesday, July 8

   * All-Star Game: East 2, West 0, 5-innings.

Thursday, July 9

   * Leesburg Lightning 11, Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 6.

   * Sanford River Rats 5, Orlando Snappers 0.

   * DeLand Suns 7, Winter Garden Squeeze 1.

Friday, July 10

   * DeLand Suns 9, Winter Garden Squeeze 5.

   * Sanford River Rats 3-12, Orlando Snappers 3-2.

   * Leesburg Lightning 8, Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 2.

Saturday, July 11

   * Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 3, Leesburg Lightning 1.

   * Orlando Snappers 6, Sanford River Rats 4.

   * DeLand Suns 5, Winter Garden Squeeze 4, 8-innings.

Sunday, July 12

   No games scheduled.

Monday, July 13

   * Winter Garden Squeeze vs. Winter Park Diamond Dawgs, cancelled.

   * Orlando Snappers vs. Leesburg Lightning, cancelled.

   * Sanford River Rats vs. DeLand Suns, cancelled.

Tuesday, July 14

   * Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 4, Leesburg Lightning 3, 7-innings.

   * Orlando Snappers 8, Sanford River Rats 0.

   * Winter Garden Squeeze vs. DeLand Suns, cancelled.

Wednesday, July 15

   * Winter Garden Squeeze 18, Orlando Snappers 13.

   * DeLand Suns 5, Orlando Snappers 0.

Thursday, July 16

   Winter Park Diamond Dawgs vs. Winter Garden Squeeze at Horizon High School, 6 p.m.; DeLand Suns vs. Sanford River Rats at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium, 6:30 p.m.; Leesburg Lightning vs. Orlando Snappers at The First Academy-Orlando/Orel Hershiser Field in the Payne Stewart Athletic Complex, 7 p.m.

Friday, July 17

   Winter Park Diamond Dawgs vs. Winter Garden Squeeze at Horizon High School, 6 p.m.; DeLand Suns vs. Sanford River Rats at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium, 6:30 p.m.; Leesburg Lightning vs. Orlando Snappers at The First Academy-Orlando/Orel Hershiser Field in the Payne Stewart Athletic Complex, 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 18

   Winter Garden Squeeze vs. Winter Park Diamond Dawgs at Rollins College/Alfond Stadium at Harper Shepherd Field, 6 p.m.; Orlando Snappers vs. Leesburg Lightning on Buddy Lowe Field at Pat Thomas Stadium, 7 p.m.; Sanford River Rats vs. DeLand Suns at Melching Field at Conrad Park, 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 19

   No games scheduled.

PLAYOFFS

Play-In Game:

Monday, July 20

   No. 5 Seed at home of No. 4 Seed.

Semifinals

Best-of-3

Tuesday, July 21

   Play-In winner at home of No. 1 Seed; No. 3 Seed at home of No. 2 Seed.

Wednesday, July 22

   No. 1 Seed at home of Play-In winner; No. 2 Seed at home of No. 3 seed.

Thursday, July 23

If Necessary

   Play-In winner at home of No. 1 Seed; No. 3 Seed at home of No. 2 Seed.

Friday, July 24

   Make-Up Day.

Championship Series

Best-of-3

Saturday, July 25

   At home of Higher Seed.

Sunday, July 26

   At home of Lower Seed.

Monday, July 27

   If necessary: at home of High Seed.

Tuesday, July 28

   Make-Up Day.

Wednesday, July 29

   Make-Up Day.

In other FCSL News:

   * Games streamed LIVE on Varsity Sports Nation PPV _ All Florida League games will once again be streamed live and archived for replays on Varsity Sports Nation PPV this season. For information about how to access this content go to _ https://varsitysportsnationppv.lightcast.com/.

   Go to _ www.floridaleague.com _ for more information.

   Representatives of Sanford and Central Florida Soap Box Derby are in Akron, Ohio, this week taking part in the 88th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby through Saturday at legendary Derby Downs.

   In addition to the local winners, Bentley Gill (Stock), Haley Hoagey (Super Stock) and Mason Webb (Masters), several more teams from Region 7 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina) are competing in a series of All-Star races and the Rally Derby World Finals on July18 during Race Week 2026.

   The most up-to-date schedule: Wednesday, July 16, Local Challenge Day; Thursday, July 17, All-Star and Legacy Race Day; Friday, July 18, Weigh-In, Wheel Selection, Super Kids Parade and Race; Saturday, July 19, World Championships beginning at 8:30 a.m. and Awards Ceremony at the Akron Civic Theatre at 7 p.m.

   Go to _ soapboxderby.org _ for information on Derby Week, including live streaming.

   For more information on Central Florida Soap Box Derby or to download a registration form, please check out the websites at www.AASBD.org or www.centralfloridasoapboxderby.org; Eric Griffin, centralflorida@soapboxderby.org, 407-353-6228, or call the City of Sanford Parks and Recreation Department at 407-688-5120. More information is also available at _ https://www.facebook.com/CentralFloridaSoapboxDerby/ _ especially photos and flyers.

LMSA

   There was a different group at the front end of the Lake Monroe Sailing Association (LMSA) Breezeway VUDU Rum Race last Wednesday as Jim Pompi piloted Zx to its first overall win aas well as the top spot in Multihull Boat ahead of veteran Fisk Hayden on a new vessel that has not been name yet and first place in Displacement Boat and Ladyhawke under John North.

   The night saw a season-high 12 boats compete on the evening as they did a great job of outrunning a violent lightning storm that was moving in from the Northwest.

    Bad JuJu, under the hand of Jim White, finished seventh overall, but first in Planing Boat.

   Here are the results:

Breezeway VUDU Rum Race

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

   1. (Multihull 1) Zx (James Pompi), 0:37:38; 2. (Displacement 1) no name (Fisk Hayden), 0:38:59; 3. (Displacement 2) Ladyhawke (John North), 0:40:46; 4. (Displacement 3) Fleur de Mer III (Don Levin), 0:41:00; 5. (Displacement 4) Castaway (Richard McFadyen), 0:41:34; 6. (Displacement 5) Wicklow Way (Rich Gailey), 0:41:48; 7. (Planing 1) Bad JuJu (Jim White), 0:41:51; 8. (Displacement 6) Sheet Show (Ray Laguna), 0:42:28; 9. (Displacement 7) Show Me (Andy Forrest), 0:42:37; 10. (Displacement 8) Black Jack (Ana Holstein), 0:43:08; 11. (Displacement 9) Shajaira (Bob Fellingham), 0:43:29; 12. (Displacement 10) Kind of Blue (James Moran), 0:49:02.

