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Timber Creek News
Newsletter
Gabriel Berrio, Principal
Thank you for another wonderful year at Timber Creek High School. From day one every year at Timber
Creek, it is very evident just how much the community, students, faculty and staff are committed to and love
our school. From student and teachers involved with the Peer Inclusion Team (PIT) Crew, to Service Learning
students, to athletic boosters, to SAC, PTSA, and PLC, there is no shortage of community involvement. The number one priority for the entire community is to maintain the tradition of academic excellence that we are known for and to
meet the needs of every single student.
Our students and teachers have been recognized at the district, local, state and even national level for the quality of programs and projects and events that have been completed.
For example:
- TCHS has just received the “Mayor for a Day” distinction from Mayor Theresa Jacobs for the video submission that demonstrated how TCHS students stand up against drug abuse, bullying, and peer pressure
- Our Robotics Team recently competed at the VEX World Robotics Competition in California
- Mrs. Jennifer Kane was selected as the OCPS and regional Central Florida Air Force Association STEM Teacher of the Year. She is currently eligible for the state level award
- 4 of our Programming students received awards and scholarships from Embry Riddle
- We have 10 Super Scholars that have been accepted to the top 20 schools in the nation
- Our College and Career Center is a major reason why such a large percentage of our students are accepted and attend college or a university or other post-secondary institution.
- We received national certification for our AVID program once again which also focuses on college and career readiness
- Our Debate Team competed and placed in many local and state and national events bringing home many trophies
- TCHS received the most points in the district in regard to school grade FCAT based points
- We are a 5 Star School again as well as a Silver and Gold School!
- The Timber Creek Band Program received the Otto J. Kraushaar Award on Friday night, an award given to the top 1% of band programs in the state!
Now as the end of another year approaches, we are looking to continue to meet the needs of students during summer session. In preparation for next year, we will have Freshman Orientation on Thursday August 7 from 5 PM
to 7 PM and Saturday August 9 from 9 AM to noon. Students, remember to return locks and clean out lockers to avoid getting a fine.
SUMMER READING
TCHS believes that summer reading is important. Students who read over the summer gain reading skills and knowledge in content areas. Students who do not read over the summer lose valuable fluency and comprehension skills. Depending on the course a student is taking, summer reading is required or optional, but it is highly suggested! The TCHS website will list all of the assignments as soon as school is over for this year.
Students who read the 2014-2015 Florida Teens Read books are eligible for great prizes from the TCHS library. Those who read all 15 will win a Nook from Barnes and Noble! Check out
our website during the summer for a list of these books.
JOURNALIST HONORED WITH NATIONAL AWARD
Two Timber Creek students recently won writing awards in the 2014 Quill and Scroll International Writing and Photo Contest. Quill and Scroll (quillandscroll.org), the International
Honorary Society for High School Journalists, holds the contest each year, and it is open to members and non-members.
Senior Annie Magee won an award in the Opinion category and the Review category. She has served as the copy editor of the Timber Creek Tribune this year. Junior Todd Akroyd won in the Opinion category, and is the Tribune’s lead sports reporter. The exemplary writing of these students may be viewed online at www.tctribune.com. |
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Keeping Up with the "Cranes!"
Contribution by Amy Meador, Avalon Park Resident
Living in the suburbs of Orlando, Florida has provided more wildlife encounters than I previously thought possible. While I’ve lived in New Jersey, New York, Nevada and California and been around animals my entire life, the things down here that seem to come out of the woodwork can be a bit intimidating. And they seem to be everywhere at every time of day. Mammals, amphibians, reptiles, arachnids and insects in varieties that my bi-annual trips to Disney and The Fountainblue never prepared me for. We have birds all over the place. After years of seeing them come and go, I began paying attention to the Sandhill Cranes, the Supermodels of the Avian community. They strut around without a visible care; almost daring drivers to stop as they take their time crossing.
