Style Magazine, February 2023

Showtime, baby

Lake & Sumter make a big splash with quality entertainment options.

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046 Getting technical

The workforce is changing, and Lake Technical College is ahead of the learning curve in helping students find gainful employment in skilled trades.

074 Cultural immersion

You don’t need a passport to experience the wonders of Japan. Immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and traditions here in Lake County at Arching Oaks Arts and Culture Center.

030

It’s showtime!

Watch a live Broadway show, guffaw at a stand-up comedian, see your favorite musician in concert, and attend a festival that attracts thousands of people from all over the country. Entertainment options in Lake and Sumter counties are plentiful.

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN AND JAMES COMBS

STORY: CINDY PETERSON

STORY: JAMES COMBS

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Turning a new page

vid readers of Lake & Sumter Style tell us they love our features “Extraordinary People,” “40 Under 40,” “Best of the Best,” “The Dark Side of Lake,” and other in-depth reports we annually present.

Your enthusiasm for our special editions warms our hearts. But we’re not resting on our laurels. Lake and Sumter counties are ever changing for the better, and so are we!

In the past, February has been designated as our “Homes” issue. This year, we’re pushing our Homes showcase to March so we can bring you something entirely new.

I’m elated to unveil our inaugural “Entertainment Issue.” Our new feature will shine the spotlight on

one of the most underestimated aspects of our area; the many, many entertainment options, including—but not limited to—festivals, concerts, theatre, comedy clubs, poetry readings, art exhibits, and unique dining experiences.

You’ll read about popular events such as the Mount Dora Arts Festival and Leesburg Bikefest, both of which draw spectators from around the country. You’ll read about some of the area’s small, intimate community theaters that attract an abundance of talent. You’ll discover that venues such as Orange Blossom Opry and The Sharon host musical icons. You’ll learn about unusual dining experiences that whet your appetite for adventure and should please any foodie’s palate.

Simply put, with the numerous entertainment options in our own

backyard, you no longer need to drive to Orlando or Tampa to enjoy a fun- lled night (or day) on the town. And that’s a good thing considering gas prices, right?

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, we love when our readers bring us story ideas about interesting people and fascinating places. Many of the stories you see in our magazine are a result of you all taking the time to reach out to us. We cannot thank you enough. Keep those ideas coming!

I hope everyone is o to a good start in 2023. God bless, and I’ll see you next month.

Sincerely,

Kendra

This month, Style is “entertaining” readers with something new

Kendra Akers OWNER/PUBLISHER kendra@akersmediagroup.com

Doug Akers PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com

DESIGN / PHOTOGRAPHY / EDITORIAL

Michael Gaulin

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR michael@akersmediagroup.com

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James Combs STAFF WRITER james@akersmediagroup.com

Roxanne Brown STAFF WRITER roxanne@akersmediagroup.com

Nicole Hamel STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER nicole@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Kathy Porter Cindy Peterson Richard T. Bosshardt, MD Gina Horan

Cynthia McFarland

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Gary Corsair

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Cindy Peterson

SALES / MARKETING

Tim McRae VICE PRESIDENT, SALES tim@akersmediagroup.com

Melanie Melvin DIRECTOR OF MARKETING melanie@akersmediagroup.com

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ADMINISTRATION

Aubrey Akers Simmons ACCOUNT & CLIENT SERVICES aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

Frank Suarez DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

AT YOUR SERVICE

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Subscriptions: Order a subscription of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $84. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Lake & Sumter Style and Village Edition Style. Choose 2 or more magazines for $108 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112 or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088,

If you are a seasonal resident or have moved, send your address change request to general@akersmediagroup.com or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749. Order a single issue by mail for $8. To pick up a back issue from our office,

Is It Risk Reduction or

Prevention?

erriam-Webster defines “prevent” as “to keep from happening or existing,” which is why the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) refers to “preventable causes” of cancer. In other words, we may be unable to prevent cancer, but we can lessen our risk. These “preventable causes” are responsible for “more than 40 percent of all cancers diagnosed and nearly half of all deaths from cancer in the United States,” according to AACR.

The National Cancer Institute’s most-studied known or suspected risk factors for cancer are:

Age: advancing age is the most important risk factor for cancer overall and for many cancer types;

Alcohol: drinking alcohol can increase your risk of mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx (voice box), liver, and breast cancers;

Cancer-causing substances: environmental exposures to various chemicals can damage DNA and lead to cancer;

Chronic inflammation: over time, chronic inflammation can cause DNA damage and lead to cancer;

Diet: for example, frequent consumption of red and processed meat is a known risk factor for colorectal cancer;

Hormones: for example, being exposed for a long time and/or to high levels of estrogen and progesterone has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer;

Immunosuppression: immunosuppressive diseases like HIV/AIDS, as well as drugs that suppress the immune system, make it less able to detect and destroy cancer cells or fight off cancer-causing infections;

Infectious agents: some viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause cancer or increase cancer risk;

Obesity: being obese can increase the risk of cancers of the breast (in post-menopausal women), colon, rectum, endometrium (lining of the uterus), esophagus, kidney, pancreas, and gallbladder;

Radiation: ionizing radiation, including radon, X-rays, gamma rays, and other forms of highenergy radiation, can damage DNA and cause cancer;

Sunlight: exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes damage that can lead to skin cancer;

Tobacco: many cancers are linked to tobacco use, including lung, larynx (voice box), mouth, esophagus, throat, bladder, kidney, liver, stomach, pancreas, colorectal, and cervical cancer, as well as acute myeloid leukemia. Smokeless tobacco use increases the risk of mouth, esophagus, and pancreatic cancer. Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer and of death from cancer.

Some risk factors, like age, cannot be avoided, but limiting your exposure to other factors may lower your risk of developing certain cancers.

by the numbers 2000

the year the Union for International Cancer Control founded World Cancer Day (February 4)

The Benefits of Screening

42.4% reduced to

12.5%

drop from 1965 to 2020 in the percentage of U.S. adults age 18 and older who smoked cigarettes

Screening can find cancers and precancers early, making them easier to treat, and can also help reduce cancer deaths. Tests include mammography for breast cancer, Pap test for cervical cancer, colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, low-dose CT scan for lung cancer, PSA test for prostate cancer, and more. The National Cancer Institute supports research to improve screening technology. “Current screening tests typically detect one type of cancer or precancer at a time,” they write. “In the future, early detection and screening approaches using liquid biopsies may detect multiple cancers simultaneously.”

Reduce Your Risk

Almost

20%

U.S. cancer diagnoses related to excess body weight, alcohol intake, poor diet, and physical inactivity

RBOI’s licensed clinical social workers can help you with smoking cessation, stress reduction, and more. Our cancer navigator can help you with screening. There is no charge for these services. Give us a call.

More than 100 types of cancer, of which breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, and skin (non-melanoma) are the top five most common (World Health Organization)

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PERSON OF INTEREST

Two family members are passionate about being good stewards of the environment.

FOUR-EVER AN INJUSTICE

February is Black History Month. Sadly, one of the country’s most disturbing cases of racial injustice occurred in Lake County. In 1949, four black men were falsely accused of raping a white Groveland teenager. The men—Ernest Thomas, Samuel Shepherd, Charles Greenlee, and Walter Irvin—became known as the Groveland Four. Ernest was killed by a mob led by then Lake County Sheri Willis McCall. In 1951, the sheri shot Samuel and Walter point blank, killing Samuel. The gross injustice the accused endured is detailed in “Legal Lynching: The Sad Saga of the Groveland Four” written by award-winning journalist Gary Corsair. The book can be ordered on Amazon.com. In February 2020, a monument to the memory of the Groveland Four was erected in downtown Tavares, outside the historic courthouse where the 1949 trial was held.

MORE BLACK HISTORY

In January 1923, a racially-motivated massacre of black people and the destruction of their town, Rosewood, occurred in Levy County. A 1997 movie titled “Rosewood” recreated the shameful event. It starred Jon Voight, Ving Rhames, and Esther Rolle. Parts of the movie were lmed in east Lake County towns, including Cassia and Mount Plymouth. The movie didn’t make much noise at the box o ce, but it did garner considerable acclaim. The New York Times’ Stanley Couch called Rosewood Singleton’s nest work, writing, “Never in the history of American lm had Southern racist hysteria been shown so clearly. Color, class and sex were woven together on a level that Faulkner would have appreciated.”

WORTHY OF THE HOOP-LA

You don’t have to wait until next month’s NCAA Tournament to watch some exciting basketball. Montverde Academy, which won its sixth GEICO High School National championship in 2022, remains one of the nation’s elite teams and features some true standouts. Rivals.com ranks Sean Stewart as the 10th best player in the Class of 2023. KJ Evans is ranked as the 16th best player, and Marvel Allen is the country’s 52nd best player. Sean committed to Duke, KJ will play at Oregon, and Marvel is headed to Georgetown.

A little ‘drama’ on Valentine’s Day has never (we don’t think) resulted in divorce. Plus, taking your loved one to a local theatre production is much more stimulating than handing her a bouquet of roses. Be bold and try something di erent on this day of love. You have several theatre choices, including Bay Street Players in Eustis, IceHouse Theatre in Mount Dora, Melon Patch Theatre in Leesburg, and Moonlight Players Theatre in Clermont.

A NEW ERA

Heather Bentley Long, MSN, was appointed CEO of Leesburg-based UF Health Central Florida. She brings more than three decades of nursing and hospital operations experience to the role. Most recently, she served as chief operating o cer of UF Health Central Florida. She also held various executive leadership positions with Altamonte Springs–based AdventHealth. UF Health Central Florida includes UF Health The Villages Hospital, UF Health Leesburg Hospital, and the UF Health

BOOK IT

February is not only reserved for lovers, but for lovers of books. That’s because February is National Library Lovers Month, dedicated to the people who love the buildings, halls, or rooms that house numerous collections

books, says nationalday.com.

you are lucky because Lake County is home to about 20 libraries. Visit www.mylakelibrary.org for addresses

UP, UP, AND LONG AGO

In late 2009, Tavares o cials rebranded their community and adopted the city’s current slogan, “America’s Seaplane City.” And although the slogan is on the newer side, the concept is not. In fact, the city’s rst recorded seaplane ight o Lake Eustis took place on Feb. 23, 1914. According to information found on Tavares’ o cial website, the ight—made in a Benoist airboat—was piloted by Tony Janus, the rst licensed airline pilot in the world.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Lake County Schools announced that the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) selected Michelle Metheny, a teacher at Tavares High, to receive a $500 Diana McLendon Excellence in Teaching Award. Ms. Metheny was recognized at the 30th annual Statewide CARD Conference in Orlando on Jan. 13, 2023. Diana McLendon, for whom the award is named, was a champion for students with autism and was known for her innovation, teaching excellence, impact on student success, collaboration, and leadership. The award recognizes teachers who share her passion, advocacy, and excellence in the classroom. Congratulations, Ms. Metheny!

SOMETHING OLD

Collectors will love the Renninger’s 2023 Antique Extravaganza set for February 17-19 at Renninger’s Twin Markets, 20641 U.S. Hwy. 441, Mount Dora. The special event features more than 800 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, vintage items, and more. The show is outdoors in open air buildings and tents. This popular event includes the Indoor Antiques Center and the Street of Shops at the Antiques Center. For more information, visit www.renningers.net/ mt-dora or call 352.383.3141.

FUN FOR PUPS

Looking for some dog-friendly fun? Consider “Poochapalooza”! This unique event starts at 10am on February 18 at Lake Louisa State Park, 7305 S. US Highway 27 in Clermont. The day features vendors, exhibitors, demonstrations, food, drawings for prizes, and activities for your pooch, all included in the $5 (per car) admission fee. For more information, contact Amy Schulz by phone at 352.250.4801 or by email at amyschulz@c .rr.com.

Better together

Mother and daughter conservationists run eco-friendly shops in Mount Dora.

To me, being a conservationist means: Living a life that is gentle on the earth, kind to all living beings and respectful to the delicate balance of humans and the planet.

Major projects I’ve been involved in: I was extremely fortunate to work for Audubon of Florida when I graduated from college, which was an incredible experience and gave me a solid foundation for future conservation work. We’re actively involved with Rails to Trails now and are supporters of repurposing the old train tracks for outdoor recreation since our business is all about getting folks outdoors to hike, ride bikes, adventure, etc. Additionally, we’re aligning with local black bear advocates to help protect black bears and their habitat.

The purpose of our retail shop

To provide eco-friendly goods that help people get outdoors and have great adventures, while leaving only our footprints behind. We’re extremely focused on brands that are fair trade certi ed, eco-friendly and use sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, as well as brands that do good for the world in general.

I am most passionate about: Living a beautiful, healthy life with compassion for all living beings and the earth. Being kind, finding joy in simple things, and practicing gratitude in large doses.

My message to the community: You can make a difference, even through your smallest actions. Sometimes it feels overwhelming to think about making changes to the way we shop or eat or live our lives in general. Ultimately, one of our most powerful actions is where we spend our money, so that’s an easy place to start making change.

A fun fact about me: I’m a certified yoga and aerial instructor. My best friend and I host yoga retreats in Italy, which we’re resuming in 2023. Already booked!

What led me to where I am today: I’d say my rebellious and fearless nature combined with unwavering confidence in my beliefs and my ability to follow through on the things I set out to accomplish.

INTERVIEWER: CINDY PETERSON ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

Manager of Walk in the Woods, The Outpost BA in Environmental Studies, Rollins College

Passionate conservationist

Kristie Rocca

Dana Rocca

To me, being a conservationist means: I live my life making choices every day that support these principles by recycling, conserving resources, utilizing sustainable materials, and composting. I love being outdoors and have a great love and respect for wildlife and its habitat.

Major projects I’ve been involved in: I was a volunteer for Save the Manatee Club for several years. I did my undergraduate research on formulating a biodegradable shing line and professionally I did research on developing a more environmentally friendly cadmium plating bath, obtaining an EPA certi cation for analysis of groundwater, and championed a project for reusable shipping containers to signi cantly reduce waste.

The purpose of our retail shop is: To select products from companies that share my values with a focus on sustainability through material selection, waste reduction, and fair-trade labor practices.

I am most passionate about: Being a good steward of our planet and helping to make a positive impact in the world. A quote from my favorite poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “. . . to appreciate beauty, to nd the best in others, to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

My message to the community: I hope to help instill a love for nature and each other. Be active and get outdoors.

A fun fact about me: I am definitely a Florida girl who grew up experiencing natural Florida; going to the beach, swimming in the springs, riding horses in the forest, smelling the wonderful fragrance of orange blossoms. One of the coolest experiences in my corporate career was landing on an aircraft carrier and being catapulted off.

What led me to where I am today: I believe God prepares us for where He wants us to go. Everything has culminated to this point from my love of science, business, the outdoors, clothing and shoes, to having a wonderful career with a global corporation, being a youth leader for over 15 years, having a desire to positively impact the community. The door opened at the right time and I walked through it.

SISTERS WHO REIGN TOGETHER, RULE TOGETHER

Lily and Meghan Boliek share the stage as honor

When I was crowned: It gave me a sense of leadership and allowed so many amazing opportunities. I’ve met so many amazing people.

My greatest accomplishment: Becoming an avid volunteer between Bikefest chaos, Rotary service projects and chamber events.

I look up to: My grandfather, or my “Pop.” I’ve never met somebody with more drive, more passion, more con dence and a better work ethic. He truly sets the standard of a go-getter.

Topping my playlist:

My future plans include: Earning my degree in architecture and home design. Work for a company and work my way into a leadership team, and ultimately design and construct my own home.

A saying I live by: If you are the smartest one in your circle, you need to nd a new circle.

When I was crowned: It meant the world to me. It’s not really about the crown, but for the opportunities that come with it.

My greatest accomplishment: Being able to be an honor student and a competitive baton twirler and still have great relationships with friends and family.

My best friend Reese Ponds. Everything she does inspires me to better myself. She is so kind and hard-working and one of the best

Topping my playlist: Taylor Swift’s new album “Midnights.”

My future plans include: I will graduate high school and attend college to pursue a career in orthodontics. Then eventually, I’d like to start a family and live out my dream of becoming a mom.

Treat others how you want

• 17 years old

• Junior at First Academy in Leesburg

VITAL STATS

• Crowned Miss Leesburg

• Award-winning baton twirler

• Crowned Miss Teen Leesburg

• National Baton Twirling Champion

Feb 8TH - “Valentines” Happy Hour

Feb 14TH - “Loved Ones Lost” Brunch

Feb 15TH - “Valentines” Happy Hour

Feb 23RD - First Trust Event

Feb 28TH - Affairs in Order Workshop

long-time friendship lit the spark that turned into a move south for Bishop and Celia Williams.

“Our friends and neighbors in Michigan, Reggie and Tommy Hayes, were looking to retire in the South and purchased a home in The Villages,” recalls Celia, a Detroit native. With all their family in Michigan, the Williamses had no intention of leaving, but after visiting the Hayeses in 2006, they decided to move once Celia retired from her career as advertising account executive for Detroit Free Press and Detroit News.

In July 2011, Bishop and Celia made the move. Ironically, a home came up for sale around the corner from

the Hayes, so the old friends were once again neighbors.

Celia’s sister, Deborah Jones, also moved down that year.

Sadly, Bishop passed in 2013. Celia was grateful for the support she found in her new community.

“We were married 34 years. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner; he was the love of my life,” she says.

Celia has one biological daughter, ve “bonus” (not “step”) children, 10 grandchildren and three greatgrands. Her daughter Dee Dee and grandson Brendon live in Atlanta, making it easy for Celia to visit.

Celia is marketing manager at Village Heart & Vein. She’s also busy with gardening, sewing, graphic design projects, decorating for events, and making jewelry with Swarovski® crystals.

“I was invited to a jewelry party and bought a necklace. I took it apart and said, ‘I can make that,’ so I started making them. It grew into an actual business, not just a hobby,” she says.

Celia is active in numerous clubs, including The African American Club, which is “near and dear” to her heart.

“There’s a bigger community of African Americans here than you would think. We’re less than one percent but growing. We have about 500 members in the club,” she notes.

Celia even has a Bentley. A fourlegged one, that is!

“My husband asked what I wanted for my birthday one year and I said, ‘a Bentley,’” smiles Celia. “I’d never seen one until a car show, so he bought me this Yorkie. We named him Bentley. He said, ‘Now you can say you own a Bentley!’”

concerts not to miss and more!

There’s nothing quite like attending a concert. And you don’t have to travel to Tampa or Orlando to experience the euphoria of a live performance by a renowned artist. Rock ‘n’ roll and country music legends—as well as two tribute bands—are performing in Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties in upcoming months. Mark your calendar and don’t miss these spectacular performances:

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN AND JAMES COMBS

1 Beatles Tribute

February 5 at 7:30pm | Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

The Beatles sold 600 million records and are the only band to have 21 singles reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. No wonder Beatlemania never dies. The Beatles remain fabulous four-ever thanks to tribute bands dedicated to recreating the music that changed the world. Relive timeless tunes like “Let It Be,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Ticket to Ride,” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” with The Return tribute band.

The Beach Boys

4

February 23 at 4pm and 7pm The Sharon, The Villages

Life’s a beach. At least it has been for The Beach Boys, whose music has become synonymous with California’s laid-back, beach-focused lifestyle. You’ll have “fun, fun, fun” as the band

Randy Bachman

February 18 at 7pm | The Sharon, The Villages

Randy Bachman is one of the greatest rock legends of our time. Randy, who was a member of two great rock bands—The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive—has won more than 120 platinum, gold, and silver album/singles awards. His famous songs include “American Woman,” “Takin’ Care of Business,” and “These Eyes.” On this night, a visual backdrop illustrating Randy’s rock ‘n’ roll journey will accompany each song. He will also share the stage with his son Tal, who will explain what it was like growing up the son of a rock star.

Emmylou Harris

February 19 at 7pm | The Sharon, The Villages

Emmylou Harris, a 12-time Grammy winner and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, is coming to The Villages. The country music legend is known for hits such as “Sweet Dreams,” “Together Again,” “Bang the Drum Slowly,” and “Beneath Still Waters.” Emmylou earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 2018 and has sold more than 15 million records.

Emmet Cahill

March 4 at 2pm and 7:30pm March 5 at 2pm Paul P. Williams Auditorium, Leesburg

It’s a big deal when your debut album goes straight to No. 1 on the World Music Billboard Charts, Amazon Charts, and iTunes World Music. Such is the case for Emmet Cahill, Ireland’s most exciting young tenor. Since signing a record deal with Sony Music in 2017, Emmet performed at a sold-out Carnegie Hall in New York City and has been compared to the legendary Irish tenor John McCormack.

