- June 12, 2025
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The time capsule includes letters and notes from current students at Ocoee schools.
From left: District 1 City Commissioner Scott Kennedy, District 2 City Commissioner Rosemary Wilson, Mayor Rusty Johnson, City Manager Craig Shadrix, District 3 City Commissioner Richard Firstner and District 4 City Commissioner George Oliver III.
Members of the Ocoee High School jazz band performed at the time capsule ceremony.
Orange County Mayor’s Office Deputy Chief of Staff Carol Burkett read a proclamation from Mayor Jerry Demings.
District 1 City Commissioner Scott Kennedy said, “Today is a very special day in the history of our city, and it is an honor to be here and to participate in this moment.”
City of Ocoee Deputy Director of Parks and Leisure Services Doug Gaines presented a copy of the city’s Envision 2045 Comprehensive Plan, which is included in the time capsule.
In her time capsule letter, District 2 City Commissioner Rosemary Wilson wrote, “As I think about the next 100 years, my hope is simple but sincere: that Ocoee never forgets its roots. That we continue to grow with care, lead with heart, and hold onto the spirit that's made this place a home for so many.”
District 3 City Commissioner Richard Firstner said, “This milestone reflects not only how far we’ve come, but (also) the strength, resilience and unity of our community.”
Ocoee Community Event Aide Kaitlyn Ochoa presented a collection of Ocoee Fire Department pins and badges that are included in the time capsule.
District 4 City Commissioner George Oliver III said, “Today is about honoring our past while looking toward our future with hope.”
Ocoee Community Event Aide Kaitlyn Ochoa presented the Observer’s commemorative edition, Celebrating Ocoee’s Centennial 1925-2025, which is included in the time capsule.
At the ceremony, Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson said he’d like to include his phone number in the time capsule. “People seem to like to call it. Maybe they can call it then, too!”
After singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the city of Ocoee, the commissioners and mayor popped their confetti cannons.
The time capsule will be buried right outside the Withers-Maguire House.
The city of Ocoee continued its centennial celebrations with a special Time Capsule Ceremony, held May 13 on the Withers-Maguire House lawn.
The event included speeches from Mayor Rusty Johnson, District 1 City Commissioner Scott Kennedy, District 2 City Commissioner Rosemary Wilson, District 3 City Commissioner Richard Firstner and District 4 City Commissioner George Oliver III. Orange County Mayor’s Office Deputy Chief of Staff Carol Burkett also read a special proclamation from Mayor Jerry Demings.
After presenting several of the items that will be placed in the 100-year time capsule, the mayor and commissioners led the singing of “Happy Birthday” and followed that with the ceremonial groundbreaking of the time capsule burial site.
Attendees then enjoyed food from Ocoee-based businesses such as Ocoee Taco Company and DG Doughnuts, as well as live music from members of the Ocoee High School jazz band.
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
May 13, 2025
I have lived in Ocoee for 70 years and my wife, Marilyn, has lived here her entire life.
We have raised our five children here and four of them are still living here with our grandchildren.
As of the date of the Centennial, I have served on the City Commission for 39 years, 10 as its mayor. We have grown from 10,000 to 50,000, but this number will grow dramatically in the years to come. Our city desires to keep its identity, but is also willing to grow and change for the betterment of the entire community. I hope and believe it will still be able to maintain the small-town feeling our residents want and deserve.
My wish is that when this capsule is opened in 100 years, the articles and letters inside will provide a picture of how Ocoee used to be in 2025.
In closing, it is my desire for peace and prosperity to all present and future citizens of Ocoee.
Sincerely,
Rusty Johnson
Mayor
OCOEE CENTENNIAL TIME CAPSULE ITEMS
• Afghan Blanket, donated by Ocoee Woman's Club. This blanket features iconic Ocoee locations, including the Woman's Club of Ocoee, Ocoee High School, Bank of Ocoee, the Withers-Maguire House, Ocoee Christina Church, the Chase and Company Citrus Packing House, Tavares & Gulf Train Depot, and the old City Park Gazebo.
• Centennial Merchandise, donated by Community Relations. Merchandise given and/or sold to the public in 2025, including a mural T-shirt, a Centennial Passport, keychain, lapel pin and stadium cup.
• Ocoee-opoly, donated by Ginger Corless, development services director. A monopoly style game re-themed to the city. Players can purchase different Ocoee properties, such as the Jim Beech Recreation Center, Bill Breeze Park and more.
• Chick-fil-A 5K and Family Fun Day Poster, donated by Community Relations staff. A poster advertising the Chick-Fil-A 5K and Family Fun Day events that took place on April 12, 2025.
• Chick-fil-A 5K medal. A medal given to participants of the Chick-fil-A 5K
• Ocoee CRA 2024 Annual Report, donated by CRA staff. A booklet highlighting objectives, feats, statistics, and future businesses arriving to the Fifty West District post 2024.
• “United We Stand” shirt, donated by Cathy Sills. A T-shirt highlighting the American spirit. The shirt features older renditions of the city and Fire Department logos.