After two of the baby cranes were killed (one by a car and one presumably by natural causes or predators), I spoke with Dr. Ashley at the Avalon Veterinary Clinic and asked what she would like everyone to know about the birds, how she is available and how we can all make our home as harmonious with nature as possible. These are the main points she would like to make you aware of;
“They were on the endangered species list but have been transitioned to The Protected Migratory Bird List. I understand they can be annoying, but the cranes were here first. Don’t approach them directly. They can peck and kick dangerously. If they are in the road, horns really don't help. Try to have patience. If you need to get them out of the street and traiffic allows you to safely do so…use a bright colored cloth like a towel or jacket and shoo them along. Please don't feed them or any other wild animal. Just leave all the wildlife alone whenever possible. If it’s not domesticated by species, don’t treat it otherwise. If you insist on feeding the ducks or other birds of that nature, please use appropriate bird feed available online. The myth of handling baby animals is just that. Mothers will not reject a baby due to isolated interaction. Animal parents leave the babies all day and sometimes all night to forage. A baby found alive is not usually orphaned, except if it is a possum. If any baby animal is in a safe place, don't pick it up. Chances are the mama is watching.”
The doctor has generously made herself available to calls 24/7 for any emergencies or if you need help with any animal you encounter. Their address is 3250 Avalon Park Blvd, Ste. #3. Their number is 407 275 3430. Another resource is The East Coast Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (eastcoastwildlliferehab.com) in Orange City at 386 334 2237. They hold Class 2 and 3 State Wildlife Permits and a Federal Wildlife permit for all avian species.
Some other cool facts I found are that Sandhill Cranes migrate by up to the tens of thousands.
They also mate for life. Cranes begin breeding between 2-7 years of age. Babies stay close to the family for 9-10 months but they can leave the nest and even swim at 8 hours old. The oldest recorded Sandhill was 36 years and 7 months old. It was tagged in Wyoming and found in New Mexico. Most interesting to me, the first Sandhill Crane fossil is estimated to be 2.5 years old and was found in the Sarasota Mines (formerly the Macasphalt Shell Pit) here in Florida. Maybe that is what the doctor meant when she emphasized them being here first. Four out of five Avalonians surveyed agree. Home turf advantage can make a world of difference. Isn’t that one of the biggest reasons we all live here?
In Issue IV, photo Ms. Amy Meador also contributed to this article through photos. |
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A Written Selfie
Written by Linda Bilyeu
Who is Linda Bilyeu?
Since I write celebrity tributes and I might reveal skeletons from their closets or air their dirty laundry, I thought it would only be fair to reveal some of my personal random facts.
It's a good thing that I have no secrets, that I could remember. It's also a bonus that I have thick skin and could laugh at myself, which I do multiple times in a day...or else I might not have been able to pull this off.
I'm not a celebrity. OK, maybe I am to someone, somewhere, somehow and for some insane reason. Regardless, I placed this hub in the "Up and Coming Celebrities" category because one never knows what might happen.
Seriously, if Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton could be celebrities for doing nothing we all have a shot!
Granted their parents are millionaires which is a BIG plus for them. OK, Kim made a s*x tape...not gonna happen for me.
Paris is a blond bimbo...not gonna happen for me. I prefer the title brunette bimbo. I display that title with honor.
I tend to ramble so excuse my rambling beforehand. We will now proceed to random facts.
Once I publish this I might decide to hide under a rock or stand atop one and ROAR! Not sure which one yet...
Keith Urban and Sunshine!
Random Fun Facts of the Brunette Bimbo
- Born in Uniondale, NY on June 25th, 19*3
- Is number 4 of 6 siblings. Is a middle child, otherwise known as the forgotten child. Not at a rest stop, but it was close a couple of times. Being 5'1 doesn't help her being overlooked at times.
- Sunshine used to be very shy. Yes, that's a fact. She has learned how to use her voice to be heard. She now uses her voice too much and has been told to simmer down which makes her boil over.