  Upcoming:

   * Today (Wednesday) July 15 & 22 _ Breezeway Rum Racing. Anyone with a Portsmouth rated boat is welcome to attend the Rum Race, with cocktails, dinner and scores at The Breezeway afterwards.

   If you are looking to crew, be down at the ramp by 5:30 p.m. If you are sailing, the starting window will be between 6 p.m.-and-6:05 p.m.

   * Sunday, July 26 _ Sine Metu Jameson Irish Whiskey Race.

   * Wednesday, July 29 _ Ladies on the Lake Series and Breezeway Rum Racing. Anyone with a Portsmouth rated boat is welcome to attend the Rum Race, with cocktails, dinner and scores at The Breezeway afterwards. This evening’s race is designed to let the lady captains show off their skills.

   If you are looking to crew, be down at the ramp by 5:30 p.m. If you are sailing, the starting window will be between 6 p.m.-and-6:05 p.m.

   For more information, visit _ www.flalmsa.org _ or call (321) 578-8364.

ORLANDO SPEEDWORLD

   Coming up at Orlando Speed World Dragway:

   OSW does not run on Wednesday night in July.

   * Full Throttle Friday, July 17, 24, 31 _ “All Welcome Test and Tune and Grudge Racing” with gates opening at 6 p.m. and racing from 6 p.m.-to-10:30 p.m. $20 General Admission or $30 to race. Kids 10-and-Under free.

   * Saturday Late Night Test-N-Tune, July 18 and 25 _ Gates open at 6 p.m. and lanes close at 12 a.m. $20 General Admission or $35 to race. Kids 10-and-Under free.

   The Dragway information Hotline is at (407) 568-5522 and the website is at _ www.raceosw.com/dragway/.

   SpeedWorld is located 17 miles east of Orlando in Bithlo at 19164 East Colonial Drive, between Orlando and Titusville on Highway 50 at the 520 Cocoa Cutoff.

SANFORD ADULT SOFTBALL

   Here is the schedule for the new Independent Adult Summer Softball League.

   The Semi-Co-Ed/Fun League on Wednesday has Bokey Batters playing Longhorns at 6:30 p.m. and Fedup battling Designated Drinkers at 7:30 p.m.

   The Men’s League on Tuesday (July 21) will have Los Caimanes de Florida playing the doubleheader against the Celery City Gamecocks at 6:30 p.m. and The West End Trading Co. at 7:30 p.m.; and Bokey Batters facing Budelos at 8:30 p.m.

   Everyone is invited to watch the games for free at Pinehurst Park on West 24th Street.

   For more information contact Dominic Pascuzzo, City of Sanford Recreation Supervisor, at the City of Sanford Parks and Recreation Department at 407-688-5120, extension 5004; Fax _ 407-688-5121; facebook.com/SanfordFLCityGovt; instagram.com/cityofsanfordfl; visit the city website _ www.sanfordfl.gov _ or email: dominic.pascuzzo@sanfordfl.gov.

ORLANDO PRIDE

   The Orlando Pride (6-6-2, 20 points) defeated the Kansas City Current (8-6-0, 24 points) 3-0 on Friday night at Inter&Co Stadium, securing the Club's fourth straight home win and handing Kansas City its first loss in its last five trips to Orlando.

   Goal Highlights:

   * 49’ - Marta (Jacquie Ovalle) – ORL 1, KC 0.

   * 57’ - Hannah Anderson (Ally Lemos) – ORL 2, KC 0.

   * 85’ - Barbra Banda – ORL 3, KC 0.

   Next Match:

   The Pride will remain in Central Florida as they take on Boston Legacy FC tonight (Wednesday). Kickoff from Inter&Co Stadium is set for 7 p.m. with the match streaming on NWSL+.

   The team will then head West to face the Utah Royals on Saturday at America First Field in Sandy at 8:45 p.m. on ION.

   For more information on Orlando City SC, visit OrlandoCitySC.com or follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

UCF ATHLETICS, IHEARTMEDIA

   UCF Athletics and iHeartMedia Orlando have agreed to a new nine-year extension that will keep WYGM/FM 96.9/740 AM The Game as the flagship radio home of the Knights through the 2034-35 athletics season.

   The new agreement continues one of the longest-running partnerships in college athletics and ensures that UCF football, men’s basketball and baseball broadcasts, along with all UCF coaches shows, will remain on FM 96.9 The Game, 740 AM The Game and the iHeartRadio app. The coaches shows, currently hosted at Miller’s Ale House, feature interviews with coaches, student-athletes and athletics administrators. Longtime play-by-play voice and UCF Athletics Hall of Famer Marc Daniels will continue to lead the Knights’ radio broadcasts.

   The extension further strengthens a relationship that spans more than three decades and provides Knights fans with multiple ways to follow their favorite teams across Central Florida and around the world.

   “We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with UCF that will span more than 30 years with this agreement,” said Barbara Latham, area president for iHeartMedia Central Florida. “Today, it is as exciting to be the premier broadcast partner of UCF Athletics as it was 30 years ago. Go Knights, Charge On!”

   The continued partnership will also provide UCF Athletics with an important platform to expand its reach and connect with fans as the department continues to grow as a member of the Big 12 Conference.

   “iHeartMedia has been an outstanding partner and has played an important role in helping elevate and grow the UCF brand for decades,” UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir said. “As we continue to build momentum as a member of the Big 12 Conference, having a trusted media partner with a strong presence throughout Central Florida and a global platform through the iHeartRadio app is incredibly valuable. We’re excited to continue this relationship and ensure our fans can stay connected to UCF Athletics for many years to come.”

   For Daniels, the agreement continues a longstanding relationship that has helped deliver many of the most memorable moments in UCF Athletics history to Knights fans.

   “We are excited to continue the long-standing relationship we have built with iHeartMedia,” Daniels said. “This partnership provides UCF Athletics with numerous platforms to broadcast our games, promote our brand and create unique experiences for listeners. We could not be happier to reach a long-term agreement and look forward to creating many more signature broadcast moments for UCF Athletics.”

