Thursday, May 31
Rollins student's journey to valedictorian
Valedictorian overcomes odds
For the East Orlando girl who was told in middle school she’d likely never graduate high school with a standard diploma, let alone even think of ever making it to college, it seemed reality was stacked against her.
Wednesday, May 30
Top graduates in Oviedo, Winter Springs
This trio aims high
One was co-captain of his debate team. Another led the school’s marching band. And the third was a part of more clubs and sports teams than you can count.
Stetson's Corner
Alice, Beryl and June — a stormy start to a season
Days before the official start of hurricane season, two named Atlantic storms formed for only the third time in recorded history.
Notes
Aldrin Hicks' collection, “Personal Organized Emotional Material (P.O.E.M.),” gives readers a sampling of rhymes and free-verse poetry inspired by his life.
JC360 mixes grille with grilles
Cruising at JC360
A year and a half ago, Joe Couceiro founded JC 360 Sports Grille with the idea to create an establishment that didn’t cater to just one demographic.
Family Calendar
Pop Up Pianos Seminole Grand Finale and Auction Event will rock the house from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, at the Wayne Densch Theater in Sanford.
Tom Carey: Sowing safe seeds
Should you use GMO, chemically treated, organic or traditional seeds? Old fashioned could be the way to go.
Should you use GMO, chemically treated, organic or traditional seeds? Old fashioned could be the way to go.
Panera Bread, Ale House rises in Seminole
Signs of a growth abound
In the economic rollercoaster of businesses coming and going, there’s a new promise for hope of a turnaround
Calendar
It’s all about the ladies during the Women’s Day Extravaganza hosted by One Senior Place in Altamonte Springs on Thursday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It’s all about the ladies during the Women’s Day Extravaganza hosted by One Senior Place in Altamonte Springs on Thursday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Politicians grab crystal balls
Sunrail, construction rise
Officials at Political Update Breakfast talk term limits, commuter rail and Ravaudage
Quick lessons from the Facebook IPO
When a cultural phenomenon such as Facebook meets big money, media frenzy is almost inevitable.
Chris Jepson: Happy endings?
Think of Mitt Romney as Edward Lewis, the character in the 1990 movie “Pretty Woman.”
It finally dawned on me where I had seen Mitt Romney portrayed in the movies.
Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar
The work of exceptional student artists will be presented in Crealdé’s 32nd Annual Juried Student Show, on display from June 8 to Aug. 31.
Opening June 1 at 6 p.m. is Lake Eustis Museum of Art’s next exhibit entitled “Jim W. Wilson: Eye-cons of Florida’s Wilderness.”
Restaurant review: JazzTastings
Big City in little city
It’s hard to believe that one wonderful place could be both a live music destination and a food destination, but it’s right here in Maitland.
Boot Camp for Dads: How to be involved
Changing father definition
There aren’t any more dads than usual these days, but the view of fatherhood is definitely changing.
Knights head to NCAA Tourney
No. 2 seed in regional
Knights baseball may have one of the best road records in NCAA baseball, but it’ll be put to the test.
Five financial do's before saying 'I do'
Money is often cited as one of the leading causes of stress in marriage
Money is often cited as one of the leading causes of stress in marriage.
Thursday, May 24
Stetson's Corner
In just a few short days, school will be out for the summer and that odd phenomenon takes place in the space and time continuum.
In just a few short days, school will be out for the summer and that odd phenomenon takes place in the space and time continuum.
Wednesday, May 23
Senior Community Bulletin
Join volunteers and friends of the Jewish Pavilion for a free workshop on Body Language at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 4, at Horizon Bay
Join volunteers and friends of the Jewish Pavilion for a free workshop on Body Language at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 4, at Horizon Bay
Painted pianos pop up
Encouraging kids to play
James Navan sat down on a bench, placed his hands on an 88-key work of art, and filled the atrium of the Oviedo Mall.
Notes
U.S. News and World Report magazine ranked Winter Springs High School No. 44 in the state out of 990 high schools, and No. 747 in the country out of 22,000 high schools.
Neel the science guy
Prodigy goes to Harvard
Oviedo High School senior Neel Patel can turn anything into a science experiment.
$338k fines dropped on home
Project gets go ahead
An unfinished home that amassed $338,000 in code enforcement fines may finally be completed.
