BEST OF THE BEST HOT LIST 2018
Our 8th annual list of everything hot
Healthy CHANGE IS
N O W
A C C E P T I N G
N E W
P A T I E N T S
Saroj Tampira MD, FACC Dr. Saroj Tampira is board certified in interventional cardiology with more than 20 years’ of experience. Peripheral vascular intervention is one of Dr. Tampira’s main focuses. He has helped countless patients suffering from blockages of blood flow to the heart, arms and legs; returning them to their active lifestyles. He also helps patients suffering from chronic leg pain and swelling due to blockages. Most procedures can be done on an outpatient basis.
The Oaks Professional Center, 8575 NE 138th Lane 352.674.2080 / heartofthevillages.com
Beautiful Homes Begin Here!
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My experience with all the personnel is very good. They’re very caring, they’re very attentive. Sales agent Rick Jimenez is always ready to provide any kind of answers about the automobile if you have any questions. It’s just a very comfortable experience and I feel very confident in working with these folks. —BOB PIKUL, THE VILLAGES
PLAZA C A D I L L AC 8893 US HWY 441, LEESBURG, FL 34788 // 352.787.1323 // PLAZACADILLAC.COM
(L–R): RICK JIMENEZ, SALES REPRESENTATIVE; BOB PIKUL; GREG YAGER, GENERAL MANAGER
IT’S PRECISION OPTICS’
Dog Days Summer Sale!
OF
DISCOVER NEW STYLES THAT ARE OFF THE CHAIN!
Don’t let the sun hound your eyes – protect them with impeccable summer styles and save! Just in time for the season, get your paws on a pair of hot, top-name designer sunglasses, including specialty and prescription lenses, and get a second pair of equal or lesser value for 25% off. How doggone sweet is that?
But don’t drag your heels – a sale of this breeding ends August 31st.
at
TAVARES • LEESBURG • THE VILLAGES • LADY LAKE
352-365-2021 • www.LakeEye.com •
Save 25% AUGUST 1-31
ON SUNGLASSES! *
*Discount applies to complete second pair of glasses, lens and frame, excludes all contact lenses. Discount is not available with insurance or vision plans. Discount does not apply for Maui Jim, Costa Del Mar and Fitovers. Sale ends 8/31/18.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR BEST
OPTIONS? FACELIFT, TEMPORARY FILLERS, OR PERMANENT FACIAL FILLERS
Liz had ImageLift, Laser, and filler treatments. Results are typical and do vary.
Kathy had a Laser ImageLift. Results are typical and do vary.
YOU’RE INVITED TO FIND OUT! Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Free ImageLift seminars are being held at the following locations in August and September. Meet the doctor and enjoy free food, books, *drawings and door prizes. Raffle drawings for free filler, a $995-$1200 value
UPCOMING FACIAL BEAUTY SOCIAL MIXER AUG 14 HILTON HOTEL, OCALA AUG 21 WATERFRONT INN, THE VILLAGES SEP 11 IMAGELIFT OFFICE LUNCHEON, THE VILLAGES
SEP 26 WATERFRONT INN, THE VILLAGES CALL NOW TO RSVP - LIMITED SEATING
MEET THE TEAM!
WSJ
Bestseller!
FREE IMAGELIFT BOOK for first 20 callers! Limited quantities (Retail $14.95)
DR. RICH CASTELLANO
is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon as seen on:
*Patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hrs of responding to ad for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.
8630 East CR 466, The Villages 877.346.2435 // www.IMAGELIFT.com
OF THE BEST
HOTLIST2018
We Listen. We Care. . e t a c u d E e W 352.350.1161 p.com u o r G l a i c n a n i TBF . Highway 441/27, Suite F-2 3261 U.S , FL 34731 Fruitland Park
Annuities 10u1gust A Seminarslimitefod anrd by RSVP only Seating is very
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OF THE BEST
WINNER
HOTLIST
Model: Anastasia Votino; Model photo by Anthony Rao; Clothing courtesy of Stein Mart, The Villages
AUGUST 2018 // VOL.14 NO.10 // F e a t u r e s
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40 Style is hot! The popular “Hot Issue” is the issue that’s Hot! Hot! Hot! See the latest hairstyles, the newest trends in nail fashions, and the hottest tattoos. What’s your favorite ice cream flavor for hot days? What was the hottest day ever recorded in Florida? Get all the Hot! information you’ve been wondering about. STORIES: LEIGH NEELY, JAMES COMBS, THERESA CAMPBELL, CHRIS GERBASI
56 The votes are in The Best of the Best Hot! List lets readers know what the best of everything is in Lake and Sumter counties! Check it out now to be sure your favorites made it on the Hot! List.
Wit
BEST OF THE BEST HOT LIST 2018
Our 8th annual list of everything hot
Healthy Healthy CHANGE IS
On the covers LAKE & SUMTER STYLE ILLUSTRATION: JASON FUGATE VILLAGES EDITION DR. DAVID C. LEW OF FLORIDA HEART AND VASCULAR
August 2018
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d e pa r t m e n t s
28 112 116
88
23 up front
24 26 28
In the Know Person of Interest Outstanding Student
79
120
ON THE SCENE
80 82 84 86 88 91
The To-Do List Local Talent In Concert Near & Far Social Spotlight Hi, Society!
111 Food & Drink
112 114 116 120 122
Quick Bites In the Kitchen Fork on the Road Saluté Dining Guide
COLUM NS
16 From the Publisher 128 Final Thought
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Thank you! OF THE BEST
HOTLIST2018
OF THE BEST
WINNER
HOTLIST
Thank you for nominating Chef Jessy Flinn with Gourmet Today for Hottest Chef! Win or lose, we are so thankful for a community that supports our business. Please consider using Gourmet Today for all of your Catering and Meal Delivery needs. Our goal is to always provide you with “Rare Service, Well Done”.
352.978.1203 // GourmetTodayInc.com
OF T
HOTLIST FINALI
*
From The Publisher
C o m m e n t s o r qu e s t i o n s ?
Our goal is to provide you with the best quality publication, so your feedback is vital.
sales & marketing
t’s finally here—the Hot! Issue, which is everybody’s
favorite, not just mine! The eighth annual Best of the Best Hot! List is bigger and better than ever. We know our readers love to vote for their favorite everything, and we’re happy to give them the opportunity to name their favorites among the restaurants, salons, business professionals, doctors, and community leaders. I love the excitement that moves throughout the staff as we prepare this issue. Being able to surprise our readers so they head for the stands as soon as the magazine is out gives our creative people a little magical punch to always make it the best. Nominations for the Hot! List are 100 percent from our readers, and this year we received four times as many nominations than we’ve ever had. We added some new categories this year, and the response has been phenomenal. The competition was fierce, fast, and fun! The new categories made it easier to
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Tim McRae VICE PRESIDENT, SALES tim@akersmediagroup.com Judi vote for an exceptional person for a specifi c Murphy ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE judi@akersmediagroup.com job. We’re very proud to be able to offer that. Chastain In addition, our writers have explored Shaena SALES ASSISTANT shaena@akersmediagroup.com an array of Hot! topics, from the latest style
trends—hairstyles, swimsuits, tattoos, and nail art—to hot jobs, hot-head issues, hot local entertainment, and top hot dogs! Florida’s hot! Lake and Sumter Counties are hotter! And Style is the hottest it has ever been. It’s an issue for the ages. Enjoy,
Kendra Akers
View the full list of Hot List results at lakeandsumterstyle.com
Kendra Akers
HARMONY UNITED PSYCHIATRIC CARE Caring for your needs is our goal and your right.
PUBLISHER kendra@akersmediagroup.com Doug Akers PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com Jamie Ezra Mark CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER jamie@akersmediagroup.com
TRANSCRANICAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (TMS) TMS is an FDA approved, non-invasive outpatient treatment for treatment resistant Depression AND is covered by most insurance plans!
Editorial // Design // Photography
Leigh Neely MANAGING EDITOR leigh@akersmediagroup.com James Combs STAFF WRITER james@akersmediagroup.com Theresa Campbell STAFF WRITER theresa@akersmediagroup.com Chris Gerbasi STAFF WRITER chris@akersmediagroup.com Anthony Rao STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER anthony@akersmediagroup.com
Jason Fugate CREATIVE DIRECTOR jason@akersmediagroup.com Josh Clark SENIOR DESIGNER josh@akersmediagroup.com Volkan Ulgen DESIGNER volkan@akersmediagroup.com Michael Gaulin PRODUCTION DIRECTOR michael@akersmediagroup.com Nicole Hamel STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER anthony@akersmediagroup.com
(TMS) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. This is typically used when other depression treatments have not been effective. TMS therapy has been associated with very few side effects that are relatively mild, the most common side effects being minor headaches.
PATIENT BENEFITS:
contributors
Joe Angione Fred Hilton Mary Ann DeSantis Fred Lopez
No Psychotropic Medication Required 100% Outpatient Treatment No Sedation or Anesthesia Required
sales // marketing
Tim McRae VICE PRESIDENT, SALES tim@akersmediagroup.com Melanie Melvin Judi Murphy DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Melanie@akersmediagroup.com judi@akersmediagroup.com Jacquelyn Singer Shaena Chastain ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE SALES ASSISTANT jacquelyn@akersmediagroup.com shaena@akersmediagroup.com
In order to qualify for TMS Therapy, a patient must have failed to respond to at least one antidepressant. If you have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and your body has either rejected other medication or you cannot tolerate its side effects, consider TMS therapy.
Administration
Deb Matlock Aubrey Akers DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES OFFICE MANAGER deb@akersmediagroup.com aubrey@akersmediagroup.com
OTHER SERVICES OFFERED:
distribution
Scott Hegg DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com
Medication Management Psychotherapy Counseling Services Neuropsychological Testing
digital social media
Garrett Reardon DIGITAL SPECIALIST garrett@akersmediagroup.com Lake & Sumter Style is a proud member of
Florida Magazine Association
Leesburg Partnership
ADIL MOHAMMED, MD BOARD CERTIFIED PSYCHIATRIST
Leesburg Tavares Chamber South Lake of Commerce Chamber Chamber of Commerce of Commerce
WINNER OF
Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce
Sumter County Chamber of Commerce
American Advertising Association
150+ AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2018 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” and “Special Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.
305 Skyline Drive, Suite-1, Lady Lake
352.431.3940 Appointments & Referrals 352.431.3173 Fax info@harmonyunitedhc.com harmonyunitedhc.com APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY
August 2018
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Celebrating 20 years 1998-2018 Specializing in: • Mini Face and Neck Lift with Smartlipo of Neck and Jowls • Xeomin/Botox/Belotero/Radiesse • Direct Neck Lift • Torn Earlobe Repair • Smartlipo (Laser Assisted Liposuction) • Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) • Arm Lift • Thigh Lift • Body Contouring After Weight Loss • Breast Augmentation • Breast Reduction and Lift • Skin Cancer Removal and Reconstruction
Whether it plugs in, lights up or powers on, Electrical Works makes sure it
WORKS
LIKE N PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
August 2018
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“The cost was below the original estimate, and they made things simple for me by taking care of everything, including licensing. I would highly recommend Electrical Works to anybody.” — HAROLD HOYLE
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I
t’s easy to see why Harold Hoyle views everything with a critical eye. The 95-year-old Fruitland Park resident spent 30 years in the military, serving in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. During his years of service, he flew various aircraft and served on a nuclear weapons maintenance squadron. “The jobs I performed in the military required pinpoint precision,” he says. “That’s why I’m very critical anytime a company comes to my home and does work for me. Everything has to be exactly right. That’s how I evaluate anyone who does work at my house.” Fortunately for Harold, there was nothing to criticize when Electrical Works recently installed a generator on his property. In fact, he readily admits that he has never dealt with a company that provided such prompt, professional, and highquality service. “What Electrical Works did for me was the most professional job I’ve ever had done by any company,” he says. “Whenever I asked them questions, the employees were more than happy to answer in full detail. They were
extremely accommodating, courteous, and timely. The cost was below the original estimate, and they made things simple for me by taking care of everything, including licensing. I would highly recommend Electrical Works to anybody.” Harold is one name on an ever-growing list of satisfied customers who appreciate the competitive prices, timeliness, attention to detail, and reliable service Electrical Works offers.