BOOMBAH SPORTS COMPLEX

   Here is the tournament schedule for the Boombah Sports Complex on Lake Mary Boulevard near Sanford-Orlando International Airport.

   * July 17-21 _ Perfect Game 14U World Series.

   * July 24-26 _ Perfect Game Sanford Invitational.

   * July 31-August 2 _ Perfect Game Florida All-State Games.

   For more information, go to _ playorlandonorth.com _ or call: 407-665-2900.

NEW SMYRNA SPEEDWAY

    New Smyrna Speedway will be hosting the Mid-Summer Mayhem featuring the Ashley Homes JAX Pro Trucks & J&C Gradall Florida Modifieds this Saturday.

   Also on the schedule will be the Super Stocks, Bushman Steel Buildings Bomber A and Florida Southern Ground Pounders.

   Ticket booths and grandstand gates open at 4 p.m. Heat Races are at 6 p.m., followed by Feature Racing at 7:30 p.m.

   Adult admission is $10 (reserved seating is $20, the top six (6) rows of the Main Grandstand). Students 12-17 are $8. Kids 11 years of age and under are free of charge (MUST be accompanied by paying Adult to qualify for Free Admission). Pits - Members ($30), Non-Members ($40).

  The track is located at the corner of SR. 44 and CR 415, between New Smyrna, DeLand and Daytona.

   For information on New Smyrna Speedway, visit _ www.newsmyrnaspeedway.org _ or call the track office at 386-427-4129.

SANFORD SUMMER WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

   Here is the schedule in the City of Sanford Parks and Recreation Department Adult Women’s Summer Volleyball Season that plays on Sunday’s at the Westside Community Center, located at 919 South Persimmon Avenue across from Crooms Academy.

   The League will be idle for Orlando Magic Training on July 19 and will return on July 26 with the following schedule: Hits & Giggles vs. You’ve Been Served at 2 p.m.; Block Party vs. Team Matt at 3 p.m.; Control Alt Defeat vs. Set to Win at 4 p.m.; and Big Dig Energy vs. Control Alt Defeat at 5 p.m.

   Everyone is invited to watch the games for free.

ORLANDO CITY

   Orlando City SC defeated USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies 6-0 last Wednesday night (July 8) in a return-to-play friendly that was hosted at Inter&Co Stadium and open exclusively to season ticket members and recognized supporter groups.

   New Orlando City signee Antoine Griezmann started the friendly for the Lions, scoring the opening goal and providing an assist.

   The Lions (4-9-2, 14 points) are on a two-month break as MLS pauses its season for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with the Club’s next match taking place on July 22 against the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park. Kickoff from PayPal Park is set for 10:30 p.m. on Apple TV. The Lions will next be home on July 25 against Nashville SC.

   For more information on Orlando City SC, visit OrlandoCitySC.com or follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

   The biggest was at Winter Springs High School, where the school quickly named longtime assistant coach Eric Birle as the new Head Softball Coach after 2-time State Champion and 2026 Florida Dairy Farmers Class 5A Coach of the Year Farrah Gordon unexpectedly resigned after six seasons.

   Birle becomes just the third softball coach at Winter Springs, following the late Mark Huaman and Gordon, has been a top assistant for the Bears since 2010, and has been a part of six Final 4’s, two state runner-ups and three State Championships.

   A 1988 graduate of Lake Mary High School, Birle was a star baseball player for the Rams and played collegiately at St. John’s River State College in Palatka and Old Dominion University in Virginia.

UCF Men’s Soccer adds Milo Bruce-Burgess

   The UCF men’s soccer team has announced the addition of Milo Bruce-Burgess to its support staff ahead of the fall 2026 campaign. Bruce-Burgess will step into a special assistant/operations role with the program.

   “I’m thrilled to be a part of this program,” he said. “In building my network I had worked with coach Calabrese and the rest of the staff a few times in the past, and really felt that what they had built here was something I wanted to be a part of. UCF’s men’s soccer program has always been such a competitive team on the national stage and within the Sun Belt, and I’m super excited to join and learn from the rest of the staff.”

   Milo, the brother of UCF men’s tennis head coach Lloyd Bruce-Burgess, makes the move to Orlando after spending the last three years on staff as an assistant coach and associate head coach with the Westminster Griffins in Salt Lake City, Utah, from the spring of 2022 through the fall 2025 campaign.

   With Bruce-Burgess’ aid, Westminster saw four Griffins earn RMAC All-Conference honors throughout his three-year tenure, accompanied by 10 honorable mention selections in that span.

   The program notched a pair of double-digit win seasons on his watch, going 10-8-1 in his first campaign on staff in 2022 before it also authored an 11-7-2 year in 2025.

   He also pioneered a pilot program aimed at bringing more student-athletes into the university, where they would receive additional developmental help with their on-field skills with the goal of more quickly progressing to higher levels. The program not only directly benefited the Griffins on the field, but aided in generating revenue for the school and the Westminster men’s soccer program as well.

   Prior to his time with Westminster, Bruce-Burgess served as an assistant coach with Upper Iowa from 2018 through 2020, where he also earned his master’s degree in Sports Administration and Coaching Leadership.

   He earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from William Penn in 2015, where he played throughout his four-year collegiate career.

   Away from the pitch at the collegiate level, Bruce-Burgess also directed the Wasatch Soccer Club in Ogden, Utah for six years from 2020-2025, working with boys’ U13-U19 age groups. With the program, he headed the college advisory program and served as the college director for the club, where he helped move dozens of athletes to Division I universities.

   “I’m looking forward to engaging with the community and helping get more people out to our games,” Bruce-Burgess continued. “Recognizing the importance of showing what soccer truly is and alumni, the community, to engage within UCF will be key in helping improve the team’s on-field performance as well.”

Gary Ogilvie joins Women’s Soccer staff at UCF

   Head UCF women’s soccer coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak has announced the addition of Gary Ogilvie to her staff as an assistant coach.

   Ogilvie comes to UCF after spending the last two seasons in Jacksonville as the associate head coach for the JU women’s soccer program. Prior to his time at Jacksonville, he served one year as the head women’s soccer coach at Division II University of Charleston and three years as an assistant men’s soccer coach at Charleston. He began his collegiate coaching career at Snow College, where he was an assistant for both the men’s and women’s soccer programs before being named interim head coach for both teams.