The Righteous Brothers

March 10 at 7:30pm Clermont Performing Arts Center

What’s the most played song in American radio history?

The answer: “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” by The Righteous Brothers. Now, you can hear Bill Medley and Bucky Heard (who replaced original member Bobby Hatfield) perform that legendary song and other hits live. They’ll sing memorable songs such as “Soul and Inspiration,” “Unchained Melody,” “Ebb Tide,” and “Rock and Roll Heaven.” The Righteous Brothers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, and two years later were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

Lee Greenwood

March 11 at 2:30pm and 7 pm | Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

You’ve undoubtedly heard Lee Greenwood’s hit song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” That song became the country’s unofficial anthem following Operation Desert Storm in 1991, and again 10 years later following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Lee wrote the song after

Diamond Rio

March 25 at 2:30pm and 7pm Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

Paul Anka

March 31 at 7pm The Sharon, The Villages

Paul Anka is the only artist in history to have a song on the Billboard charts for seven consecutive decades. You’re certain to recognize some of his greatest hits, such as “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” “Diana,” “My Way,” and “Hello, Dolly!” Amazingly, the 81-year-old singer continues touring across the country in 2023.

Bless the U.S.A.” reached No. 1 on Billboard Magazine’s Digital Song Sales chart. In 1993, Gwen McLin, a former teacher at Lake-Sumter State College, co-authored a book on Lee titled “God Bless the U.S.A.: Biography of a Song.” Lee, who has seven No. 1 songs, has won numerous awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year from the Academy of Country Music in 1983. In addition, the Country Music Association named him Male Vocalist of the Year in

May 6 at 7:30pm | Clermont Performing Arts Center

Some cover bands sound almost as good as the original. That’s true of Kashmir, touted as the most authentic representation of Led Zeppelin on the national touring scene. Led Zeppelin, a British rock band that achieved fame in the 1970s, sold an estimated 300 million records worldwide. Some of the band’s most popular songs include “Stairway to Heaven,” “Black Dog,” “Dazed and Confused,” and “Over the Hills and Far Away.” Be ready to relive some of those timeless hits.

experiences culinary

Foodies loosen your belts, tuck those napkins under your collar, and get your knives and forks ready because Lake and Sumter Counties are filled with incredible restaurants sure to delight even the most discerning taste buds.

And you don’t have to settle for the ordinary, no matter what you are in the mood for. There are plenty of exciting and interesting places that offer unique and extraordinary culinary experiences. With that in mind, Style magazine is pleased to offer a sampler platter of suggested places to try.

Each restaurant has its own flair and charm, and from appetizers to entrees, drinks, and desserts, we invite you to visit and sample as much as your stomach can handle, so get ready, set, and buon appetito!

17415 7th St.,

Montverde

If looking for pizza, pasta, further than Cal’s Kitchen. The family-owned restaurant is run by a husband-wife team travel and pizza. The couple

they serve up look and taste fabulous. With that said, you’ll have visit Cal’s yourself, order, and let your taste buds do

Starters include wings and fresh from the oven, delicious bruschetta. Italian inspired and house made meatballs, baked cheesy gnocchi, freshly braised ragu Bolognese, and baked mac and cheese. Last and definitely not least, Cal’s include ‘Uncle Tony’s Pizza,’ sauce, spinach, oven-roasted breadcrumb gremolata, and ‘The Chief,’ topped with BBQ sauce, Boars Head ham and pepperoni, a colby jack cheese

Rubios Mexican Food Store

2319 W. Main St., Leesburg ? 906 E. Myers Blvd., Mascotte

From the outside, and upon entering, Rubios Mexican Food Store does not scream “restaurant!” There are groceries galore, including breads, chips, canned food, cereal, pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread), cultural gift items, a meat market, payment center, and more. Walk past all that and you’ll discover a hidden gem in the back—a little restaurant huge on taste, portions, quality, and most of all, authenticity.

You order at the register under photos of the dishes offered, which proves helpful if you’re not accompanied by a Spanish speaking friend or you don’t speak the language. But it’s okay if you need to point to what you want to order. Once served, you’ll realize the extra effort was worth it.

Rubios offers all the Mexican staples (with choice of ground beef, chicken, steak, shredded pork, etc.) like tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, gorditas, huge stuffed burritos, quesadillas, and more. While waiting for your food, enjoy complimentary chips and a fresh-made salsa bar featuring mild to extra hot. And if you order guacamole, you’ll be blown away by the tastiest mix of freshly mashed avocados, chopped onions and tomatoes, cilantro, and lime served up in the very bowl it was made in just minutes earlier.

We can almost guarantee that if you try Rubios, you’ll inevitably dream about the food at some point and return immediately. There are two locations, both owned by the same ‘familia:’ one in Mascotte that’s been serving the South Lake community for 30 years, and one in Leesburg that opened in 2007.

For more information, call 352.429.4990, 352.365.2100, visit Rubios’ Facebook page, or stop in.

crumble served with a dollop

FAMILY

Artman Country Smokehouse

6900 SE Hwy. 42, Summerfield

Artman Country Smokehouse prides itself on its BBQ and creating a friendly, family-like environment through stellar customer service.

Its owners—a mother-son duo passionate about keeping their father/grandfather’s legacy of smoking meats in Summerfield alive—make sure every plate is served hot, and with a sprinkle of love. That’s probably why people drive from miles away to eat here.

Artman works off old family recipes dating back to the 1920s and 30s, and its head smoker—whose grandpa taught him everything he knows—uses live oak to smoke their meats, which includes BBQ ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, burgers and more. Southern comfort foods like liver and onions, perfectly seasoned and cooked collard greens, meatloaf, and jalapeno poppers with just the right amount of creaminess and heat are also on the menu. The star of the show however, are the “moinks,” an Artman creation that comes from a combination of the words, ‘moo’ and ‘oink.’ The delectable little meatballs are made from pork sausage and beef, stuffed with pepper jack cheese, wrapped with bacon, and topped with a tangy mustard barbeque sauce—beware… you can’t eat just one.

For more information, visit artmancountrysmokehouse.com or call 352.307.6240.

3 /// ALL IN THE

SERVED

Muse Bar+Bistro

2385 S. Hwy. 27, Clermont

Some people believe that a fine dining experience involves more than just excellent food. The folks at Muse Bar+Bistro agree. That’s why they focus on friends, company, community and presentation. If you feel the same, then Muse, which refers to itself as a “Community & Neighborhood Restaurant,” may be the place for you.

For starters, Muse, a farm to table restaurant, specializes in only the freshest ingredients from local farmers when possible. Additionally, its founders were intent on community outreach, so they implemented ‘Muse Fights Hunger’ and ‘Community Day Mondays.’ Every Monday, Muse’s Community Day invites guests to enjoy a delicious house-made, threecourse feature on a ‘pay what you can’ basis, made possible with help from vendors, guest and website donations.

The well thought-out and beautifully plated dishes start with appetizers like seasonal soups, lobster bisque, southern corn nuggets, Ahi tuna poke, crisp ginger & soy green beans, salads, and more. Entrees include delectable handhelds and huge burgers to 30-day, dry-aged ribeye, 30-day, wet-aged filet, prime rib, rock shrimp and grits, pan-seared salmon, crusted black grouper, and fried chicken. Some of entrees are picture worthy, so haters of Facebook food photos beware! Someone you know is bound to post about their visit to Muse Bar+Bistro sooner or later.

Muse also offers a children’s menu and a variety of yummy desserts. For more information, visit musebarbistro.com or call 352.227.3020.

Pisces Rising

239 W. 4th Ave., Mount Dora

Pisces Rising, established in 2003 by the Winters family from Key West, has become a popular must visit in downtown Mount Dora. It attracts couples, families, and large parties from all over the county interested in a fine dining experience, but in a comfortable, homey setting — a charming historic home built in 1919, transformed and renovated into a beautiful restaurant overlooking Lake Dora.

An open kitchen considered the “heartof-the-house,” and a menu of Southern

Florida dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients commands your attention. Starters include calamari fries, Cubana mix spring rolls, avocado tacos, rosemary focaccia bread, peel and eat shrimp, Caribbean crab cakes, oysters, soup, salads, and more. Entrees include fresh catch seafood, shrimp and grits, crab stuffed salmon, filet mignon, New York Strip steak, herb marinated pork chops, mushroom ravioli, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and more.

On top of that, Pisces Rising offers a full bar, Sunday Brunch, a group dining menu, and catering.

For more information, visit piscesrisingdining.com or call 352.385.2669.

Twisted Biscuit Diner

4101 CR 561, Tavares

Red Wing Restaurant

12500 SR 33, Groveland

At Red Wing, originally opened in 1948, the menu is literally a game changer. And by that, we’re referring to “wild” choices including grilled or fried quail, wild boar/elk chops, game sausage, bison, fried venison, gator tails, frog legs, rabbit, and other seasonal picks.

There are also more traditional choices, from appetizers like grilled portobello mushrooms with spinach, fried green tomatoes and fried dill pickles, to entrees including salads, burgers, pork chops, chicken, hand-cut steaks and seafood dishes. And don’t forget fruit cobbler for dessert; people swear by it!

On top of that, the restaurant’s ambiance, its location off the beaten path along State Road 33 in an old wooden house with beautiful wood floors and faced with stone, serve as a complement to one’s culinary experience. The country décor includes stuffed grizzly bears, deer, and turkey mounted on the wall, mason jar light fixtures, and cozy fireplaces in all three dining rooms that enhance a cozy, down-home feel. Before leaving, be sure to visit Red Wing’s special friends at a petting zoo outside where you can take pictures and feed the animals. For more information, visit redwingrestaurant.com or call 352.429.2997.

If breakfast is your thing, look no further than the Twisted Biscuit Diner, a quaint and hopping father-daughter-run diner inspired by a visit to a local strawberry farm. The daughter went home, mixed fresh picked strawberries into her biscuit batter, and when dad tasted the finished product, he knew a diner was the perfect way to share. Today, besides the Lake County-famous biscuits, complete with fresh seasonal fruits or savory flavors “twisted” into them, the diner offers much more. The menu features uniquely named dishes like “Son of a Biscuit” – two biscuits topped with crispy fried chicken breasts drizzled with spicy honey, the Pig Licker, or biscuits and sausage gravy, pancakes and waffles topped with fruits, nuts, whipped crème, and other tasty concoctions, omelets, steak and eggs, eggs benedict, hashbrowns, chicken fried steak, and more. Not craving breakfast? Don’t fret because Twisted Biscuit also offers salads, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, potato wedges, brisket chili, meatloaf, and more. There is also a full bar and children’s menu.

For more information, visit twistedbiscuitdiner.com or call 352.508.5331.

7 /// STO P AN D SMELL THE BISCUITS

6 /// RISE TO THE OCCASION

festivals and

Pristine lakes and springs. Year-round outdoor opportunities. Beautiful countryside. Friendly folks. Quaint towns that each have their own unique characteristics. No wonder so many people visit Lake and Sumter counties. Those who live here, however, know that we’re more than a pretty place. One of the most overlooked and underrated aspects are the annual festivals and events that draw

thousands of people. Organizers, board members, and volunteers burn the midnight oil and put their social lives on hold to make these events as fun-filled and spectacular as possible. Now, you can see what the hoopla is all about. Here’s a listing of the major events of 2023. Whether you’re looking for art, crafts, history, motorcycles, or boats, you will find a happening geared toward what interests you.

FEBRUARY 3-5

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING

The 30th Annual Sumter Winter Extravaganza Swap Meet, held at the Sumter County Fairgrounds, has something for all automobile aficionados. Gearheads will find deals galore among 1,300 vendors selling cars, automobile parts, car-related merchandise, tools, collectibles, and antiques.

FEBRUARY 18-25

MARCH 18

SHOWING OFF THEIR MUSCLES

FEBRUARY 4-5

DOWN TO A FINE ART

The Mount Dora Arts Festival has consistently been ranked as one of the top festivals of its kind. And for good reason. Approximately 250,000 art lovers will stroll the streets of quaint downtown Mount Dora, admiring one-of-a-kind art pieces created by the country’s most talented artists, who proudly display their paintings, photography, ceramics, watercolors, digital art, mixed media, and much more. In addition to browsing and purchasing creative artwork, visitors can enjoy live music, food, beer, and wine.

FEBRUARY 11

A TASTE OF N’AWLINS

For one day, Leesburg magically transforms into the Big Easy. That’s right, the Leesburg Mardi Gras offers everything you’d see in New Orleans, including live music, floats, stilt walkers, fire eaters, jugglers, tight rope walkers, and plenty of booze and, of course, colorful beads.

And what would Mardi Gras be without parades? This year’s event features three parades—a kid’s parade at 1pm, a pet parade at 3pm, and the main parade at 7pm. All three promise to be Bon bagay! The main parade, featuring lighted, beautifully decorated floats, truly embodies the spirit of Mardi Gras. Be prepared to catch beads and candy being thrown your way.

BY

GEORGE,

IT’S A CELEBRATION

Most people know that George Washington served as the first president of the United States of America after serving as an amazing general who helped the 13 colonies achieve independence from Britain.

Since 1902, Eustis has honored this American icon through its popular GeorgeFest celebration. That ranks second—by a meager four years—to Laredo, Texas, which began celebrating the father of our country’s birthday in 1898. Highlights of the Eustis GeorgeFest include a Saturday morning parade filled with colorful floats, baton-twirling cheerleaders, and high school marching bands. The event also includes a carnival, food and craft vendors, pie-baking contests, and a fireworks show in historic Ferran Park.

If you have an appreciation for automobiles of yesterday, then check out the Classic Car Cruise-In at Spanish Springs in The Villages featuring cars 30 years or older.

MARCH 24-26

ROCK THE BOAT

Imagine the sun’s rays shining down on shiny, sleek wooden boats stretching as far as the eye can see in water and on land. That’s what you can expect at the Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival, held at Wooton Park in Tavares, the largest antique and classic boat show on America’s East Coast. Watercrafts on display include historic boats built before 1918; antique boats constructed between 1919 and 1942; classic boats built between 1943 and 1975; and contemporary boats manufactured from 1976 to present.

MARCH 3-11

FAIR PLAY

There’s nothing like seeing carnival rides with flashing bulbs and smelling the aroma of sausage, onions, and peppers. Yes, you’ll experience all that—and much more—at the Sumter County Fair. Oh yeah, let’s not forget the fair pageants and livestock and animal shows. There will also be several performers, including the Fearless Flores Thrill Show, and comedian/ hypnotist Brad Matchett.

APRIL 6-15

GET YOUR FAIR SHARE

The Lake County Fair is officially 102 years old this year and the familyfriendly event promises to be better than ever with free entertainment, livestock shows, carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, and games. Don’t forget to bring your appetite, as funnel cakes, Philly cheesesteaks, corn dogs, and elephant ears await.

MARCH 11

IRISH FOR A DAY

The St. Patrick’s Day Festival is one of the most popular holiday events held in The Villages, attracting as many as 10,000 visitors. Wear green to blend in among the crowd of people who enjoy live music, stilt walkers, carnival games, and market vendors. Food trucks will sell popular Irish grub and more.

APRIL 8-9

CREATIVITY ABOUNDS

Venture into America’s largest retirement community for the Brownwood Arts & Crafts Festival at Brownwood Paddock Square. Arts and crafts lovers will surely find exceptional pieces they can treasure forever.

APRIL 28-30

FULL THROTTLE

Orange roadsters, blue choppers, and black cruisers line the streets of downtown Leesburg, their polished chrome glistening in the afternoon sun.

Leather-clad, vest-wearing bikers enjoy the warm weather and proudly show off their power-packed machines while swapping tales of the open road.

The tantalizing aroma of food— bratwurst, corn dogs, sausage, tacos, cinnamon buns, and popcorn—wafts down Main Street and its many side streets.

Live bands deliver heart-pounding music, delighting hordes of fans gathered around the stage.

Indeed, the sights, sounds, and smells of Leesburg Bikefest are quite spectacular. At least that’s what the 300,000 bikers and spectators who attend the event will tell you. Simply put, Bikefest has fired on all cylinders since debuting in 1997. In fact, the celebration of two- and three-wheel dream machines has earned the title of “the largest three-day motorcycle and music event in the country.”

Those coming to this year’s Bikefest should grab onto their handlebars and hold on tight because the forecast calls for plenty of fun. Visitors will enjoy live music, biker games, biker shows, and poker runs. They’ll also have opportunities to meet people from all over the country who share a love of motorcycles.

APRIL 29-30

HAVE A BERRY GOOD TIME

Long hailed as a powerful antioxidant super food, blueberries will be celebrated in all their glory at the Mount Dora Blueberry Festival. Freshpicked blueberries from local fields will take center stage, along with vendors showcasing blueberry baked goods, blueberry-themed crafts, and blueberry wine and beer.

homemade crafts. It also includes unforgettable pig races, where four oinkers race around an oval track and through a shallow pool of water.

OCTOBER 28-29

CRAFTING A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

JUNE 3

YEAH, MON!

Clermont’s Waterfront Park is filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the Caribbean during the Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival. The multicultural event features Jamaican-style jerk food, live music by Caribbean bands, spectacular costumes, and island rhythm dances. Simply put, festivalgoers learn about Caribbean culture in a fun and familyfriendly environment.

In 2021, Sunshine Artist Magazine ranked the Mount Dora Craft Fair as the best classic/contemporary craft festival in the U.S. With beautiful downtown Mount Dora as the backdrop, the fair features several hundred crafters from all over the country who display and sell their wares and handiwork. Craft enthusiasts will find everything from sculptures and ceramics to paintings and woodworking.

SEPTEMBER 16

AWESOME SALSA

Appreciate salsa—both on the dance floor and on your chips? If that’s the case, then don’t miss Clermont’s Sips & Salsa Festival at Waterfront Park. You’ll enjoy cultural cuisine through a variety of exquisite dishes, live salsa music and dancing, a chihuahua race, domino tournament, and a kid’s zone.

NOVEMBER 3-5 | NOVEMBER 11-12 MERRIE OLDE ENGLAND

Most of us spend a considerable amount of time on our cell phones and computers. Thankfully, the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire allows us to leave the technological world behind and step into 16th Century England. Attendees enjoy the period props and real-life characters and costumes as much as the jousting tournaments, storytellers, fortunetellers, bagpipers, and dance performances.

NOVEMBER 4-5

LET YOUR DAY BLOSSOM

OCTOBER 13-15

HOG HEAVEN

Clermont, the largest city in Lake County, is home to one of the county’s biggest events. At Pig on the Pond, held at Waterfront Park, visitors can enjoy everything from delicious barbecue and thrilling carnival rides to extravagant fireworks, live entertainment, and

In its 29th year, the Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair features Central Florida’s top growers and more than 12,000 plants. View and purchase butterfly-attracting perennials, herbs, roses, camelias, begonias, and tropical plants. Garden antiques, festive flags, and unusual containers are also prominently featured. Gardeners from various nurseries will be present to enthusiastically share gardening advice.

Venues

FRUITLAND PARK COMEDY NIGHT

Fruitland Park Community Center

352.360.6734 | myoder@fruitlandpark.org

The City of Fruitland Park offers a comedy show on the third Friday of each month at 8pm inside the Fruitland Park Community Center that attracts comedians from throughout the U.S. Each show includes a headliner and a feature act. “We also allow locals to get up on stage and perform before our headliner and feature acts,” says Fruitland Park Recreation Director Michelle Yoder. “It’s really neat to allow them to see if they enjoy comedy.” A full-service bar is offered outside the venue, and guests are treated to pretzels.

FRIDAY

NIGHT AT THE BLACK BOX

Black Box Theater in the Clermont Performing Arts Center

352.394.4800 | www.clermontperformingarts.com

The City of Clermont offers a comedy show on various Fridays at 8pm each month at the Black Box Theater in the Clermont Performing Arts Center. The event attracts comedy greats, including performers from the SAK Comedy Club in Orlando, and nationally known or up-and-coming comics. In response to the growing popularity of the series, new carpet, fresh paint and upgraded seating and other improvements have been made at the Black Box Theater, an intimate, 192-seat venue. “The new seats are fully upholstered with comfortable bottoms and backs and there is plenty of room for our guests,” Theater Manager Jon Sousan says. “The seating has also improved the acoustics for the entire theater. By reducing the harshness, the audio will be much more detailed and easier to understand.”