“We really want to promote our business, family, and how much we love the community,” Joe says. “Although my family moved to Oxford one year ago, our headquarters remains in Leesburg. We feel proud to serve residents and commercial businesses of Lake and Sumter counties, and felt our new brand and look were the best way to convey that.”
IN WITH THE EW Lifelong Lake County resident and Electrical Works founder Joe Ciceri became a licensed electrician in 1997. Since opening its doors in 2007, the company now boasts 24 employees and handles all aspects of electrical installations, from site development projects to troubleshooting and home repairs. As a company grows and develops, a number of different aspects of its branding and corporate messaging develop with it—a logo being one of them. Electrical Works recently unveiled a logo that promotes a higher-end, industrial look.
ENSURING A GOOD CONNECTION One thing that hasn’t changed is how Joe values family—both in his personal and professional life. Just as he has grown his business, he has grown his family through fostering and adopting children. He and his wife, Sabrina, have six children: Sierra, 26; Tristan, 21; Mia, 14; Jackson, 7; Anthony, 5; and Nissi, 5. They also have a 1-year-old grandson, Maverick.
“Joe is a caring husband who has been an excellent role model to all our children,” Sabrina says. “He has worked tirelessly to be an outstanding provider.” The same can be said of his work family, too. Joe’s family-owned business is every bit as much about family as it is business. “At Electrical Works we’re all one big family,” he says. “It’s not just a job here; we’re part of a team. We promote a culture of integrity, excellent service, and community involvement. We enjoy sponsoring and attending community events because it allows us to hang out with old friends and meet new friends.” Unlike many family-owned electric companies, Joe offers plenty of benefits to attract and keep workers. Those benefits include 401k, profit sharing, quarterly bonuses, medical insurance (health, dental, and vision), and paid vacation. “As we grow as a company, we look for ways for our entire team to better their lives through the company’s success,” Joe says. “It’s a serious responsibility to maintain a strong business model so my employees have sustainability in where they work for their families.” That attitude is precisely why employees such as Chris Ethridge enjoy coming to work each and every day. Chris has served as estimator
of Electrical Works for four years. “I like the family feel of this company,” Chris says. “We all take our jobs seriously but also crack jokes with each other and get along very well. If you have an issue you need to discuss, you can talk to the management team, as well as Joe and Sabrina. They do not have a like-it-or-leave-it attitude. They listen to what you have to say and try to adapt.” Joe Macaluso is another happy employee. He was hired as warehouse manager but within less than a year was promoted to operations manager. “Electrical Works is undoubtedly the fairest and most honest company I’ve worked for,” says Joe, who spent 29 years with Florida Power and Light. “I brag about this company all the time to my family and friends. Joe and Sabrina are good, down-to-earth people who genuinely appreciate their employees. Here’s an example of that. We hired an employee on December 21. On December 22 Sabrina handed out bonuses and gave a bonus to the brand-new employee.” Joe and Sabrina also think of new ways in which they can service their loyal customers. That’s why Electrical Works is now installing generators, which become a neccessity during storm season. Joe
recommends that anyone considering buying a generator to do so now. “It’s a process and can take weeks to get done [due to] the permitting,” he says. “But it is definitely an investment that makes all the difference in the world when your power is off due to a storm. We also instal surge and lightning protection.” For any family-owned business, values and integrity are the source of their success and their longevity. That’s why Electrical Works— pardon the pun—continues shining bright.
307 East Main St, Leesburg FL 34748 352-460-0810
electricalworksflorida.com LICENSE EC13005476
“As we grow as a company, we look for ways for our entire team to better their lives through the company’s success. It’s a serious responsibility to maintain a strong business model so my employees have sustainability in where they work for their families.” — JOE CICERI
It’s not what you do but how you do it… That’s been Jason Paynter ’s mantra as a successful employee in both the public and private sectors. A lifelong Lake County resident, Jason spent 25 years—including 13 years as a lieutenant—with the Tavares Police Department. He gained valuable management, leadership, and organizational skills. Following retirement, he was hired at Electrical Works to oversee the company’s day-to-day operations and overall business development of the company. Always leading with a servant’s heart, Jason has decided to run for Lake County Clerk of Courts. He hopes to put his experience to good use. “Government plays an important role in our daily lives, and having the right person with the right heart can make a positive impact on the lives of Lake County residents.”
POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY JASON PAYNTER, REPUBLICAN, FOR LAKE COUNTY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
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23 Up Front
Erika Corley is a mover, especially when it comes to staying fit. SEE STORY on PG 26
* IuNpT HfErKoNnO Wt
Let the traveler beware If you’re still planning a summer vacation, be aware that travel-related problems rank eighth among complaints made to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, according to a newsletter. To avoid scams or fraud, remember the following: 1
Find out if the seller is registered with the department and if any complaints have been filed. Visit floridaconsumerhelp.com or call 1.800.HELP.FLA (435.7352).
2
Using a credit card provides an extra layer of protection against fraudulent charges under the Fair Credit Billing Act.
3
Verify travel arrangements in writing and get a copy of cancellation and refund policies.
4
Never give credit card or checking account numbers over the phone unless you initiated the call and are certain of the company’s credentials.
5
Consider travel insurance to protect your vacation.
6
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical of postcards or calls announcing that you have won a free vacation.
Travel style kit from HSI
Be vigilant
Aug. 13 marks the first day of the 2018-19 school year for students in Lake and Sumter counties. Motorists are urged to be observant and drive slow in school zone areas, and drivers also are required by law to stop for a school bus when it’s loading or unloading students.
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Find everything you need to keep your hair looking beautiful in one package: the HSI Professional Travel Kit. The essential tools are smaller for easy packing but work just as well as their larger counter parts as tested by a Style staffer during an out-oftown adventure. The kit includes a ceramic flat iron, a curling wand, and a blow dryer with two nozzle attachments—a concentrator and a diffuser. Also included is dual-voltage 110/220v technology so you can travel abroad without worry. Check out the kit at hsiprofessional.com to look great during vacation.
Workforce housing Leesburg city commissioners recently approved a zoning ordinance request by planner Greg Beliveau that potentially would enable developer CHS Management to build a 44-unit apartment complex on a two-acre site on East Main Street. Pitched as much-needed workforce housing for employees of Leesburg Regional Medical Center, Cutrale, and Ro-Mac Lumber, Greg predicted the apartments would rent for $900 to $1,200 per month, depending on the number of bedrooms.
A touch of the grape Ja m e s C o m b s’
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The media center at Leesburg High School has been renamed the Tammy Ross Jerkins Teaching and Learning Center, a tribute to the school’s math teacher who was named the state’s top teacher for 2018. Naming a library after her is appropriate because this teacher has enjoyed a storied career.
2
A Umatilla resident and Boy Scouts leader was arrested on 38 counts of possession of child pornography. I have two words for this sicko: Scout’s dishonor.
3
A specially trained task force unit is operating in Lake County to save people bitten by venomous snakes. That’s a good thing because without treatment those bitten may suffer from e-reptile dysfunction.
4
Clermont will host a Fondo Cycling Circuit USA event Sept. 30. The timed races include 30-, 50-, and 75-mile ride options. A 75-mile bicycle ride in one day? Health is important, but these people need to get a grip.
5
A 70-year-old resident of The Villages lost his license for six months after he was found passed out in his car at a postal station following a night of drinking. He could’ve gone home and consumed some more alcohol but obviously decided to mail it in.
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A 34-year-old man was arrested after police caught him fishing off the shore of the manmade lake at Lake Sumter Landing. Law enforcement officers had previously warned him about fishing there. This man is an addict: He’s helplessly hooked on fishing.
Take off your socks and shoes—it’s time to stomp! Visitors can feel grapes squish between their toes during the 24th annual Harvest Grape Stomp. The family-friendly, foot-frolicking festival is scheduled from 10am-5pm Aug. 1011 and 11am-5pm Aug. 12 at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 U.S. Highway 27 N., Clermont. The event includes live music, a food court, Lakeridge wine and other beverages, tours and tastings, and activities for children including a bounce house and rock-climbing wall. Admission is $10; free for kids 12 and younger. For more information, go to lakeridgewinery.com.
Best-seller leads to fundraiser The book, “The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment that Transformed Their Lives,” chronicles how 13 California women went in together to buy a $37,000 necklace. They then took turns wearing it for a month each. Borrowing a page from the popular book, Lake Cares Food Pantry hopes to change the lives of its evergrowing roster of clients. During a unique fundraiser that began in April and continues through March 2019, 12 women of different backgrounds are wearing the necklace and getting to know one another. Gold in Art Jewelers designed the necklace, called “Bella Diamante,” which is valued at $21,500. The necklace will be raffled to raise money for Lake Cares to expand its Mount Dora headquarters. Tickets are $50 each and those interested should call 352.973.1037 to buy them or go online at lakecares.org. You may purchase as many tickets as you wish. A winner will be announced April 6, 2019, at the Lake Cares 10th Anniversary Gala.
LESLIE CAMPIONE, A PARTICIPANT, MODELS THE NECKLACE.
August 2018
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nt * PUEpR S FO Nr o OF INTEREST
Erika Corley
Special events planner for the city of Wildwood
What I want people to know about Wildwood: We are the hidden gem of Sumter County, perfectly located in the center of this great state. We still have our grass roots, generations deep, and we have wonderful back-door neighbors who also help in our development and growth, yet we still are able to keep our quaint hometown identity.
My motto: Live each day as if it were your last opportunity to make a difference. Enjoy the moments; stop and smell the flowers. Guilty pleasures: Buying shoes, good wine, and the whipped icing on a Publix cake. Favorite food: Italian always. It’s in my blood after all. S TAT V I TA L
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Hometown: Wildwood. Single, no children.
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Hobbies: Cycling, reading, running. I have conquered seven half-marathons in 2½ years.
Best advice I’ve ever been given: “Put it in a box, wrap it up,
and give it to God,” the words of my late grandmother, Maw-Maw Grace Harris, and “Leave it at the door,” or don’t take work home and don’t bring home to work, the words of my mother, Linda Gail Harris Carter.
I treasure: My character, faith, family, friends, and my health.
Something about me that no one knows: I would love one week to travel with Guy Fieri on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
On my bucket list: To be in the Marine Corps full marathon in Washington, D.C., and travel to Sicily and Italy.
Pet peeve: Lack of manners. One word that describes me: Passionate.
Favorite quotes: “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she can laugh without fear at the days to come,” Proverbs 31:25; and “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
NOWBLE LA AVAI NTHS O 6 M CIAL SPE CING* m imu N I F NA approval. Mirined. requ redit ct to c ayment ils. *Subjemonthly p re for deta to See s
* OUUpT SFTrA NoDnI NtG S T U D E N T
Samantha Sapp 14 // FR E S H MA N AT L A K E PR EP SCH O O L V I TA L
S TAT
S
I do community service because: I like helping
Daughter of Ryan and Cindy Sapp of Clermont
others. I like to see the smiles on people’s faces. It gives me personal gratitude.
My favorite project: Over the past summer, handing out bags filled with food to children who usually got free or reduced-price lunches at school.
GPA: 4.0 Nominated twice for Disney Dreamer and Doer in fifth and eighth grades; chosen Lake County’s Shining Star.
One word that describes me: Energetic. Favorite food: Pickles. Favorite movie: “The Sound of Music.” Hobbies: Dancing, singing, and playing with my two dogs.
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Biggest influence in my life: My grandmother.
Pet peeve: I absolutely cannot stand people who smoke.
What I enjoy about Lake Prep: The teachers who push the students to do their very best.
My advice to younger students: Play hard. Study harder.
My role models: All of the female members in my family who are older than me. Future plans: I plan to sign up for Lake Minneola High School’s health science program so I can graduate as a certified nursing assistant.