• "O" signage, donated by Rosemary Wilson, district 2 commissioner, mayor pro tem. An "O" that was displayed on the sign at the municipal complex at the old city hall.
• Woman's Club Folder, donated by Ocoee Woman's Club. A folder from the 2025 members of the Woman's Club of Ocoee, including a letter, informational pamphlets for past events and Woman's Club Centennial, the history of the club, and a 2025 member directory.
• Orange Observer articles. Newspapers from various dates in 2025 showcasing Ocoee events and historical articles.
• Orange Observer — Local Motion. A magazine containing different information on cities in West Orange County, including Ocoee.
• Orange Observer — Celebrating Ocoee's Centennial. A booklet containing historical articles written by the Orange Observer. The articles cover different decades spanning from 1925 to 2025.
• Well wishes from students, donated by Citrus Elementary. Small letters wishing the students of 2125 well and commenting on life in 2025.
• Centennial questionnaires, donated by city of Ocoee Parks and Leisure Services Before and After School Program. Questionnaires highlighting favorite activities, parks, and staff from students, as well as visions for the year 2125.
• Various items donated by city of Ocoee Fire Department. Fire jacket, shirt, commemorative coins, a silver and gold badge, keychain, group picture and letter from Fire Chief Tom Smothers.
• Various items donated by City of Ocoee Police Department. Uniform with Centennial name tag, badge, challenge coin, personal police chief commemorative coin, group photos, an organization chart with names of currently employed staff, and a letter from Police Chief Vincent Ogburn.
• Envision 2045 Comprehensive Plan draft, donated by Development Services. A booklet containing framework, guidelines, inventory, and other items for the development and growth of the city.
• Various items, donated by Development Services. Two cooling cloths with the Fifty West logo and website and a water bottle from the opening of the Healthy West Orange Wellness Park.
• Various items, donated by city of Ocoee Utilities Department. A curb stop, 2023 Water Quality Report, a signed polo, a signed roster of current utilities staff, a promotional tape measure and squeeze toy.
• Ocoee Youth Soccer League shirt, donated by Jane Rainer. A uniform worn by the Ocoee Little League team.
• Various items, donated by Orange County Library West Oaks Branch and Genealogy Center. A promotional frisbee, library card, sticker, magnet, calendar of events for May 2025, and Books and Beyond magazine for May 2025.
• 20th annual Founders Day staff shirt, donated by Dan Abdo, Parks and Leisure Services. A shirt worn by staff working in the 2013 Founders Day event. “Founders Day” was renamed to the “Ocoee Music Festival.”
• 25th annual Founders Day staff shirt, donated by Dan Abdo, Parks and Leisure Services. A shirt worn by staff for 2018’s Founders Day event.
• Ocoee Parks and Recreation staff shirt, donated by Dan Abdo, Parks and Leisure Services. A long-sleeved shirt worn by staff in Parks and Recreation. In 2024, the department was renamed to "Parks and Leisure Services.”
• 2024 Budget Book, donated by Finance Department. A book detailing the city's budget broken down by department.
• McCoy teddy bear, donated by McCoy Federal Credit Union. A teddy bear with a specialty shirt highlighting when the building was established.
• Orlando Family Magazine — Ocoee Centennial article, donated by Community Relations. The April 2025 issue of Orlando Family Magazine containing an article written about the Ocoee Centennial.
• Official formal apology for Ocoee Massacre descendants, donated by Community Relations. A formal apology written in 2020 by the city of Ocoee HRDB and signed by elected officials and city management.
• Nov. 2, 2020 Proclamation, donated by Community Relations. A proclamation by Orlando city officials marking Nov. 2, 2020, as a day of remembrance for residents and descendants of the Ocoee Massacre.
• 1920 Election Day Massacre Remembrance Symposium, donated by Community Relations. A booklet containing information and programs for the 2020 Day of Remembrance Ceremony. The event took place for a duration of four days during the beginning of November.
• Original City Hall Brick, donated by Let it Go Lifestyle. A brick from the original city hall building located on McKey Street. With the brick is a letter from the owners, delving into its history.
• Five-year watch, donated by Human Resources Department. A wrist watch gifted to city employees with five completed years of service.
• Centennial banner, donated by Community Relations. One of the many banners displayed in various streets around the city.
• Various items, donated by city of Ocoee Information Technology Department. A micro-USB cord, an ethernet cord, a One Time Passcode device, a RAM board, an empty flash drive and a physical SIM card.
• Various items, donated by city of Ocoee Clerk's Office. Items include a copy of the Article of Incorporation, a 1993 map of Ocoee with listing of city services, history, events, and boards, a 1992 edition of “Orlando” with a article on Ocoee, and a newspaper by the West Orange Times in 1975 for Ocoee's 50th anniversary.
• Letters written by and donated by City Commission. Four letters written by each 2025 City Commission member detailing their visions for the next 100 years including improvements and hopes for the new generation.
• Various items, donated by Ocoee Lion's Club. Items include a list of 2025 members, information on membership types and fees, information on the origins and purpose of the club, a patch, and a 70 Years of Service pin.