   “We are thrilled to welcome Gary Ogilvie to our UCF Women’s Soccer family," Roberts Sahaydak said. "Gary brings a wealth of coaching experience, a strong eye for player development, and a proven ability to build meaningful relationships with student-athletes.

   “What stood out to us throughout the hiring process was Gary’s passion for the game, his alignment with our culture, and his desire to invest in the development of our players every day. He will make an immediate impact on our program through his knowledge, work ethic, and ability to connect with our team. We are excited about the experience, energy, and perspective he will bring to our staff as we continue to compete for championships.”

   A native of the United Kingdom, Ogilvie demonstrated a blend of leadership, tactical intelligence, and player-centered coaching during his tenure as associate head coach at JU. He was known for his strong organizational skills and attention to detail, helping to structure training sessions that emphasized both technical development and game awareness. Ogilvie also showed a clear commitment to fostering a positive team culture, building trust with student-athletes while encouraging accountability and resilience. Additionally, his recruiting insight and dedication to player development played a key role in strengthening the program’s competitiveness and long-term success.

   He helped lead the Dolphins to 13 wins over his two years in Jacksonville, which included a 9-5-5 record in 2025 and a deep run at the ASUN Women’s Soccer Tournament.

   Prior to his time at JU, Ogilvie guided the women’s program at Charleston to an 18-1-3 record, a year after the team finished 10-10. His standout season included both the regular-season and tournament championships in the Mountain East Conference, with the 18 wins marking a program record. His squad also earned the program’s first No. 1 regional ranking and hosted NCAA Tournament matches. The team’s only loss came in the NCAA Tournament regional round.

   Having joined Charleston as an assistant in the fall of 2020, Ogilvie played a pivotal role in the program’s success, helping lead the men’s team to a national runner-up finish, a Super Regional championship, four Mountain East Conference tournament titles, and three MEC regular-season championships. Over that span, the team compiled an impressive 49-4-3 overall record.

Jo Koons added to UCF Softball Staff

   Head coach Cindy Ball-Malone and the UCF softball program have announced the addition of Jo Koons to the team’s coaching staff ahead of the 2027 spring campaign.

   “Knowing what coach Ball-Malone and the program at UCF have been able to create, and the desire to make it to the Women’s College World Series for the first time, it’s a really exciting time to join the Knights. I want to be a part of that,” Koons said.

   Koons brings an extensive coaching background to Orlando, highlighted by her role over the last two seasons on staff with the AUSL’s Utah Talons. Promoted this season to the role of associate head coach, Koons and Talons head coach Ball-Malone have coached Utah to a league-best 9-3 record entering game two of the team’s series at Carolina June 26.

   The Talons in 2025 captured the inaugural AUSL Championship with a pair of 3-1 victories over the Bandits in the championship series, finishing with a final 18-6 record that represented the top mark in the league, and under Koons’ watch, saw five members earn major season honors, led by AUSL Pitcher of the Year and Seminole High School graduate Georgina Corrick.

   “Coaching with the Talons has been such a great experience. I’ve followed coach Bear’s career for a long time. She was at Boise State when I was playing at Utah State, so we played against each other then. I was thrilled for the opportunity to work with her this summer, and we really hit it off. The opportunity came to join the staff at UCF, and it was a no-brainer to continue surrounding myself with her knowledge of the game and what she’s been able to do to create a winning culture and a culture of character.”

   In the collegiate realm, Koons most recently spent the 2025 and 2026 seasons serving as the head coach at Abilene Christian and this spring guided the Wildcats to their first win over a power four opponent since 2022 with a convincing 9-4 triumph over the Utah Utes March 12.

   Prior to her head coaching appointment with Abilene Christian, Koons had previously accrued power four experience as a volunteer assistant coach with the Oregon Ducks for two seasons from 2020-21 and the Stanford Cardinal in 2016.

   “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to continue working with coach Bear, and Orlando is such a great place to be. What they’ve been able to create, wanting to make a championship run and to continue helping athletes continue to grow was very important for me. The program had a great run to the Super Regionals in 2026 and the chance to help lead this team to the World Series is very exciting.”

   Having previously held a head coaching role with Lassen College in California in 2018, Koons’ assistant coaching background also includes stops at UT Arlington from 2023-24, Longwood in 2022, Utah State in 2019, and Colorado Christian in 2017.

   A graduate of Utah State in 2015 where she spent her four-year playing career, Koons finished her tenure with the Aggies tied for fifth on the program’s all-time career triples list (10) and eighth in career walks (65). She also ranked among program single-season records in runs scored (36, 2015, 2nd), walks (26, 2014, 3rd), and triples (5, 2015, T-6th).

For Longwood, these benches, made from recycled old wind turbines, celebrate the City's history, patriotism and local identity. Designs incorporate elements such as historic landmarks, the City logo, America 250 branding and artistic interpretations of Longwood's proud & storied heritage. The project helps beautify public spaces while creating landmarks that residents and visitors can enjoy, photograph and share. 

Contributed

Seminole County Public Schools, The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools, state legislators and community leaders recently celebrated the launch of the Foundation's new Mobile Supply Store, an innovative program designed to bring free classroom supplies directly to teachers at high-need schools throughout Seminole County.

Building upon the success of the Foundation's Tools 4 Seminole Schools Free Teacher Store, the Mobile Supply Store will expand access to essential classroom resources for educators who may not be able to visit the Sanford-based location. The program was made possible through a $75,000 legislative appropriation sponsored by Senator Jason Brodeur and Representative David Smith, funding the purchase and outfitting of the mobile unit.

The event iwas held at Altamonte Elementary School and ncluded remarks from district leaders, legislators, and Foundation representatives, followed by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and the distribution of books and supply bags to students and teachers participating in summer learning programs.

Sanford has had three rail stations, now it has none. The first was downtown west of the Pico Building. The second was west of French Avenue on Ninth Street where the Coastline Park now exists. The third was on the mainline south of Auto-Train. It, like the present SunRail, was not in Sanford. When the railroads got rid of passenger service, it fell into disrepair and was abandoned after a strong hurricane.

A relocation of Sunrail to the Ninth Street location would help the city enormously, especially Goldsboro. It would give us a regular train station again. If Palatka can get the train to stop there, why not Sanford? It would also help the potential of rail service to the Sanford Airport.