Favorite poem: “I dream a world where man No other man will scorn, Where love will bless the earth And peace its paths adorn I dream a world where all Will know sweet freedom’s way, Where greed no longer saps the soul Nor avarice blights our day. A world I dream where black or white Whatever race you be, Will share the bounties of the earth And every man is free, Where wretchedness will hang its head And joy, like a pearl, Attends the needs of all mankind— Of such I dream, my world!” —Langston Hughes
Dr. David Wollenschlaeger
Dr. Chris Wollenschlaeger
There’s a new doctor in the house Dr. Chris Wollenschlaeger joins the orthodontic practice with his father. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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Wollenschlaeger Orthodontics 33050 Professional Drive, Leesburg, FL 34788 352.787.6800 drdaveortho.com
ollenschlaeger Orthodontics announces a new team member - Dr. Chris Wollenschlaeger. Dr. Chris, Dr Dave’s son, joined the practice this summer after earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and his doctorate in dental medicine, orthodontic certificate, and master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. The father and son have found a new element to their relationship as colleagues. Instead of “Pop” and “Chris”, It is now “Dr. Dave” and “Dr. Chris”. The working relationship is going smoothly and patients have been receptive. Not only has his son joining the practice benefited Dr. Dave personally, he feels it has brought new energy to the staff, and most of all has brought new
ideas and technologies to the practice, benefiting the patients. “Chris cares about the patients and results as much I do, and his behavior has shown it”, Dr. Dave says. “He goes out of his way to see all of my patients and chit-chat with them to get to know them”. The two men working together continues in part because of Chris’ early exposure to orthodontics. All three of Dr. Dave’s sons needed treatment. Chris needed a lot of intervention due to a significant overbite. As with Dr. Dave, the exposure to the field of orthodontics is what spurred Dr. Chris’ desire to pursue it as a career. Both doctors work closely together, examining each patient carefully. Afterwards the two collaborate, using Dr. Chris’ fresh perspective and Dr Dave’s years of experience to create
a treatment plan specifically designed to give each patient a beautiful and long-lasting smile. “Chris wants to know how close his ideas are to what I thought and it has been good because we have similar treatment techniques, and similar thought about how to progress treatment. People even say we sound alike!”, Dr. Dave says. Dr. Chris may be new to the scene, but experience runs strong in this office. Dr. Dave has been practicing for 30 years and 2 of his assistants have over 25 years experience between them. “We treat our patients like they are family members”, Dr. Dave says of the personalized attention and consistency provided to patients. “Every time you come to our office you will see either me or Chris.” With Dr. Dave and Dr. Chris it’s a family affair.
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EMBRACE THE BEAUTY WITHIN YOU Tenaj Salon Institute is a place where beauty is science. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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tepping through the doors of Tenaj Salon Institute in The Villages gives you the feeling you’re in a high-end salon. You’re immediately caught up in the atmosphere of determination and dedication to please. It’s a room full of cosmetology students working diligently to satisfy whatever beauty needs guests desire. With a team of highly qualified educators, Tenaj Salon Institute provides each student with the technical skills, hands-on experience, and technology to work in any salon they desire. Not only do students learn the creative techniques required of a professional hairstylist, they learn business skills that will be invaluable in creating a career. “We’re a little different school because a big part of our program is business,” says Hannah Longest, director of education at the school. “We teach them how to build a client base, how to add on services, and how to build a business. When they leave us, we want them to be successful.” Deion Richards, admissions representative adds, “We help them be great cosmetologists and help them to succeed not only in their career but in their lives as well.” The students at Tenaj Salon Institute are held to a high standard. The school’s intent is to prepare them to enter the top 20 percent of the industry
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“We help them be great cosmetologists and help them to succeed not only in their career but in their lives as well.” — DEION RICHARDS
and enjoy a career with unlimited income potential. Everything about the beauty industry is performance based. Customers must come back and it’s essential they recommend you or your business to others. The only person responsible for success is the salon professional. Tiffany Parrett, also an admissions representative, says, “I think Tenaj truly changes lives. We provide a creative outlet for those who love what we’re doing, and they use that creativity later in their career.”
NATIONALLY ACCREDITED
“We teach them how to build a client base, how to add on services, and how to build a business. When they leave us, we want them to be successful.” — HANNAH LONGEST
“I find prospective students are always surprised at how short the time is for their education.” —TIFFANY PARRETT
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Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education and accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), Tenaj Salon Institute offers only the best training to students. A national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, NACCAS is the height of accreditation for cosmetology schools. TSI chooses to go through that rigorous accreditation process to show its commitment to providing students a level of education that leads to a successful career. The 10,000-square-foot facility graduates and begins a new class of students every four weeks. The clinic floor, where students do hands-on work with guests, includes 50 hair-styling stations, a color bar, a dispensary, 12 backwash shampoo stations, eight manicure stations, eight pedicure stations, an area
for waxing, and a consumer retail area. “I’ve worked three-and-a half years as an educator,” Hannah says, “and I love helping students. As the director of education, I help the educators and work with them on their classes and curriculum.” Tiffany says her favorite part is watching the changes and growth while students work. “I love seeing the before-and-after styles students create with models and guests.”
FINANCIAL AID
Tenaj Salon Institute accepts federal financial aid for those who qualify. To see if you qualify, complete the free application for federal student aid at fafsa. ed.gov. The school code for TSI is 041632. “What drives me is the interaction with other people,” Deion says. “Lots of people come here looking for their right place, and my passion is helping people. My reward is I thrive on their positive energy. I give them the feeling of doing what they want in life, and they give me the energy I enjoy.”
TECHNOLOGY
Tenaj Salon Institute takes prides in staying at the forefront of the beauty industry. That includes its educational processes. “Each student receives a Google Chrome Notebook and the Milady E-Book,” Hannah says. “This is their textbook. It’s presented in an interactive format to help them learn better, and
they can directly email their educator at any time.” All theory testing during the course is done online. Many people don’t realize how much science is involved in going through cosmetology instruction. “Our students must learn anatomy, physiology, chemistry, the interior structure of hair, and the pH of different chemicals,” Hannah says. “Understanding the science is a significant part of making your hair look pretty.” An educator works with students every step of the way. The first four weeks of learning are spent in the classroom with theory and working with mannequins before they ever step on the clinic floor and meet guests. Once they’ve completed that four weeks, students may select from two schedule options—9am-4:45pm Monday through Friday or Tuesday through Saturday with one late night on each schedule. Like traditional salons, guests may call the school at 352.259.6717 to schedule an appointment. “All students must complete their practicals with passing grades before they can work with guests,” Deion says. Throughout their course, students will hear guest speakers from local salons, national educators, and artists in the salon industry, which offers them the opportunity to learn what’s available and what fits their perception of their future in cosmetology. “I find prospective students are always surprised at how short the time is for their education,” Tiffany says. “We
have people of all ages, and in less than nine months, they’re part of a whole new world.”
EDUCATIONAL AND ADMISSIONS STAFF
The educators at TSI are dedicated to seeing all their students graduate successfully. According to its website, the mission of Tenaj Salon Institute is to “provide the highest level of education in the arts and sciences of cosmetology through classroom and clinical application. We are committed to successful graduation with the knowledge and skills needed to obtain gainful employment in the beauty industry.” “When a guest comes here, they know the process may take a little longer than normal,” Hannah says, “but they’re used to educators being a part of the process every step of the way.” When working with a guest, the student must tell the educator what their plan of action is. As soon as the student finishes the haircut, the educator checks it. “The educator may tweak it or offer suggestions, but it’s their job to ensure guests leave here 110 percent satisfied,” Hannah says. “We have a high number of repeat guests. They receive services at reduced rates and it’s great experience for our students.” Tenaj Salon Institute is a place for creativity, knowledge, and, best of all, success.
Tenaj Salon Institute 11915 County Road 103 The Villages, FL 32162 352.753.5511 tenajsaloninstitute.edu Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, Lic. #3387
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Florida Heart and Vascular is now
Integrity Compassion Experience
After
YEARS OF CARE
it was
time for a healthy change
A brief history of health care After 20 years of care and innovation, Florida Heart and Vascular Multi-Specialty Group is now FHV Health. This change
N
o, the practice has not merged or been purchased by another firm. It remains the same company, guided by the same vision that has brought unprecedented success and delivered compassionate, comprehensive health care to countless Lake County residents. The company’s new name and logo represent the comprehensive health care approach its physicians have already been practicing for years. FHV Health
is more than a cardiovascular practice; it’s a beacon of health for the community. As the largest multi-specialty group in Lake County, FHV Health boasts 250 employees and an ever-growing staff of cardiologists, vascular surgeons, nephrologists, internists, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who set the standard for quality medical care and excellence in patient service. Patients already benefit from FHV Health’s whole-human health
is more than a name; it signifies a shift in philosophy.
BOARD
1998
1999
2001
Founded Leesburg Heart Group
Among the first group of cardiologists in the nation to become board certified in interventional cardiology
Changed name to Florida Heart and Vascular Center due to expansion of practice into The Villages
care approach. Dr. David C. Lew, who founded the practice in 1991, says the transition was necessary. “When I came to town, I started the region’s first cardiac catheterization laboratory,” Dr. Lew says. “That was very fulfilling, but it also became apparent to me that medicine was in a truly rapid transition from both a medical point of view and regulatory point of view. As a single-specialty practitioner, I felt a need to broaden the scope of our practice.” Integrating specialties under one umbrella has created a unique environment that is not present in most health care systems. It’s an environment where physicians know each other, efficiently communicate among one another, and provide patients with a more seamless, more convenient care network. Patients may initially visit FHV Health for the common cold. However, if another health condition arises that requires care from a specialist, the team will be there to guide patients and coordinate all aspects of their care. Simply put, FHV offers a full continuum of care
with easy access to offices, appointments, and more. Rather than focusing exclusively on the heart, FHV Health allows the practitioners within its network to treat various organs and diseases in people of all ages. This is especially beneficial to patients with complex or multiple health problems. “At FHV Health, we can deliver more efficient and higher-quality medical care because medicine is always changing,” Dr. Lew says. “Through our collaborative care, we offer leading-edge treatments for a variety of problems across a broad spectrum of healthcare specialties. I’m very pleased with the results and success of our multi-specialty group. We operate on a foundation of proven quality and remain on the forefront of always trying to improve patient care.” For physicians who are part of FHV Health, one of the intangibles is the professional stimulation between colleagues. They have easy access to colleagues from different disciplines and can always seek them out when needing advice
or needing important questions answered. They also have easy access to a patient’s medical history and enjoy peace of mind knowing they are referring patients to trusted and talented colleagues, ensuring patients are in capable hands. Most importantly, these physicians live and work locally, so they have a vested interest in improving the health of individuals and families in the communities they serve.
Dr. Rosado (left), Vice-Chair of FHV Health and current Chief of Staff at The Villages Regional Hospital, joined Dr. Lew (right) in 1995 as his first business partner.
2002
2003
2004
2006
2007
Local principal investigator for the National Institute of Health sponsored CREST carotid stent vs surgery trial
Expanded Leesburg office to include the first outpatient cardiac catherization laboratory in the region
One of 12 international investigators for the PAMI-NO SOS trial paving the road to changing the national guidelines for performing coronary angioplasty and stents at hospitals without open heart facilities
Changed name to Florida Heart and Vascular Multi Specialty Group – added Primary Care division to the practice
Constructed the second outpatient cardiac catherization laboratory in the practice in The Villages location
“When it comes to situations regarding tests, treatment options, or specific situations we encounter, we can bounce ideas off one another,” Dr. Lew says. “We have mutual respect for one another and have good communication about achieving the best outcomes for each patient.” Patients, on the other hand, have the benefit of receiving coordinated, collaborative and comprehensive care from one organization. For example, someone with a heart problem may be seen and taken care of by an internist, family practitioner, cardiologist and vascular surgeon—all of whom know each other and will work together to form a treatment plan that will best suit the patient.