LAZY MAC’S TACO SHACK AND TEQUILA BAR

Old Mill Playhouse Theater in the Lake Sumter Landing Market Square 352.753.6227

www.lazymacs.com

Lazy Mac’s Taco Shack and Tequila Bar serves up burritos, taco bowls, and nachos with a side of laughter in the Lazy Mac’s Laughs Comedy Club inside the Old Mill Theater at Lake Sumter Landing. The club features Bonkerz comedians from television and movies every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets cost $15 per person and include a two-item minimum purchase from Lazy Mac’s Taco Shack and

Performances

FEBRUARY 4

VICKI LAWRENCE

The Sharon, The Villages

As a high school senior, Vicki Lawrence joined the legendary cast of “The Carol Burnett Show,” and later starred as “Mama” Thelma Harper on “Mama’s Family.”

Vicki is also an Emmy Award winner who had a No. 1 hit with “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” Her current tour, “Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show,” is a mixture of stand-up comedy, music, and observations about

FEBRUARY 8

CARMEN VALLONE

Lazy Mac’sTaco Shack and Tequila Bar, The Villages

During 12 years of performing comedy, Carmen Vallone has appeared on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” CBS’s “Comedy Night School,” and in the 2007 documentary “Heckler.” He is also host and producer of “A Joke Off!,” a nationally touring comedy competition.

FEBRUARY 10

GID POOL

Clermont Performing Arts Center

You’re never too old to become a comedian. Just ask Gid Pool, who took his first stand-up comedy class in 2007 at age 61. Two years later, he was one of the winners at the Branson Comedy Festival in Missouri. Since then, Gid has been featured on NBC’s TODAY show and makes regular appearances on celebrity cruises.

FEBRUARY 22

BILLY RAY BAUER

Lazy Mac’sTaco Shack and Tequila Bar, The Villages

During 26 years as a stand-up comedian, Billy Ray Bauer has performed alongside Drew Carey, Dave Coulier, Richard Jeni, and other legendary comedians. He has also appeared at many popular comedy clubs throughout the country, such as Comedy Castle and Funny Bones.

FEBRUARY 24

TERRY FATOR

The Sharon, The Villages

Terry Fator, the winner of Season 2 of “America’s Got Talent,” dazzles audiences with his unique blend of comedy, singing, celebrity impersonations, and ventriloquism. He has spent the past 10 years as a headliner at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, winning numerous awards such as “Best Show,” “Best Impressionist,” and “Best All-Around Performer.”

MARCH 3

CAM BERTRAND

Clermont Performing Arts Center

In 2019, Cam Bertrand became the youngest comedian to win Florida’s Funniest competition, besting 180 comics for the title. He has also opened for some of today’s most iconic comedians, such as Joe Rogan and Pete Davidson. The rising star has appeared at the Laughing Devil Comedy Festival in New York, the

World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas, and the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival in Atlanta.

APRIL 7

THE FUNNIEST TEACHER IN FLORIDA WITH DEVIN SIEBOLD & MIKE RIVERA

Clermont Performing Arts Center

Devin Siebold is a comedy force to be reckoned with. He was named iHeartMedia Monsters in the Morning Comedian of the Year, won the Boston World Series of Comedy, appeared on Laughs on FOX, won Side Splitters Comedian of the Year 2014, was selected for Comedy Central Up Next, Florida Top 10 College Picks, and a semi-finalist in Florida’s Funniest Comedian. After decades of awardwinning comedy and classroom experience, Mike Rivera won America’s Most Hilarious Teacher on ABC’s “The View.” He’s also been seen on HBO, Showtime, and comedy stages around the world.

MAY 19

DALE JONES

Clermont Performing Arts Center

The name Dale Jones might sound familiar. That’s because he has appeared in “The Very Funny Show” on TBS, “Last Comic Standing” on NBC, and “30 Seconds to Fame” on the Fox Network. He also won the Comedy 10K, Laughlin Comedy Festival, San Diego Comedy Festival, and the Antelope Valley Comedy Festival.

There’s only one Broadway, but you don’t have to go to New York City to experience talent on the theatrical stage. Community theatres located in towns and cities near you support talented local performers and offer them a place to shine. Why not check out one of these shows? You’ll be transported into a magical night of lights, action, and song with each parting of the curtain.

Venues/Shows

BAY STREET PLAYERS

109 N. Bay St., Eustis 352.357.777 Eustisstatetheatre.org

MARCH 17-APRIL 2

Lend Me a Tenor is a musical about a worldrenowned singer set to play Pagliacci at the Cleveland Opera Company in the fall of 1934, and events between many people involved with the show after a mishap leaves him debilitated.

A farce by Ken Ludwig

Directed by David Clevinger

MAY 26-JUNE 11

Ronald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, the story of an extraordinary little girl with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Book by Dennis Kelly

Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin

Directed by Ashley Richards

MELON PATCH PLAYERS

311 N. 13th St., Leesburg 352.787.3013 Melonpatchplayers.org

MARCH 17-APRIL 2

Nickelodeon: The SpongeBob Musical, a show about the chaos that erupts when SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world and how the power of optimism can save the world.

Written by Kyle Jarrow

Produced in arrangement with Concord Theatricals

Directed by Dustin Lavine & Charlie Halterman

MAY 5-MAY 21

Boeing, Boeing, a 1960s French farce featuring a Parisian womanizer with three fiancees—all airline hostesses—whose schedules collide; causing them all to arrive at his apartment at the same time.

Written by Marc Camoletti

Produced in arrangement with Concord Theatricals

Directed by Tom Kline

SONNENTAG

THEATRE

AT THE ICEHOUSE

1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora 352.383.4616

Icehousetheatre.com

MARCH 17-APRIL 9

Hello Dolly! follows the story of a strong-willed matchmaker as she travels to New York to find a match for a miserly "well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire.”

Music & Lyrics by Jerry Herman

Book by Michael Stewart, based on Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker

MAY 12-JUNE 4

The Underpants, a musical farce about the bored wife of a demanding husband and how their lives are changed by a public wardrobe malfunction when she jumps on a bench to see the king pass by in a parade.

By Steve Martin, from a farce by Carl Sternheim

MOONLIGHT PLAYERS THEATRE

Clermont Performing Arts Center

3700 U.S. Hwy. 27, Clermont 352.394.4800

Clermontperformingarts.com

APRIL 21-23 & APRIL 28-30

Seussical the Musical, a show featuring the Cat in the Hat telling the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos in their tiny little world and all he endures to protect them.

Written by Stephen Flaherty

Book by Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty, based on the works of Dr. Seuss

Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens

Presented by the Moonlight Players

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KARYN LAMBERT & MISSIE SCHORK , Owners

We chose downtown Leesburg to bring a much needed unique and exciting option for entertainment to the local area. We wanted to give people a place to come have fun and make memories right here in the Leesburg community.

DR. STEVEN RIVERS, DR. ERIN DARIANO, DR. ANTHONY DESMARAIS

rom welding to nursing, culinary to manufacturing, Lake Technical College (LTC) in Eustis has reported an increase of students looking to specialize in a trade with hopes of quickly entering the workforce. Why?

“Students don’t want to be in school for years and years, accruing debt and then searching for jobs,” Lake Tech Director of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Stephan says. “Students will gravitate toward what they are naturally good at and what the job market is looking for. That’s what drives our programs.”

Employers are de nitely looking to Lake Tech for help.

“We are constantly partnering with employers to nd out what kinds of workers they are in need of and adding to our programs each year to help ful ll that need,” Executive Director DeAnna Thomas says. “We currently have 32 programs over 10 di erent career clusters, and

most of them take less than a year to complete.”

Since the pandemic, there has been a shortage of skilled workers.

“Employers are in rapid need of workers,” DeAnna says. “With short-term certi cations, students can gain the skills needed and acquire high paying jobs.”

According to ThinkImpact.com, Technical majors have the highest starting salaries, with an average of around $80,000. In 2022, the average college graduate salary was $55,260.

But Lake Tech is dedicated to creating more than just technical savvy workers.

Local employers tell Lake Tech administrators that one of their greatest needs is well-rounded, quali ed employees with public relations and communication skills.

“Employers want employees who will show up for work,” DeAnna says. “One of the biggest complaints is that people just stop showing up. We teach our students to be job ready and to communicate with their employers. Being professional is a third of their grade, not just the occupational skills.”

A LONG HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE

Lake Tech was “born” in 1965 when the Lake County School Board received approval and funding from the Florida Department of Education to build a facility for a vocational school.

While waiting for the facility to be completed, the school’s initial three programs – cosmetology, auto mechanics and business education – came to fruition.

In 1968, the main campus was complete.

Since then, multiple expansions allowed for a growing number of students and expanded curriculum that include an o -site extension campus for public safety programs such as re ghter/EMT, law enforcement, correction o cer, and 911 dispatcher. Practical nursing and paramedic programs were provided at an instructional service center in Clermont.

Lake Tech became a public charter conversion school in 2004 with a mission to be an integral component of local economic growth and development by o ering a variety of high-quality educational and training programs.

Being a conversion charter school means that Lake Tech is sponsored by the Lake County School District, governed by the LTC Charter Board of Directors, and funded by state workforce funding and tuition.

What does all that mean? That Lake Tech is driven by business and industry—not pro t—to provide the highest skilled workers – workers Forbes Magazine branded “the technical elite.”

In 2018, Lake Tech completed opened its Center for Advanced Manufacturing.

Most recently, the school partnered with the Lake County Animal Shelter’s new location in Tavares to house the Veterinary Assisting program.

WIDE VARIETY OF CERTIFICATIONS

There are currently 32 career certi cation programs in 10 major disciplines: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Architecture and Construction, Business Management and Administration, Health Science, Hospitality and Tourism, Human Services, Information Technology, Law, Public Safety and Security, Manufacturing and Transportation, Distribution and Logistics.

In 2021, Lake Tech served more than 2,600 students and had a 91-percent graduation rate, 91-percent job placement rate, and a 100-percent licensure rate.

“We are very proud of those numbers,” DeAnna says. “For us, it is all about the career and getting students what they need to get to where they want to go. It’s never a dead-end street.”

Culinary Arts is one of the largest programs o ered. Students work in a real working kitchen, serving breakfast and lunch on campus, gaining hands-on training and experience while learning the basics of the hospitality industry.

Another popular program is Information Technology, which focuses on cloud computing and virtualization, or enterprise desktop and mobile support technology.

“These are so important right now in our workforce,” Director of Operations Tonya He ey says. “There are so many opportunities in IT, and many of our students use this as a stepping stone to their degree or to get started in the eld. IT isn’t what it used to be. It’s very high-skill and in high demand.”

In 2018, Lake Tech added the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, which o ers instruction for CNC production specialist (machining), welding technology and welding advanced.

“Students learn the basics of manufacturing parts, designing, programming and all aspects of the industry,” Career and Technical Education Program Manager Kim Frazier says. “We actually partner with NASA and manufacture a bolt used for lockers on the space station. A NASA advisor works with students to show what a partnership between a manufacturer and engineer is like, and the students get to say they worked for NASA. It’s pretty cool.”

“Career and technical education can mean upward mobility and lifelong learning for anyone.”

—DEANNA THOMAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Other popular programs o ered include HVAC, accounting, practical nursing, paramedic, cosmetology, public safety, and automotive collision and service technology.

DEBT-FREE LEARNING

Lake Tech is an a ordable, debt-free institution. Low-cost tuition ranges in price from $800 to $3,500 (depending on the course length), an average of $2.88 per hour of instruction.

Student loans are discouraged, but nancial-aid grants and scholarships are available. Students can apply for nancial aid grants and scholarships, and veterans are eligible to use their VA bene ts. Funding can also be obtained through sponsorships such as CareerSource Central Florida.

“One of the hardest things for students is having student debt after they get out college and hoping they nd a high-paying job to pay that o ,” DeAnna says. “Here, we create a pathway where that doesn’t have to be a burden.”

DUAL-ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Lake Tech also o ers dual-enrollment free of charge to high school students who are at least 16 years old, and have a viable career-technical goal and GPA of 2.0 or more.

For instance, Lake Tech recently partnered with Lake County Schools at Mount Dora High School in o ering a post-secondary EMT program, where students can graduate as a certi ed EMT while attending the majority of classes on the high school campus.

There are also special opportunities for students trying to obtain their State of Florida High School Diploma via the GED examination and a technical certi cation at the same time. The program is called the Pathway Plus Program (P3) and is available in Culinary arts, Construction or HVAC.

“Essentially, they are learning the curriculum for their high school diploma through hands-on learning in one of our programs,” DeAnna says. “It allows them to easily connect the academic skills to the occupational skills.”

That’s exactly what Samantha King needed.

“I got pregnant at 17 and wasn’t allowed to nish high school,” Samantha says.

“I’ve tried a couple times to go through the GED prep program but every time life got in the way. I’ve always wanted to own my own restaurant and I love to cook, so this program is exactly what I needed to get my high school diploma and start my culinary arts career as a professional chef.”

SUCCESS STORIES

You might be surprised at how many local professionals got their start at Lake Tech, like Tavares Fire Chief Richard Keith, Lake County Sheri Peyton Grinnell, and … DeAnna herself.

“I was a dual enrollment student here at Lake Tech,” DeAnna says. “I took Cosmetology at 16 as a way to pay for college, but ended up loving my career. I stayed connected as a business partner and came back to teach Cosmetology in 2006. Now I have the privilege of leading the organization from the driver’s seat.”

“Career and technical education can mean upward mobility and lifelong learning for anyone,” DeAnna says.

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

With an ever-growing need for skilled workers, Lake Tech has big plans for the future. Topping the list is a partnership with the City of Tavares for an innovative transportation training hub, an $11 million project that will be built debt free. The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a training ground for students interested in transportation careers.

Lake Tech administrators also plan to further expand in the south end of the county through partnerships with Lake-Sumter State College and Lake County Schools. New programs will include Industrial Machinery Maintenance and Aviation Mechanics, along with robust Corporate and Community Training options.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.LAKETECH.ORG.

352.347.7900

bobscoinsandjewelry.com

17860 SE 109th Ave, Suite 629

Summer eld, FL 34491

Brand New Jewelry

Jewelry Repair

Jewelry Design

Stone Setting

Jewelry Engraving

Watch Repair

Watch Battery Replacement

Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

3 generations of family jewelers and numismatists (rare coin experts) working here. 2 of which (our kids) previously attended The Villages Charter Schools and have come back to work here after graduating from college or trade school.

agenda

BE A HAPPY CAMPER

Dig out your sleeping bags and air out those tents for the annual Great Clermont Campout, a wonderful setting for swapping stories and roasting marshmallows. Since the campout is held at Waterfront Park, campers won’t have to ward off creepy critters.

February 4-5 / Waterfront Park / 330 3rd St., Clermont / 352.708.5975

feb. ON STAGE

Enjoy quality entertainment on the many stages of Lake and Sumter counties.

HEALING THROUGH HUMOR 2/10

EVENT

PARTY HEARTY

There’s no need to drive to The Big Easy to experience the ultimate street carnival. The Lakefront City will be alive with live music, parades, floats, stilt walkers, jugglers, fire eaters, and much more. The parade at 7pm features lit and beautifully decorated floats that embody that spirit of Mardi Gras.

February 11 / Downtown Leesburg / 352.365.0053

FESTIVAL

GREAT SCOTT

Watch Scottish heritage and tradition come alive in Mount Dora. The 10th Annual Scottish Highland Festival features a tartan parade, pipes and drum performances, bagpipers, dancing, and much more. This year’s music lineup includes Tom Keefer, Celtica Nova, the Harp Twins, and North of Argyll.

February 18-19 / Gilbert Park / 310 S. Tremain St., Mount Dora / 352.735.7183

ONGOING

Events are subject to change and cancellation.

In these stressful times, it’s good to know you can enjoy numerous health benefits just from laughing. That’s no joke. So, laugh yourself healthy and get rejuvenated watching comedian Gid Pool perform in Clermont. Gid has won three comedy festivals and has been featured on the TODAY Show and in the Wall Street Journal.

Clermont Performing Arts Center 3700 U.S. Hwy 27, Clermont / 352.394.4800

FEB

By George

Eustis will celebrate its 121st year of hosting GeorgeFest, which honors the country’s first president. The event in downtown Eustis features a parade, carnival, fireworks, live music, food, and vendors. Eustis’ GeorgeFest is the nation’s second-longest ongoing festival celebrating George Washington.

February 18-25 / Downtown Eustis / 352.357.3434

Let us help you get the word out!

To

feb.JAMS

Move to the beat of your favorite performers at these great concerts or local venues!

2/3 @ 7pm

DOUG STONE

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/4 @ 2:30pm

PAM TILLIS

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/5 @ 7:30pm

BEATLES TRIBUTE

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/8 @ 7pm

SCOTTY MCCREERY

The Sharon, The Villages

2/9 @ 6pm

MANFREDI ROCKS

Flying Boat Tap Room, Belleview

2/10 @ 6pm

MICHELLE INGRHAM

Flying Boat Tap Room, Belleview

2/11 @ 1pm

JIMMY HUNTER DRUMS

Lake Harris Hideaway, Tavares

2/11 @ 2:30 & 7pm

THE GATLIN BROTHERS

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/11 @ 3 & 7pm

THREE TENORS PLUS ONE

The Sharon, The Villages

2/14 @ 7 pm

THE VILLAGES

PHILHARMONIC

ORCHESTRA

The Sharon, The Villages

2/17 @ noon

C.O.D. FLORIDA

Edna’s on the Green, Wildwood

2/18 @ 2:30 & 7pm

JIMMY FORTUNE

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/18 @ 5pm

DENNIE AND THE JETS

Fraternal Order of Eagles, Okahumpka

2/18 @ 5pm

C.O.D. FLORIDA

Hurricane Dockside Grill, Tavares

2/18 @ 6pm

MICHELLE INGRHAM

Magnolia Wine Garden, Eustis

2/18 @ 7pm

RANDY BACHMAN

The Sharon, The Villages

2/19 @ 7pm

EMMYLOU HARRIS

The Sharon, The Villages

2/19 @ 7pm

JASON D. WILLIAMS

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/23 @ 4 & 7 pm

THE BEACH BOYS

The Sharon, The Villages

2/23 @ 8pm

CARL AND KAT

Plantation RV Resort, Lady Lake

2/24 @ 1pm

SANDY BACK PORCH

Leesburg Public Library, Leesburg

2/24 @ 7pm

GENE WATSON

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

2/25 @ 6pm

DENNIE AND THE JETS

Highland Lakes, Leesburg

2/26 @ 1:30pm

MANFREDI ROCKS

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

2/28 @ 7pm

JESSICA VOSK

The Sharon, The Villages

Bridge to happiness

When it comes to her music, Clermont woman loves fiddling around.

‘Good, I reached them, or the music reached them,”’ she says. “Music is so powerful with memories.

Personally, Janie says music has been a powerful constant in her life. During the pandemic, she took online classes for jazz fiddle via Zoom from a teacher in New Jersey, and today feels even more confident about coming through with music to

“I’ll walk around and play whatever folks like. Some like classical music, then someone will say, ‘Can you do bluegrass?’ so I’ll play some bluegrass,” Jamie says, adding that her favorite genre

“The music I like playing most is whatever I’m playing at the time. In every genre, there’s good music, so if you go for the musicality of it, I might do Johnny

Janie says she’d love to play more weddings because they are such happy events, but she’s available for any occasion. And when she’s not playing for an audience, “I’m probably not very different from most other musicians, but music is who I am and what defines me,” Janie says. “I’ve always got my fiddle in my hand, that’s when I’m most comfortable, and I’d rather

search ‘Mary Jane Weise’ on Instagram or ‘Wedding Music by Janie’ on Facebook.

STRAIGHT SHOOTERS

@ SUMTERVILLE ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL. UF Health Central Florida hosted its 3rd annual Bourbon, BBQ & Bustin’ Clays fundraiser November 17 at Blackjack Sporting Clays in Sumterville. This exciting sport is often referred to as “gol ng with guns” and is touted as being enjoyable for both beginners and experienced marksmen. The event included ammunition, golf cart rentals, clays, continental breakfast, and barbecue lunch with live music.

Scan this code to view all photos on lakeandsumterstyle.com.

WHERE'S MY PIC?!

Rani and Brandon Negrich, Zane and Cade Salber

Linda Casen, Dean Simmons, Meghan Ayotte, and Kimberly Kapes

Lloyd Willmis and Bruce Johnsen

Brad and Marta Pollitt

David Booth, Dean Simmons, Ted Cavislia, Jack Adams, Russell Fickett, and Jeff Myers

Lori Davis, Shayna Grunewald, and Andrea Smart

Buster Pruett and Jenny Magill

Close to cancer experts. Closer to what you love.