- Is directionally dysfunctional. North, South, East, West ... forget about it! Has no idea how to use a compass. Will get lost walking around the block unless she leaves bread crumbs. She is screwed if the neighborhood family of ducks or cranes are walking behind her.
- Is annoying. Yes, a pest. There have been many times when she literally wanted to slap herself upside the head.
- Presently lives in Orlando, FL...since 1986. She's lived in the same zip code, but two different houses for 26 years.
- Her family doesn't let her out much since she has a tendency to find trouble without looking. It just happens. She has learned how to use a hairpin to pop the lock on her cage to get some fresh air.
- Shares her birthday with George Michael who was also born on June 25th, 1963.
- Began writing letters when she was seven years old. Her first letter was to her mother, asking for dinner. Mother remembered to set a place for her at the dinner table that evening. The letters became a daily ritual or else she starved.
- Sunshine married her boss twice. Two different bosses. Two different weddings. She became the boss. They didn't get a raise and worked plenty of overtime!
- She's still not sure what she wants to be when she grows up. She asks her grown, adult children for guidance. They offer assistance. Sunshine doesn't listen. Ignoring children might be genetic. Maybe they should write her a letter?
- Pet Peeve: Walking with confidence and then falling flat on the floor. Yep, she's been there and done that! Hurt the ego more then her chin. OUCH!
- Was not a fan of school. Is more of a hands on learner. She could take on a gangsta, but not sure how many U.S. states there are. 50 or 52? Hmmm.
- Still has her first husbands last name Bilyeu because she's too lazy to change all her many documents to her second husbands last name. Also a few friends told her that Linda Ligler sounds like a name for a stripper. Like Sunshine doesn't?
- Is a fan of sunshine and warmth. Does not like when temperatures in Florida go lower than 85*. She often says that cold weather is for penguins, not for humans.
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The Case for "UPTOWN AVALON"
Avalon Park Blvd and East Colonial, the new development and area should be referred to as Uptown Avalon
Written by Publishing@apgazette.com
Don't we already have an Uptown Avalon Park?
Tou·ché! We do have wonderfully built luxury townhomes in Avalon Park situated adjacent to Town Park located, in what most of us call, Down Town Avalon Park, however it is in down town AP, but Up town Down Town. If that makes any sense. ( side bar: There are only a few homes left, so if you are interested visit the Remax in Avalon Park).
Making the Case
Here are the facts. Although many, Avalon Park Residents, distinctly separate their community from other surrounding neighborhoods down Avalon Park Blvd, most of our neighbors have no clue that they do not live in Avalon Park.
"Oh, no Darling, you don't live in Avalon Park, you live in Avalon Lakes..."
Any Realtor can tell you that the majority of residents living down Avalon Park Blvd say they live in Avalon Park. And most Realtors can also tell you that the majority of buyers who are familiar with the area considers any neighborhood on Avalon Park Blvd as Avalon Park. Why is that, um maybe, because the main road is called Avalon Park Blvd, the proximity to Avalon Park, and the association and familiarization used as talking points about the community are all factors that play into this perception and belief.
There was a drive a couple years ago to make Avalon Park, it's own city and the surrounding neighborhoods were proposed to be a part of that city, so although many would like to believe Avalon Park ends at the roundabout and the intersection of Alafaya & APB, the reality is that our community extends beyond those parameters. We have neighbors who live in AP and own local businesses down Avalon Park Blvd, and residents who live in surrounding neighborhoods who directly contribute to our local economy daily, so when we say Avalon Park Community, it has a broader meaning then that of Avalon Park Neighborhood which many of us dutifully pay our quarterly HOA payment to.
I say we should embrace the reality in front of us and capitalize on it while building a broader sense of community. Staying in our bubble and telling ourselves that "the neighborhood down the street from us is not in our community" will only leave us with very little influence to help encourage more development that can help beautify the area. A rise in property values down the street equates to a higher rise in Avalon Park.