“Patients are the real winners because having a multi-specialty group reduces the chance for medical error,” Dr. Lew says. “For example, if we are not sure what medications a doctor outside our practice prescribed, then they might receive a medication that is in conflict with what they’re currently taking. Conversely, modeling our practice after larger and successful organizations such as Mayo Clinic means that patient safety is enhanced, medical errors are eliminated, information is shared rapidly, and health care is delivered much more efficiently.” This model of community-based care is instrumental in meeting the ever-changing medical needs in Lake County and The Villages. Moreover, FHV Health is proof
O U R
PAT I E N T
C A R E
D I V I S I O N S
positive that medical teamwork combined with clinical experience and convenience results in the best possible patient outcomes. FHV Health is both a reminder of how far the company has come and a promise that as it progresses, patient health will always be the focus. “This integrative approach to health care allows us, as doctors, to be the best physicians we can be,” Dr. Lew says. “We believe that, by becoming FHV Health, we become a beacon of health for both our community and for ourselves. As for us—for our employees, partners, and colleagues—the change is also significant. We see FHV Health as an opportunity to reimagine our environment and our culture.”
I N C L U D E
2008
2009
2011
2013
2014
Dr. David Sustarsic joined the practice to form the new Vascular Surgery division
Outstanding leadership and teaching excellence award, University of Florida, Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiology Divisions (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015)
Local principal investigator for the CAPTURE I carotid stent post approval trial
Local principal investigator for the for the CHOICE carotid stenting for high surgical risk patients
Regional subinvestigator for the PARADIGM Entresto Heart Failure Trial
Leading the way to a healthy future
The man behind FHV Health is a dynamic, visionary leader who stands out among his peers.
A
fter opening his cardiology practice in Leesburg in 1991, Dr. David Lew has transformed cardiovascular care in Lake County. Just consider his impressive list of “firsts.” He was the first Medical Director of Leesburg Regional Medical Center’s Heart Institute and the first physician in Lake County to perform coronary balloon angioplasty and stenting procedures with outcomes as good or better than large academic centers throughout the United States. He was also Lake County’s first physician to perform cardiac catheterizations, primary angioplasty, and coronary radiation therapy
to prevent recurrence after stenting. In conjunction with vascular surgeons, he also performed the county’s first abdominal aortic stent grafting procedure as an alternative to conventional surgery. In December 2003, Dr. Lew unveiled a new three-story expansion building complete with a state-of-the art cardiac catheterization lab. His latest achievement was changing the name of his practice to FHV Health. This name change reflects his desire to treat the whole patient for health-related issues rather than merely focusing on cardiovascular problems. Dr. Lew’s success is the result of his relentless work ethic and his
pursuit of excellence in offering patients comprehensive medical care and research. Of course, as a brilliant visionary and renowned cardiologist, Dr. Lew is not about to rest on his laurels. Plans are already in the works to make FHV Health a more comprehensive provider and medical leader in the community. “My vision is to continue expanding and adding many more specialties. We have plans to open more offices throughout the county and continue to improve the integrative aspects of medicine. No matter how much we grow, our main objective will never change. We want to make the delivery of health care as efficient and safe as possible.”
2015
2016
2017
2018
Added Nephrology division to the practice
Opened the 10th location
Invented a new retrograde femoral artery interventional procedure (LewSchmidt Technique) and officially presented at the international TCT meeting
Changed name to FHV Health
L O C AT I O N S Leesburg 511 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 101, Leesburg, FL 34748 Dr. Bello 25010 US Hwy 27, Units G & H, Leesburg, FL 34748 Dixie 601 E Dixie Avenue, Suite 805, Leesburg, FL 34748 802 E. Dixie Ave, Leesburg, FL 34748 The Villages 1560 Santa Barbara Boulevard, The Villages, FL 32159 1950 Laurel Manor Dr, Suite 142, The Villages, FL 32162 8485 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages, FL 32162 Dr. Glick 1501 N US Hwy 441, Suite 1102, The Villages, FL 32159 201 La Grande Blvd, Lady Lake, FL 32159 Brownwood 4669 East SR 44, Suite 103, Wildwood, FL 34785
fhvhealth.com 352-633-4639 Same-Day Appointments Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm Immediate Cardiac Care Services * Unanticipated, non-emergency cardiac needs Rapid, pre-operative Appointments preferred. Walk-ins accepted No referral needed (unless required by your insurance) * Immediate Cardiac Care does not take the place of, and is not competing with hospital emergency departments. In the event of an emergency, or if symptoms occur outside office hours, call 911.
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Stepping T up in class LRMC’s new emergency department will take patient care to the next level. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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he emergency services team at Leesburg Regional Medical Center already provides outstanding care to its patients although they do so within the confines of a space that has not been significantly enlarged since its opening in 1963. When the newly expanded
department opens later this summer, the team will have room to not only take care of an increasingly busy unit that treats more than 46,000 patients each year; but also revolutionize the overall patient experience. A $27 million expansion will elevate LRMC’s emergency department to “world class,” says Navin Reddy, a board-certified emergency medicine physician. Dr. Reddy is the medical director for emergency services and vice chief of staff at LRMC, which is part of Central Florida Health—the locally-owned and governed not-for-profit parent company of both LRMC and The Villages® Regional Hospital. “I’ve always thought that we have the best nursing staff, unit secretaries, and technicians I’ve ever worked with, and that the only reason we aren’t one of the premier EDs in the country is that we haven’t had the space,” Dr. Reddy says. “This longawaited expansion will give us that much-needed space and provide us with the full complement of tools to meet or exceed the needs of our patients.” The new emergency department, projected to open the first week in September of this year, is double the size of the current department. The expansion covers 48,000 square feet in a two-story facility on the east side of the hospital and includes 24 new emergency beds. The new ED will fortify the cutting-edge services that LRMC already employs; including one of the largest
open heart surgery programs in Florida, a first-rate cardiac catheterization lab, accredited chest pain center, award-winning primary stroke center and large-scale program for sepsis care. Speed, efficiency, and accuracy are Dr. Reddy’s buzzwords for LRMC’s next level of care. “As emergency medicine professionals, we’re always trying to get to the patient as quickly as possible,” he says. “With this new buildout, we’re going to be able to reach our full potential by deploying best practices that provide a more efficient experience for our patients while improving their clinical care as well.” The additional space will allow ED patients to have private rooms, and more family members will be able to stay with their loved ones. A modern new lobby/ waiting area with a twostory glass atrium will also provide a more comfortable environment for patients and families, the doctor says. “I think it’s really important to have your family around
you at a critical time,” Dr. Reddy says. “What might be ‘every day’ for us is usually everyone else’s worst day.” The opening of the new ED is a dream realized for Dr. Reddy, who is passionate about treating patients in emergency situations. After graduating from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, he trained in emergency medicine during his residency at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in New Hyde Park, New York. “What I like about emergency medicine is seeing things happen right away,” he says. “I like being able to implement care and see the result happen right in front of my eyes. It’s extremely gratifying to know that I can say I made someone’s life better each day.” Dr. Reddy joined the LRMC team once he completed his residency in 2005. He was mentored by fellow doctors and now, in turn, he mentors newcomers as part of a strong relationship among the staff. “Most of us consider each other family, and there’s a trust that we’re all working
toward a common goal to deliver world-class care in our community to the best of our abilities,” he says. The LRMC staff also maintains close relationships with police, fire, and emergency services personnel. The groups meet frequently to discuss data, processes, and best practices. “The nurses, technicians, and people who are in the field, we all band together,” Dr. Reddy says. “Law enforcement officers, fire and rescue professionals and emergency medical services providers have a bond that assists in the transfer of care. We’re able to provide better care because the sharing of information throughout the continuum of care is seamless. Everyone knows we’re all on the same team.” Teamwork, technology, quality staff, and now a major expansion for emergency care all represent the commitment by Leesburg Regional Medical Center to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities it serves—today and for many years to come.
We’re going to be able to reach our full potential by deploying best practices that provide a more efficient experience for our patients while improving their clinical care as well. — NAVIN REDDY, MD
Leesburg Regional Medical Center 600 E. Dixie Ave. Leesburg, FL 34748 352.323.5762 leesburgregional.org
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ist of
al l u n n a h t The eigh
A BS, THERES MES COM
LY, JA LEIGH NEE STORIES:
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! T O H ! T O H s ’ t a wh
CAMPBEL
L, CHRIS G
ERBASI
Bathing suit model: Anastasia Votino; Bathing suit and float courtesy of Stein Mart, The Villages; Photo: Anthony Rao
Hottest swimsuit trends The Sunshine State provides opportunities to enjoy lap swims, water sports, strolls on the beach, and relaxation by the pool, and Villager Barbara Iannielli has a swimsuit for each activity. “I have about 20 swimsuits,� says Barbara, who works as a boutique
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Beach bound
swimsuits is what is hot for your body type.” Sophie & Trey, an online clothing brand, claims red is the “hottest” color in swimwear. “There isn’t a color that can symbolize the feminine beauty and strength as perfectly as the color red,” the company says in a press release. “It’s a color that perfectly conveys the message of empowerment and positivity.”
Stephen Leatherman, also known is Dr. Beach, is a geoscientist and coastal ecologist who he touts himself on his website as “one of the world’s top coastal experts.” Each year, he ranks the country’s top 10 beaches by using metrics such as water quality, best sand, amenities, beach safety, and environmental management. Two Florida beaches made his 2018 list:
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Bathing suits courtesy of Stein Mart, The Villages; Photo: Anthony Rao
consultant at Stein Mart in Lady Lake. In her role, she assists shoppers in selecting clothing—and yes, bathing suits—that are flattering for their needs, body type, and interests. “This is a gorgeous bathing suit,” Barbara says as she shows a black mesh panel one-piece swimsuit with cap sleeves that she loves to wear when playing water volleyball. “Tankinis are wonderful, too. You can feel sexy in it, and it will cover parts where you want coverage,” Barbara says of the swimsuit that features a tank top with bikini bottom. “You can always interchange your tops with one bottom,” she adds, noting mixand-match pieces are a great way to expand your swimwear attire. Another new style is two-piece swimsuits with side-tie bottoms that can be adjusted to be briefs or bikinis. The latest looks in one-piece bathing suits: plunging necklines, keyhole cutouts, halter tops, high necks, and those with ruched fronts for tummy control. “There is definitely a bathing suit for every person,” Barbara says, adding August is when new styles for 2019 will be appearing at her store. “What’s hot in
Kapalua Bay Beach, HI Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, NC Grayton Beach State Park, FL Coopers Beach, NY Coast Guard Beach, MA
Lighthouse Beach, NC Caladesi Island State Park, FL Hapuna Beach State Park, HI Coronado Beach, CA Beachwalker Park, SC
HOT MOVIES “The Spy Who Dumped Me”: An espionage misadventure with Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon, Aug. 3. Photo: Nicole Hamel
“Venom”: You never can have too many Marvel films at the multiplex; starring Tom Hardy in the character’s origin story, Oct. 5.
Hot entertainment VIA ENTERTAINMENT: This familyfriendly center at the newly renamed Lake Square Mall offers 22 bowling lanes, an arcade with hundreds of games, and gokart racing at Adrenaline Rush Raceway: viaentertainment.com. MIND MASTERS: This “coming soon” attraction will offer an escape—a new kind of puzzle/trap/escape room that promises to test puzzle-solving skills, teamwork, and imagination with multiple scenarios: mindmasterscc.com. WINDY ACRES FARM: The arena hosts barrel racing, team roping, ranch sorting, speed events, and other rodeo competitions. The Planet Festival, four days of music with primitive camping available, will be staged at the farm Oct. 18-21: windyacresfarm.com.
EPIC THEATRES: Mount Dora’s long-awaited multiplex opened in the spring, and it’s a great place to catch hot movies or to cool off at the bar. Amenities include two Epic XL 70-foot-wide screens, laser projection, and reserved seating: epictheatres.com. GATORWORLD: Every day is an adventure at GatorWorld Parks of Florida, a 15-acre preserve and drive-through park with more than 400 rescued alligators. Visitors can view and feed the state’s most popular reptile: gatorworldparks.com.