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute’s top-ranked cancer experts provide the most advanced treatments in our local community.

From genetic screening to immunotherapies, our quality care brings effective, targeted treatment to you so you can stay close to home.

We take care of all the big things in cancer care, so you can focus on all the little moments that matter—every step of the way.

Serving patients at our 8 Lake and Sumter County office locations.

Patrick Acevedo, MD

Irfan Ahmed, MD, MS

Ahmed Al-Hazzouri, MD

Roy M. Ambinder, MD

Lawrence B. Berk, MD, PhD

Jennifer L. Cultrera, MD

Adewale A. Fawole, MD

Ralph Gousse, MD

Maen Hussein, MD

Meera Iyengar, MD

Imad El-Jassous, MD

Sachin Kamath, MD

Hakam Khazrik, MD

Mohsin Malik, MD

Pablo C. Reyes Jr., MD

Rakesh Rohatgi, MD

Ibrahim Sadek, MD

Sandeep K. Thaper, MD

Ram Tummala, MD

Marays Veliz, MD

WHERE'S

BOTTOMS UP!

@ LEESBURG ≈ PHOTOS: ANTHONY RAO.

The annual Leesburg Craft Beer, Wine, and Food Festival bubbled over with success November 18 in Historic Downtown Leesburg’s Towne Square. Festivalgoers enjoyed the holiday atmosphere while sampling dozens of craft beers, wine, and food from the area’s nest breweries and restaurants. Attendees also enjoyed live music. .

Shelby Anderson, Forrest Peeples, and Allie Peaden

Julie Grimes, Nikki Haber, Jac Gelb, Cameryn Todd, and Nicole Todd

Raine Mincey and Brooke Gardner Viv Ritter and Val Lastition

Falisha Gonzalez and Ryan Arce

Francesca Armenteros, Bradley Zorian, and Kelli Mercado

Kelsey Marquez, Rick Levand, Jennifer Ryan, and Jeanne Lazo

Miss wearing your favorite pair of earrings?

CENTRAL FLORIDA PLASTIC SURGERY A PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALTY BOUTIQUE

At Central Florida Plastic Surgery, we can help! Stretched out or elongated earlobes caused by years of wearing heavy earrings or trauma can be fixed. Our relatively easy and painless inoffice procedure can help you get back to enjoy wearing them once again.

Call our office today to schedule your Complimentary Consultation!

In a younger face, we typically see the heart-shape or V-shape look of youth. With age, gravity, and loss of skin elasticity, we can observe the stigmata of old age: nasolabial and marionette lines, jowl formation, and a turkey gobbler neck.

We can reestablish that heart-shaped look of youth with Face and Neck Lift with Smartlipo. This procedure combines a face and neck lift with laser liposuction along the jawline and neck using Smartlipo technology.

With today’s modern technology, you can truly look on the outside the way you feel on the inside. Call for your free consultation with Dr. Serra to find out if Face and Neck Lift with Smartlipo is right for A New You!

LAKEFRONT DINING AT ITS BEST

@ LEESBURG ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL. The highly anticipated Ski Beach Bar & Restaurant, 21 Dozier Circle in Leesburg, was celebrated by dozens of guests at its soft opening on November 28. Guests sampled some of the restaurant’s delicious Florisiana cuisine—a fusion of Cajun, Creole, low country, barbecue, and Spanish avors—while relishing the view of Lake Harris, the venue’s gorgeous backdrop.

Anita and Ross Valdez

Luciano Bayes, Brittany Buchanan, Angelica Lowery, Marissa Celli, Jaylene Hernandez, and Chris Redmond

Mike Smithson Band

Owner Randy Keuntjes, Melissa Virnig, and Lloyd Pennington

Pat Mullin, Christa Moffett, Buster Mullin, Doug Moffett, Teresia Moffett, and Alfred Moffett

Hugh and Marian Lyfiletter, Dave and Martha Carson, and Johnny Beatty

Hiromi Goetz, Geoff Goetz, and Brenda Gissy

2019-2022

Home body

love Lake County and have been a resident here for 30 years. As a result, I am active in my local & neighboring communities and take pride in knowing how to meet your real estate needs throughout Central Florida. Whether it’s nding you that perfect home, investment property or helping my sellers get their house sold smoothly - with me as your agent, you can be rest assured that you will be part of an experienced and knowledgeable team that gets you to the closing table!

While the real estate market is highly competitive, I have chosen to work with the RE/MAX Titanium family, led by Steve and Darlene Misciagno who have been selling real estate for 17 years. RE/ MAX’s name is synonymous with success. No one sells or buys more real estate than RE/MAX. RE/MAX is the only brand you see everywhere, whether it’s Billboards, Commercials, Social Media, Satellite Radio, Digital Marketing and so much more. By being with RE/MAX, my buyers have access to more houses, and my sellers have access to more buyers. With me as your RE/MAX Agent, you will have superior marketing, systems and technology, plus the peace of mind knowing that a committed, professional realtor is managing your needs.

At RE/MAX Titanium we o er several di erent programs that can literally save you thousands of dollars. Come talk with me about these programs! We adore the heroes in our community, and o er special incentives to Teachers, Veterans, Law Enforcement, Fire Services and those in

the medical eld. We even have special programs for our friends that entertain us and work hard with our Disney Cast Member Programs. I also have a fantastic rental program if you need housing but are not quite ready to buy. By using me as your real estate agent, our success will come from ensuring that we focus on your speci c values. I will strive to connect and relate to you with my passionate perseverance, integrity and vision. My strength is negotiating the best deal that will save you time and money; thus, landing you that dream home!

The key to being successful in real estate is building great personal relationships and understanding my customer’s needs. So, here is a little information about me. I enjoy yoga, TRX, bike riding, spending time with my family and friends; but most importantly, loving my husband Al. We believe in supporting one another, having personal growth and we are 100% connected to our community.

So, let me put these traits to work for you. If you, or someone you know are in need of my services, please keep me in mind. I promise with RE/MAX and Missy Minner we’ll nd you that winner!

If having someone in your corner sounds appealing when buying or selling your home, look no further than Missy Minner.

Theresa Morris

Broker/Owner

352.360.3736

Theresa@MorrisRealtors.com

Theresa sells a property every 29 working hours!

LAKE HIDEAWAY...SUNRISES & SUNSETS! Come home to this beautiful 3/ 2 ½, unique in design, split level home. Laminate “wood look” floors throughout home...no carpet! Optional low HOA covers maintenance on common areas with a deeded boat dock/ramp to Lake Harris! Newly painted interior with knock down ceilings. New lighting. (6) ceiling fans. Master Bedroom with laundry chute and spectacular lake view includes walk in closet. Bonus/rec room with doggie door possible additional 4th bedroom or easily converted to “mother in law” suite! with (2) walk in closets and a ½ bath. Two car garage with work bench and Water softener. Brand New Electric Hot Water Heater! No regrets...Call today! MLS# G5060378 // $449,000.

ONE OF A KIND...FABULOUS HOME! Enjoy unique custom floor plan in this "park like setting" GOLF FRONTAGE and views from almost every room, located on the 11th Green...NEW ROOF installed in June 2021, plus gutter system! Guard Gated 24/7 "Golf Community"! Manicured lawn with majestic Oak trees lead you to the stone pillars and leaded glass double door entry. "Spacious and Open" describes this foyer/living & dining room area with cathedral ceiling and glass sliding doors to lanai. Den/office with double doors with closet can be used as a 4th bedroom! Kitchen with recessed lights, vaulted ceiling , walk in pantry, and appliances that were replaced new within the last 1-5 years include the Refrigerator, Range and Dishwasher. Snack bar opens to family room (presently used as the formal dining area) with glass sliding doors & vaulted ceiling opening to the expansive 18 x 11 lanai with attached 18 x 16 screened birdcage for additional living space! Entire porch flooring has 18 x 18 matching outdoor tile. Split bedroom design for guest privacy...Master Suite with glass sliding doors to lanai feature tray ceiling, walk in closet plus additional mirrored wall closet. Newly redesigned and remodeled Master bath with double above bowl sinks, dual LED lighted medicine cabinets. Open walk in shower and walls feature 12 x 18 custom wave tile and linen closet too! "Bamboo look" porcelain tile floor! Bedrooms two and three has crown molding and new deluxe vinyl "wood look" flooring share guest bath with pedestal sink and tub/ shower combo. Inside Laundry Room with brand new Amana Washer & Dryer! Attached side entry oversized 2 car garage with "hurricane code" steel door plus drop down attic stairs. How Water Heater approximately 5 years new. Carpet only in Master Bedroom...Main living area with Diagonally run 18" Tile! Upgrades galore...too many to list!

MLS# G5059223 // $567,200.

LAKE ACCESS TO “CHAIN OF LAKES” Enjoy one plus acre lot and garage storage for 4 vehicles! NO HOA! Lots of room for parking with additional driveway leading you to fenced backyard with lots of privacy...ready for your RV to HOOK-UP or bring additional car/boat or toys with no hassle to the attached 2 CAR GARAGE or your DETACHED OVERSIZED 2CAR GARAGE! Lot’s of room for the children to play in this backyard! ROOF ONE YEAR NEW!! Enter home into large foyer with coat closet leading you to the formal living and separate dining room. Eat in Kitchen with quartz countertops & lots of cabinets convey updated appliances to include a side/side refrigerator with icemaker/water, smooth top range with double oven, built in microwave, dishwasher plus conveys the antique buffet with marble top and the two “vintage bead” cabinets for extra storage. Inside laundry room with built in utility sink, too! Huge family room with combination breakfast area for family gatherings. French doors lead to open patio! Master bedroom features his & her separate wall closets plus your own private bath. Large bedrooms 2 & 3 with spacious wall closets! Guest bath with tub/shower combination. Well provides your “no cost” water! MLS# G5063443 // $399,900.

GREAT BUYING OPPORTUNITY 3 bedrooms. Handicap entrance with built in ramp. Large living room + family room. Combination kitchen with smooth top range, double pantry. Main bath remodeled! Master bedroom with convenient half bath. Inside laundry room leads to huge open wood deck with railing! Newer energy efficient double pane windows! Entire home fenced with vinyl fencing for your privacy in the backyard and chain link fence in the front for additional security. Wonderful detached shed/workshop! New HVAC (2021) and roof replaced in 2018! MLS# G5061331 // $224,900.

MOVE IN READY...GOLF COURSE FRONTAGE HOME! Located on #3 Fairway-Par 5 in this upscale gated community providing you with 24/7 manned security! Brick paver driveway lead to front screen porch. Great Room & separate dining area with cathedral ceilings & sliding doors that lead to your expansive back screen porch with an amazing golf course view! Three large bedrooms plus a den/ office with small closet for storage plus double French doors from foyer area. Master suite feature huge walk in closet, crown molding and glass doors to the lanai. Master bath is oversized to include raised vanity with double sinks, separate walk in shower & water closet for privacy. Unique features is the pocket door from inside the Master bedroom giving an additional opening to the den/office. Extended deep garage with pull down attic stairs feature a separate side entrance garage door for storage of your golf cart!! Upgrades to include NEW ROOF 2017, AC SYSTEM REPLACED March 2015, energy efficient double pane windows, hickory laminate flooring, built in niches and more... No regrets found here...BUY TODAY...MOVE IN TOMORROW! MLS# G5063279 // $408,500.

LIKE NEW…FOUR BEDROOMS! Brand new roof, new paint, new HVAC and appliances (approximately 3 years ago)! Bonus Rec room/den that could be used as an office! Two walk- in pantries! Inside laundry room leads to attached 2 car garage. Master suite with vaulted ceiling plus his & her separate walk- in closets! Master bath with garden soaking tub, large vanity with cultured marble plus separate water closet with walk in shower! Ceiling fans in all bedrooms… Open patio great for BBQ’s. MLS# G5059617 // $359,000.

DIRECT OCEAN FRONT 3/3 LUXURY CONDO in the highly desirable Malibu building with garage parking, pool, spa and fitness center. Malibu has 29 condos ranging in size from 2000 to 2226 sq.ft. with well operated HOA monthly fees of only $700 which includes Cabel TV, Insurance, Maintenance Exterior, Maintenance Grounds, Recreational Facilities, Pool and Spa, Security and Trash. Enter through the coded secure lobby or secure garage with assigned parking and take one of the two elevators to this elegant fourth floor condo. You’ll enjoy your time here whether you live here full time, visit as a weekend get away or use as a rental investment. Owners may have pets and lease for a minimum of one week.

NEW ROOF! This 2/2 Villa is just waiting for you in the Villas of Merry Oak of The Villages! Whether you can purchase this villa for your full time home, investment rental or get away, you'll be pleased with the open spacious floor plan. The kitchen has a closet pantry, eat in space, breakfast bar, all appliances and leads to the garage making it easy to bring in your grocery. The living and dining room has a sliding glass door leading to a patio where you can read, entertain, grill or more. Call today before this one is SOLD!

ENJOY THE COUNTRY CLUB LIFESTYLE in this 3/2 villa with a peek a boo views of Lake Griffin in Habor Hills which is GATED with staff 24 hours. Beautiful views with maintenance free lifestyle including the exterior of the home from outside walls, roof repairs (excluding replacement), lawn/water irrigation plus complete yard care included HOA. The moment you enter this home you will see that the 2000 sq.ft. of living space is well cared for and move in ready. The upgraded kitchen has custom full face raised panel cabinets, stone counter tops and a double oven plus dining space. Park in the attached over-sized two car garage with a separate golf cart door. Harbor Hills has a championship golf course with driving range and practice putting greens, clubhouse and championship tennis courts featuring 10 Har-Tru tennis courts, world class fishing & boating private marina, dockside boat ramp, junior Olympic pool, fitness facility, pro-shop and The Grill offers Casual Dining. Country living but yet close to dining, shopping, The Villages healthcare and 24 hour manned front gate. The Clubhouse social ad Golf memberships available for a separate fee.

ELEGANT LUXURY at its finest in this executive Lake Myrtle pool house on approximately 4.14 acres gated and fenced nestled between Lake Myrtle Shores and Wingspread. Double leaded glass front doors you will immediately be impressed by the infinity edge grotto pool with waterfall, views of Lake Myrtle and upgraded finishes. Open floorplan with 10-foot ceilings and crown molding throughout the house with porcelain tile floors everywhere except the guest rooms and custom drapes. The formal dining room has a coffered ceiling and is open to the formal living room that has a 16-foot lake front window, custom beams and stone-faced propane gas fireplace. Built in 2016 with a private well, Rinnai water system, whole house propane generator.

CUSTOM LAKE FRONT HOME ON A PENISULA that has breath taking views of Lake Eustis at the end of a cul de sac on .96 of an acre with over 540 feet on Lake Eustis. You will enjoy luxury in this five-bedroom home with a BOAT HOUSE, four car garage and four bathrooms that has been updated. The gourmet kitchen is centrally located in the heart of the home with two islands, stone counter tops, beautiful hardwood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a large two door pantry. Dining here is a treat whether you are in the formal dining room, lake view dining area or on the screen enclosed lanai. The octagon room has a stone fireplace with a full wall of windows and French doors to maximize the lake views and bird watching. There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an office downstairs with two or more bedrooms, two bathrooms and a bonus room upstairs with a dump waiter. The master bedroom has a fireplace, two walk in closets and private balcony over looking Lake Eustis. You will be even more impressed upon entering the large spacious master bath with two sinks, stone countertops, luxury garden tub and shower. The wrap around screened porch has had dinner parties for 60 and romantic dinners for two with the beautiful skyline and lake as the backdrop. Be sure to view the video tour of this luxury lake front home. Whether you like privacy or to entertain this is the house for all lifestyles.

Kim Ducharme Levensohn

352.874.5906

HOTPROPERTY

WELCOME TO RURAL LIVING

Enjoy sounds of silence while calming yourself in this peaceful setting situated on 2 acres of waterfront living on this private 14 acre lake known as Lake Saint Claire. Been dreaming of building a home? This lot is perfect for a site built home or manufactured home and is zoned for Agriculture so bring the animals! No HOA! Build your own dock for fishing in your backyard. The property will need both septic and well. Centrally located and less than an hour from Orlando, New Smyrna, Mount Dora, and more. Stop dreaming, start believing, and make country living yours. MLS# G5060311 // $65,000.

BEEN DREAMING OF FLORIDA LIVING AND DREAMING OF BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME? Look no further. This 1.57 parcel is ready to help make your dreams a reality. Located in Marion County, Dunnellon is the perfect location situated west of Ocala and North of Homosassa. If you love boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and everything about the water you’ll love being only 15 minutes away from Rainbow Springs State Park and other water ways. Less than 25 minutes away from the Worl Equestrian Center in Ocala, Juliette Falls Golf Club, and much more! You’ll get the feeling of “Old Time Charm” when enjoying shopping and restaurants in the Historic Village Shops of Dunnellon...There is something here for everyone to love. Stop wishing and make your dreams into reality today! MLS# G5063166 // $45,000.

A RARE DISCOVERY! Paradise Awaits! An unforgettable first impression! This 4 bedroom, 4 bath home featuring over 2000 sq ft of living knows how to make an entrance. Love at first sight. Once you pull into the driveway you will be greeted with an iron gate leading you to paradise…. Within the gates you immediately feel at peace and transported to another world surrounded by luscious greenery, palm trees, and wood pergola frames the large koi pond that features stones and a flowing waterfall. The main home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and the garage has been turned into a separate living area that features a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette with separate entry. The space is perfect to rent out for additional income or mother in law suite for multi-generational families living together…the possibilities are endless! Refreshed and Rejuvenated the interior has been improved with age. Vacation in the backyard…Your RX for relaxation. This is your passport to privacy. Enter the French doors to find your own personal resort. Enter the backyard and you will find a 8 ft privacy wall that surrounds the pool deck, swimming pool, 10 person hot tub, built in summer kitchen with grill, your own putting green, a full pool bath and a workshop that features electricity. This would be the perfect place for a man cave, she shed, or a private office while working from home. Refresh yourself in this splashingly different home that could be yours! Solid decision; Solid house! What are you waiting for? MLS# G5063835 // $450,000.

WATERFRONT LIVING ON LAKE MYRTLE IN CALCAR COVE. Build your dream home here on 1.39 Acres. Very wooded private and secluded. Gate entry. Deed restrictions in MLS for building restrictions. MLS# G5055411 // $199,900.

Jo Leen Cooper Howe

Residential Sales

352.267.0770

JoLeen@MorrisRealtors.com

The

HIDDEN GEM IN YALAHA Waterwood a waterfront community on Lake Harris on the Chain Of Lakes with community marina and pier. 3 Bedrooms 3 bath home with 2 car garage. Immaculate home with many upgrades and move in ready. MLS# G5063429 // $299,900.

PARK PLACE SOUGHT AFTER COMMUNITY ON PRISTINE LAKE JOANNA Home features 3 bedrooms 2 baths and 2 car garage. ROOF IS UNDER 5 YEARS OLD AND UPGRADED HVAC. MLS# G5056863 // $475,000.

FLORIDA LIFESTYLE AT ITS BEST Home is perfect for snowbirds who love to golf. Home overlooks the 5th fairway at Mission Inn’s famous El Capeon Golf Course in Howey in the Hills. Elevated views of golf course, ponds, trees, and beautiful sunsets. This home features 3 bedrooms and 3 baths (2 master suites) and has over 2000 sq ft of living area. UPDATED THROUGHOUT. MLS# G5062758 // $399,900.

5 ACRES OF COUNTRY LIVING on the outskirts of Eustis with screened in pool. Home features 4 bedrooms 2.5 baths with 2780 sq.ft. of living area. 2 Master suites on the first floor with additional office/studio area. Updated bathrooms and kitchen. Metal roof 2017 and newer HVAC. Screened in pool with pavers, salt water pump, and solar heated. Huge 8 stall barn 50x30 with tac room, wash area and hay room. MLS# G5062654 // $549,000.