Family Calendar
Parents' Night Out
Every third Friday (May 25 this month) from 6 to 10 p.m. is Parents’ Night Out at SPARK! Family Enrichment Center
Review: TJ's Seafood Shack
Consistently amazing seafood
I requested an appetizer sampler and loved the gator tail.
Celery Stalks
It is a great treat getting out of town for several days and that is just what I did.
It is a great treat getting out of town for several days and that is just what I did.
Calendar
First Baptist Church of Oviedo at 45 W. Broadway St. will be hosting its 10th Annual Greater Oviedo 5k Race on Saturday, May 26, at 7:30 a.m. Afterward, they’ll have booths for enjoyment and education, fun runs for younger children and a trophy presentation. Visit fbcoviedo.org/5k
Kids fight rare cancer together
Kids fight for their lives
“London?” asked the spunky girl in the Hello Kitty dress, her head partially shaved to reveal a story-telling scar, realizing their connection.
Ask Sandi
Yeah, the recession is over and we can all rest easy. Well, not exactly.
Yeah, the recession is over and we can all rest easy. Well, not exactly.
Small start-up firms lead recovery
It’s the young, small startup companies that are creating the most new jobs — about three million annually.
Josh Garrick: Discover exciting I-4 exits
The Morse Museum invites families to its new Tiffany wing through two free summer programs for elementary-school-age children.
The Morse Museum invites families to its new Tiffany wing through two free summer programs for elementary-school-age children.
Cord blood banks save more lives
Cord blood banks
These sisters’ rare and fatal genetic disorder was cured by cord cells and bone marrow transplants.
Tournament awaits UCF
Knights baseball
The University of Central Florida Knights beat the No. 5 team in the nation to end the season with a championship.
Wednesday, May 16
Lions make splash in postseason
Water polo wins districts
Oviedo fought its way into the state quarterfinals in boys water polo heading into the end of April, but found its match in St. Thomas Aquinas.
Series could clinch season for Knights
Playoffs ride on series
The regular season Conference USA baseball championship rests on one final series.
Notes
With the newly resurfaced Lake Brantley High School track as its venue, the Central Florida Gliders Spring Track Classic celebrated its 20th year.
With the newly resurfaced Lake Brantley High School track as its venue, the Central Florida Gliders Spring Track Classic celebrated its 20th year.
Family Calendar
Join Seminole County Natural Lands and the Friends of the Environmental Studies Center for its free Wildlife Appreciation Day celebration from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 19
Join Seminole County Natural Lands and the Friends of the Environmental Studies Center for its free Wildlife Appreciation Day celebration from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 19
Calendar
Sundew Gardens presents a "Chickens for the Central Florida Homestead" workshop at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, and at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 20.
Sundew Gardens presents a "Chickens for the Central Florida Homestead" workshop at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, and at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 20.
Stetson's Corner
2010 was the 13th year in a row where more police died from traffic fatalities than from gunfire.
According to the National Law Enforcement website, 2010 was the 13th year in a row where more law enforcement personnel died from traffic fatalities than from gunfire.
Community comes together for London
Community support
The community shows support for two Central Florida kids fighting a grim brain cancer diagnosis
Chris Jepson: Take God shopping
We’re moving along at glacier speeds compared to the rapid turn (evolution?) in the acceptance of gays.
I came up with the child advisory about mankind’s condition, “Fasten your seatbelt, kids, it’s gonna be a rough ride.”
Tom Carey: Peas right for summer
Who has time to shell peas and beans these days? If you harvest early, the solid, young pea pods can be prepared like snap beans, shell and all.
As summer growing conditions approach, black-eyed peas (not the hip-hop musical group), crowder peas, yard-long beans and cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) can be grown in our gardens as a substitute for green snap beans.
Friday, May 11
Stay safe from rodents and mosquitos
Orange County Health Department and Mosquito Control tips
Orange County Health Department and Mosquito Control tips on how to stay safe this summer.
Mural going up in Winter Springs
WS grad paints business
Winter Springs High School graduate Chelsea Gaffney is painting a mural on the Unlimited Welding Inc. building in Winter Springs.
Wednesday, May 9
Seminole County summer camp guide
Destinations abound
Summer destinations for kids abound in Seminole County. Here's where they are and how to sign up!
Stetson's Corner
From Australia to Zanzibar, cultures celebrate motherhood in unique ways.
From Australia to Zanzibar, cultures celebrate motherhood in unique ways.