“A Star Is Born”: A Hollywood staple starring Bradley Cooper, who also directs Lady Gaga in the modernized Judy Garland role, Oct. 5. “First Man”: Ryan Gosling portrays Neil Armstrong, the reclusive first man on the moon, Oct. 12. “Halloween”: Yes, Jamie Lee Curtis still is in danger from Michael Myers in 2018, Oct. 19. “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”: Ubiquitous Melissa McCarthy takes a less farcical turn in a true story about a celebrity biographer, Oct. 19. “Bohemian Rhapsody”: Rami Malek reportedly is the embodiment of late Queen singer Freddie Mercury, Nov. 2. “Creed II”: The follow-up to the highly praised original, continuing the “Rocky” storyline with Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone, Nov. 21. “Robin Hood”: This version of the timeless action/adventure story stars Taron Egerton and Jamie Foxx, Nov. 21.
Of course, visiting the majority of those beaches is not practical for many Floridians. If you want to stay in the area, here are venues with beach areas near lakes and springs:
Ski Beach, Leesburg Eaton’s Beach, Weirsdale Lake Louisa State Park, Clermont Alexander Springs, Altoona Wekiva Falls RV Resort, Sorrento
“Holmes and Watson”: Another venerable tale but with wacky new blood: Will Ferrell as Sherlock Holmes and John C. Reilly as Dr. Watson, Dec. 21. Source: ranker.com
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HOT! NEW STORES AT LAKE SQUARE MALL Exciting things, including a great variety of new stores, are happening at Lake Square Mall in Leesburg. When Village Lake Promenade purchased the mall at the end of last year, there were more than 30 vacancies. Eighteen vacancies have been filled. GEORGES MARCIANO RANCH: This store was founded by Georges Marciano, the founder of Guess, and features high-end denim jeans and polo shirts. LUCKY 7: The ultimate edgy T-shirt label for men, women, and kids! No limits to what they’ll put on a Tee! PAJAR: Specializing in outdoor wear and waterresistant shoes and boots. YVONNE MARIE: A unique boutique with one-of-akind women’s styles created by Yvonne Marie herself. All clothing is designed for a slimming fit. BOUTIQUE EMMANUEL’S: A men’s suit store specializing in fittings to be sure every suit it sells fits the customer perfectly. But wait, that’s not all! Two other new attractions are coming soon to Lake Square Mall: WINTERLAND: An indoor ice skating rink that will have a “chalet” experience complete with food, drinks, a live DJ, and light shows. LE CHOCOLATIER: An upscale chocolate store inspired by the candy in Paris. In addition, Via Entertainment added two new experiences: ADRENALINE RUSH: An indoor go-carting experience like no other! KIDZ CORNER: A room full of giant inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses. Every kid’s dream! There also are three new attractions for children near the food court: SWEET AMANDA’S: A totally customizable candy experience. ANIMALS OF OZ: Motorized animals that children can ride. BUGZY’S POWER JUMPING: A bungee jumpingmeets-trampoline experience.
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Cool,
‘hot’ hair colors Stylists at Mia Bella Salon and Spa in Fruitland Park were inspired by paintings and photos of flowers, fish, sunsets, and fire that sparked their artistic creativity with hair color and styles. Check out their creations in photos by Style photographer Anthony Rao.
INSPIRATION: Sunset MODEL: Morgan Bracco STYLIST: Kayla Smith “I used a cherry red, a red, orange, and yellow. It’s fire!” Kayla says, adding it was the first time her model had color put in her hair. “This is exciting,” Morgan adds.
INSPIRATION: Fish with scales MODEL: Alexa Jalbert-Whitaker STYLISTS: Barber Marcus Davison and colorist Kylar Jalbert-Whitaker “Alexa has been wanting something fun and crazy for a while, so this was a blast,” Kylar says. She loves the ocean, so this was a perfect fit for her.”
INSPIRATION: Autumn MODEL: Camden Seal STYLIST: Jessica Karpowicz
INSPIRATION: Pastel flowers MODEL: Haylee Hibbard STYLIST: Danielle Daugherty
“I had to lift it to get it really blonde, and then I put four different colors into her hair and blended it all together, so that it just melded,” Jessica says.
“Instead of coloring hair blonde, what’s really in now is having subtle hints of baby blue, baby pink, and a little lavender,” says Danielle, who also styled rosettes in the back of her model’s hair.
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Hot! Treats for cooling off Model: Anastasia Votino; Model photo by Anthony Rao; Clothing courtesy of Stein Mart, The Villages
Ice cream is a soft treat that comes in many flavors. There are many debates about how much better the old-fashioned, hand-churned ice cream was. There’s no doubt almost everyone enjoys going out for that special ice-cold treat, whether it’s ice cream or frozen yogurt. Style surveyed local shops to get their most popular flavors. Butter pecan won hands down as the favorite at Häagen-Dazs in The Villages, Bruster’s in Clermont, and Russell Stover in Wildwood. However, there are lots of other treats available in almost every part of Lake and Sumter counties.
Hot heads Discharging negative emotions actually may help you better understand and work out your frustrations. Lake & Sumter Style recently gave local residents an opportunity to do just that. We approached seven people and asked them the following question: “What is the one thing in life that makes you the angriest?” Here are their “hothead” responses.
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“I’m very upset about immigration and gun control. As far as immigration, I think it’s extremely cruel how our government separates families. And when it comes to gun control, the whole country has its head up its butt. My daughter is a teacher in Florida. I guess it is her job to take a bullet for her students.” —RICHARD HORSLEY
“I get mad when people do not acknowledge what’s going on around them. For instance, if someone is in a bad emotional state of mind, many people ignore them because they don’t want to be brought down to that level. Why not lift them up and brighten their day? Helping others goes a long way in helping you achieve peace of mind.” —BRITTANY GOFF
DAIRY RANCH, LEESBURG Praline ice cream CENTRAL AVENUE TREAT, UMATILLA Chocolate coconut almond ice cream YUMMI’S FROZEN YOGURT & CAFÉ, CLERMONT Orange creamcicle yogurt VILLAGE COFFEE POT, MOUNT DORA Salted caramel ice cream
Nail art is hot, hot, hot!
MYSTIC ICE CREAM, FRUITLAND PARK Kahlua fudge (alcoholic) ice cream Mystic S’mores ice cream SCOOPLES, WILDWOOD Peanut butter sundae
Three-dimensional embellishments (tiny rhinestones, seashells, crystals), shiny, bright-colored gel or shellac polish, cut-out tips, sparkling glitter, floral or bold graphic art designs are among the latest trends—and Instagram moments—in showing off fashionable nails. Nail art is the rage. “I do more in nail designs and embellish the nails with nail jewels,” says Ginger Smith, nail technician at Renew Day Spa in Leesburg. “A lot of my clients tell me what they are wearing for a special event. I go with their outfit for nail colors and I kind of make up my own design with what they are going to be doing.” One of Ginger’s clients requested watermelon slices with tiny black seeds painted on her toenails for a summer concert, which the technician found fun to do. “Go with what you feel is artsy and fun,” Ginger says, adding August is the perfect time for it. “Right now, we are doing the corals, beachy colors, hot pinks, vibrant oranges, reds, tangerines, and we also do a lot of the sparkle and glitter top coats.” There are no rules when it comes to nail art. Different colors and a variety of designs can be used, such as glittery copper fingernails dipped in black paint at the tips for an edgier look.
SCOOPS ON 5TH, MOUNT DORA Chocolate ice cream RITTER’S FROZEN CUSTARD, CLERMONT Vanilla ice cream and yogurt
BLOOM’S BAKING HOUSE AND RESTAURANT, LEESBURG Salted Caramel Bananas Foster ice cream LA PETIT SWEET, MOUNT DORA Macaron ice cream sandwich KILWIN’S, THE VILLAGES Sea salt caramel ice cream
“I cannot stand when people show a lack of appreciation. So many people have so much but cannot appreciate it because they’re always wanting more. It is very sad.” —TAEYLOR LAFOREST
“I’m angry at the Leesburg City Council. We have a homeless problem and can definitely do something about it, but the city of Leesburg refuses to do anything. Several churches wanted homeless shelters and even detailed how they could be profitable for the city. But they were turned down every time.”
“Slow drivers irritate me. I live in Lake Mary but drive every day to Leesburg for work. Drivers on County Road 44 oftentimes drive 10 miles under the speed limit. It drives me nuts.” —BROOKE BORDERICK
“What makes me the angriest is when people are jerks to other people. We all have our moments, but life is too short to take your frustrations out on other people. Treat people the way you would like to be treated. It’s that simple.”
“My ex-wife. She’s responsible for half the crap that has ever happened to me. Her father was just as bad because he’s rich and had the means to make my life terrible. Needless to say, I haven’t talked to my ex-wife in 30 years.”
—TIFFANY JONES
—RANDALL THOMAS
—ANDREW TAWES
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Hot jobs in the summertime They’re out there every day with the sun beaming down its heat, but they get the job done. STORY: LEIGH NEELY
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t’s hard not to appreciate the value of the people who do hot jobs. In Florida, the heat can be brutal in summer, but houses need washing, lifeguards must protect swimmers, and when you need a new roof, you gotta have it.
CLEANING HOUSE
A native of Lady Lake, Scott Finney has been pressurewashing houses since 1992. “There are definitely things you have to do to make it easier on you in the heat,” Scott says. “Wear all-cotton clothes because they’re breathable. Wear a straw hat and sunglasses.” Scott says his workers start early in the morning and usually have five homes done by 2pm. For 14 years, he was a one-guy company, but with the growth of The Villages came the growth of Finney’s Professional Pressure Washing LLC. “We also make sure our employees eat right, meaning no fattening foods in the heat. They need carbs and protein,” Scott says. “We drink a bottle of water every 30 minutes. You have to be careful not to drink too much Gatorade.”
Mike “Spike” Jones oversees production and personnel management at Bone Dry Roofing in Altoona. He and his crew do the metal roofing projects. Their day starts around 7am and often continues until 6pm or later. However, they’re not on the roof all day. “It’s super bright up there, and everything you touch is burning hot. Even gloves get too hot,” Spike says. “Also, you can’t always wear gloves because it affects how you handle the metal.”
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Pressure washing photo: Nicole Hamel
ON A HOT TIN ROOF
With a pool teeming with swimmers of all ages, a lifeguard is vital. Michaella Strong is heading to Santa Fe College this fall, but she has enjoyed many summers sitting under the big umbrella in the lifeguard chair. “We always have an umbrella and we use sunscreen all the time,” Michaella says. “We have to have breaks about every 30 minutes or so. It keeps us alert and fresh.” Certification meant the first part of training was done in the classroom, where she learned CPR and first aid. Outside training meant she took turns being a victim or a rescuer. “The hotter days are tough, and there are usually more people in the pool on hotter days,” Michaella says. “But lifeguards can’t get in the pool.”
is high, and the heat index is 102 to 106 degrees,” Guilherme says. “We put on our bunker gear, those familiar yellow outfits that don’t breathe. They have three layers and weigh between 50 and 60 pounds and heat your body another 10 degrees.” Guilherme says the heat inside the clothing, which is designed to keep the fire out, is about 126 degrees, and the outside heat pumps it up to 140 or 150 degrees before they go into the house that’s on fire. “If you catch a fire at 2pm when the sun is angry and the heat is radiating from the house, it’s awful,” he says. “After the fire is controlled, you have a headache due to dehydration.” Because he is a member of SORT, Guilherme also works in hazmat suits when needed. “These suits do not breathe at all. It just becomes muggy inside the suit,” he says. “Vehicle accidents are difficult, too, because when you’re working an extraction standing on asphalt with 20 pounds of equipment; it can really put a strain on your body.” The firefighters work 24-hour shifts with 48 hours off in between. “That 24 hours can be an extremely long day; sometimes you don’t get any sleep,” Guilherme says.
THE ANGER OF FIRE
MOVING RIGHT ALONG
There’s always plenty of water on hand, and all the men bring extra shirts because dry shirts keep you cooler; everyone wears hats for protection. “We pack our lunches—usually sandwiches and fruit,” Spike says. “We don’t do much fast food. During the heat of the day, we take breaks in the shade under trees with water. A lot of times, you pour it on yourself just to cool down and you drink lots of it, too.”
ON GUARD
Guilherme Farias is a firefighter/ EMT and a member of the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) at Station 90, Squad 9, in Clermont. Guilherme says fighting fires in Florida’s unrelenting heat is horrible. “One of the most difficult times to do it is when humidity
Though Style attempted to connect with several lawnmowing companies, it’s just not a good time for year for that. According to Greg Hawthorne Lawn Maintenance, there’s no time to stop. “With the rain we’ve had lately, we’re constantly busy,” Greg says.