6 ACRES OF COUNTRY LIVING PRIVATE AND SECLUDED ON POND. 4 bedrooms 2.5 baths, 2 car garage. Metal roof, and many upgrades throughout. Existing tractor barn could be turned into a horse barn. Close to 1100 acre riding preserve and public access to Lake Yale right down the road. MLS# G5063832 // $550,000.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

RENTAL ANALYSIS:

• Recommendation on how to get the most from your property

• Analysis based on comparable properties and market movement

MARKETING:

• Online with Multiple Listing Service Zillow.com

• Yard Signage

• Local media outlets

INSPECTIONS:

• Move in walk thru inspection in writing along with photographs of the property conditions at the time of lease signing and when tenant vacates

• Bi-Annual inspection of occupied property

FOR OWNERS:

• Monthly and annual income and expense reports along with 1099 statement

• We can pay mortgage payments from rental income if desired by owner

OCCUPIED PROPERTIES:

• All adult applicants are prescreened for credit, criminal and eviction history

• All lease agreements are prepared by an attorney

• Collect and handle all payments (rent, security deposit, pet deposits)

• Post late payment notices

• Handle complete eviction process

• Operate within the Landlord Tenant Law

• Comply with Federal “Fair Housing Act”

• Handle repairs with licensed, insured and bonded vendors

We are committed and passionate professionals who puts our clients' best interests and satisfaction above all else. Our team’s determination to cater to our clients' specific needs coupled with our market expertise, attention to detail and superior negotiating skills allows you to receive first class service.

WATERFRONT!

MAGNIFICENT THREE-BEDROOM HOME in Ozello is the perfect RIVER RETREAT!!

Don't miss the opportunity to own this slice of heaven. This home features over 2000 living square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a family room, a dining room, and even a great room with a wood-burning fireplace. You will love the spacious kitchen and the brand new ice maker - perfect to fill that cooler with for the boat. Have toys? No problem! There's so much storage...room for 6 vehicles not counting the driveway! Bring the boat trailer too! The spacious dock with a lift has water and a fish cleaning area as well. There's plenty of dock space with the recent dock extension. You may spend most of your time relaxing or entertaining on the large porch area. And if you need more space, there's an additional screen room with an attached workshop as well. The best part might just be that you are located about 200 yards from the main channel out to the Gulf of Mexico. This spectacular find is ready for you! MLS# G5057202 // $575,000.

LOCATED EN ROUTE TO THE VILLAGES ON BUSY 301, JUST OFF THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE INTERCHANGE. The value is in the land, but there are two buildings on site. Clean EPA report on file. Great location for a gas station/convenient store, fast food, or a hotel. Potential lease option for buildings, contact listing agent. MLS# G5060116 // $5,999,999.

Scott@MorrisRealtors.com

PRIME LOCATION Hwy 441 frontage in Lady Lake. Two parcels! Parcel one is 0.27 +/- acres and includes a 4800 sq.ft. 2 story building with an elevator, interior, and exterior staircases. Parcel 2 adjoins parcels 1 and is included in the price and gives the property a total of .89 acres with 147 ft of US HWY 441/27 frontage and zoned HC. Both parcels have great visibility from US 441/27. Parcel two has approvals of a 3000 sq ft building which you could build to suit for your own use or build out to lease. MLS# G5057595 // $799,900.

THREE UNIT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN GROWING AREA OF LEESBURG AT SIGNALIZED CORNER OF W MAIN ST AND THOMAS AVE. Building currently fully occupied with three tenants on site, one on month to month and 2 with leases in effect. Total rental income monthly is $1,750 per month, and building has newer roof and a/c. Great location with plenty of drive by traffic and high visibility. Each unit has it’s own restroom, and the property backs up to Dyches Lake. GREAT OPPORTUNITY! MLS# G5054357 // $269,000.

FOR LEASE! Nicely finished 2,308 sq ft +/- office space directly on 441 in Leesburg near airport. Features large open area for cubicle use as well as multiple private offices, 2 restrooms and a kitchen/break room. Plenty of parking! Great drive by traffic with FDOT traffic count at 35,664 trips daily! MLS#G5052046 // $13.00 Per sq.ft.

PRE-LEASING! Phase 2 coming soon! Brand new block & metal office/warehouse space for lease. Available space ranging from 2,081 sq.ft., 2,208 sq.ft., 2,250 sq.ft. units, or entire building at 13,163 sq.ft. Spaces can be combined to suit your square footage needs. Large rollup doors for each bay. Clear span throughout with office area & restroom planned for each of the 6 bays. High quality, custom construction inside and out in very busy business park well located with easy access and close proximity to The Villages, I-75 and Turnpike. MLS# G5056370.

NEWLY AVAILABLE SPACE FOR LEASE in growing Downtown Leesburg! 3rd floor approximately 5, 025 sq ft available which owner will consider dividing/building out to suit your specific needs. Rental rate on 3rd floor space TBD/negotiable depending on terms. Upstairs space easily accessible via elevator or stairs. Conveniently located with an easy commute to Orlando, the Turnpike, I-75 and more. Location is walking distance to the multitude of new businesses on Main St. as well as Beacon College facilities. MLS# G5056390 // $18.00/Per Sq. Ft.

PRIME MEDICAL BUILDING FOR LEASE IN EXCELLENT HIGH EXPOSURE LOCATION DIRECLTY ON US HWY 441. 1,845 sq.ft. first floor available for office/medical use. Numerous offices, exam rooms and restrooms on first floor, while the second floor has conference room, additional offices, break room etc that could be leased at add’l cost. Excellent US HWY 441 frontage and visibility, with approx. 32,743 FDOT Avg Trips per Day/. Just 6 miles from the growing LRMC hospital with quick access to The Villages as well! Great opportunity in growing area!!! MLS# G5020197 // $12.00/Per Sq. Ft.

GREAT DOWNTOWN LEESBURG LOCATION with great income potential! Property consists of two historic buildings with the rear duplex building fully occupied. Front building has had new siding installed and roof recoated, and once a remodel is completed by new owner could also be a great second duplex unit on site for additional income. Buyer is advised to consult with City of Leesburg regarding any requirements to complete renovation configuration to their own satisfaction. MLS# G5060179 // $265,000.

ONE OF A KIND PROPERTY WITH FRONTAGE ON SR 19 AND LAKE IDAMERE! Zoned C2 for a variety of commercial uses, please see attachments for uses allowed by City of Tavares, America’s Seaplane City! Great visibility in expanding area along busy State Road 19. City water and sewer run past property. GREAT OPPORTUNITY!!! MLS# G5059828 // $259,900.

WONDERFULLY UPGRADED HOME located near Lake Eustis and desirable downtown Tavares! 3/2 home, bathrooms and kitchen have been upgraded with quality finishes. The open floor plan is wonderful with a great living room set up and separate dining room. Custom screened in outdoor kitchen area with built in grill and vent hood, sink and granite countertops and plenty of room for entertaining! No HOA! Plenty of parking for your RV, boat or both! This home is a must see to appreciate! MLS# G5058257 // $299,900.

18 UNIT income producing waterfront opportunity! Pristine Florida Waterfront! This rare and unique property is loaded with potential. Sitting on approximately 4.3 acres of beautiful Harris Chain of Lakes water frontage, you cannot go wrong with this opportunity! There is a pool with restrooms that is currently not in use and needs refurbishing that would also allow for increased rents. Property also includes Alternate Key #2757744, with US HWY 441 highway frontage to allow for better signage and entrance. MLS# G5056221 // $2,900,000.

RARE FIND! Build your dream home right here in Lady Lake. Enjoy being right here in The Villages but not a part of HOA. The property is partially fenced and graced with gorgeous granddaddy oaks. Close proximity to Lake Sumter Landing Market Square and Spanish Springs Town Square. Come experience the lifestyle! This quaint community connects residents to an abundance of nearby recreational amenities including; golf courses, lakes, parks, fine dining, entertainment, shopping, and much more.

MLS# G5057263 // $49,900.

AMAZING OPPORTUNITY This home boasts just shy of 2,600 square feet and is ready for a new owner!

Originally a Custom Built home featuring a split bedroom plan, there are upgrades throughout such as a double sided fireplace, cathedral ceilings, a spacious Master with a jacuzzi tub, built-in storage cabinets, and spacious room sizes. There is a large Formal dining room as well as eating space in the kitchen. There is also a formal living area and a large bonus room for entertaining or Family room space. The circular drive and corner lot add the perfect touch. Will need some TLC so priced to sell! MLS# G5060189 // $350,000.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! This three bedroom home in Summerfield already has a tenant in place (leased thru June 2023). No HOA. This home offers tiled floors, newer windows and roof (2015), and a newer kitchen. This would be a great rental home for your portfolio or great first home.

MLS# G5062882 // $155,000.

WELCOME HOME to this 3/2 home in Oakmont at Silver Lake. You will enjoy three spacious bedrooms and an additional office/bonus room. The kitchen has brand new (never used) appliances and plenty of cabinet and storage space. Open to the living room via a convenient breakfast bar, you will love the space this kitchen offers. The Master bedroom features two separate sinks/vanities, a large garden tub, a separate shower, and spacious walk-in closet space. The bedrooms have new laminate floors as well! Other features include a convenient inside laundry room, a two car garage, and a large screenenclosed lanai. The back screened lanai has peaceful views of a completely fenced backyard. MLS# G5060727 // $329,000.

Realtor®

Lindsay Sanders 352.661.0232

Lindsay@MorrisRealtors.com

LOOKING FOR LAND? Look no further check out this hidden gem with no HOA and views of Lake Griffin! No time frame to build and lot is partially cleared. It is a perfect secluded property at the end of private drive which makes this neighborhood have rural feel and still only a couple minutes to downtown Leesburg and LRMC. Located with quick and easy access to HWY 441. MLS# G5063076 // $85,000.

IS FL LIVING CALLING YOUR NAME? This CORNER LOT Austin model home located in the desired Village of Springdale could be ours. The open concept kitchen has refinished cabinets along with beautiful epoxy counters and space for bar stool. If this open concept kitchen living room is not enough you have an ENCLOSED FL ROOM with central heating and air perfect for entertaining. The patio off the FL room is a perfect place for backyard BBQ’s and relaxing. The bedrooms are great size and there is NO CARPET throughout the house. The inside laundry room is a dream with storage galore and even room for an office desk. This 1 ½ car garage can fit a car and golf cart. Location, location, location...Walking distance to Springdale pool and postal station. Located a short distance from the Mulberry Grove Rec Center, close to shopping, restaurants & the VA center. NEW ROOF 2021.NO BOND. Call today!! MLS# G5061748 // $320,000.

THIS HOME HAS A CHARMING PORCH, etched front door, large driveway, gutters, roof 2021, AC 2016, hot-water heater 2022, water softener 2022 all of this time and more just a short golf cart ride to the clubhouse. Walk into your formal living room and dining room, continue through the arched doorways which lead you to the kitchen, with newer stainless steel appliances and the perfect open kitchen and living room concept for entertainment. Both the formal living room and family room have access to your large FL room just through the sliding glass doors. Master and 2 bedrooms are on the main level with a split floor plan. The Master has 3 walk-in closets, walk in shower in master bath and raised sinks. The 4th bedroom opens up to the Bonus room upstairs which has endless possibilities especially with the wet bar. This space could be great for a pool table, card room, craft room, in-home theater, or the perfect area for your guest and grandkids. On the main level there is an interior laundry room with washer, dryer, and overhead shelving. And are you surprised to hear that even the garage is oversized?! MLS# G5063743 // $470,000.

We are committed and passionate professionals who puts our clients' best interests and satisfaction above all else. Our team’s determination to cater to our clients' specific needs coupled with our market expertise, attention to detail and superior negotiating skills allows you to receive first class service.

PEACEFUL BEAUTY! This 6+ acres is your slice of heaven. Located in Webster, this property is stunning and ready for you to build your dream home or remodel this two bedroom home to make perfect for you. Located close proximity to the interstate, this property makes for easy commuting yet country living. MLS# G5057535 // $325,000.

Camie Kennedy

Realtor®

352.408.4668

Camie@MorrisRealtors.com

Camie Can!

SERENE AND PRIVATE! Sitting on a gorgeous setting of two and a half acres Fruitland Park, you have found your paradise here! Featuring three bedrooms with three and half bathrooms and almost 2400 sq feet, this home is spacious and practical. The custom floor plan is functional for families as well as owners who like to entertain. This split plan features a Master Suite with an en-suite bathroom offering a jacuzzi tub and spacious walk-in closet. The guest rooms are also spacious and share a private bathroom. This home has so much potential, and the possibilities are endless. Outside, you’ll enjoy the covered lanai for evening dinners while overlooking your peaceful backyard. There is a separate workshop that can store all of the toys and even spacious enough for boats or trailers. This home also has a BRAND NEW ROOF and the air conditioning is just barely a year old. With peace of mind on the major components, put your own touches on the cosmetics of this home and you will have something spectacular! MLS# G5061196 // $369,000.

THE PERFECT FIND IN THE SUMMERFIELD AREA. This four bedroom, two bath home has laminate wood flooring in the kitchen, dining room, guest bath and Master bath. The living room feels roomy and there is a small wood deck located off the dining room. A great location on a corner lot, with a fenced yard. Very well maintained. You must see to appreciate this find! MLS# G5062899 // $208,500.

FRUITLAND PARK! You will love this three bedroom two bathroom Fruitland Park Home in the heart of the beautiful small town. Located on a large, spacious corner lot, there's plenty of space in the yard for entertaining. You will love the additional enclosed back room. You are a short distance to The Villages and walking distance to the local elementary school. MLS# G5054916 // $174,900.

Joan@MorrisRealtors.com

Real Estate “Little Giant” // Multi-Million Dollar Producer // Premier Agent

JUST WAITING FOR YOU Amazing manufactured homes with loads to offer. Relax and enjoy. This home is open and spacious, Turn Key and ready for you. Kitchen is located at the front of the home, with a large dining area and living room concept measures 21’ x 16’, Eat-in Kitchen, 2 Bedroom and 1 Bath. Living Room and Guest Bedrooms has additions to help make sure this home is even more spacious. Guest bedroom has sitting area and built in extra closet. Bath room has features double sinks and shower tub combo. Master Bedroom has built in dressers and large closet area. Covered Porch at entrance to home, Covered Screened in porch plus large workshop and separate laundry room with storage. Used as an AIRBNB, leased to 12/31/2022. Make appointment to view at anytime. MLS# G5059226 // $121,900.

COMFORT AND JOY IN THIS EASY LIVING COMMUNITY...enjoy this lovely low maintenance home. Low HOA Fee of $32 a month. This is not on rental property. You own the land and manufactured home. Appealing 2 Bedrooms with 2 Baths and a glassed in Florida Room. Dining Area features a built in Hutch. Kitchen area has bar area to utilize as breakfast bar. Florida Room has a free standing A/C unit that conveys with property. Large carport area of 13’ x 38’. Breezeway leads to back of home and patio. Laundry Room/Utility/ Workshop features Washer and Dryer and Laundry Sink. Guest Bedroom features 2 closets (1) of which is a walk-in closet. Guest Bath with vanity, shower and Tub combo. Master Suite has walk-in closet plus Master Suite Bath features vanity, shower (no tub). This lovely home can be found in the beautiful, well-maintained community of Coachwood East. Coachwood East features Shuffleboard Courts, Club house, Heated Pool. Loads of activities, Cards, Potluck dinners, Banana Split night, Bingo, Pizza night, Soup night, Darts, Pool Table and much more. Make your appointment today to see the Comfort and Joy this property will bring to you for Easy Living for a New Year. MLS# G506363 // $127,900.

We are committed and passionate professionals who puts our clients' best interests and satisfaction above all else. Our team’s determination to cater to our clients' specific needs coupled with our market expertise, attention to detail and superior negotiating skills allows you to receive first class service. 725 E Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME HERE! This 2.5 acre lot is located just minutes to all of The Villages amenities such as shopping, restaurants and more. No HOA! Bring your own builder! This lot will not disappoint you! Call today! MLS# G5062137 // $169,900.

21 PRIVATE AND PEACEFUL ACRES As you pull through the gated entrance, you will love the long circle drive that welcomes you home. Stunning kitchen with custom cabinets, granite countertops, closet pantry, beautiful backsplash, breakfast bar, slate appliances and farmhouse sink overlooks dining and family room. The family room features custom built in’s, tray ceilings and wood burning fireplace with glass sliders that lead to screened in back porch. Additional mud room from side entry door has gorgeous custom brick flooring plus built in’s for storage of backpacks and athletic bags. Another great feature is the full bathroom with glass shower right off the mud room. 2 car carport attached to the home plus an additional oversized 3 car garage with tons of storage area plus outdoor shower. Enjoy relaxing in the evenings on your additional back patio with fireplace off garage area overlooks the peaceful backyard of majestic oaks and whispering pines. All of the porches feature stunning tongue and groove ceilings. If you like to hunt, you will be in heaven with the 5 acre mowed area that the seller has made that can make a great food plot or dove field. This property backs up to the Greenway and is just minutes to the trail head. MLS# G5062775 // $949,900.

LOOKING FOR A GORGEOUS almost 5 acre parcel that is just minutes away to The Villages? Well look no longer! You will love this already fenced in property with majestic oak trees through out. Location is everything with this property as well being just minutes to shopping, restaurants and more! Jump quick on this one...it will not last long! MLS# G5061930 // $225,000.

MOTIVATED SELLER! Bring offers as well as your horses and fishing poles! Stunning custom built home with gated Entrance! Upon entering through the front door, you will immediately notice the open floor plan and the attention to detail that the sellers put into this home. Beautiful wood look tile throughout. Living room with stone fireplace, Kitchen with great cabinet and counter space over looks the dining and living area. Oversized master suite with sliders that lead to the back porch, walk in closets, his and her sinks and glass shower. Split bedroom plan with large bedrooms #2 & #3. Bathroom #2 features a tub/shower combo. Another great feature is the built in desk area leading your laundry area. Enjoy relaxing in the evening overlooking the pond and your large backyard on your screened in porch. Plenty of room to add a pool if you wanted too! 2 stall barn and fenced in pasture. Another perk of this amazing home is the location...Just minutes to all of The Villages amenities such as hospitals, restaurant’s shopping and more! This home will not disappoint you...call today to schedule your showing. MLS# G5061532 // $500,000.

CANAL FRONT LEADING TO THE CHAIN OF LAKES! Do not miss the opportunity to own your own slice of beautiful Lake County waterfront property! This two bedroom, one bath home has the possibility to be a three bedroom, one bath home has the possibility to be a three bedroom, two bath home with minimal work! Add a closet to the "third" bedroom and the Master has a walk-in closet with separate room that can be used as a bathroom and already has hot and cold water hook-ups, just add your touches to complete the Master bath. The covered front porch leads you into the living room and separate large dining room off the open kitchen. The guest bedroom has a bonus room that can be used as an additional large walk-in closet, playroom, or craft room, so many possibilities. The spacious inside utility room includes a new utility sink, washer and dryer and plenty of storage room. The oversized one car garage has plenty of space for work benches and includes a 220 outlet for those bigger tools. Enjoy your partially fenced backyard with storage shed and canal front fishing and boating. Just a short boat ride to get to the Dead River Canal and Lake Eustis!! Close to shopping, schools, restaurants and much more! You do not want to miss this! MLS# G5061412 // $189,000.

CUTE AND COZY! Calling all first time home buyers or investors...this adorable and maintained 3 bedrooms and 1 bath is a perfect starter home or rental!! Convenient in town location...just minutes to The Villages or Downtown Leesburg Shopping and more! Foyer opens to Living/Dining room combo. Kitchen adjacent to dining room with a refrigerator, and range. All three bedrooms feature carpet floors and a wall closet. Bathroom w Tub/Shower combo. You will spend most of your time in the spacious family room featuring carpet and great views of your backyard. large backyard is fenced and offers a shed. Block home with 1 Car Garage. Don’t miss this deal!! CALL TODAY! MLS# G5062958 // $182,000.

352.636.4488

Lena@MorrisRealtors.com

Lena Sells!

OPPORTUNITY! CANAL FRONT home leading to Lake Emma in beautiful Groveland! You will love this well maintained three bedroom two-bathroom home. This home has great curb appeal with a two-car garage and a cozy front porch greeting when you arrive. Inside features three full bedrooms and an additional 350 square foot Florida room that could easily be used for many different purposes. This room would make a great game room/den or even another bedroom if needed. The spacious kitchen opens directly to the dinette area with a breakfast bar. With tile throughout the home, this one will be easy to clean and maintain! With a 2017 roof, you will have even more peace of mind with this home. MLS# G5063355 // $339,000.

HOME SWEET HAWTHORNE! This beautiful two bedroom plus Den, in the lovely community of Hawthorne in Leesburg, will blow you away. You will love the layout inside with a cozy front Florida room and an additional Bonus room/Den just off the master. The Master has plantation shutters on the windows and a spacious feel with the den attached. The flooring has been recently upgraded and bathrooms have stunning granite counters. You may spend most of your time on the back covered patio that offers great views and a perfect relaxation spot! MLS# G5063783 // $139,900.