So What is being proposed here?
As many of you have seen, the new WAWA, Aldi, Wendy's, Dunkin Dounuts, and several others shops are coming to the area. It's situated "UP" Avalon Park Blvd about 3.5 miles from "Down Town." Get where I am going with this?
The shopping plaza is currently being named, Avalon Commons, but I propose that it is renamed Uptown Avalon, not Uptown Avalon Park, but simply Uptown Avalon. In fact, this entire area, including Grandeville Luxury Aparments, should be considered/ perceived as Uptown Avalon. When Grandeville first was being developed several years ago, they called themselves Grandeville in Avalon Park, but was challenged and had to change their name to Grandeville on Avalon Park, but now, as our community has matured and the upswing potential of building a stronger brand for our community which can yield more commerce, a rise in property values, and a beautification of the area which will attract more developers. For the thousands of drivers that pass this intersection daily, the consideration will now be, If there is an Uptown Avalon, where is Down town? Uptown Avalon seem to be an eventual fit for the area, but who knows!
Of course, there is cons.... there are always cons!
1. More commerce, may lead to more traffic
2. As in the past, news reports associated any crime occurring up Avalon Park blvd as Avalon Park although it was wrong, it will become fact. Our community understanding will certainly grow which is already the case in some of our groups on Facebook.
3. It will certainly promote community with other surrounding neighborhoods which may be a challenge
In Conclusion...
Should Uptown Avalon become a reality, a vision of more shopping, fine dining, and AP style housing in the area will help promote safer neighborhoods and help bring up an area that has been struggling for years.
What are your thoughts? Please send them to Publishing@apgazette.com
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REAL ESTATE 32828
written by Eddy Solon, 32828 Realtor, AP Resident
Remax Avalon Park
http:///www.Realestate32828.com
For Foreclosures listings, Home Valuations, and for luxury homes in East Orlando, please visithttp://www.Realestate32828.com
The Latest price per square feet on homes sold in the 32828 can also be located on the site.
If considering selling, you must determine an estimate ofwhat your home is worth or what you will need to begin the process.
Free Foreclosure List Offer- Expires June 21st
Need a list of Foreclosure in Orlando, Redeem offer here
 Resend Offer
Expires June 21, 2014
45 people claimed this offer
Some beautiful homes that went under contract this past month. Google my team "#1 East Orlando Realtor"
12306 Gingham Ct, Orlando, FL, 32828 (3 days)
10045 Mooreshire Cir, Orlando, FL, 32829 (6 days)
4204 Austen Falls Lane, Orlando, Fl 32828 (Sold in 20 days)
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Avalon Park 3rd Annual Summer Flag Football Camp 2014
mbstrainingclub@gmail.com
June 9th-13th
9:00 am -12:00 pm
Location:
Avalon Middle School Football Field
Register online at:
www.mbstrainingclub.org
Cost: $75
Thank you to our most recent Sponsor (Below) who have made a committment:
If you would like to become a Sponsor of MBS, please email sponsorships@tsb4sb.com
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Davis Bakery & Cafe
Av Avalon Park Business With Charm
Strolling down Avalon Park Blvd, among the sky high Palm Trees, and dining umbrellas, nestled across a scenic pond view, you will find one of east Orlando's quaint little shops, Davis Bakery. Reminiscent of an earlier time, with local Art fixated on it's walls, two friends sit catching up on old times enjoying one of the Cafe's Delicious breakfast or lunch sandwich combination while a Mom ending her morning routine with daughter in tow sits down outside and orders a pick-me-up-from-scratch desert. Today we honor and appreciate a local cafe dedicated to servicing their customers with charm. This Avalon Park Business has definitely contributed to the appeal of our community throughout East Orlando. If you haven't stopped by, take a visit and enjoy the spirit of this cafe.