The hottest day in the world was July 10, 1913, at Greenland Ranch in Death Valley, California, 134 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the World Meteorological Organization. This also is the record for the hottest day in the United States.
JOB STATISTICS FOR LAKE AND SUMTER COUNTIES Largest industry sectors Health care and social assistance: 19.7% of employment Retail trade: 17% of employment Accommodation and food services: 11.8% of employment Source: Labor Market Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program
Largest employers 1,000+ employees Florida Hospital Waterman Leesburg Regional Medical Center South Lake Hospital 500-1,000 employees Cornerstone Hospice Lake Port Square LifeStream Behavioral Center 250-500 employees Bridgewater Assisted Living Cutrale Citrus Juices USA Dura-Stress Inc. Hewitt Contracting Co. Inc. Interim Healthcare Lady Lake Specialty Care Lake-Sumter State College Villages Media Group Waterman Village
Source: Lake County website, businessinlakefl.com/ communityprofile/industry/majoremployers
The 10 hottest jobs in Florida Statistician Rod buster Nurse practitioner Miner Pipe insulator Physician assistant Cement mason Physical therapy assistant Occupational therapy assistant Mechanical installer Source: Florida Department of Labor, 2017
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HOT MUSIC TOURS
Top acts representing all genres are performing this year at Orlando venues: Vans Warped Tour, featuring 50 eclectic alternative bands, travels cross-country for the last time, Aug. 3 at Tinker Field. Shake your hips with Colombian seductress Shakira, Aug. 14 at Amway Center. The B-52s make the House of Blues their love shack in a retro rock show Aug. 19. Jay-Z and Beyoncé get out of the house for a night on the town Aug. 29 at Camping World Stadium. Rhymin’ Paul Simon stops at Amway Center Sept. 11 for his “Homeward Bound” farewell. It’s Fall Out Boy “Mania,” the name of the band’s latest disc and tour, Sept. 16 at Amway Center. Pogo-stick to punk originals Social Distortion Sept. 20 at House of Blues, Orlando. Former Talking Head David Byrne brings a typically unique stage show to the Phillips Center Sept. 28. Father John Misty espouses his mysterious satirical musings Sept. 29 at Hard Rock Live. Elton John says, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”…for the next three years. Hold him closer, tiny dancer, Nov. 27 at Amway Center.
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Hot local artist: Jeff Whitfield Striking a chord with local music lovers.
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here’s only one opportunity for a first impression. Singer and songwriter Jeff Whitfield certainly made the most of his. At 17, he landed his first gig at the now-defunct Eduardo’s Station in downtown Mount Dora. Impressed by his voice, the restaurant’s manager asked Jeff to perform every Wednesday night. However, it came with a stipulation. “She asked me how old I was, and when I told her, she told me I’d have to show her my report card because she wanted to make sure I was passing in school,” Jeff says. That launched his musical career. Today, the 42-year-old Mount Plymouth resident performs his signature mixture of blues, pop, and rock at venues such as Ruby Street Grille in Tavares, Pisces Rising in Mount Dora, and 1884 Restaurant and Bar in Eustis. When performing, Jeff sings his own versions of cover songs, as well as music from his three released albums: “Kindred Bridges” in 1998, “Imaginary Way” in 2004, and “Choices” in 2015. He wrote or co-wrote the songs on his albums.
“I will perform everything from 1930s blues to classic rock to a song by Alice in Chains,” says the 1994 graduate of Mount Dora High School. Sometimes, the songs work on an emotional level. “I was performing at Biketoberfest in Daytona and noticed a giant biker with a big beard sitting at a table near the stage. I sang Sam Cooke’s ‘A Change Is Gonna Come,’ and at the end, the biker was enthusiastically applauding and openly weeping. His brother had just passed away, and that song was special to both of them.” After performing in Lake County for 20 years, Jeff has gained loyal followers. He hopes to have a larger reach in the next few years by producing more music videos on YouTube. However, with a wife and two children, there’s no rush to achieve national stardom. “I haven’t had that overnight success like some musicians, but that’s OK because I’m making a living doing what I love.”
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Hot dogs
Hot dog photos: Nicole Hamel; Labrador retriever photo: Anthony Rao
1 Chili/ 2 Coney Island Let’s not worry about semantics or differences between these two delicious dogs because that’s wasting time that could be spent on eating them. Also, don’t worry about the counterintuitive recommendation to try a chili dog at a place called Coney’s and a Coney dog at a place that doesn’t call its dog “Coney.” Detroit lays claim to the authentic Coney Island hot dog (sorry, not sorry, New York), and Irene’s Ice Cream & Deli Sandwiches in Leesburg comes close to that authenticity by topping its quarter-pound beef dog with “Michigan sauce,” a heap of finely chopped ground beef. In the other hand, Coney’s Italian Ice and Creamery in Tavares offers a tasty chili dog with toppings including sauerkraut, onions, relish, peppers, and cheese sauce.
3 Chicago-style Traditional condiment rules go out the window in the Windy City. “Chicago-style” means an all-beef
...and hot dogs
Vienna dog in a poppy seed bun and topped with neon green sweet relish, onions, tomato wedges, sport peppers with a kick, pickle spear, celery salt, and mustard—no ketchup! Why? Because Chicago says so. Find it at Great Chicago Fire Brewery and Tap Room in Leesburg.
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4 Ballpark Baseball, summertime, and hot dogs. That’s America, comrade. Watch the boys of summer accompanied by the joys of summer: the aroma and taste of a ballpark dog at the concession stand. A little mustard on the shirt only deepens the memories.
5 Bratwurst/Frankfurter
5
Here are more sausage subtleties to decipher, but both brats and ’furters are especially good when loaded with sauerkraut. Bavarian Haus in Mount Dora and Yalaha Bakery are among the restaurants serving these German delicacies.
Hottest dog breeds in Central Florida LABRADOR RETRIEVER | YORKSHIRE TERRIER | GERMAN SHEPHERD GOLDEN RETRIEVER | MALTESE
Source: The 1 Dog Trainer Academy
ONE OF OUR MANY OFFICE POOCHES, “CASH”
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You’re never too old to get inked.
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attooist Mike Tasse claims there’s not one part of the human body he hasn’t tattooed, and he sees a growing number of senior citizens who want to get inked. “Nothing surprises me anymore,” says Mike, of Joe Walker’s Space Age Ink Tattoo in Tavares. “If you can think it, we can ink it.” Roses and skulls are among the hot requests. “And religious tattoos, believe or not, are a real big thing, too.” “I had a gentleman in his late 70s who had me tattoo a guy mowing the lawn on top of his bald head, and it looked like his hair was being mowed. It was pretty funny,” he says. His oldest tattoo-seeking customer was a man nearly 100. “He came on a Harley-Davidson with training wheels and he wanted a tattoo for his bucket list. He didn’t even flinch,” Mike recalls. “Fortunately, his skin was still nice and taut. He had a tattoo written on his shoulder, so gravity works in that area. It wasn’t wrinkly or sagging.” Tattoo artist Bob Fulwider at House of Ink in Leesburg has seen an increase in older customers, and he believes a growing number of Villages residents are seeking tattoos because they desire to feel young. Families of three or four generations come in together. “It’s kind of like a bond for them,” Bob says. “There are a variety of reasons people get tattoos, and it can be
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to remember a time, remember a place, and to remember a person.” However, professing your love with a tattoo of the guy or gal you met six weeks ago is not always a good thing. “In this industry, we see it as a bad omen. It’s bad juju,” Bob says. “Nine times out of 10, six months later you guys aren’t together anymore.” The most poignant tattoos are those in memory of blood relatives, he says, where people request a little of their loved one’s cremated ashes mixed in with the black ink. “It’s a very emotional thing. It’s more symbolism than anything else.” One customer’s brother who loved to fish recently passed away from brain cancer. “So we did a little fishing tattoo with a tad of the ashes.” The No. 1 question tattoo artists are always asked: “Does it hurt?” “I wouldn’t consider it painful. It’s more annoying, and there are some body parts where it hurts more than others because of different nerve endings,” Mike says. Bob equates the pain to a really bad sunburn—that burning, stinging sensation—or similar to a bad cat scratch. “It’s more irritating than it is painful,” he says. “Afterwards, it’s a little tender, a little sore, and like a skinned knee.”
Hot Athletes Brady Singer Brady Singer has officially achieved royal status. In June, the Kansas City Royals selected the former Eustis High School pitching standout with the 18th pick of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft. This is the latest accomplishment in Brady’s stellar career. In 2017, he led the Florida Gators to the national championship at the College World Series, and recently he was named the 2018 National Player of the Year by Baseball America magazine.
Clayton Sellars This is no bull. As of early June, Leesburg High School graduate Clayton Sellars was ranked seventh out of 344 active bull riders in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s (PRCA) world standings. In 2017, Clayton, a sophomore bull rider for Western Texas College, won first place in several PRCA-sanctioned events, including the Mesquite ProRodeo in Texas, the Elk City Rodeo of Champions in Oklahoma, and the Citrus Stampede Rodeo in Florida.
Danny Trevathan In only his fourth season in the National Football League, linebacker Danny Trevathan reached the
pinnacle of his career by helping the Denver Broncos defeat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50. In that game, the former Leesburg High School star recorded eight tackles and recovered a fumble. Avid NFL fans can tune in this season and watch Danny play for the Chicago Bears, who signed him to a four-year, $28 million contract in 2016.
Shea Holbrook In 2010, race car driver Shea Holbrook accelerated, steered, and sped her way to victory at the Long Beach Grand Prix, becoming only the third female in history to earn a first-place finish at the historic track. Since then, Shea, who was raised in Groveland, has climbed the racing ladder much like she zooms around the track—with lightning-like speed. She has spent the past eight years as a pro racer in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car division, which is sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America. Drivers in this division race Hondas, Volkswagens, and Mazdas. Essentially, they strip down a showroom car and transform it into a race car. She has also competed in the International Hot Rod Association Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series.
Florida is the second-hottest state, and the highest recorded temperature was 109 degrees on June 29, 1931, in Monticello. Hawaii is No. 1.
HOT TELEVISION “Sharp Objects”: This chilling miniseries now airing on HBO stars Amy Adams as a reporter investigating the murders of two girls. “Disenchantment”: Woo-hoo! “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening developed this Netflix animated series about an alcoholic medieval princess, her elf companion, and a “personal demon.” (Aug. 17) “Jack Ryan”: Producer and star John Krasinski brings Tom Clancy’s CIA agent to Amazon Video. (Aug. 31) “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”: The unconventional Coen brothers created a Western anthology series with an all-star cast for Netflix. “Maniac”: Get inside the heads of Jonah Hill and Emma Stone in this Netflix black comedy about two mental patients’ fantasy worlds. “Titans”: The upcoming series based on DC Comics’ Teen Titans will air on DC Universe. “Castle Rock”: This psychological thriller, based on the stories of Stephen King and created by J.J. Abrams, recently started airing on Hulu. “Mayans MC”: The FX drama starring J.D. Pardo and Edward James Olmos is a spinoff of the popular “Sons of Anarchy.” “Charmed”: The CW’s reboot of the old WB fantasy drama may have a tough time matching the witchy behavior of the original stars. (Oct. 14) Hot cliffhangers: “The Good Place,” “Good Girls,” “Empire, “Gotham,” “NCIS: Los Angeles” and “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (moving to NBC) and a slew of other shows will reveal the fates of their characters. Source: ranker.com
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PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
HE BEST
ER
Dear Friends of Prominent Fox Boutique:
OF THE BEST HOTLIST FINALIST
I
Boutique only opened t’s hard to believe Prominent Fox ul customers and so many in October. I have such wonderf ause you cared enough people have come to see me bec cess is all because of our to share where you shop. Our suc erely. customers and we thank you sinc y successful, which has been ingl The boutique is overwhelm this is something I’ve always one of the best surprises. Doing be in fashion and design. dreamed of—I always wanted to Fox brand, and there’s I love designing for the Prominent seeing happy customers nothing that pleases me more than wearing clothes from The Fox! customers. She sees an item Nicole Cole is one of my regular d Cody. He comes in at least on Facebook and tags her husban ng. Customers like that are rare once a week to buy her somethi derful to know you’ve created and greatly appreciated. It’s won to a person’s sense of style. something that appeals so much d from Wildwood High I grew up in this area and graduate the women who live here. My School, so I know what appeals to erience so special that the ladies goal is to make the shopping exp happy when they leave. leave my store feeling confident and and great service is, Offering customers variety, style, with this venture. I also I believe, the key to our success find things at Prominent Fox work hard to ensure customers re else. Style isn’t just what Boutique they won’t find anywhe enjoy life because you feel you wear, it’s how you live and good about how you look. cute tops, purses, or Whether it’s great dresses, T-shirts, love to help you find that jewelry you’re looking for, we’d tique. perfect item at Prominent Fox Bou inated for Best of the Best nom n bee We’re honored to have see this happening Sumter Style. It’s so thrilling to Offering customers with Lakere& so g the right new. For me, it means we’re doin while we’ variety, style, and great things and offering the best of the best to our customers. to offer. Whether you’re Come by and see what we have service is, I believe, say hello, we’d like to see pping, browsing, or just want to sho s ces suc our to key the you and have a little visit. o als I e. tur ven s thi h wit Hope to see you soon,
*
work hard to ensure customers find things at Prominent Fox Boutique they won’t find anywhere else.