The right of way for this line is still mostly intact. What is needed is a concerted effort by the City and the Airport to make it happen. They should appoint a committee to look into it.

Your Financial Superhero

As your Financial Superhero, I typically spend my time helping individuals and families

protect their finances, build wealth, and create a secure future.

But over the next few months, we're going to focus on something that impacts every area of

our lives: our health.

After all, what good is financial security if we don't have our health to enjoy it?

One of the biggest challenges facing families today is the rising cost of healthcare. Health

insurance premiums continue to increase, deductibles seem higher than ever, and many

people find themselves stuck in a difficult position. They either can't afford traditional

health insurance or they have coverage but avoid using it because of out-of-pocket costs.

As a result, many people delay care.

They ignore symptoms, postpone doctor visits, and hope minor health concerns will simply

go away. Unfortunately, waiting often turns small problems into larger and more expensive

ones.

The truth is that preventive care is almost always less costly than emergency care.

That's why telehealth has become such a valuable resource for individuals and families.

Telehealth allows you to connect with licensed medical professionals from the comfort of

your home, office, or even while traveling. Instead of spending hours in a waiting room, you

can often speak with a provider quickly and conveniently using your phone, tablet, or

computer.

One telehealth solution I'm excited to share with my readers is KonnectMD.

KonnectMD was designed to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. Whether

you have traditional health insurance, a high deductible plan, or no insurance at all,

KonnectMD helps bridge the gap by providing access to healthcare professionals when you

need them.For many families, this means less stress, more convenience, and quicker access to care.

Think about it. How many times have you or a family member felt sick outside of normal

office hours? How often have you delayed getting answers because scheduling an

appointment was inconvenient or too expensive?

Healthcare shouldn't be something we avoid because we're worried about cost or

accessibility.

The goal isn't to replace traditional health insurance. The goal is to give people another

option and another layer of support.

Because when healthcare becomes easier to access, people are more likely to use it. And

when people use it, they often catch problems earlier, make better health decisions, and

avoid bigger issues down the road.

Investing in your health isn't just a wellness decision. It's a financial decision too.

After all, one unexpected health issue can impact your income, your savings, your family,

and your future.

Can I ask you a question?

If you woke up tomorrow with a health concern, would cost, convenience, or lack of

access prevent you from getting the care you need?

Your Next Step

If you'd like to learn more about KonnectMD and how it may benefit you and your family, I'd

love to help.

Visit my Instagram @insuredwithrachel or call or text me at (786) 422-5229 to

schedule your free consultation.

Together, we'll explore solutions that help protect both your health and your financial future.

Many people search for happiness in big achievements, but it often comes from simple, everyday moments.

Learning how to focus on what matters most can help improve your quality of life.

What Is Happiness?

Everyday terms: Happiness is feeling joyful, content, or satisfied with life. It includes small pleasures as well as a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment.

Psychological perspective: Psychologists define happiness as subjective well-being—a combination of positive emotions, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. It isn’t a constant state but reflects how people generally evaluate and experience their lives over time.

Feeling happy has real health benefits: it can improve heart health, boost immunity, lower inflammation, and support healthy blood pressure. Happiness is also linked to a longer life and better overall quality of life. Across cultures, studies show that people consistently value happiness more than wealth or possessions.

How You Can Be Happy

Happiness isn’t about chasing constant pleasure. Genetics, life circumstances, relationships, achievements, and even neighbors influence well-being. Research shows, however, that much of happiness is within our control.

Engaging in small daily pleasures, immersing yourself in meaningful activities, setting and achieving goals, nurturing close relationships, and finding a purpose beyond yourself can all increase life satisfaction. The pursuit of these positive actions—not happiness itself—is what improves well-being.

Tips for Managing Depression and Anxiety

Depression or anxiety can make pursuing happiness difficult, bringing sadness, hopelessness, or exhaustion. Small, manageable steps can help you regain control.

Socialize with Others

Reaching out to friends, family, or support groups can provide important emotional support. Even brief interactions can reduce feelings of isolation and lift your mood. Socializing might feel exhausting at first, but consistent contact helps you feel less alone over time.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity produces chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that naturally improve mood. You don’t need intense workouts—short daily walks or light movement can make a meaningful difference. The key is consistency rather than intensity. 

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is a depressant and can worsen negative emotions. Cutting back or avoiding alcohol helps you cope with depression more effectively. Healthy coping strategies, rather than numbing substances, support long-term mental health.

Eat a Nutritional Diet

Eating a balanced diet supports both your mental and physical well-being. Proper nutrition can boost energy, confidence, and self-esteem. Focus on nourishing foods that help your body function at its best.

Implement a Routine

A regular sleep and meal schedule can stabilize your day and prevent unhealthy habits. Consistent routines make it easier to manage tasks, maintain nutrition, and support mental health.

Seek Professional Help

It is important to seek help when dealing with anxiety disorders. Therapists, counselors, or support groups can provide valuable tools and strategies. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Professional guidance can help you find long-term happiness, even during difficult times.

Spend Time Outside

Exposure to sunlight boosts serotonin levels and can improve mood. Combining outdoor time with physical activity amplifies the benefits. Even short periods in nature can positively affect your mental health.

Practice Meditation

Meditation helps reduce stress, cultivate gratitude, and focus on positive emotions. Even a few minutes daily can strengthen your mental resilience and help manage negative thoughts.

Biography
Stan is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear" which covers 200+ techniques that can drastically improve your mental health. For more information, please visit Stan's website at http://www.managingfear.com

Contributed

The National Child Passenger Safety Certification program recently designated Seminole County Fire Department Public Safety Specialist Sharon Gregory as one of only eight new Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructors (CPST-I) in Florida.

Gregory is currently the only CPST Instructor in Seminole County, and only 45 percent of Florida counties currently have a CPST Instructor. Statewide, there are fewer than 100 CPST Instructors. In her new role, Gregory is qualified to train and certify new Child Passenger Safety Technicians and lead certification classes.

Achieving the CPST Instructor designation is a significant professional accomplishment that requires extensive training, experience, and evaluation. Gregory has served as a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician since 2015.

The Child Passenger Safety Certification Training program is administered by Safe Kids Worldwide, the certifying organization responsible for managing all aspects of the program. The organization works closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Child Passenger Safety Board and program sponsor State Farm.