GORGEOUS CUSTOM BEAUTY! This Four bedroom three bath home in the heart of Leesburg sits on a beautiful lot in the gated Majestic Oaks subdivision. Boasting over 2,900 square feet, this home is loaded with extras. There is a formal living and dining are as well as a Family room and dinette area...plenty of entertaining space. You will love the media/theatre room with a movie projector screen and seating! This home also features a SAFE room. When you arrive, you will immediately notice the stone accents and the convenient drive-thru garage offering enough garage parking for four vehicles. Inside you will love how the floorplan flows and that there is space for everyone. The gourmet kitchen has newly installed top-of-the-line double kitchen aide ovens with wireless capabilities, a convenient cooking island, quartz countertops, tons of counter and cabinet space and even a gas cooktop. The Master features a large en-suite bathroom with separate double sinks, a large jetted tub, and spacious walk-in shower. There are three sets of sliding doors that open to the relaxing pool lanai. You will spend plenty of time entertaining outside. The lanai offers a stunning solar heated waterfall pool, an outdoor fireplace, and also has a gas line ready for your summer kitchen. Other features include a Jack and Jill bathroom setup for the two guest bedrooms and a separate bathroom for the fourth bedroom that offers pool access, remote controlled privacy blinds, plenty of storage space, and much more. Enjoy deeded lake access with the dock right across the street! MLS# G5062159 // $615,000.

heart into Lake County real estate like we do.

Nobody puts their

Maria Baldasare, MD

WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR heart attack RISK 7

Considering heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for men and women, there’s no way to guarantee you won’t have a heart attack. But besides factors beyond your control, including genetics and age, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk.

The key is striving to live a healthier life as follows:

1. Cut Out Smoking or Tobacco Use

An important heart-healthy step, and one that in a year can cut your heart attack risk by half, is to stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke. You’ll eliminate the intake of chemicals in tobacco that can damage heart and blood vessels, and decrease levels of low-density, blood vessel-narrowing lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

2. Get Up and Get Moving

Exercising releases endorphins that keep you happy and motivated. It also reduces your heart’s workload by helping you lose weight, lower your blood pressure, and lessen your risk for heart-threatening conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol. Moderate aerobic exercise like riding a treadmill/exercise bike or walk briskly for 30-60 minutes per day is ideal.

3. Eat a Healthy Diet

The Mediterranean diet is best for heart patients. It promotes cholesterol/blood pressure-reducing foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, low-fat or fat-free dairy, fish, olive oil and other healthy fats, and limits sugar/ sugary beverages, salt, alcohol, refined carbohydrates (white bread/pastries), saturated fats and processed meats.

4. Keep Your Weight Down

Being overweight can increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other heartthreatening conditions. To determine if overweight, measure your Body Mass Index (BMI), using your height and weight. A BMI of 25+ is considered a risk factor for high cholesterol/blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Set realistic, healthy goals like losing 3-to-5 percent of your weight at about half a pound per week.

5. Find Ways To Cope with Stress

When stressed, people often turn to unhealthy habits like smoking, eating junk food or drinking. Stress can also raise blood pressure and slow metabolism by releasing the hormone cortisol. If stressed, consider healthy coping methods like physical activity, meditation, and relaxation exercises.

6. Take Care of Your Mental Health Depression and other mental issues can lessen your motivation to exercise, eat well, and take important medications. Talk with a therapist or work with your doctor to find the best antidepressant for you if necessary.

7. Have Regular Checkups

Regular checkups with your primary care doctor to establish health baselines and screen for high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetes, are extremely important. They can uncover silent heart disease risk factors or help detect unwanted changes before becoming problematic. The sooner risk factors are discovered, the sooner you can offset them through diet, exercise, and medication.

PLAZA CADILLAC

I’m very impressed with Salesperson Nathan Craigie and Manager Tony Pagano. Very informed about all things Cadillac. Harry Akarcay, the service advisor, helped me out when I had a flat tire at my home. I have bought 4 Cadillacs from Plaza Cadillac, they are great!

Guy & Jenean Hite

Nathan Craigie,Salesperson

PLAZA LINCOLN

I would definitely recommend this dealer. Excellent Sales and Service team and they followed through on all commitments. Overall experience was 5 stars!

—DAVID SMITH

Mike Killngsworth

SherritaSmith,Salesperson(left)

Tony Pagano,GeneralSalesManager(right)

David Smith

healthy living

HEALTHY

MIND. BODY. SPIRIT.

BODY

Visitors to Arching Oaks Arts and Culture Center in Eustis learn all about Japanese martial arts and fine arts.

Passing the Torch

Nathaniel Biegler chosen to carry on healing hands legacy.

2020 at age 27. “Dr. Dark has had such an amazing reputation in this area, and I want

Growing up in Apopka, Nathaniel felt this career move would keep him close to his family and plant him in the right location for

The traditional hands-on manipulation techniques used by Dr. Dark are continued at Lake Square Chiropractic, and Nathaniel has introduced new features, including instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, therapeutic exercises, cupping, kinesiology taping, and a new EHR system to increase

He also promotes self-treatment outside of the o ce, including how to manage stress, exercise, healthy eating and surrounding

“Your treatment outcome plays a big role on making certain lifestyle modi cations outside of receiving chiropractic treatment,” he says.

When Nathaniel is not working—a rare occurrence—he enjoys working outside, boating, hanging out with family, and spending time alone with his wife Taylor.

In the future, Nathaniel hopes to implement physical therapy with his brother, Dr. Matthew Biegler, who runs an online treatment program called The

“I am blessed the Lord provided me with healing hands to help my community,” Nathaniel says. “To my existing patients, thank you for trusting in me. To my future patients, I will do my absolute best to help you live a pain free, healthy life. Always remember, life is a gift. Live it well.”

CEO, Shayna Grunewald and COO, Lori Davis are pleased to announce the addition of Andrea Bittner Smart as Director of Private Duty

“Andrea joins our powerful team with over 20 years of home health experience. By adding a Private Duty Division, Lake Centre Home Care is expanding our services and increasing our level of care.”

The Private Duty Division will be accepting clients soon!

JOURNEY TO THE FAR EAST

Unlocking secrets of Japanese martial arts and culture.

rom anime to sushi bars, Japanese culture has become an international phenomenon. And while visiting Japan is an unforgettable experience, Lake Countians only need to make a short drive to Eustis to immerse themselves in Nippon culture, speci cally. That’s where Sabastian and Chelsey Velilla operate Arching Oaks Arts and Culture Center.

At their nonpro t facility, which opened in 2019, Sabastian teaches students three major types of Japanese martial arts: Shotokan karate, kyudo (Japanese archery), and iaido (Japanese swordsmanship). Chelsey introduces her students to Japanese ne arts such as seihon (Japanese bookbinding), origami (Japanese paper folding), shibori (a dyeing technique) and nerikomi (Japanese pottery). She also leads a nature-based activity called shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.

Their students range in age from 10 to 80.

Sabastian Velilla

STORY: JAMES COMBS ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL & COURTESY OF ARCHING OAKS ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER

“The Japanese are a very aged society,” says Sabastian, a 1988 Florida state karate champion who is now a certi ed instructor in the three martial art disciplines he teaches. “They have done some things in life very well. As westerners, we could learn something from how they eat, how they sleep, and how they think.”

For Sabastian and Chelsey, opening Arching Oaks Arts and Culture Center represented a career aboutface. Sabastian spent ve years with the U.S. Army. As a civilian, he trained international military soldiers from Japan in American warfare technology. That’s when he became more familiar with Japanese culture. Chelsey spent 12 years as an elementary school arts teacher and later served as gallery manager for the Mount Dora Center for the Arts.

“We reached the point in our lives where we had been working for so many other people that it was time

to work on ourselves and help others work on themselves,” Chelsey says. “We discovered that medium through Japanese martial arts and culture. Apart from the physical bene ts, our students gain mental and wellness bene ts, too. We’re one of only three Japanese cultural centers in Florida.”

Their 20-acre property o Thrill Hill Road is rooted in Japanese spirit. The 28-meter archery range lined with bonsai trees resembles private ranges found in Japan. The dojo decorated with Japanese oral arrangements and signage is where Sabastian trains students in karate, swordsmanship, and archery. Students are treated to traditional Japanese tea ceremonies inside an adjacent tatami room.

The Velillas say this cultural immersion helps students build con dence and empathy while feeling connected to others.

“Asians have faced discrimination since the outbreak of the coronavirus,” Sabastian says. “We help spread awareness as to what a beautiful culture it is. Also, we spend so many hours each day looking at a computer screen. We need a new outlet. And when people seek a new outlet, they experience a new sense of life. The only way to grow is to get out of your comfort zone.”

IN STEP WITH NATURE

On an overcast Sunday morning, a howling wind can be heard over the calming sounds made by wind chimes. Spanish moss dripping from oak trees sways in the breeze. Birds chirp softly from atop tall trees.

Damian Bonazzoli had an opportunity to take it all in.

A resident of Lake Helen, Damian is a karate student who has advanced to the level of brown belt. But on this morning, he drove to Eustis to

“We discovered that medium through Japanese martial arts and culture. Apart from the physical benefits, our students gain mental and wellness benefits, too. We’re one of only three Japanese cultural centers in Florida.”

—CHELSEY VELILLA

Chelsey and Sabastian Velilla

enjoy one of Arching Oaks Arts and Culture Center’s most popular programs: shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.

Don’t let the name fool you. No actual bathing in the wilderness is required. Nor is this a hike or form of exercise. The goal is to connect with nature through the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. The Velilla’s property lined with a lily pad-covered pond, pine trees, and oak trees provides an ideal setting.

Forest bathing became popular in Japan in the early 1980s.

“During that time, Japan was transitioning from an agricultural society to a technologybased society,” Chelsey says. “People were moving to cities and staying in their o ces all day. There was a spike in health issues. The Japanese government realized the importance of getting people back in nature. When that happened, there was a decrease in stress hormones, blood pressure was lowered, and mental clarity was increased.”

Chelsey, who is certi ed through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, invited Damian to venture into the woods on three separate occasions. Before each journey, Chelsey conducted a meditation activity, or an invitation, to encourage him to connect with the natural world through his di erent senses and heighten his awareness to his natural surroundings.

Afterward, Damian joined Chelsey in the tatami for peppermint tea and cocoa-dusted almonds and shared what he experienced while immersed in nature.

“I am a music teacher, so my world is very fast-paced,” Damian says. “For me, it was nice to slow down and enjoy a slow, mindful walk in nature and leave all my problems and worries behind. One of the coolest things I saw was a colorful butter y uttering around a bush. How often do we take the time to see the beauty of nature?”

Participants like Damian almost always feel therapeutic bene ts. That’s why Chelsey refers to forest bathing as a “partnership with nature.”

“Trees emit phytoncides, which are part of its defense system against insects and bacteria,” she says. “Humans can take in these compounds through their skin or breathe them in. They provide both physical and mental bene ts. Nature also bene ts because when humans spend time outdoors, they will be more mindful of conservation.”

STRAIGHT SHOOTERS

Later that day, a group of men make a ceremonial entrance into the kyudojo (a practical hall for kyudo) to hone their skills in Japanese archery. Each dons a white, short-sleeved keikogi (uniform) that is held in place by an obi (belt) and a black hakama (skirt-like trousers).

Forget everything you know about western archery. Kyudo (Japanese archery) is treated as a martial art, incorporating aspects of spirituality and Zen into its form and practice. The process of shooting an arrow known as hassetsu involves a series of eight distinct stages that ow seamlessly together.

Before a kyudo archer takes a shot, he begins in a kneeling position. After standing, he gradually places the arrow on the bowstring, raises his arms above his head, and draws the arrow back before shooting. Watching these graceful series of movements is like watching a ballet dancer. Beginning archers use berglass bows and eventually graduate to bamboo bows, both of which are 7 feet in length. The circle targets, which are the size of a human chest and do not have a traditional bullseye, are placed 28 meters down range. Shooting the arrow into the target is less important than proper form.

“Proper form is proper hitting,” Sabastian says. “You want to aim for consistency in the form. In tests, archers can hit the target but still fail because they displayed improper form.” Japanese archery can be challenging at rst. The good news is that it’s an ageless endeavor. Just ask Dennis O’Hara, an 80-year-old resident of Eustis who recently became one of Sabastian’s archery students.

Archery has been equally bene cial for 34-year-old Winter Park resident Chris Hill, who avoided sports after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 5.

“I started coming here for tea ceremonies during the pandemic because I had always been interested in Japanese culture,” says Chris. “I was so impressed that I decided to take up archery. The fact that I can do this despite my medical condition has really boosted my con dence and self-esteem.”

Those words are music to the ears of Sabastian and Chelsey. They aren’t trying to produce Samurai warriors. They just want students to nd inspiration outside their comfort zones.

“It doesn’t matter whether a student is here to participate in Japanese martial arts or Japanese ne arts,” Chelsey says. “They all leave here and say, ‘I really needed this today.’ They needed to step out of their normal life. They needed a few hours to breathe. They needed to feel calm and relaxed. People are looking for something traditional, unique, and di erent.”

Arching Oaks Arts and Cultural Center is located at 37114 Thrill Hill Road in Eustis. For more information, call 407.473.8859 or visit archingoaks.org.

“For me, Japanese archery is not just a challenge, but also an opportunity to expand on a new highway. And this art has a low impact on the body, which is important for someone my age. ”

—SABASTIAN VELILLA

DON’T HAVE A COW

Vilification of a remarkable drug.

STORY: RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT, MD, FACS

n February/March 2022, frontline physicians faced with a crush of sick patients with a novel virus of unknown lethality from Wuhan, China scrambled to nd ways to treat them.

The urgency of the situation precluded waiting for the development of new drugs, so a desperate search began to nd existing drugs that could be repurposed to treat SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the illness most commonly called COVID. The name stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2, to distinguish it from SARS-CoV-1, which also originated in China in 2002, but only caused a minor epidemic that remained largely con ned to China. SARS-CoV-1 a ected less than a dozen people in the United States. SARS-CoV-1 was probably from an animal source, in contrast to SARS-CoV-2, which has hallmarks of a

drug few in the U.S. had heard of. Originally developed in Japan in the 1970s to treat parasites and worms in livestock, Ivermectin was subsequently found to be very e ective in treating people with two of the most common and devastating tropical parasitic diseases in Third World Countries, namely onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, and lariasis, a parasitic infection that causes elephantiasis. Ivermectin has nearly eradicated both diseases.

Ivermectin’s use has expanded ever since. It has been used in humans since 1987 and it is on the World Health Organization list of “essential” drugs. Its impact in human health globally is regarded as on par with the discovery of penicillin. It is one of the safest drugs known, with such a low risk pro le that it can be given even by non-medical personnel with minimal training. It is taken worldwide by an estimated 60-80 million people daily and billions of doses have been given. It is referred to by many as a true wonder drug. The two

The big question was: would it work “in vivo,” i.e. in patients, as well?

I don’t think anyone approached Ivermectin with any preconceived bias for or against its use for COVID. There was no financial incentive to promote it since its patent had expired and it was available extremely cheaply worldwide for pennies per dose. No company was going to score billions by promoting it. Reports by frontline physicians and public health officials around the world were encouraging. Significant reductions in illness and death were reported in India and Brazil, which adopted it widely. There was a learning curve, of course – when to administer, ideal dosage, duration of use, etc. From the start, Ivermectin was criticized for lack of rigorous, reputable studies, especially the most reliable of all – prospective, randomized clinical trials involving enough patients for long enough periods to draw definitive conclusions. What studies there were, were mostly observational with small numbers of patients, or poorly controlled. That was

expected, given the unprecedented circumstances.

What is both amazing and inexplicable, given the stakes, is that we still don’t have results of a well-designed, randomized study on Ivermectin for COVID. The PRINCIPLE Trial in the UK began in June 2021 by studying drugs to treat COVID. Two were antibiotics—azithromycin and doxycycline. Both were shown to be ineffective. Colchicine, an antiinflammatory, was also ineffective. Hydroxychloroquine was not shown to be effective in hospitalized patients and was dropped from the trial. Another story for another day. Budesonide, an inhaled steroid used for asthma, was found to reduce recovery time by three days and possibly lessen the chance of hospitalization. The last two drugs in the trial were Favipiravir, an anti-viral used for influenza, and Ivermectin. The results on these two are still not available.

You would have thought that we would have at least a preliminary finding by now, given the scope and urgency of the COVID pandemic. Instead, crickets.

Considering the money and lives involved, you would think we would have the definitive answer to whether Ivermectin is useful for treating COVID or not. The U.S. government has thrown trillions of dollars at a huge cost to the economy yet has not funded a proper study of the drug. Pharmaceutical companies have made billions in profits from vaccines and novel new drugs increasingly found to have significant limitations and poorly understood long-term effects. They have done this with no liability thanks to emergency

use authorization, which frees them from any legal responsibility for potential harms.

Those who have used Ivermectin have been consistently demonized and marginalized simply for trying their best to treat sick patients rather than just send them home. I prescribed Ivermectin freely in the early stages of the pandemic and even after the rollout of vaccines because the default policy of just telling sick people to go home and report to the emergency room when they were in extremis did not sit well with me. My wife and I took it when we developed Delta Covid and recovered uneventfully.

I want to be very clear that I am not an anti-vaxxer, either for vaccines in general or for COVID vaccines. The latter have clearly been very successful in preventing serious disease and death, especially in the most vulnerable persons, the very elderly, and those with multiple co-morbidities, such as obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.

I am unaware of any reputable physician who has claimed Ivermectin is a cure for COVID. Remember that it was first used clinically before vaccines or any new drugs were available. Even after vaccines became available, it was inevitable that many people would continue to get sick because they could not or would not take the new vaccines, and simply because it was going to take time to vaccinate a sufficient number of people to reach population immunity. This still left a void in treatment of early COVID.

Remdesivir was heavily promoted, at great expense, until it wasn’t because it had minimal effectiveness and an unacceptable risk profile. Monoclonal antibody infusions required travel to an infusion site and were labor and equipment intensive. Monoclonal antibody infusions were pulled by the Biden administration in early

2022 because they were ineffective for Omicron Covid. Now we have Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir + ritonavir), which is not FDA approved for any use, but has been given emergency use authorization for COVID, primarily for those at high risk of serious disease. Billions have already been spent on it despite surprisingly sketchy data as to its effectiveness, primarily from mouse studies. These were done by Pfizer, the company that makes it. Reports of rebound COVID in patients who have completed a course of Paxlovid are disturbing.

Despite widespread use and a huge number of supportive reports from the U.S. and all over the world, the FDA and mainstream media persistently demonized Ivermectin and the doctors prescribing it. It is still commonly described in the mainstream press as a “horse de-wormer.” In a Twitter post in August 2021, the FDA made the following statement, “You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously y’all. Stop it,” regarding the use of Ivermectin. The assertion that Ivermectin is exclusively or primarily a veterinary drug is misinformation of the type that the FDA is accusing others of. The wide, decades-long use of Ivermectin in humans is easily accessible public knowledge and the FDA stance against it makes sense

only if we assume some underlying agenda other than public safety.

It is true that Ivermectin has never been approved by the FDA for use in treating COVID. It is, however, a long-standing and accepted practice in medicine for doctors to legally and ethically prescribe drugs for uses other than what they are FDA approved for. This is called “off label use,” and there are countless examples of drugs that were approved for one use and found to be effective for other uses. The FDA has never stepped in to prohibit this type of use – until now.

One interesting recent development in the Ivermectin situation is a lawsuit by three physicians who claim that the FDA interfered with their practice of medicine by telling the public not to take Ivermectin for COVID. Plaintiffs in the case include Dr. Paul Marik, who began utilizing Ivermectin in his COVID-19 treatment protocol in 2020 (well before there were vaccines) while he was chief of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School and director of the intensive care unit at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. The FDA’s defense is that it only made a recommendation; it didn’t issue an order or regulation against Ivermectin. In point of fact, based

on the FDA “recommendation” pharmacies everywhere refused to honor physician prescriptions for Ivermectin if the drug was being given for COVID, something unprecedented in my 42 years in medicine.

I recently wrote in a blog post that the misrepresentation of Ivermectin as a “horse de-wormer” in the media was an example of fake news. Some readers took issue with this and stated that Ivermectin has been conclusively proven to be ineffective for COVID. If we are honest and evidence-based we must acknowledge that the final word on Ivermectin for treating COVID is not yet in as I wrote this.