Email info@davisbakeryandcompany.com
Phone 407-207-0205
12001 Avalon Lake Drive, Suite G,
Orlando FL 32828
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ORANGE COUNTY NEWS
Save the date! Save the date! Save the date!
2014 Florida Neighborhoods Conference
July 10 to July 12, 2014
Loews Royal Pacific Hotel
6900 Hollywood Way Blvd
In lieu of holding the Community Conference, NPRD and the City of Orlando will be hosting the 2014 Florida Neighborhoods Conference.
Click here for more information.
Monthly Adopt-A-Tree
Saturday, June 21st ~ 8am to 12pm
Dr. Phillips Park, 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd, Orlando, 32836
This is a FREE program for all Orange County citizens designed to encourage residents to add trees to our environment. Adding trees to the landscape has many long-term benefits. Along with the obvious advantages of shade and beauty, trees provide oxygen, filter pollution, and create habitats for wildlife. In addition, trees replenish our lost tree canopy that has diminished due to storm damage, age, and development. Each county resident must provide proof of residency and will receive up to two trees while supplies last.
Block Party Application
Have you or your neighbors considered having a block party in your neighborhood? Block parties are a way to welcome new neighbors to the neighborhood or a way to celebrated with neighbors on a annual basis. If so, there is a block party permit that has to be completed prior to having the block party. Click here to download the block party permit.
For more information, contact Sharon Cutler at 407.836.8378 or at Sharon.Cutler@ocfl.net.
BRACE for the Storm!
Online Workshop
Thursday, May 29th at 10am & 7pm
Florida's Division of Emergency Management, in partnership with Volunteer Florida and the Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies, presents the BRACE for the Storm Workshop for Orange County. This FREE internet based workshop is designed to provide information to homeowners on disaster mitigation techniques that can reduce damage to their homes from hurricanes and other disasters that threaten Floridians. In addition, homeowners will learn how they can save money on the windstorm portion of their homeowner's insurance premium.
May 29th at 10am ~ Click here to register
May 29th at 7pm ~ Click here to register
If you were unable to attend the Make Mitigation Happen workshop sponsored by our office on Saturday, May 17th, here is your second chance to get the information that was provided. Make sure to help others in your neighborhood prepare their home for the 2014 Hurricane Season; sharing this e-mail with your friends, neighbors, and co-workers!
For information on the Be Ready Florida initiative visit:
www.BeReadyFlorida.org
Movers for Moms
Two Men and a Truck® believes every mom should be celebrated on Mother's Day. That's why Two Men and a Truck Orlando - West have initiated Movers for Moms® and is teaming up with local organizations to collect essential items to be delivered to women living at Harbor House this Mother's Day. If you would like to donate items or to find out how you or your organization can join in this effort, contact Alaynah Allen at 407.254.5000 or Alaynah.Allen@twomen.com.
Mayor Teresa Jacobs' 2014 State of the County Address
Friday, June 6th ~ 8:30am
The Ballroom at Church Street
225 S Garland Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Citizens are invited to attend the 2014 State of the County Address. This year's theme, The Year of Transformation, takes you on a journey that highlights our outstanding achievements and the many milestones our community has accomplished together. As we enter the Year of Transformation, we continue to cultivate our efforts to make our region the best place in the world to live, learn, work and raise a family. Our diverse industries, economic development collaboration, innovative technologies and medical breakthroughs have transformed Orange County and continue to provide an unrivaled quality of life, with cherished natural resources and recreational offerings, along with unparalleled economic and education opportunities. Click here to RSVP.
Watch the Live Broadcast June 6th on Orange TV at 9 a.m. on Bright House Networks Channel 199, Comcast Channel 9, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. Live streaming will be available atwww.orangetvfl.net/watchlive.php. |
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EAST ORLANDO SAFETY
32828 Statistics: Zone 22B
Retrieved from OCSO Website
Safety@apgazette.com
MONTH TO MONTH TREND: 
While 24 incidents were reported last Newsletter, 59 incidents were reported this month in our zone, which includes Avalon Park Area and surrounding communities. Based on the data available, there were 0 Arm to Person Robbery, 13 Auto Burglaries, 36 Commercial Burglaries, 9 Residential Burglaries, 2 Stolen Vehicles, and 0 Strong Arm to Person Robbery.