Over the past three years, the Seminole County Fire Department has inspected or installed more than 250 car seats and averages approximately 60 inspections annually. In addition to Gregory as a CPST Instructor, the Department has three nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians, including one fire lieutenant, one firefighter/paramedic and one member of Dispatch.

“Sharon works tirelessly in her commitment to public safety education and serves as an outstanding resource for our community,” said Fire Chief Matt Kinley of the Seminole County Fire Department. “Her dedication to safety education directly improves child safety and strengthens our fire department’s community outreach across Seminole County.”

Gregory has helped lead the Seminole County Fire Department’s community outreach efforts since 2014. She previously served as an emergency communications dispatcher with SCFD and began her public safety career as a firefighter in another Florida county.

“A 30 to 45-minute appointment can save a child's life,” said Seminole County Chairman Andria Herr. “When you consider that three out of five car seats are installed incorrectly, it's easy to see why this service matters. Sharon's achievement will help more Seminole County families access expert guidance and keep their children safe on the road.”

The Seminole County Fire Department hosts monthly car seat inspections on the third Thursday of each month from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Seminole County Fire Station 27, located at 5280 Red Bug Lake Road in Winter Springs.

For more information on car seat inspections and other car seat events, contact SCFDCommunityOutreach@seminolecountyfl.gov, call 407-665-5128 or visit www.SCFDFL.com.

Contributed

Angels of Mercy’s first annual Brunch/Fashion show was a hit!

Angels of Mercy is a faith-based nonprofit located at 2565 Park Drive in Sanford. They empower displaced women—particularly those recovering from homelessness, incarceration or addiction—by providing bridge housing and job placement. The organization focuses on a holistic approach designed to help women achieve self-sufficiency, reduce homelessness, and decrease recidivism.

The organization sold out and had approximately 100 guests. El Coqui donated lot of good pastries. Gabby the barber and Candice Hays Chenet donated their time to get the models beautiful. Christina Hollerbach brought a powerful message.

The groups own “Angels” modeled some amazing wear from Angels Second Chance Boutique located on Park Drive in Sanford.

One of the “Angels, “ Victoria, shared a bit of her testimony.

All attendees had a great time at the Sanford Galleon. The space was generously donated by the owner, Michelle.

The Bayou donated a fantastic brunch. Tina with Palate Coffee provided coffee. Mae Murphy Photography took the photos.

Lots of amazing silent auction items were won.

Seminole Flower Shop and Valley Flower Shop donated some amazing flowers and the ladies made their own bouquets.

Everyone laughed, fellowshipped and raised over $5,000.

The “Angels” and the community are looking forward to our 4th annual gala on November 7, 2026.

By Eva Liguori

Herald Intern

A dedicated member of the Sanford community, Alan Dickey, died Aug. 29, 2025. Alan’s life was one of service to his community, as he served as a respected judge, community leader, mentor, and friend.

Dickey's legacy was honored June 5 by the Rotary Club of Sanford, a service organization to which he dedicated more than 50 years.

Alan joined the Rotary Club in 1975, while also serving as a respected judge in Seminole County. While being a member of the Rotary Club of Sanford, Alan acted in ways that benefited his community and helped the city of Sanford prosper.

To commemorate the life of a man who gave so much to the community, the Rotary Club of Sanford gathered on June 5 at the civil courthouse to honor the life and legacy of Alan Dickey. 

Family members, friends, colleagues, and fellow Rotarians also presented a donation in his memory to Companions for Courage. This organization was especially meaningful to him because it provides specially trained therapy dogs to comfort child victims while they testify in court.

“It was a fitting tribute to someone who spent his life serving others and advocating for those in need,” Kimberly Walker, president of the Rotary Club of Sanford, said about the gathering held in his honor.

By Lesley Keays

Herald Columnist

A poignant moment recently took place at Dave’s House in Sanford.

“Clearing the Way” was a ceremonial pre-demolition event to mark the upcoming razing of the original property structure. A enthusiastic rebuild is ahead.

For whom is the community named? 

“Dave Jeffreys was a gifted scholar and leader, a warm-hearted friend, mentor, and role model. He was also my brother,” explains Dave’s House Co-founder Lin Wilensky.

As a young adult, Jeffreys was diagnosed with schizophrenia. “My hero had become vulnerable,” recalls Wilensky. “The sibling I admired so deeply was facing a battle none of his loved ones could understand.” 

For the next 25 years, Dave cycled in and out of hospitals, on and off medications through periods of instability and struggle. 

A harrowing psychotic episode made the Wilenskys realize that Dave needed more support to manage his illness. “My husband Ron and I set out to find an environment that could provide the care, structure, and compassion Dave needed to live a successful and meaningful life.” notes Wilensky. They found a facility in Virginia that suited his complex needs.

“During the final 15 years of his life, my brother flourished,” reveals Wilensky. “He remained stable and required no hospitalizations. He held a part-time job, drove himself to activities, and made lasting friendships. Dave enjoyed a quality of life we thought might not ever be possible. Permanent supportive housing gave my brother something every person deserves: the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and hope.”

Upon Dave Jeffreys’ passing in 2007, Ron and Lin sought to honor his legacy. Together they created permanent supportive housing. “We wanted other brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, to have the opportunity to live their best lives as Dave had,” states Wilensky.

Dave's House at Celery Community will become the organization’s first multi-unit residential neighborhood, and the first community of its kind in Seminole County. It is dedicated to adults living with serious mental illness and co-occurring disabilities. 

The community will create opportunities for connection, independence, recovery, and belonging. The future neighborhood will feature:

- Eight duplex homes designed to support up to twenty residents for independent living. 

- A 3,500-square-foot community center for activities, education, and social connection.

- Green spaces that promote wellness and community.

- On-site case management and peer support.

- Healthcare partnerships and educational programming. 

- Employment and life-skills opportunities.

- Convenient access to transportation and community resources. 

"It was incredibly encouraging to see such an

outpouring of support from our community, states 

Ellen O'Connor, CEO, Dave's House. “From city leaders and partners to donors, board members, neighbors, and advocates, ‘Clearing the Way’ showed that this vision belongs to all of us. This event marked the first of many milestones as we work together to create Dave's House at Celery Community and expand permanent supportive housing for adults living with serious mental illness.”