Sources:

https://www.principletrial.org/news/the-principle-trial-twoyears-on https://youtu.be/bVf0d25Przs

https://www.theepochtimes.com/dr-paul-marik-spike-relateddiseases-gaslighting-of-the-vaccine injured-and-the-suppression-of-early-treatment_4818954.html

https://www.theepochtimes.com/fda-says-telling-people-not-to-take-ivermectin-for-covid 19-was-just-a-recommendation_4873897.html?utm source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2022-11-20&src_cmp=mb-2022-11-20&utm_medium=email&est=meeYegtFj%2BEjSdEVDfWwoF62VE8Kxpf4phPAnG5zfDwLGT8RmxFtfmcUB8afjk0%3D

Ivermectin a Wonder Drug https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC3043740/

Ivermectin as anti-viral https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC7172803/

Ivermectin Nobel Prize https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/34466270/

My blog on fake news https://beyondplasticmd.com/florida-governor-desantis-is-banning-books/?fbclid=IwAR1Tl22bd7DTm1J13yTrtrfLKbvr4Td5vDTuudsz_ZP5Hgd6x6gJd46ejCw

Hey, readers! Is there a particular subject that you would like me to write about? Tell me, via email, at editorial@akersmediagroup.com.

RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT, MD

The U.S. government has thrown trillions of dollars at a huge cost to the economy, yet has not funded a proper study of the drug.

LIFE’SA

Lots of delicious food and sunshine await at Ski Beach Bar & Grill.

“I’VE VISITED DIFFERENT LAKES IN FLORIDA, BUT THIS AREA IS LIKE NOTHING ELSE.”

RESTAURANT MANAGER

has always been a hub of activity thanks to its lush landscape, picturesque bridges, stunning lakeside views, and abundance of wildlife. Now, visitors can enjoy all that and get their bellies full at the same time.

Ski Beach Bar & Grill opened at Venetian Gardens in November. There’s even better news. The restaurant is the creation of Randy and Sue Keuntjes, who also own Eaton’s Beach Sandbar and Grill in Weirsdale.

Those who have eaten at Eaton’s Beach are aware of its funny catchphrase, “3 C’s and a little BS.” Translated, that equates to Cajun, Creole, Low County, Barbecue, and Spanish.” The restaurant’s late chef, Dave Del Rio, melded these five styles to create a unique and tasty combination of flavors from Florida and Louisiana.

Randy is bringing the same delicious food and cooking style, which is known as “Florisiana cuisine,” to Leesburg.

“Our food has a little heat to it and a Louisiana kick to it,” says Chris Redding, kitchen manager. “The food is seasoned well, and we concentrate more on flavor than spiciness.”

Popular Florisiana-style dishes include the Ybor City Gumbo, the Cajun Sweet Fried Chicken, the Charleston Shrimp Platter, and the Bronzed Red Fish. Other favorites include a Florisiana Sirloin, glazed salmon, shrimp creole, a Mahi sandwich, and a variety of burgers and salads.

Of course, guests will have a difficult time passing on the restaurant’s award-winning shrimp and grits, which consists of tender shrimp and Andouille sausage in white wine cream sauce topped with applewood bacon and fresh chives.

“People absolutely love our shrimp and grits,” says Stacy Muilenburg, server-trainer at the restaurant. “I have worked at Eaton’s Beach for

watch seaplanes land gracefully on Lake Harris and enjoy a majestic view of a sunset. On a cool night, they can cozy up to the two firepits located on the restaurant’s beach area. Live entertainment will be offered on the tiki patio on Fridays and Saturdays.

Two full-service bars—one on the tiki bar and one on the inside—serve up drinks with catchy names like the “Shark Attack Martini,” “Barefoot Skier Martini,” and “Ship Faced.”

The restaurant’s interior pays homage to the days when Leesburg had a professional ski team in the 1940s. Along one wall are 26 pairs of skis representing the 26 founders of Ski Beach.

“When there was a ski team back in those days, they had a locker room where they stored skis, tow ropes, and life jackets,” says Melissa Virnig, general manager. “They referred to it as the beehive locker room.

else,” says Rick Wormuth, restaurant manager who has 30 years of experience in the industry. “As a staff, we look forward to meeting our customers and serving them a unique style of food that they will definitely enjoy.”

IN THE KITCHEN

Craving a tasty handheld?

Look no further than Belly Buster Cheese Steaks and More, a sub shop in Eustis that serves them up right.

ather and son Joe and Josh Glendye fell into food service at a young age. Growing up in Pennsylvania, Joe would go to his grandmother’s house and make homemade pies and cakes with her.

“Thinking back on it, she’s the reason I really got into making

His family was all about feeding people — his mother was in food service and his dad owned a

By high school, Joe was managing the family business. He o cially took it over at 18.

“I had the idea to put in a little counter with soft pretzels and homemade soups and sandwiches,” he says. The grocery store did more than provide income. It’s where he met his wife, Janelle.

“Pretty soon it got so popular; it was making more money than the groceries, so we decided to turn it into a restaurant.”

He opened Belly Buster Subs and Pizza in Reading, PA, where he raised his family and taught his kids the industry, just like his family did.

“I actually didn’t like it growing up, but what kid does?” Josh says. “But once it was gone, I missed having the family time. Now we are here together again.”

In 2016, Joe sold the business and retired to Florida, hoping to never see snow again.

“I found out, retirement just wasn’t for me,” Joe says. “Although I don’t miss the snow, I need to be doing something.”

Joe considered opening a breakfast and lunch spot, then tried a food truck for a while.

“I thought it was going to be easier,” Joe says. “It wasn’t. It was much harder. So, I decided to stick with what I know best.”

Josh was still living in Pennsylvania but needed a fresh start in his life. With $17 in his pocket, a box of clothes, and his memories, he made his way to Florida.

“I managed a Subway for a while, but my dad and I kept talking about opening a Belly Buster, and this place opened up here, so we went for it,” Josh says. “It’s nice to be able to spend time with him again.”

The two opened Belly Buster Cheese Steaks & More in the Eustis Square Shopping Center last June.

The menu consists of Philly cheesesteaks made every which way. The classic Philly is made with onion, green peppers and Cheese Wizz, while the PA favorite is made with marinara sauce and pickles. Then there’s the California cheesesteak with mayo, lettuce and tomato . . . or the supreme with mushrooms, pepperoni and marinara sauce. Make it deluxe with some A.1. steak sauce.

Father and son also o er a variety of meats, like the chicken cheesesteak, bu alo chicken cheesesteak, BBQ chicken cheesesteak, and California chicken cheesesteak.

Other hot subs include eggplant parmesan, grilled Italian, chicken parmesan, sh, grilled ham and cheese, meatball, and the gizmo, which consists of two burger patties, grilled ham and cheese.

Feeling extra hungry? They serve signature dishes like the Belly Buster Cheese Burger with three burger patties, grilled ham, pepperoni, bacon and cheese, or the Belly Buster Cheese Steak with a full pound of steak and cheese.

They also o er a variety of salads, cold subs, club sandwiches and side items like onion rings, French fries, jalapeño poppers, breaded mushrooms, corn nuggets, fried pickles and chicken wings.

AUTHENTIC PHILLY CHEESESTEAK

(makes 1 sub)

INGREDIENTS :

1/2 cup onions

1/3 cup green peppers

7 oz. chipped sirloin

1 tbsp. Cheese Wizz (can substitute with other cheese)

1 amoroso sub roll

DIRECTIONS:

Grill onions and peppers with a butter-flavored oil until fully cooked. Set aside. Set grill to 325 and place chipped sirloin. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes until fully cooked. Add Cheese Wizz or choice of cheese and mix it with the sirloin. Add in onions and green peppers and grill together. Place on amoroso roll and serve.

*Good quality sirloin doesn’t need marinade or seasonings. Just add a dash of salt and pepper and let the natural flavor of the meat shine.

CHICKEN AND RICE SOUP

INGREDIENTS :

6 cups water

6 oz. chicken breast

3 tbsp. chicken bouillon base

1/2 stick butter

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp. oregano

1 tbsp. basil

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1 1/2 cup medium grain rice

DIRECTIONS:

Bring water to a boil. into small pieces and cook thoroughly. water, add chicken base, butter, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Return to boil. Add in rice and boil for 5 minutes. Turn heat to low and cover for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked. Serve in a bowl and enjoy.

COLE SLAW

INGREDIENTS :

1/2 head of cabbage

1 carrot

2 tbsp. white vinegar

3 tbsp. sugar

1 dash of salt and pepper

1 cup mayonnaise

DIRECTIONS:

Place cabbage in the food processor until finely ground. Place in a bowl. Grate the carrot and add to the cabbage. Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise and stir

For Dessert: APPLE TURNOVER

I found my Philly spot after nine years. Top down the best! Go get you one! Shoot you might even see me there, lol.

~ Anthony Rivera

Best steak n' cheese sub and cheddar bacon fries around! Super clean with awesome friendly service!

~ Ashley Face

As a native Philadelphian, I’ve been missing my cheesesteak!!

I was SO happy that this place was opening. It didn’t disappoint!

~ Becky Belloff Thompson

Joe and Josh Glendye

BBQ with a purpose

Mission BBQ takes pride in serving delicious homemade food while making veterans and first responders feel at home.

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

ission BBQ Owners

Bill Kraus and Steve Newton share a deep love for BBQ, patriotism, and the heroes they truly believe make our country great. That’s why they intentionally chose September 11, 2011, as the date to open Mission BBQ. It’s also

American than barbecue, and who’s more American than our military and rst responders?”

Mission BBQ achieves that purpose nationwide with 120 locations. Each restaurant supports and celebrates heroes from the local community.

Local veterans or their families are encouraged to bring in photos, patches, and coins to hang on the walls of the dining room. Special events/

and it was our honor to do that for them,” Dani says.

The Mission BBQ in Lady Lake has garnered quite a following since opening in September 2020. Each day at noon, employees drop what they’re doing to stand, hand over heart, for the National Anthem played over the loudspeaker. The anthem is often sung live on extra special remembrance days like Memorial Day or Veterans Day.

to ll their stomachs, but we get to nurture their souls too, and that’s a very rewarding thing to witness.”

General Manager Julie McCook says, “It’s so neat that Mission BBQ gives us an avenue to keep patriotism alive.”

Attention to detail is also alive and well. All the meats are dry rubbed and oak smoked in-house daily, the brisket and pork for 14-16 hours.

Julie says there are no microwaves or freezers in the kitchen because everything is homemade and made fresh daily. Additionally, Mission BBQ’s seven sauces—from sweet and mild to smoky and bold—encompass avors from all over the country the owners fell in love with when developing the menu.

The atmosphere also complements the restaurant’s focus.

“We call our utensils our weapons, and we serve our food on what resembles military trays. It keeps with the theme. The overall feel is that of a mess hall but with awesome, awesome food,” Julie explains.

Recently, Style Photographer Nicole Hamel and I visited Mission BBQ in Lady Lake.

What we experienced—delicious, perfectly smoked, fall-o -the-bone ribs, tender and tasty brisket, very yummy cornbread, cheesy potatoes, and delicious mac and cheese—and the atmosphere, not only left us extremely pleased and way too full, but teary-eyed, as well.

It was Pearl Harbor Day, so at noon, we were treated to a live and moving rendition of the National Anthem. A local Marine Corps color guard presented the colors and 10 WWII veterans invited for lunch and cake were

personally recognized and thanked for their service.

Each veteran, some with tears streaming down their cheeks, stood proudly when their name was called. After that, Dani exclaimed, “We couldn’t have the freedoms we have today if not for you.”

Villages resident Irving Locker, 98, a WWII Army Sta Sergeant, says he appreciates the gesture.

“Many veterans won’t talk to too many people about their war experiences, but they’ll talk to other veterans sometimes. Mission BBQ gives us a place where we can feel comfortable, plus they always make a big fuss over us and that’s nice, too,”

“great” about the small part Mission BBQ plays in serving “those who have taken care of us.”

“It’s hard to explain the feeling, but when people come in here, they understand. To see the camaraderie vets still feel for each other and how they feel comfortable having conversations with other veterans here is so satisfying,” Julie says. “Our food is excellent, but it’s our service that di erentiates us from all other places.”

“If what we can do for our veterans and rst responders means this much to us, I can’t even fathom what it means to them.”

IF YOU GO

MISSION BBQ

631 N. US Highway 27 #44, Lady Lake

Hours: 11am-9pm

Monday-Saturday, 11am-8pm Sundays.

352.247.4793

mission-bbq.com

“It’s so neat that Mission BBQ gives us an avenue to keep patriotism alive.”

—JULIE MCCOOK

ROXANNE BROWN

General Manager Julie McCook and Community Ambassador Dani Carlson

OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT

ynda Farmer wasn’t a typical teenager. At the age of 18, she was booking hair bands at “The Central” in West Hollywood on the Sunset Strip. Since her dad owned the dive bar, she was able to work there helping him out while attending Santa Monica City college until she turned 21.

“I was bartending when every famous person was hanging out on the Strip. That was a really fun, crazy time. Especially celebrity jam night.”

Sadly, her dad passed away in 1993. She ran the bar for a year, then sold to Johnny Depp, who promptly turned it into the famous “Viper Room.”

After tending bar in Malibu for a few years, she decided to move back to Florida, where she spent much of her childhood.

In 1999, while working at Tierra del Sol Country Club in The Villages, she found out she was pregnant with her rst daughter Madison.

“Being pregnant while bartending was de nitely a special experience because all of my regulars were so supportive. I had gifts and kind

wishes from so many people. It was overwhelming.”

Lynda would often bring Madison into work, and she grew up before everyone’s eyes. “She would even serve co ee and water to everyone when she was little.”

Lynda remarried 17 years ago to husband David, 45, and became pregnant with daughter Carson.

“My second pregnancy was quite di erent from my rst. I still worked and I still had the same support from my customers, but this time I found out halfway through I had stage-four cervical cancer.”

her life. Then, she got a life-changing phone call from Mo tt Cancer Center.

“They said I could carry to term; I did and I’m here 16 years later along with my beautiful daughter.”

Infant Carson accompanied mom to work, sleeping in a booth and being watched by guests who often brought her handmade blankets and other gifts.

Today, Lynda—still bartending at Palmer Legends Country Club—says she is grateful for the outpouring of kindness shown to her over the years.

“The Villages has been good to me, and that support makes it easy to go to work every single day.”

“The Villages has been good to me, and that support makes it easy to go to work every single day.”

—LYNDA FARMER

LYNDA IS BEHIND THE BAR AT PALMER LEGENDSCLUBCOUNTRY IN THE VILLAGES

STORY: GINA HORAN ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

Little things customers have done to help Villages bartender, for her, are huge.

ighty percent of restaurants close within ve years of their grand opening, according to a study conducted by The Ohio State University.

That’s a glowing testament for Mom and Dad’s Italian Restaurant in Lady Lake. In May, the popular dining establishment celebrated its 60th anniversary. There’s a reason for that. Not a whole lot has changed since Giovanni and Columba Mattiucci opened the restaurant in May 1962. Other than a few tweaks here and there, longtime patrons enjoy seeing the same menu and same décor.

“Customers always tell me they feel right at home with their mother’s or grandmother’s cooking,” says Elainna Tucker. “Others who come here say our restaurant reminds them

of their favorite Italian restaurant in New York.”

Elainna is the granddaughter of Giovanni and Columba Matiucci and the daughter of Raymond Matiucci, who operated the restaurant for 42 years. Elainna and her husband, Ricky, purchased the restaurant in 2005. Since that time, they’ve worked hard to uphold the legacy Raymond created six decades ago.

For Ricky and Elainna, it’s a labor of love. Although the restaurant doesn’t open until 4pm, they arrive ve hours early to make homemade bread, sauces, ravioli, lasagna, and pasta.

“We still cook Old World-style, which means making everything from scratch,” Elainna says. “I truly love to cook. The kitchen is my happy place.”

Repeat customers cannot seem to get enough of delicious entrees such as Spaghetti a la Bruzzi, a baked

spaghetti with three cheeses, meat sauce, and mushrooms. The lasagna with homemade pasta and the juicy, tender Delmonico Black Angus steaks are equally popular. In recent years, the Tuckers have boosted their menu with the addition of chicken alfredo, shrimp alfredo, veal and chicken piccata, and veal and chicken marsala.

They’ve also added gluten-free ravioli, lasagna, and bread all made from scratch.

For the Matiucci family, cooking Italian food is like being an artist. They focus on ne craftsmanship and pay attention to every detail. And they always use fresh ingredients without exception. Nothing is premade and nothing is zapped in a microwave.

“We want our customers to have an outstanding dining experience, and of course that starts with the food,” Elainna says.

For decades, customers have flocked to Mom and Dad’s Italian Restaurant for excellent food.

From classic diners and lakeside restaurants to fine dining and everything in-between, Lake and Sumter counties culinary scene is booming. Your favorite meal is sure to be served with a side of hospitality.

BUSHNELL

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

2586 W. CR 48

352.568.7000

Darrell’s Diner

2237 W. CR 48

352.444.2318

CLERMONT

Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro

4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27

352.243.8988

Ay Jalisco 580 Hwy. 50

352.243.1360

Cheeser’s Palace Café

707 W. Montrose St.

352.404.9431

Crooked Spoon

Gastropub

200 Citrus Tower Blvd.

352.404.7808

Gator’s Dockside

1200 Oakley Seaver Dr.

352.242.1825

Goomba’s Pizzeria

2395 S. Hwy. 27

352.989.4403

Green Mountain Pizza

303 Hwy. 50

352.432.3380

Lilly’s on the Lake 846 W. Osceola St. 352.708.6565

Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill 230 Citrus Tower Blvd.

352.394.0036

Robata Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar

1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688

Sarah’s Greek Cuisine & More

16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Ste. 305 352.404.8031

EUSTIS

Gators Dockside

15241 U.S. Hwy. 441

352.357.1255

Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. CR 44 352.589.9100

Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022

The Oyster Tro 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939

Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001

FRUITLAND PARK

NY Deli N Diner

3325 U.S. Hwy. 441

352.365.0051

Rae Rae’s Restaurant

2468 U.S. Hwy. 441

352.323.1595

Stavro’s 3223 U.S. Hwy. 441

352.315.0028

GROVELAND

Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. SR 33 352.429.2997

Barrels & Boards 7965 SR 50 A500 352.557.5007

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS

JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600

Mission Inn’s La Hacienda Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3910

Mission Inn’s Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48

352.324.2718

LADY LAKE

Bamboo Bistro

700 Hwy. 441

352.750.9998

El Ranchito

1 Lagrande Blvd.

352.750.3335

Gators Dockside

1004 Main St. 352.430.1377

Harbor Hills Country Club

6538 Lake Griffin Rd.

352.753.7000

Marco’s Pizza

13721 U.S. Hwy. 441

352.775.1500

Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant

304 S. U.S. Hwy. 27/441

352.753.2722

OakWood Smokehouse & Grill 860 S. Hwy. 27/441

352.751.5640

Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630

LEESBURG

Brooklyn’s Pizzeria 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27 352.728.2020

Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739

Ichiban Bu et 10301 Hwy. 441 352.728.6669

Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442

Donut King 708 S. 14th St. 352.805.4888

El Ranchito Mexican Cuban Restaurant 911 W. North Blvd. 352.460.0123

Fire Rock Pizza 712 W. Main St., Ste. 5 352.605.6123

Mammoth Oak Brewing Company 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.326.0100

Mystic Ice Cream 314 W. Main St. 352.812.1366

Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616

Oakwood

Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant at Mission Inn Resort & Club

With two award-winning golf courses, Mission Inn is best known for attracting golf enthusiasts from around the country. But food aficionados are increasingly swinging into Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant to enjoy an intimate dining experience. The menu offers salads such as the Titantic Iceberg Wedge and Waldorf Chicken Salad and sandwiches such as the Camino Real Cuban and County Club Wrap. You can also order from the “Build Your Burger” section of the menu featuring an assortment of meats, cheeses, and toppings. Don’t forget the prime rib and seafood buffet on Saturday nights.

Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777

MOUNT DORA

Barnwood Country Kitchen & Smokehouse 3725 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.630.4903

Fiesta Grande 421 N. Baker St. 352.385.3540

The Brick & Barrel Public House 209 W. Main St. 352.431.3069

The Co ee Snob 1101 W. North Blvd. 352.460.4570

The Old Time Diner 1350 W. North Blvd. 352.805.4250

The Sipping Garden and Bistro 605 W. Magnolia St. 352.460.0716

Magical Meat Boutique 322 N. Alexander St. 352.729.6911

Vincent’s Italian Restaurant 5914 Orange Blossom Trl. 352.735.4578

OXFORD Pho Saigon 11707 N. U.S. Hwy. 301 352.492.9423

TAVARES

Bella Nona Pizzeria 280 Silverado St. 352.508.9370

BTW (Burgers, Tacos & Wa es) 115 E. Main St. 352.508.9287

Fish Camp Lake Eustis 901 Lake Shore Blvd. 352.742.4400

Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137

Puddle Jumpers 111 W. Ruby St. 352.508.5862

Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill 118 W. Ruby St. 352.508.5783

THE VILLAGES

Cody’s Roadhouse Brownwood 3731 Meggison Rd. 352.430.2926

Cody’s Roadhouse Lake Sumter Landing 1041 Lake Shore Dr. 352.259.8500

Giovanni’s 3439 Wedgewood Ln. 352.751.6674

Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream 1001 Lake Shore Dr. 352.751.0261

Legacy Restaurant 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475

Marco’s Pizza 5806 Seven Mile Dr., Ste. 101 352.571.2400

NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln. 352.750.1994

Peachwave 249 Colony Blvd. 352.750.2238

Peterbrooke Chocolatier 1087 Canal St. 352.391.5877

RJ Gator’s Florida Sea Grill & Bar 1015 Lake Shore Dr., #1693 352.751.6935

Roberto’s Ristorante Pizzeria 2468 Burnsed Blvd. 352.626.1059

Sakura 265 Colony Blvd. 352.205.7393

Too Jays Brownwood 2835 Brownwood Blvd. 352.350.2122

Too Jays Lake Sumter Landing 1129 Canal St. 352.430.0410

VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887

UMATILLA

The Mason Jar 37534 SR 19 352.589.2535

Brooklyn’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

27405 U.S. HWY 27, LEESBURG | 352.728.2020 & 352.365.9004

MYBROOKLYNPIZZERIA.COM

When hit with a craving for authentic New York style pizza, there’s no need to catch the next flight to the Big Apple. Simply visit Brooklyn’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant in Leesburg and Owners James and Shawna Pancari will make you feel right at home with New York inspired vibes, décor, and flavors. Not only have they perfected the New York style thin crust people swear by, but they take pride in ensuring everything they serve is made fresh and from-scratch daily; including their pizza dough and sauces, strombolis, calzones, subs, salads, wings, specialty Italian and pasta dinners. Additionally, the restaurant is family-run and Veteran-owned, with James having served in the Coast Guard for 31 years. In honor of that, the dining room features a military wall, plus a 10 percent discount for veterans, active members of the military, police, fire, and first responders. Brooklyn’s Pizzeria also offers gluten-free pizza and pasta options, and accepts door-dash, online-ordering, catering, and curbside pickup.

El Ranchito Mexican Cuban Restaurant

911 W. NORTH BLVD., LEESBURG | 352.460.0123

ELRANCHITOMEXICANCUBAN.COM

Since opening in 1997, El Ranchito has been the go-to place for Lake Countians who desire delicious Mexican food. Although the restaurant was closed for nearly two years due to the coronavirus, El Ranchito’s Leesburg location officially reopened in December 2021. The restaurant is now named El Ranchito Mexican Cuban and serves genuine Mexican cuisine and a variety of Cuban entrees with entertainment on Tuesdays and Saturdays! The menu features many of the favorite dishes diners have grown to love over the years, as well as new dishes. Consider the Molcajete Caliente featuring your choice of meats grilled with onion, potato, and bell pepper, topped with cheese and salsa verde. Or try the Bistec de Palomilla with thin-sliced steak with onions and parsley that comes with a signature steak sauce. El Ranchito fans will appreciate the remodeled restaurant, which now includes a 50-seat outside patio. Despite the changes, the food remains as scrumptious as ever. Enjoy amigos!

Guru Restaurant

CLERMONT HILLSIDE TERRACE, 2400 S. U.S. 27, SUITE 101, CLERMONT 352.241.9884 | GURURESTAURANTCLERMONT.COM

Owned by Chef Uday Kadam, Guru has a following of fans who savor the delicious, award-winning Indian cuisine inside the restaurant’s beautiful dining room filled with Indian décor and tables with linen tablecloths. Guru earned the prestigious Best Entrée award at the 2021 Taste of South Lake & Business Expo for its Chicken Tikka Masala, featuring boneless chicken pieces cooked in a Tandoor oven with tomato sauce, onion, aromatic herbs, spices, and served with Basmati rice. Guru also has tasty appetizers, Naan breads, vegan dishes, and a wide array of entrees, including Palak Paneer, a dish of homemade cubes of cheese cooked with spinach and fresh spices; Lamb Vindaloo of choice lamb cubes marinated in vinegar with potato and a blend of spices; and Tandoori Chicken Tikka, where the chicken is marinated in mild spices and yogurt. Additionally, Indian alcoholic beverages of Taj Mahal and Kingfisher are served at Guru, and the restaurant caters private functions, parties, and provides many delivery options for orders made online at mygurutogo.com.

Mon, Wed & Thu 11:00am – 8:00pm

Closed Tuesdays

Friday 11:00am – 9:00pm

Saturday 12:00pm – 9:00pm

Sunday 12:00pm – 7:00pm

Sun – Sat 11:00am – 10:00pm

Follow us on Facebook for daily specials and entertainment!

Visit our Villages location!

El Ranchito Restaurant

1 La Grande Blvd, The Villages 352.750.3335

Mon – Sat Noon – 9:00pm

Sunday Noon – 6:00pm

Open Daily

11:00am – 9:00pm

Lunch Specials 11:00am – 3:00pm

Margarita

Mondays!

Enjoy $5 margaritas all day every Monday.

La Palma Mexican Grill

1690 CITRUS BLVD., LEESBURG | 352.323.1444 | LAPALMAGRILL.COM

The entire staff invites you to a delicious dining experience at La Palma Mexican Grill. The recipes used for the restaurant’s unique dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Mexico, combined with culinary inspirations from California and Louisiana. Homemade Mexican entrees such as Tacos Azteca, carnitas, fajitas, Chori Pollo, tamales and more, are flavorful and prepared with only the freshest of ingredients. Sit comfortably in the beautiful dining room, the festive bar, or outside on the patio deck with a serene view of the grounds and of the fun wild animals that can be spotted in the trees. Enjoy fast and friendly service, reasonable prices, three-for-one margaritas all day, every day, and a party room, available by reservation, for large parties or meetings. Full menu at lapalmagrill.com. Call for daily specials.

BWWAAAK!

It’s five o’clock somewhere!

Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant

352.753.2722 | 304 US-441, LADY LAKE

Mom and Dad’s Italian Restaurant in Lady Lake has the distinct honor of calling itself a true family-owned restaurant. In fact, five generations of family members have represented the restaurant since its humble beginnings in May 1962. As many generations of customers have dined there throughout the years thanks to the outstanding service and scrumptious dishes such as Spaghetti a la Bruzzi, Delmonico steak, and lasagna. This food savvy family prepares everything from scratch, crafting everything with love to satisfy your taste buds.

Rodello’s Italian Restaurant

–

26736 U.S HIGHWAY 27, LEESBURG | 352.319.8093 | RODELLOS.COM

Chef Amadeo Avila invites you to enjoy authentic and fresh Italian cuisine in a friendly, comfortable dining environment at Rodello’s Italian Restaurant. The recipes used for his dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Italy—the restaurant is named for a city in the old country—with new culinary inspirations that Chef Amadeo has learned during many years in the restaurant business. Flavorful, homemade Italian entrees such as Pistachio Crusted Lamb, Salmon Saltimbocca, Lobster Ravioli, Shrimp Risotto, and many others are classics and prepared with only the freshest ingredients. The lunch menu features personal pizzas, calzones, subs, and pasta. Sit in the spacious dining room or enjoy drinks or desserts like delicious gelato in the cozy lounge, which features a full bar, wine menu, and an array of specialty cocktails. Always look for new features on Chef Amadeo’s menu, available on the restaurant’s website, Rodellos.com.

Subway

SUBWAY.COM

LADY LAKE | 208 W. GUAVA ST. | 352.750.4929

EUSTIS | 469 PLAZA DR. | 352.357.7827

MOUNT DORA | 18870 U.S. HWY. 441 | 352.735.4376

LEESBURG | 2013 CITRUS BLVD. | 352.787.6442

10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 4 | 352.326.3234

27405 U.S. HWY. 27, SUITE 4 | 352.314.8847

THE VILLAGES | 1580 BELLA CRUZ DRIVE | 352.750.9600

8796 S.E. 165TH MULBERRY LANE | 352.750.9991

1070 LAKE SUMTER LANDING DRIVE | 352.205.8535

349 COLONY BLVD. | 352.391.1657

WILDWOOD | 480 W. GULF TO ALANTIC HWY. | 352.748.8800

The Rose Plantation

200 ROSE AVE, FRUITLAND PARK | 352.805.4340

THEROSEPLANTATION.COM

Enjoy an early 20th Century dining experience at The Rose Plantation, located in a home built in 1917. This charming and delightful restaurant on Fountain Lake serves up outstanding dishes with a side of elegant ambiance, starting with the glass-enclosed garden room and veranda, eclectic china, live piano, fine silverware, linen tablecloths, and the rose garden out front. The chefs are given creative freedom to make memorable dishes such as rack of lamb with bourbon berry glaze and cherry gastrique, delicate sacchettini pasta filled with three types of cheese in a brandy cream sauce, colossal crab cakes, and crab stuffed angeloni with parsnip puree and roasted red pepper cream sauce. All dishes are upscale in both quality and presentation. Customers can also choose from 140 varietals of wine. The restaurant, which seats 128 guests, includes private dining rooms for parties of 2 to 50.

TooJay’s

LAKE SUMTER LANDING

1129 CANAL ST., THE VILLAGES | 352.430.0410

BROWNWOOD PADDOCK SQUARE

2835 BROWNWOOD BLVD., THE VILLAGES | 352.350.2122

TOOJAYS.COM

Serving your favorite New York Style Deli Food since 1981, we offer hearty portions of homemade comfort foods like Shepherd’s Pie and Beef Brisket, handcrafted sandwiches such as our classic Hot Pastrami and Corned Beef, made-from-scratch soups like our famous Matzo Ball and Chicken Noodle, handmade, award-winning cakes including our Banana Dream and Chocolate Killer, just to name a few. Our extensive menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with options for everyone. We have an incredible over the counter offering of deli meats and cheeses, as well as made fresh-daily breads. Our catering menu is one of the best in town, with options for both social gatherings and corporate functions.

Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food.

Lunch: Tue – Fri 11:00am – 2:00pm

Dinner: Tue – Sat 4:30pm – 8:00pm

Reservations Encouraged

Mon – Sun

8:00am – 8:00pm

No Matter How Big or Small

We Cater it All!

And, We Deliver!

800-GO4-DELI

Top 5 Newmar Dealer

Just the one of us

how committed you are to your partner. The money you save can be used to treat yourself to something special. You’ll only have to answer to your credit card company.

• It can be easier to pursue lifelong goals when you’re not bogged down by marriage. Thus, you can work toward a fulfilling future.

• Your schedule is yours entirely. You don’t need permission for a night out and you can watch SportsCenter or Oprah in peace.

• You’re free to explore activities you feel passionate about, like art, sports, theatre, outdoor adventures, or cooking. Doing this will help you meet like-minded people and create new friendships.

• You can save money. After all, everyday household items and groceries cost less when you’re buying for one.

Bahamas, a backpacking trip to the mountains, or an overseas trip to London. And you can do so without a nagging and fussy spouse who was reluctant to go in the first place.

• Without the distractions of a relationship, you can develop yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Thus, you can set yourself up for a happy and healthy relationship down the road rather than settle for someone who doesn’t meet your standards.

There you have it, single people. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a day of torture. Nor does it require a psychiatrist or self-help book.

advantages. It’s up to you to embrace those advantages. For instance:

• You don’t have to shell out lots of money on Valentine’s Day—or any other day, for that matter—to show

• You can sleep in on weekends without being told to fix the fence or make breakfast.

• You can travel on a whim, whether that means a cruise to the

Focus on the benefits of riding solo. And forget about your neighbor who received a bouquet of roses or your best friend who received heart-shaped truffles. It’s up to you to reward yourself with the greatest gift possible on this day . . . the gift of self-love.

After all, self-love is worthy of celebration, too.

Hey, readers! Is there a particular subject that you would like me to write a commentary about? Tell me, via email, at james@akersmediagroup.com.

JAMES COMBS

On Valentine’s Day, single people should embrace . . . themselves.

STORY: JAMES COMBS

Hosted by: Marc Robertz-Schwartz

COMMUNITY HEADLINES HAPPENINGS

NEWSMAKERS EVENTS HONORS

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The key care-freeto living.

f you’re 55-plus and looking for a beautifully serene, yet activity- lled, friendly place to live, look no further than the Premier Community of Water Oak Country Club Estates. This gated community in Lady Lake, which boosts both a ordably priced, luxury residences to call home, is also pet friendly. In addition, the location of the community is close enough to satisfy all the conveniences of The Villages area yet distant enough for peace and quiet to overshadow all the hustle and bustle.

Water Oak’s new Sales Manager, Lisa M. Felix says, “With its unique elevations, soaring oak trees, gorgeous landscaping, restaurant and newly renovated 18-hole Championship Golf course, Water Oak’s new expansion sites will sell out in record time. If one is looking to get in on the action, time is of the essence.”

Water Oak is a perfect t for anyone looking to take advantage of all the shopping, dining, and entertainment options that The Villages area o ers, but would rather live where it is slower paced, to experience life at their own speed without sacri cing cost. Water Oak residents enjoy an active lifestyle with an abundance of special interest clubs and activities to participate in so there is much for a new resident to enjoy.

Water Oak is a 55-plus Manufactured Housing Community which has been in Lady Lake since the early

1980s. Acquired in 2005, it is one of Sun Communities, Inc. agship MH communities in the U.S. and has ourished ever since. Sun has invested in expansion at Water Oak with 267 additional sites and resortlike amenities. The residents of Water Oak are captivated by the picturesque community with over three hundred acres of rolling hills, trees, and lakes. The 18-hole championship golf course, walking paths, a three-story clubhouse and restaurant, has made Water Oak a ‘Stand Out’ amongst the areas premier living options.

Water Oak’s central Florida location is also very favorable to its residents with an abundance of tantalizing Florida attractions nearby. There are numerous destinations which are just a short drive away. Whether residents want to experience one of Florida’s beaches or visit one of the many world-famous attractions such as Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens or SeaWorld, the ease of access to the interstates and highways allows for short day trips to either coast to enjoy and take it all in.

THE VIBE

In one word, CHILL. “Everyone waves to each other as they pass. There is a keen sense of community and neighborhood comradery. That sense of belonging goes a long way here at Water Oak” says Lisa. The residents and sta alike, all show a genuine warmth and community welcoming to all who arrive.

Water Oak: A paradise its residents are proud to call their own as they step over the threshold into life’s next chapter.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

AMENITIES

Water Oak o ers every resort-style living activity imaginable available to its residents – such as tennis, billiards, arts and crafts, quilting, shing, shu eboard, softball, basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, and pickleball. The Clubhouse amenities are plentiful including swimming pools and heated spas, plus a fully equipped Fitness Center with showers and a sauna.

With two Clubhouses on-site, the resort-like community boasts top quality when it comes to swimming and sunbathing poolside or keeping t at the gym. Water Oak also o ers a full-service restaurant with bar, a well-stocked Golf Center, and a recently revamped and stunning championship golf course (discounted for residents).

“In the past 8 months, the 90-acre course has been redesigned and renovated. Sanford and Farris design company, headquartered in Jupiter Florida is leading our team. USGA Championship Golf course will be Par 70 with a yardage of 6300 yards from our Gold Tees. Our Greens will be Tift Eagle with fairways in rough areas Tift

accessibility when it comes to shopping, dining, quality medical care and the value of their homes, seals the deal for them.

With that, Lisa says there are no amenity fees to worry about only an optional $20-per-year home-owners association membership to consider should a resident be interested.

Additionally, the community’s ownership arrangement includes a gated and monitored entrance, general maintenance, emergency services, garbage pick-up, lawn care, and payment of most of the property taxes.

Lisa says Water Oak is considered a land-lease community, so you own the home and lease the land that it sits on. Residents are responsible for a monthly lot rent so most of their hard-earned money is put into their home. With new homes priced between 200k-300k, that is a savings over 200k+ if one were to build a stick-built home where you purchase the land it sits on.

A HOME TO MAKE YOUR VERY OWN

There is a home at Water Oak for every budget, including pre-owned, newer, and bigger homes with lavish features and many attractive choices. Most residents can live comfortably under $1,000 per month excluding a mortgage payment.

The standard features in a new home at Water Oak – like crown molding, LED lighting, vinyl plank ooring, window xtures, appliances, ceiling fans, a porch or lanai, double carports, garages and more – are included features that in other communities may cost extra.

A new home buyer can customize their home with one of our knowledgeable salespersons. A multitude of specialty options includes open oor plans, tray and co ered ceilings, fully equipped kitchens, spa tubs, and Roman tiled showers, upgraded landscaping, large walk-in closets, modern decorative accents plus much more.

Water Oak also o ers new home buyers the ability to choose their countertops, ooring, paint colors, and shingle colors. The design team can alter

“Residents of the Villages as well as people across the country and Canada, are flocking to Water Oak

“We look to provide top notch service from start to nish,” Lisa says. “Nothing makes our team happier than handing over the keys to a resident’s new home.”

HERE AND YET TO COME

Our visually impressive main entrance welcomes residents and future homebuyers with lighted waterfalls, beautiful wall accents and lush landscaping. Our new sales center highlights modern, trend setting models to choose from with various design options as well.

The upper hilltop expansion that began in January 2022, will add 267 new home sites, plus a brand-new recreation facility with several new amenities, including a large pool and bar.

Lisa says those new amenities are set to open in early 2023, but “preconstruction” sale of the new sites has just begun so interested parties can pick and reserve their site now.

“We are currently taking deposits on sites in upper hilltop of the community where prospective residents or current residents, who are looking to trade in

and trade up can pick their own site,” Lisa says. “Much like any new ground up community, the expansion at Water Oak provides an exciting option for a new buyer. The ability to pick the site and exact location where they want their future home built.”

NO ROOM FOR THE “T” WORD

We recognize manufactured homes were often referred to as a “trailer” or “mobile home” back in the day. Technically these types of homes haven’t been built in over 40 years after federal, state, and local building codes were standardized, like how a typical site-built home is constructed. Rest assured, Water Oak homes are well-built, energy e cient dwellings, especially since post Hurricane Andrew standard changed, requiring that homes be able to withstand 130-150 mph winds while o ering a ordability, quality, and style.

The main home builders that Sun primarily work with for Water Oak, are Palm Harbor and Skyline, known as

two of the best manufacturers in the industry. Additionally, all Water Oak homes are built to be extremely energy e cient, adding high-grade insulation in the ceilings, walls, and oors, including double-paned windows and LED lighting throughout. This allows for cost savings overall on electricity usage for both heating and air conditioning in the home.

“Live the dream and have it all,” says a Water Oak brochure.

If you are looking for that perfect, a ordable retirement home o ering an all-inclusive resort-like lifestyle, look to the absolute best in manufactured home communities in Florida at Water Oak. Envision the next chapter of your life lled with enjoyment and lasting new friendships. Come fall in love with Water Oak.

“It’s quite a spectacular community. Come visit Water Oak today and see it for yourself,” Lisa says. “We will be more than happy to arrange a personal tour of the growing community and of course, our beautiful model homes. Our knowledgeable salespeople and I will collaborate with you to ensure that you nd exactly what you are looking for!”

EXPANDED SERVICES. ELEVATED CARE.

As a leading provider of health care services in the region, UF Health Central Florida o ers advanced treatments such as minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery and comprehensive heart and vascular care. Our hospitals in The Villages® and Leesburg are now supported by the resources, technology and expertise of University of Florida Health, a nationally recognized leader in health care dedicated to moving medicine forward, together.

Learn more at central orida.UFHealth.org

Leesburg • The Villages®

WE HAVE THE BEST SELECTION AT THE ABSOLUTE LOWEST TRUCK PRICES IN CENTRAL FLORIDA. THE VANN GANNAWAY CHEVROLET TEAM WILL KEEP IT SIMPLE AND GIVE YOU OPTIONS THAT MAKE IT EASY TO PUT YOU BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A BRAND NEW SILVERADO.

GRANT GANNAWAY