On the Move, Haley’s Light, Citrus Groves & more!
- Elizabeth Parker flips the script on Spina Bifida.
- Our area’s citrus journey spans centuries and is marked by pioneering perseverance.
- Market vendors spotlight their favorite wares.
- Turning tragedy into triumph, Haley’s Light sparks a roadside safety revolution.
- Vocal Locals
- News, notes and neighbors who know.
Strength in Motion
Elizabeth Parker flips the script on Spina Bifida.
With a smile that radiates from one corner of her face to the other, Elizabeth Parker is a true testament to strength, positivity, and gratitude. To some, living with Spina Bifida would be a deterrent to physical activity, but not Elizabeth. She says, “Even though Spina Bifida is a birth defect, it hasn’t stopped me from doing anything. In fact, it makes me want to do even more—some things that even able-bodied people can’t do.”
Climb a tree? No problem. Ride horses competitively? With ease. National weightlifting competitions? Absolutely.
Even as a child, Elizabeth was bursting with an electric zest for life. With a sense of pride, she talks about how her mother—a former missionary—fell in love with Elizabeth when she was a child in Namibia, Africa, officially adopting her in xxxx. When Elizabeth was 13, they moved to Central Florida. Later that year, she was gifted a 3-wheel recumbent hand bike—the same bike she used in the Tour de Chamber this past October.
“I had so much fun, but it was quite a workout; my arms were so sore, the next day I couldn’t do my typical weight-lifting”, Elizabeth giggled. “It was pretty awesome, though, and I would definitely do it again.”
Elizabeth’s passion for fitness—specifically, weightlifting— was sparked in 2018, when doctors first advised her to begin physical therapy to strengthen her body. Today, the petite powerhouse can bench press twice her body weight and routinely competes against able-bodied individuals. She is currently preparing for the national weightlifting competition in Austin, Texas in January.
When she’s not in the gym, Elizabeth is also a competitive equestrian who loves animals and being outside. For two summers she has participated in Lift Disability Network’s annual “Breakaway Camp” at Lake Yale. For Elizabeth, there’s nothing better than being a part of a community that uplifts others. Following her second summer, she decided to give back to the community that has given her so much, taking a position as a receptionist for Lift. Now she is the friendly face that greets everyone with a wide grin and a joyous “hello” to those who step through the door.
Elizabeth’s indomitable spirit not only encourages kindness but also serves as a powerful reminder that the human potential knows no bounds. Her resilience in the face of challenges, coupled with an unwavering commitment to personal growth, amplifies the message that limitations are often mere illusions. “I love becoming stronger every day. I feel great, and I look forward to my next challenge!”
Local History
Citrus Groves
Winter Garden is steeped in the rich history of orange groves and the citrus industry. Introduced by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, citrus became a valuable commodity, traded with American Indians for essential goods. However, a devastating freeze in 1835 wiped out the trees, setting the stage for a remarkable comeback.
Pioneering settlers in Central Florida discovered wild citrus trees that had survived, albeit with a sour taste. Undeterred, they grafted different varieties onto these hardy stocks, creating a sweeter crop. Among the early cultivators was William Roper, who arrived in 1857.
The late 19th century saw transportation challenges for perishable fruit, relying on oxen-drawn carts and steamboats until the arrival of the railroad in Winter Garden in 1887. However, the winter of 1894-95 brought the Great Freeze, devastating 90% of the trees. Yet, the community persisted, and by 1915, statewide production reached 10 million boxes.
Facing further challenges from drought and insects, the Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association and Roper Growers Cooperative emerged, fostering collaboration among growers.
Over the years, the industry evolved, shifting from fresh fruit to juice production. Winter Garden played a significant role in this transition, with local juice plants helping meet the demand for canned juice during World War II.
Today, it remains a cornerstone of Florida’s citrus heritage, with its orange groves a corroboration to the determination and ingenuity of generations of citrus pioneers.
Market Watch
Market Must Haves
We’re taking a fresh approach to our Saturday Market, and this month, we asked local vendors to share their favorite products with us. Get ready to discover a curated selection of the very best from our market.
Brian Chapman
Pickle Patch
“I love our garlic pickles. It’s a classic crunchy dill infused with fresh garlic and herbs. Plus, they’re one-of-a-kind—you can’t easily find them at the store.”
Louise Cox
Blend Good For You Cookies
“I might be a little too obsessed with nutrition…so I started making incredibly delicious vegan cookies! The chocolate chip cookie is by far my favorite, and our best seller!”
Samar Sultan
Golden Laureate Back to Nature
“Our best soap is our Charcoal Olive Oil Soap. Vegan and natural, this bar checks all our boxes. Treats acne, rids your hair of toxins, and is perfect for sensitive skin.”