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ent Fox Boutique
Leigh Ann Berry, Owner, Promin
A FEW LINES FROM OUR CUSTOMERS:
“Thank you, Prominent Fox, for having the cutest clothes. This dress was perfect for rehearsals this morning.” —ASHLEY SELLERS, MRS. FLORIDA UNITED STATES 2018
“Love this store and the people who run this shop! It has such a great variety of cute things to choose from; items are always being updated. Great place to buy gifts for that hard-to-shopfor person. Would highly recommend.” —BEVERLY WILLIAMS BURKE
“I stopped in this boutique this morning and let me tell y’all something…it’s the most pleasant, friendly, welcoming, store in town. The clothes are absolutely to die for—very trendy and a little Country Chic, if you will. The jewelry is absolutely adorable…would make the perfect accessory for any outfit.” —KATHY LIGGET CARTER
Prominent Fox Boutique 4313 County Road 466, Suite 103, Oxford 352.661.3170
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The readers have spoken, and here are the
BEST OF THE BEST! No doubt you’ll find some of your favorites on this annual list. The best of everything in Lake and Sumter counties.
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Health-care professionals Hospital
Oncologist
Pediatrician
RUNNER UP: Leesburg Regional Medical Center, 36.37%, 1783
RUNNER UP: Dr. Ram Tummala, Florida Cancer Specialists, 25.74%, 574
RUNNER UP: Dr. Valerie Thomas,
Medical Imaging
Optometrist
Personal Trainer
RUNNER UP: Center For Medical Imaging (CMI), 9.94%, 400
RUNNER UP: Dr. Albert Ducharme, Beacon Advanced Eyecare Center, 27.38%, 498
RUNNER UP: Al Cardiello, Infinity Fitness, 21.60%, 704
Dr. John Heiligenthal, Lake Healthcare Center, 37.14%, 1329
Massage Therapist
Ophthalmologist
Pharmacist
Chiropractic, 24.32%, 870
Renew Day Spa, 22.66%, 611
RUNNER UP: Dr. Courtney Bovee,
RUNNER UP: Jim Burry, Burry’s
Florida Hospital Waterman, 51.72%, 2536
Cardiologist
Dr. Nitza Alvarez Torres, Tri County Heart Institute, 33.29%, 1191
RUNNER UP: Dr. David Lew, Florida
Heart & Vascular, 19.98%, 715
Chiropractor
RUNNER UP: Dr. Jeffrey Glover, Glover
Lake Medical Imaging, 68.68%, 2763
Nikki Lord, 37.13%, 1001 RUNNER UP: Brittany Goff At
Nurse
RUNNER UP: Dr. Michael Morgan, 25.81%, 641
RUNNER UP: Anne Benway, 20.09%, 569
Dermatologist
Dr. Colleen Macinnis, Macinnis Dermatology, 24.53%, 579 RUNNER UP: Dr. Kevin Chun, Lake
Dermatology, 23.77%, 561
Kathy Chastain, 26.91%, 762
Nurse Practitioner
Lori Esarey, ARNP, 21.94%, 643 RUNNER UP: Joanne Keller, Arnp, 17.91%, 525
Nutritionist
Lori Esarey, ARNP, 53.88%, 978 RUNNER UP: Jeff Whitman, 23.75%, 431
Dr. Doug Moffett, Lake Ob-Gyn Associates Of MidFlorida, 45.79%, 1939
RUNNER UP: Dr. Steven Pillow, Lake Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC, 18.91%, 801
DR. KIM IRELAND
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Dr. Kim Ireland, St. Lukes, 25.25%, 622
Orthodontist
Dr. Dave Wollenschlaeger, 43.73%, 802
RUNNER UP: Dr. Christopher Escott, Escott Orthodontics, 36.04%, 661
Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Jon Radnothy, RadnothyPerry Orthopaedic Center, 42.35%, 949
RUNNER UP: Dr. Isaac Mitchell, Unova Orthopedic Clinic, 20.62%, 462
OB-GYN
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Dr. Margi Patel, Mid Florida Eye Center, 30.46%, 554
Mid Florida Eye Center, 19.29%, 475
Dentist
Dr. Kim Karvasale, 30.19%, 750
Dr. Maen Hussein, Florida Cancer Specialists, 43.23%, 964
ISAAC DEAS
Dr. Rafael A. Cheas, Florida Hospital, 28.66%, 859 Thomas Pediatrics, 22.72%, 681
Pedro Roman, Breakthrough Training, 37.77%, 1231
George Warren, Bay/Lake Pharmacy, 47.45%, 1637 Pharmacy, 23.39%, 807
Key: Percentage of total votes in category, number of votes received. // Want to see the full list of results? Check it out at lakeandsumterstyle.com
Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Dino Madonna, Face 2 Face Aesthetics And Wellness, 32.31%, 1087
RUNNER UP: Dr. Richard Bosshardt, Bosshardt & Marzek Plastic Surgery Associates, 25.56%, 860
Podiatrist
Dr. Johnny Wu, Tri-County Foot And Ankle, 34.23%, 1003 RUNNER UP: Dr. Victor Torres, 22.94%, 672
Primary Care Doctor Dr. Dan Boggus, 48.00%, 1139 RUNNER UP: Dr. Kurt Wagner, 23.47%, 557
Psychiatrist
Dr. Thomas Valente, 30.74%, 439
RUNNER UP: Dr. Nick Ungson, 26.19%, 374
BTW
Urologist
Dr. Jack Cassell, 45.35%, 1142
RUNNER UP: Dr. Michael Fountain, 22.40%, 564
Weight Loss Specialist
Lori Esarey, ARNP, 41.02%, 763 RUNNER UP: Keith Hester, Pa, 33.87%, 630
Physician’s Assistant
Places to eat and drink
Keith Hester, PA, 37.41%, 759 RUNNER UP: Larry Blevins, PA, 23.90%, 485
Psychologist
Isaac Deas, 42.59%, 609
RUNNER UP: Wendy Kraus, 21.89%, 313
DR. DAVE WOLLENSCHLAEGER
Sushi
Sakura, The Villages, 32.73%, 1321
RUNNER UP: W A V E - Asian Bistro & Sushi, Mount Dora, 24.28%, 980
Burgers
Burgers, Tacos & Waffles (BTW), Tavares, 39.90%, 1731 RUNNER UP: Square 1 Burgers,
The Villages, 31.42%, 1363
DR. DINO MADONNA
Mexican LORI ESAREY, ARNP
Fiesta Grande, Mount Dora, 43.28%, 1947
RUNNER UP: La Palma, Leesburg, 23.63%, 1063
Italian
Stavros, 44.50%, 1980
RUNNER UP: Vincent’s, Mount Dora, 23.29%, 1036
August 2018
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OAKWOOD SMOKEHOUSE & GRILL
Professionals
Pizza
Stavros, 35.37%, 1987
RUNNER UP: Mount Dora Pizza & Subs, Mount Dora, 27.77%, 1560
Hair Stylist
Ribs
RUNNER UP: Christi Maroney, 9.27%, 661
OakWood Smokehouse & Grill, 54.63%, 2429
RUNNER UP: iBar-B-Que, Fruitland Park, 19.55%, 869
Steak
Goblin Market, Mount Dora, 36.12%, 1333 RUNNER UP: O’Keefe’s Irish Pub,
Monique Buscemi, 72.41%, 5164
Bartender
Mary’s Kountry Kitchen, Tavares, 39.68%, 1130
RUNNER UP: Coney’s Italian Ice And Creamery, 33.78%, 962
RUNNER UP: Mike Lynch at Pisces Rising, Mount Dora, 27.66%, 787
Cocktails
Food Server
BBQ
OakWood Smokehouse & Grill, 47.22%, 2190
RUNNER UP: iBar-B-Que, Fruitland Park, 17.59%, 816
Wings
Ramshackle Café, Leesburg, 36.95%, 1533
RUNNER UP: Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant, Leesburg, 27.91%, 1158
Seafood
Fish Camp On Lake Eustis, Tavares, 27.99%, 1214 RUNNER UP: Tiki West Raw Bar And
Grill, Tavares, 21.84%, 947
RUNNER UP: 1884 Restaurant And Bar, Eustis, 21.09%, 649
One Flight Up, Mount Dora, 56.68%, 1541 RUNNER UP: Wild Bear Coffee,
Tavares, 23.94%, 651
Sweet Tea
OakWood Smokehouse & Grill, 39.42%, 1543
RUNNER UP: Mason Jar, Dona Vista, 27.13%, 1062
Food Truck
Joy Donuts, 47.62%, 1283 RUNNER UP: Fillin Good, 33.15%, 893
.com
RUNNER UP: Lavonte Rogers at Texas Roadhouse, 29.60%, 592
Coffee
FISH CAMP ON LAKE EUSTIS
lakeandsumter
Chris Eunice at 1921 By Norman Van Aken, Mount Dora, 29.95%, 599
Goblin Market, Mount Dora, 23.03%, 709
Tavares, 19.67%, 726
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Terence at O’Keefe’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Tavares, 32.97%, 938
Dessert
CHEF JESSY FLINN, GOURMET TODAY
Key: Percentage of total votes in category, number of votes received. // Want to see the full list of results? Check it out at lakeandsumterstyle.com
Financial Advisor Liz Cornell, 45.64%, 1187
RUNNER UP: Tracy Belton, 24.34%, 633
Banker
Realtor
Logan Wilson, RLW Realty, 29.91%, 1128 RUNNER UP: Lauren Ficket,
Morris Realty, 19.20%, 724
Gail Baker, Reunion Bank, 29.75%, 625
Volunteer
Southern Bank, 26.23%, 551
RUNNER UP: Tim Totten, 20.31%, 624
RUNNER UP: Lyndsi Johnson, United
Chef
Chef Jessy Flinn, Gourmet Today, 27.54%, 784 RUNNER UP: Chef Ronie Mcree,
O’Keefes Irish Pub, 23.71%, 675
Christina Cruz, 39.54%, 1215
Home Builder
Flooring
The Floor Shoppe, 40.68%, 831 RUNNER UP: Marks Flooring, 24.03%, 491
Lawn Care Service Craig Williams Lawn Service, 36.37%, 475
RUNNER UP: KB Lawn, 31.32%, 409
Teacher
Police Officer
Sarah Coursey, Tavares, 39.14%, 1548
RUNNER UP: Kyle Moore, Leesburg, 31.96%, 1264
Firefighter
Brian Gamble, Lake County, 30.75%, 1099
RUNNER UP: Chris Benway, Eustis, 27.67%, 989
Kelly Raley, Eustis Middle School, 39.44%, 1479
Photographer
RUNNER UP: BP Smith Construction, 27.37%, 1060
High School, 23.57%, 884
RUNNER UP: Sierra Ford Photography, 19.46%, 873
Commercial Builder
Coach
RUNNER UP: Hometown Builders, 26.55%, 474
RUNNER UP: Rich Billings, LSCC, 31.40%, 909
KevCo Construction, 38.57%, 1494
Lee Woods Construction, 32.66%, 583
RUNNER UP: Melissa Newman, Tavares
Kevin Von Maxey, Tavares Middle School, 37.34%, 1081
Pool Contractor
Artist
RUNNER UP: Blue Moon Pools, 27.53%, 501
RUNNER UP: Lauren Cunningham, 21.18%, 598
T&D Pools, 51.21%, 932
Krysta Smith, 63.51%, 1793
Roofing Contractor
Local Band/ Musician
RUNNER UP: Eustis Roofing, 29.15%, 723
RUNNER UP: Jeff Whitfield, 22.31%, 845
Scott’s Roofing, 39.72%, 985
Bryce Mauldin, 24.02%, 910
Bonnie Whicher Photography, 43.78%, 1964
Plumber
Dunstan Plumbing, 36.38%, 891 RUNNER UP: Mike Scott Plumbing, 23.23%, 569
Mortgage Broker
Mary Rhodes, The Mortgage Firm, 22.38%, 358
RUNNER UP: Rich Lemoyne, Mortgage Financial, 17.69%, 283
Printers
Ford Press, 39.83%, 1047
RUNNER UP: Henn-House Printing, 26.78%, 704
Electrical Contractor Electrical Works, 28.62%, 415
RUNNER UP: Electrical Services, Inc, 22.97%, 333
FIRST ACADEMY JOE CICERI, ELECTRICAL WORKS
Places Day Care
First Academy, Leesburg, 36.16%, 794
RUNNER UP: Sonshine School, 19.03%, 418
Private School LIZ CORNELL, TB FINANCIAL
First Academy, 31.66%, 883
RUNNER UP: Mount Dora Christain Academy, 24.92%, 695
Bank/Credit Union United Southern Bank, 30.87%, 1081
RUNNER UP: Insight Credit Union, 26.78%, 938
August 2018
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PLANET FITNESS
Gym/Fitness Center Planet Fitness, 33.99%, 1476 RUNNER UP: Anytime Fitness, 15.80%, 686