For more information on Dave’s House, visit 

https://www.daveshouse.org. 

Contributed

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), joined by leaders from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), recently hosted a groundbreaking for the Interstate 4 (I-4) Truck Parking Relief Program, expanding safe, reliable truck parking and advancing freight mobility along the I-4 corridor in Central Florida. The event was held at Future Seminole County Truck Parking Facility, 4226 School Street, Sanford.

Contributed

The Sanford Fire Department recently celebrated the official grand opening of Fire Station 40.

The City of Sanford and the Sanford Fire Department hosted the grand opening of Fire Station 40, located at 3390 Skyway Drive in Sanford. This 14,000 square foot facility will enhance the emergency services provided to Sanford residents and the surrounding areas. 

This much anticipated event included a Hose Uncoupling Ceremony. This is a tradition in the fire service, symbolic of the hard work and dedication that lead to the completion and commissioning of the new fire station.

Fire Station 40 includes four apparatus bays to house Engine 40 and Rescue 40, with the possibility of a Tower to be added in the future.

“The opening of Station 40 shows the commitment of the Sanford City Commission to meeting our community’s needs as it grows,” said City of Sanford Mayor, Art Woodruff.  “This new station will provide faster response to the rapidly developing East Lake Mary Boulevard corridor and the Orlando-Sanford International Airport, ensuring our residents, businesses, and visitors continue to receive the highest level of safety and service.”

 “Fire Station 40 will serve an area with more than 2,100 households. This station will improve emergency response time by more than two minutes in this growing area. Those two minutes are invaluable in critical incidents when every second matters,” said Fire Chief Ronnie McNeil of the Sanford Fire Department.

As we recently celebrated Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary in 2026, many of us gathered with family and friends, attended community events, watched fireworks and reflected on the remarkable history of our nation.

For me, serving as the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections offers another reason to celebrate.

Nearly 250 years after our nation's founding, one of the best ways we can honor the principles of liberty

and self-government is by participating in our elections. The Constitution provides the foundation for our

representative democracy, but it depends on an engaged electorate to work as intended. Every time we

vote, we help carry forward the freedoms and responsibilities that have shaped our nation since its

founding.

The Declaration of Independence proclaimed the ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government that

continue to define our nation. Those ideals were preserved through the sacrifices of generations of

Americans and remain strong only when citizens stay engaged. Today, one of the most meaningful ways

we honor that legacy is by voting and making our voices heard.

The principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence continue to guide our nation today. Voting

gives each of us the opportunity to help shape our communities, our state, and our nation. Regardless of

our individual beliefs or political views, elections provide a peaceful and orderly process through which

every eligible voter has an equal voice.

But voting is more than a right. It is also a responsibility!

Being election ready begins long before Election Day. It means making sure your voter registration

information is current, verifying your address, confirming your party affiliation if you plan to vote in a

partisan primary, learning about the candidates and issues on your ballot, and deciding how you will cast

your vote. Taking a few minutes now can make all the difference when it's time to vote.

Here in Seminole County, the voter registration deadline for the August 18, 2026, Primary Election is July

20. Voters who wish to vote by mail must submit their request by August 6. These are simple deadlines,

but they are important ones.

That is why our office's message this election year is simple: From 1776 to 2026, Be Election Ready.

As the country celebrated its Semiquincentennial, I encourage every eligible voter to take a few

minutes to prepare for the upcoming election. Register to vote if you're eligible. Update your voter information if you've recently moved or changed your name. Learn about the choices on your ballot. Then

make your voice heard. The freedoms we enjoy today were preserved by generations of Americans who

believed in self-government and civic responsibility. The best way to honor that legacy is to participate in

it

This Independence Day, we celebrated America's history. Then help shape America's future by being election-

ready. Amy Pennock is the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections. For voter registration, election information, and important deadlines, visit VoteSeminole.gov.

By Jeremy Gottschalk

Herald Intern

Local businesses and government agencies recently gathered at Olive Garden for Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Hurricane Preparedness Lunch-n-Learn.

Members and guests enjoyed lunch specials from Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, 10 Towne Center Circle, while government representatives, business leaders, and weather experts weighed in on preparation, planning and business recovery for the 2026 hurricane season.

“It’s always better to be proactive than reactive in a storm season. I wanted to offer how best to help Waste Pro and FPL, utilities we are so dependent on, to help businesses help them to not have it be as catastrophic,” said Tricia Feliu, Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce President.  

Panelists included Spectrum News 13 meteorologist Zach Covey, Seminole County Emergency Services Management Division Manager Steven Lerner, Waste Pro USA Division Manager Eric Saxton, Florida Power & Light External Affairs Regional Manager Linda Webster-Dubea, Sol Aire Air Conditioning Services LLC President Lorenzo Mendoza, U.S. Small Business Administration Public Affairs Specialist Tammi Ross, and AffordableONE Kirkendall Insurance Managing Partner Donald Kirkendall.

Sanford Greater Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tricia Feliu moderated this second annual panel with diverse specialists across multiple industries with topics including ‘hurricane fatigue’, safety tips, vegetation management and waste removal, small business loans, as well as securing financials and important papers.

Twenty-four attendees included vendors offering unique ideas on their own products focusing on roof maintenance and technologies, a cargo and courier transportation services app, and an asset inventory service.

Meteorologist Zach Covey discussed the below-average hurricane season predictions given in NOAA’s 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook released on May 21. “Just because the El Niño is developing, doesn’t mean a named storm can’t do damage,” Covey stated. “It only takes one storm to make it a bad season.”

Covey further explained how 2006 was an El Niño year with three hurricane landfalls.

“Events like today and seeing all these small businesses come out and learn how they can prepare is the first step. You’re getting a lot of good information on the weather side, but also on the local emergency management side,” stated Covey.

When preparing for a storm, Seminole County Emergency Services Management Division Manager Steven Lerner explained how the county sees 700 new residents a day.

 “It can be challenging to convey what days without power can look like,” said Lerner.

For waste management and power, the focus was on vegetation management and removal of dead trees and bushes prior to a storm. Yard maintenance and tree trimming help limit debris around neighborhoods and power lines during high winds or flooding. Early preparation will greatly reduce waste after a storm.

SBA Public Affairs Specialist Tammi Ross advised, "Prepare before disaster strikes." 