Tiny soccer players win state championship
Krush fights for title
For the Central Florida Krush U11 team, staring down a 2-1 gap with minutes ticking away on the championship, a win was looking grim.
Duda donates salad bars, kids eat healthy
Oviedo eats healthier
Since the freestanding salad bar as installed by Duda Farm Fresh Foods, traffic has nearly tripled.
Seminole Voice gets a new brand
Media group growing
“Observer Newspapers” doesn’t convey what we’ve become: a diverse media platform.
Winter Springs JROTC is No. 5 in nation
Bears grab No. 5 spot
The rifle flying through the air and back into Michael Drew’s hands moves in a blur before it’s caught.
Bears, Lions shocked
Bears fall in comeback
A seventh-inning rally upended a Hagerty lead and led to a shocker 4-3 loss in the Class 8A first region baseball semifinal May 8.
iPads coming to Oviedo
City Hall techs up
Oviedo City Hall may leap into the future with new iPads set to arrive in the next few months.
Celery Stalks
I received an early Mother’s Day gift, an orchid
Happy Mother’s Day to all. I received an early Mother’s Day gift, as one of my sons presented me with a lovely orchid.
Notes
Neel Patel, a 17 year-old senior from Seminole County’s Oviedo High School, walked away with the top prize in the Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition
Family Calendar
Join Seminole County Natural Lands and the Friends of the Environmental Studies Center for its free Wildlife Appreciation Day celebration from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 19, at the Environmental Studies Center.
Oviedo's Eagle Scouts
Four honored at once
On May 2, Oviedo-area residents Brandon A. Bateman, Nathaniel K. Shepherd, Thomas J. Wampler and Parker D. Hoffman were awarded their Eagle Scout Rank.
Calendar
he 4th Annual “Party with a Purpose” for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 11, at Black Hammock Fish Camp.
Oviedo declares state of emergency
Fire risk high, says Chief
A long drought has left fire risk at dangerous levels, Oviedo Fire Chief Lars White says.
Rental fraud hits home
Rental scams on rise
Randy Lutz, girlfriend Contance Young and their son, J.J., settled into a Winter Park-area home only to find out two weeks later that they were victims of a rental scam.
Josh Garrick: Time to Time Warp
Art & History Museums – Maitland will present a Summer Concert Series in their beautiful gardens on Friday.
The ultimate cult musical and rock ‘n’ roll entertainment, “The Rocky Horror Show,” will open at The Abbey on May 10.
Mother's Day Calendar
Treat her on May 13
We count the ways to treat Mom on Sunday, including a Mother’s Day brunch at Fleming’s in Winter Park.
Thursday, May 3
Ask Sandi
How many seconds does it take for a recruiter to decide to hire you? Is it 3 seconds, or 120?
How many seconds it takes for a recruiter to decide to hire you? Is it 3 seconds, or 120?
Stetson's Corner
Will droughts stifle our May flowers?
April showers are supposed to bring May flowers but with showers so sparse last month it's hard to predict how many flowers we will actually enjoy.
Wednesday, May 2
Knights streak snapped
UCF looks to regroup
The Knights lost their first conference baseball series of the season to finish off April.
Superintendent swap
Vogel hands keys to Griffin
On Saturday, June 30 at 11:59 p.m. a quiet exchange will take place.
Postseason bound
Bears, Lions, Huskies advance
The scoring came early and quickly, and then the Bears just had to hang on.
Family Calendar
The city of Winter Springs Annual Arbor Day Celebration will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, at Central Winds Park.
Calendar
The inaugural St. Johns River Festival of the Arts will be held May 5-6 in the downtown Sanford.
Globe trotting students
Learning in a new world
Saying goodbye to your family and boarding a plane to travel halfway around the world by yourself is a daunting thought.
Race and the Trayvon Martin case
How race weighs in
I am only now beginning to catch a glimpse of how deep the pain runs in the hearts of my African-American brothers and sisters.
Invest in STEM education for minorities
Here’s an equation that’s simple to solve.
Minorities — particularly African Americans — are woefully under-represented in areas such as computer networking, medicine, engineering and physical sciences.
Senior Calendar
Senior Expo
The annual Senior Expo is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2-3 at 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando.
Summer camp directory
Local directory
Looking for the perfect summer camp close to home? Check out our directory of exciting local offerings.