Every month Auto Burglaries are the most common incident reported in our area. In this Issue, we included a separate article specifically discussing safety tips for securing one's vehicle. We definitely have an opportunity to bring down these numbers drastically through education and awareness every month.
This month and every month after, we will report a summary of crimes reported in our specific area and adjacent neighborhoods. The first step in crime prevention is awareness.
Avalon Park Residents, Have a safety concern? Feel free to email our off duty deputy Sal.Saldano@ocfl.net He is very responsive! What does off duty mean? It really does not mean they are completely off duty. They are hired by funds set aside by our HOA dues, on their off duty hours, to help secure the safety of our Avalon Park community. We have three deputies, and Sal is the primary coordinator.
To receive future statistics, Subscribe to our newsletter here
Since first step in crime prevention is awareness, everyone can contribute by forwarding these updates to their neighbor.
East Orlando Resident, have an incident, a report, or safety event, please email Safety@apgazette.com to be distributed to our 2,000 plus subscribers.
BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, YOUR DOOR IS UNLOCKED
by Dennis Horazak, Waterford Lakes Neighborly Reporter
Guys, we’ve all been there. At one time or another almost every one of us either told someone else, or was told by someone else, that a zipper was left unzipped. A lot of women do the same thing when another woman’s dress tag is out or some other wardrobe piece is malfunctioning.
Gentle notification is a courteous thing to do, a low-cost way of paying it forward. So let’s talk about burglary. (Stay with me here.) There have been a lot of thefts from unlocked
vehicles in the greater Orlando area, including Waterford Lakes, Avalon Park, and beyond. Last month the sheriff’s office parked an electronic sign at the island tip of Woodbury and Lake Underhill warning us “Lock Your Vehicle.” Now the sign has been moved to another location but the problem is still here – unlocked vehicles and garages.
Last year one of our neighbors complained that someone stole her credit-card-filled wallet and designer purse out of her unlocked car, and another complained that someone walked into his open garage in the middle of the night and stole his air compressor. I’ve talked to people in five other neighborhoods and they all have similar stories about their neighbors’ losses -- losses that could have been prevented by using common sense and protecting their valuables.
If you’re still reading this, you’re probably a conscientious person who locks his/her car and closes his/her garage door. You’re fine. It’s your neighbors I’m writing about – you know, the ones who leave their wallets and designer purses on the front seats of unlocked cars and leave their garage doors open all night. They could use your help.
When you’re out walking in your neighborhood and you notice an open garage or other obvious invitation to thieves, knock on the owner’s door and suggest that they close and lock. It’s a small thing that not only helps them but also helps you and helps all of us. If we make our neighborhood less attractive to thieves, we’ll have less crime, and this prevention measure
doesn’t cost anything. |
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Abrakoodle Artistic Flare
Some Photos taken from the Kid Art Installation
Photo Credit: Amy Meador
Photo Credit: Amy Meador |
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Val Demings Drop's Out of Mayoral Race
Orlando Sentinel
By Mark Schlueb
Former Orlando police Chief Val Demings stunned political observers Tuesday by abruptly ending her campaign to unseat Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, saying that it was "not the right race at this time."
Those politically close to Demings could only speculate why she left the race, but most agreed it likely cinches Jacobs re-election. No other serious candidate has emerged so far for the Aug. 26 mayor's primary
After confirming Demings' exit, a surprised Jacobs called a news conference to say she would still run hard for re-election. But Jacobs sounded at times like she was giving a victory speech. She thanked supporters, wished Demings well and discussed future mayoral challenges.