For those impacted by storms, US Small Business Administration small business loans and SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan are available for eligible businesses through sba.gov. 

Prioritizing securing of tax returns, schedule of liabilities, and important documentation prior to a major storm also helps with filing insurance claims.

Businesses set up tables to share new technologies and programs to aid during hurricane season and year-round.

Roof Saver Florida Regional Manager Markey Casey displayed GoNano, a nanotechnology-based protection system developed to help preserve exterior surfaces exposed to harsh environmental conditions. The roofing treatment has an average ten-year extended life, is hail-resistant and meets new state wind mitigation requirements.

Truck It App LLC CEO and Founder Elizabeth Casey discussed the small business and personal cargo shipping application developed in 2018 and currently hosts 25,000 drivers. Casey said the Truck It app is in soft launch and can be used for courier services, large orders, and a variety of shipping needs.

“We have drivers all over the country; some drivers deliver medical, pharmaceuticals,” said Casey. “You go in the Truck It app, and it gets delivered,” explained Casey.

Tricia Feliu said the Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce will continue to host more Lunch-n-Learn events with other themes and hold future hurricane preparedness discussions around the same time next year.

For Chamber of Commerce member package information or for future events, visit https://www.mysanfordchamber.com/ or email info@mysanfordchamber.com.

By Taylor M. Coffman

Herald Correspondent 

Oviedo native, Olympic medalist, and World Champion Jenny Simpson has been released from the hospital following her sudden collapse at a pop-up track event in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

On June 17, Simpson, who represented the United States at four Olympic games and won bronze at the 2016 Olympics, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during the Sir Walter Running Pop Up Mile event, where she was participating as Fleet Feet’s Chief Running Officer. According to Fleet Feet, Simpson “received immediate lifesaving care” following her collapse, including CPR and the use of an AED, before she was transported to UNC Rex Hospital, and then Duke University Hospital. 

Although there hasn’t been any more information on her medical event, Fleet Feet has confirmed that Simpson was discharged from Duke University Hospital on June 26. Simpson, Fleet Feet, and the Sir Walter Running team have all released statements praising the medical professionals involved, who handled the situation with “such urgency, care, and professionalism.” 

“Jenny and her family are deeply grateful to the first responders, the medical teams at UNC Rex Hospital and Duke University Hospital, and everyone who has cared for her over the last nine days,” said Fleet Feet’s official statement in collaboration with Simpson. “Their skill, compassion, and extraordinary care has meant more than words can express.”

Following her discharge, Simpson will reportedly be remaining in North Carolina for her recovery, alongside her husband and two dogs, and is “sincerely grateful for the countless messages, prayers, encouragement, and acts of kindness she has received from friends, colleagues, competitors, and runners around the world,” and that she looks forward to reconnecting with the community “in time.” 

Simpson has yet to release an individual statement regarding the incident or the future of her career, though Fleet Feet - on her behalf - has asked that fans and well-wishers continue to respect the privacy of Simpson and her family during her recovery. More updates can be found at @trackjenny on Instagram. 

Seminole County, Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka, and Wharton-Smith Construction Group recently celebrated a major milestone in the Legacy Square affordable housing development during a Wall Raising Ceremony. The event marked the next phase of construction for the new subdivision, which will create affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.

Legacy Square consists of 19 newly constructed single-family homes, including 10 homes made possible through Seminole County funding of $1.4 million. The project builds upon the success of Leadership Point, a six-home affordable housing development completed in 2024 using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Through careful stewardship of those initial funds, the County was able to reinvest proceeds from the sale of the homes into additional affordable housing projects, creating an ongoing source of funding that expands homeownership opportunities for local families.

 Legacy Square also represents a collaborative effort to address the growing need for affordable housing in Central Florida. Through a combined investment of public and private funding—including more than $1 million in support from Wharton-Smith—the development highlights how government, nonprofit, and business partners can work together to expand affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.

The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is issuing a rabies alert in Seminole County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon that was captured near the intersection of Aero Lane and St John’s Parkway in Sanford on July 8, 2026. DOH-Seminole is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.

People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

• Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Seminole County Animal Services at 407-665-5201.
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Seminole by calling 407-665-3243.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Seminole County Animal Services at 407-665-5201.
• Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.

For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Seminole at 407-665-3243.

“Every pet has a story worth celebrating, and the My Best Friend Wine Label Contest gives our community the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the furry family members they love, while helping pets who are still waiting for their furever homes,” says Pet Alliance Interim Executive Director Lindsay Framstead .  “The winning dogs and cats earn a place on a wine bottle, but every participant is making a meaningful difference by supporting the lifesaving care, shelter and resources Pet Alliance provides to animals in need.  We can’t wait to see this year’s adorable contenders and their proud pet parents go all out to take home the top prize.”

For more information, visit https://www.gogophotocontest.com/mybestfriend.  For more information on Pet Alliance, visit www.petallianceorlando.org.

Pet Alliance is just $169, 672.00 away from reaching their $15 million fundraising goal for the new Orlando shelter and closing their Almost Home Campaign.  For naming opportunities and to make a donation, visit https://petallianceorlando.org/donate or contact development@petallianceorlando.org.

About Pet Alliance

Pet Alliance was founded in 1937 as the Orlando Humane Society.  Since then, the organization has worked hard to provide positive and safe outcomes for pets.  Today, Pet Alliance has a dedicated focus on the welfare and well-being of dogs and cats in Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties.  As the “go to” experts in Greater Orlando, they do good things for dogs and cats and the people who love them.  Their goal is to provide compassionate and knowledgeable services for pets and to be leaders in innovative animal care and veterinary medicine.  More than 4,000 surrendered pets and homeless animals turn to Pet Alliance for caring, compassion and hope through their shelters each year.  Pet Alliance provides food, medical care and shelter for dogs and cats until they find their new homes.  In addition to providing housing and care, Pet Alliance works to develop progressive and innovative programs that help keep pets and people together.  Pet Alliance also provides low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and animal wellness through their public veterinary clinics.  Their shelter programs are supported entirely by donations from the community they serve.  For more information, visit www.petallianceorlando.org.

Per the GoFundMe:

"Not knowing how to help at first, I made them some pre-made meals, and when we brought them over to them, they wept again, having someone show them kindness. It was on this visit that the true gravity of their situation really hit me. They are having severe health issues, and they desperately need so much help to take care of themselves."