Charitable Spotlight
Haley's Light
The love of a mother is one of the strongest and purest kinds imaginable. Brook Stealey, resilient and unflinching, knows that love should be ever-prevalent, especially in the face of tragedy.
Traveling with a friend one dark night, Brook’s daughter, Haley suddenly experienced car trouble, prompting her to pull over and exit her car. There, she was tragically struck by an oncoming vehicle that was traveling well over the posted speed limit. Haley was airlifted to a trauma facility, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Despite this profound loss, Brook emerged with a conviction that even one light can save a life.
Following the tragic death of her daughter, Brook set out to ensure that no other parents feel the same grief and loss that she experienced. The result was the establishment of Haley’s Light, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to cultivating meaningful relationships with the community to promote travel safety. At the core of Haley’s Light is a groundbreaking innovation—a roadside safety light designed to illuminate disabled vehicles and individuals stranded on the roadside. In Brook’s words, “Haley was the light—not only in my world but to everyone she came in contact with.” The radiance of Haley’s Light extends far beyond the personal, now reaching and positively impacting countless lives.
As Haley’s Light continues to shine, its commitment to safeguarding families remains unwavering—one light at a time. Brook’s journey from grief to advocacy stands as a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love and the profound impact it can have on the world.
Get involved!
haleyslight.com
Vocal Locals
Krissy Brisbois
Doxology
The one (sandwich or coffee) I’d have every day: Definitely Cafe Con Leche. I have a sandwich in mind: the Mediterranean veggie on Tomato Basil Bread from Panera.
What being a “Local” means to me: Taking pride in your community. WG is beautiful; when I first saw it, it reminded me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls.
The superpower I would choose: Apparate—well, that’s Harry Potter terminology—so I would teleport. There is so much in the world to see!
Hayden Gurley
Piccolo Coffee Co.
One thing I would wear for the rest of my life: I would pick a simple hoodie, khakis, and vans.
Place I would shop forever: Walmart, because they have everything.
What being a “Local” means to me: To be a local is knowing the people you see day-to-day, and being able to share our history.
The superpower I would choose: The ability to fly, to go from one place to another with an awesome view.
Grrroup Chatter
Sean O’Neill is the man behind the area’s rowdiest Facebook group.
RANT: My daughter’s meal only came with 1 tender so when I requested the second one, this is how it was brought to me. I immediately asked for a manager. She came over and I had her flip it over. She looked closer and said she didn’t know what that was. This woman actually touched it, removed it with her bare fingers and told me it looked like eggs. I told her it look like phlegm…
I’ve seen a ton of rants on our page but this one was bizarre, and it quickly became one of our most popular rants of the month. Interesting commentary, to say the least.
RAVE: Last night our lab took a turn for the worst and our regular vet couldn’t see him today. She recommended All 4 Pets Hospital. The veterinarian was very thorough and even called and spoke with our regular vet to make sure they knew the whole story. After a lot of talking, we decided it was best for our sweet boy to say good-bye. The Veterinarian and all staff were so kind and patient. They made sure we were just as comfortable as our boy.
We love our fur babies and when we lose one, it’s devastating. This animal hospital did whatever they could to make the family feel as comfortable as possible, and that deserves a rave.
Running a group like can be a true train wreck at times. But what it truly does is help us connect to what’s going on around us. So whether you’re ranting, raving, or reviewing, keep ‘em coming! See the show for yourself at: Winter Garden’s Rants Raves Reviews via Facebook
Some exciting fast-casual options are making our lunch dreams come true, such as the Louisiana-style chicken fingers from Raising Canes (@raisingcanes) and the Cincinnati-style chili from Skyline Chili (@officialskylinechili).
For those who want to support locally-owned options, head to Ocoee and try out the Italian style sandwiches from Inspirazione (@ispirazione_sandwiches).
Visit our friend Chris Manzano at Cluckerz Chicken (@cluckerzchicken), a food truck that serves delicious chicken with a 10% kick-back to local charities.
If you’re looking for a romantic date night, may we suggest dinner at Simply Capri (@simplycapriorlando) in Flamingo Crossing.
Then head to White Rabbit Dessert (@whiterabbitdessertexperience) for something sweet in Hamlin.
After indulging in all these new tasty treats, you may want to grab a pair of sticky socks and head to Fit 407 (@fit407) for a Winter Garden’s newest pilates-based high-intensity workout.
For those of you who worked out a little too hard trying to crush those New Years goals, visit our friends at Action Physical Therapy (@actionphysicaltherapyfl), formerly known as the Healy Clinic, now, to help you achieve your physical goals this year. Speaking of goals, we have some local accomplishments to celebrate!
Shout out to Captain Anthony Dawkins from Winter Garden PD for graduating from the FBI Academy!
Congratulations to the recently crowned Mrs. Orange County Alyson Bolton Chu, who will compete for the title of Mrs. Florida America in May!