"I was surprised when she got in the race, because I felt like we were on the right track, and that we had a lot of support," Jacobs said. "And I was equally surprised when she got out, because I obviously know this is not something she entered into lightly."
Demings launched her campaign to unseat Jacobs in January, saying she wanted to boost public safety, schools and small businesses.
Her initial fundraising foray was robust, but it relied heavily on state Democratic Party help, even though the mayor's race is officially nonpartisan.
Demings had raised more than $240,000 in the four months she ran, but after a year of raising money, Jacobs sat atop $640,000.
However, Demings' overall total included $50,000 from the state party. And in her most recent report, it included more than $18,000 from in-kind staffing help from the state party in Tallahassee.
Aside from a fundraising challenge, Demings was also trying to unseat one of Central Florida's most popular politicians. In her first mayoral run, Jacobs easily outpaced a large, formidable primary field and then went on to beat former Commissioner Bill Segal with 68 percent of the vote.
And though she has made notable missteps — including the payment of a civil fine for an open-government violation — Jacobs has maintained much of her popularity. A recent Realtor survey showed the Republican Jacobs outpacing Demings 48 percent to 33 percent in a head-to-head race.
But backers said Demings had a path to victory if she could tap Orange's growing ranks of Democratic voters, who outnumber Republicans 42 percent to 29 percent.
Demings had also run well in her first political race. She lost to now-U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, R-Winter Garden, yet captured 48.7 percent of the vote in that GOP-leaning district.
Demings also had shown early signs of popular support in the mayor's race by collecting 7,000 petition signatures to get her name on the ballot. And just this month, her campaign seemed to gather more focus, as Demings launched a more sophisticated campaign website.
However, around that same time, her campaign manager, Mitchell Norton, unexpectedly left for Washington. Demings' camp offered no explanation and named no immediate replacement.
Upon hearing the news Tuesday, top Democratic fundraiser Bob Poe said that her exit was "rather shocking" and that their recent conversations were "about how committed she was to the race."
Other top Democrats such as Buddy Dyer and county party Chairman Carlos Smith also said they were caught off guard by the departure. Organize Now Executive Director Stephanie Porta said Demings called minutes before she announced her decision to drop out.
"She said it's not the right time," said Porta.
Several party regulars suggested Demings may have seen an unwinnable race or decided to save her political gunpowder for another congressional run against Webster, perhaps in 2016.
Tuesday's statement, which referred to Demings as "a rising star in Florida Democratic politics," said she made the decision to quit after "careful consideration including consultations with family" and supporters.
"There are many ways to contribute to my community," Demings said. "My commitment to the place I call home didn't begin with this campaign and certainly doesn't end with it. I will continue to explore ways to make our great county a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family."
When reached later for comment, Demings texted Tuesday: "I am having a quiet moment in Jacksonville with family. I will be around tomorrow."
Poe said Demings' timing — just a month before candidate qualifying ends — makes it hard to find another foe to take on Jacobs. The qualifying period for the race is June 16-20, and so far the only other people declared in the race are write-in candidates.
"I don't think there's another candidate, with that kind of notoriety or gravitas, that could get in at this late date," Poe said.
Staff writer Mark Schlueb contributed to this report. ddamron@tribune.com, 407-420-5311 or Twitter @dadamron. |
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Some of the local East Orlando Eateries
Reviews and Costs
Jeremiah's Italian Ice 89%
$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Desserts/Ice Cream 877 North Alafaya Trail
Guavate Puerto Rican Eatery... 87%
$$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Puerto Rican 422 South Alafaya Trail Suite 20
Brianto's Original Hoagies 89%
$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - American, Hot Dogs/Sausages, Sandwiches/Subs 12001 Avalon Lake Drive
Five Guys Burgers and Fries 89%
$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Burgers, Fast Food, Hot Dogs/Sausages 551 North Alafaya Trail
Rice & Beans Cocina Latina 88%
$$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Cuban, Latin American, Dominican 504 North Alafaya Trail
Fuji Sushi & Teppan Japanese... 81%
$$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Asian, Japanese, Sushi 504 North Alafaya Trail
Sweet! By Good Golly Miss... 85%
$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Bakery, Desserts/Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt 711 North Alafaya Trail
toojays 87%
$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - American, Breakfast/Brunch, Diner 715 North Alafaya Trail
Summer Palace 87%
$$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Chinese, Japanese, Sushi 588 South Alafaya Trail
TooJay's Gourmet Deli 87%
$$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - American, Bakery, Sandwiches/Subs 715 North Alafaya Trail
Davis Bakery and Café 90%
$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Breakfast/Brunch, Sandwiches/Subs 12001 Avalon Lake Drive Suite G
Eastside Bistro 84%
$$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - American, Burgers, Sandwiches/Subs 12001 Avalon Lake Drive
Thunya Thai Restaurant 88%
$$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Thai 13001 Founders Square Drive
Thai Singha 82%
$$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Sushi, Thai 863 North Alafaya Trail
Crispers 90%
$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Sandwiches/Subs, Soup, Salad 557 North Alafaya Trail
Simply Frozen Yogurt 84%
$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Frozen Yogurt 504 North Alafaya Trail
100 Montaditos 91%
$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Sandwiches/Subs, Spanish, Tapas 417 North Alafaya Trail
Tijuana Flats 89%
$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Mexican, Tacos, Tex-Mex 1024 Avalon Park North Boulevard
Keke's Breakfast Café 83%
$$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - American, Breakfast/Brunch 504 North Alafaya Trail
Boston Coffeehouse 89%
$ Avalon Park / Waterford Lakes - Breakfast/Brunch, Coffee, Sandwiches/Subs 12789 Waterford Lakes Parkway
Good Fella's Pizzeria 95%
$ Waterford Lakes/ E Colonial -Lunch/ Dinner, Italian Cuisine
If you would like to add to this list, please feel free to email publishing@apgazette.com |
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Interested in Submitting an Article
Articles are due by the third Thursday of the Month, email them to Publishing@apgazette.com
You understand by Submitting an article:
1. It may be edited to fit in the issue without my input
2. All final edits are completed by Avalon Park Gazette Reviewers and Editors in conjunction with the contributor, when deemed necessary
3. I will abide by AP Gazette creed, To build community one issue at a time through practical, informative, and lifestyle oriented articles in commitment with Integrity, Trust, Good will and Honesty.
4. I will submit to final edits made by the AP Gazette Team with my input when deemed necessary or without at the discretion of the AP Gazette Reviewers and Editors
5. I will submit an article before the 3rd Thursday of the month prior to 12 pm to be considered.
6. My article may or may not be considered or may be used in a future article under the sole discretion of the AP Gazette Reviewers and Editors.
If you do not agree, please do not submit an article.
AP Gazette Opportunities
1. Reviewers- to review final submittal of newsletters prior to publishing
2. Education Contributor- An article written by an Educator in one of East Orlando schools. Topics may be anything to do with Education and teacher, student, and parent awareness. This will be a good place to highlight top achievers in our school (teachers and students).
3. Sports Contributor- To discuss East Orlando Sports, anything from little league and up
4. Political Contributors- Discuss local politics that impact East Orlando Residents along with other Political contributors
To be able to participate, you must be an East Orlando resident, if writing, submit an article prior to 3rd Thursday of the Month 12:00 pm, and send your interest and brief description of your background to Publishing@apgazette.com Keep in mind, any neighbor can submit an article.
5. Safety Contributor- Preferably someone in law enforcement who lives or patrol our community to provide monthly contribution on safety trends, practices, and awareness.
6. Tell us your story- Have a personal story about a triumph or a life transition that took place and you think it will benefit others, tell us your story by
emailing publishing@apgazette.com
7. Have A Birthday or Anniversary coming up, Email us and we will showcase it in the associated issue. Email publishing@apgazette.com |
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