Funeral Home
Beyers Funeral Home, 53.37%, 1466
RUNNER UP: Harden Pauli, 19.77%, 543
Hair Salon
Micheal’s Couture, Leesburg, 19.68%, 699
Heating & Air
Villages, 18.98%, 674
RUNNER UP: Duct-Man Mechanical Services, 21.38%, 527
RUNNER UP: Salon Jaylee, The
Barber Shop
Garrett’s Gentleman Shop, Eustis, 33.48%, 624 RUNNER UP: Cals Barber Shop,
Brownwood, 25.38%, 473
Nail Salon
Alina Nails, Mount Dora, 19.50%, 481
RUNNER UP: Golden Nails & Tanning,
Leesburg, 15.85%, 391
Car Wash
Superwash Express, 33.33%, 1220
Munn’s Heating & Air, 42.03%, 1036
Places for entertainment
Pest Control
Deans Services, 27.79%, 632
RUNNER UP: Eagle Exterminating, 19.00%, 432
Building & Home Supplies
Guys Night Out
Ace Hardware, 65.02%, 2338
World Of Beer, The Villages, 26.41%, 817
RUNNER UP: Ro-Mac Lumber, 27.11%, 975
Self Storage
RUNNER UP: O’Keefe’s Irish Pub,
Tavares, 24.11%, 746
Rolling Acres Self Storage, 38.37%, 574
Girls Night Out
RUNNER UP: Harris Mini-Storage, 23.20%, 347
Painting With A Twist, Mount Dora, 40.50%, 1380
RUNNER UP: Kelsey’s Lube & Car Wash, 24.04%, 880
RUNNER UP: Bru Tap House, Tavares, 23.45%, 799
Places to shop Furniture
Babette’s Furniture, 54.57%, 1613
RUNNER UP: Family Furniture, 21.14%, 625
Clothes
Salty Mare, Eustis, 32.54%, 877
RUNNER UP: Prominent Fox, Oxford, 20.45%, 551
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Sporting Good/ Outdoors
Hibbetts Sports, 37.76%, 713
RUNNER UP: Brooker’s Bait & Tackle, 22.14%, 418
Auto Dealerships Vann Gannaway Chevy, Eustis, 31.29%, 874
RUNNER UP: Phillips Toyota, Leesburg, 18.58%, 519
JOHNNY AND JOHN MALIK, GATOR HARLEY
Key: Percentage of total votes in category, number of votes received. // Want to see the full list of results? Check it out at lakeandsumterstyle.com
Performing Arts
Festival/Event
RUNNER UP: Melon Patch, Leesburg, 20.21%, 663
RUNNER UP: Leesburg Bikefest, 31.41%, 1345
Bay Street Players, Eustis, 33.11%, 1086
Sports Bar
Wine Bar
RUNNER UP: Froggers Grill,
RUNNER UP: Hemingway’s Wine & Cigar, 12.57%, 372
Gator’s Dockside, Eustis, 31.82%, 851 Mount Dora, 25.69%, 687
Bowling
Lake Square Mall Entertainment (Via Port), 35.04%, 1161
The Goblin Market, Mount Dora, 52.05%, 1984
Two Old Hags, 50.96%, 1508
Cigar Bar
Hemingway’s, Tavares, 44.80%, 977
RUNNER UP: Garvino’s, The Villages, 41.63%, 908
RUNNER UP: Break Point Alley,
Attraction
Gala/Fundraiser
RUNNER UP: GatorWorld, Wildwood, 26.88%, 922
Tavares, 33.87%, 1122
Date Night
Mount Dora Art Festival, 35.17%, 1506
Boys & Girls Club Black & White Ball, 31.70%, 1114
Lake Eustis Museum of Art, 41.08%, 1409
RUNNER UP: Amazing Race For Charity, 20.18%, 709
RUNNER UP: O’Keefe’s Irish Pub,
Tavares, 16.95%, 646
Family Night Lake Square Mall Entertainment (Via Port), 43.74%, 1487
RUNNER UP: Gator’s Dockside, Eustis, 23.03%, 783
Movie Theater AMC, Lake Square Mall, 49.08%, 2508 RUNNER UP: Barnstorm,
Brownwood, 26.42%, 1350
Motorcycle Dealers Gator-Harley, Leesburg, 56.67%, 1431
RUNNER UP: Lucky U Cycles, Wildwood, 26.85%, 678
Boat Dealership Nobles’ Marine, Leesburg, 50.11%, 920
RUNNER UP: Mount Dora Boating
RV Dealership
Camping World, 46.78%, 639 RUNNER UP: Alliance Coach, 27.75%, 379
Antiques
Gift Shop
Peddler’s Wagon, Eustis, 44.51%, 1274
RUNNER UP: Alada’s China & Gifts,
Leesburg, 21.91%, 627
Main Street Antiques, Leesburg, 36.37%, 655
Jewelry
Leesburg, 27.21%, 490
RUNNER UP: Ardens Fine Jewelers, 24.59%, 889
RUNNER UP: Victoria’s Antiques,
Merry Jewelers, 26.22%, 948
Pet Items
Piglet’s Pantry, 46.27%, 1210
RUNNER UP: Leesburg Pet Center, 22.49%, 588
Health Foods
The Health Basket, Mount Dora, 40.55%, 1388 RUNNER UP: The Green Apple,
Lady Lake, 28.57%, 978
& Marina, 24.95%, 458
August 2018
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KRISTIN JAMIESON NMLS #1097663
‘GETTING PEOPLE INTO HOMES IS WHAT WE DO!’ Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. provides one-on-one service every step of the way PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
F
irst-time home buyers, retirees, or growing families interested in buying a home may find it financially advantageous to sit down and talk with a loan officer before calling a Realtor to go house hunting. Kristin Jamieson, mortgage loan consultant with Success Mortgage Partners, Inc., and her team of 13 (three loan originators and support staff), guide prospective buyers through every step of the mortgage process—from getting preapproved to the closing. “I really do love what I do, and I love helping people. Getting people into homes is what we do,” Kristin says. “I actually care that they can afford to make their first payment.” She also cares because buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions people make in their lives. “Most people buy a house no more than five times in their life, and it’s vital having somebody local on their side,” she says. “It requires a human touch to get somebody into their new home.” Kristin has been in the mortgage industry 13 years, mostly as an underwriter. “Four years ago I sought to be the loan officer that everybody wasn’t, and it has fared very well for me,” she says of opening Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. in Montverde. The company’s home office is in Plymouth, Michigan. “Last year we were the No. 1 small branch of our company in 18 states,” Kristin says. “And we were the No. 9 lender in Florida for USDA financing, which is 100
percent financing for low- to moderate-income families. It was exciting that my little branch here in Lake County was up against all the big builders to be named No. 9. We have made tremendous strides, accomplishments, and closed over 1,200 loans in the last 3 ½ years, and those were all local families.” The company’s mission is to provide the best quality customer service. “A lot of what we do is education,” Kristin says. “Not everybody who comes to us qualifies for a mortgage right away, so we are constantly
can afford,” she says, adding it’s vital for the buyer to be comfortable. If a buyer qualifies for a $250,000 house, she notes a Realtor may only show houses in that price range. “You don’t want to see a house and fall in love with something you can’t afford.” Among the different mortgages available, Kristin says FHA loans, with a 3.5 percent down payment, allows borrowers to spend up to 57 percent of their income on monthly debt obligations, such as mortgage, credit cards, student loans, and car loans.
We solve problems that people don’t even know they have most of the time, including ways to improve their debt-to-income ratio during the pre-approval process. Since we are doing the underwriting up front, we are catching things a lot quicker than other lenders would. — KRISTIN JAMIESON
educating on credit and what people can do to build their credit score and maximize their credit points. Having us as an advocate and credit expert can help.” She adds: “We solve problems that people don’t even know they have most of the time, including ways to improve their debt-to-income ratio during the pre-approval process. Since we are doing the underwriting up front, we are catching things a lot quicker than other lenders would.” Kristin advises prospective buyers to budget what they want to pay for a house payment. “Usually when people come to me for qualifying, I can qualify them for more than what they want to pay on a monthly basis, so it doesn’t matter what I say somebody
Many local home buyers are in the 25- to 33-age range, and that time in a client’s life is full of so many unknowns. While Kristin says she would never discriminate against someone based on their age or their future plans, it is important to her that her clients are prepared for big life changes and consider those when deciding how much they want in a monthly payment. “Just because they don’t have kids now doesn’t mean they aren’t planning on having them in the future”, Kristin says, “or if someone was planning to retire in a few years, they would need to consider what their retirement income will be too.” Kristin wants to help people achieve their best future, it’s what drives her every day.
Check out Kristin’s tips about the mortgage process on her informative video blogs at kristinjamiesonfl.com Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. NMLS #130562 16903 Lakeside Drive, Unit #1, Montverde 352.242.1535
August 2018
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Keeping an eye on the future
Aegis Medical Group is leading the way in telemedicine care for patients. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
T
elemedicine is like an extra set of eyes to watch patients, and Aegis Medical Group has the vision to take advantage of the inhome technology. Aegis, in concert with sister company Lakeview Health Systems, started using telemonitoring devices in February to track high-risk patients with conditions such as uncontrolled blood pressure or blood sugar, congestive heart failure, and chronic
* It’s the future of medicine as I see it. The more I do it, the more I realize how much it has benefited patients. — RASHMEE POKHAREL
Aegis Medical Group 711 N. 3rd St., Leesburg, 34748 352.720.0940 aegismedicalgroup.com
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.com
obstructive pulmonary disease. Currently, there is no cost to the 24 patients in the program. “It’s the future of medicine as I see it,” says Rashmee Pokharel, a nurse practitioner with Aegis. “The more I do it, the more I realize how much it has benefited patients. It helps the patients and providers to closely monitor the patients’ conditions, and helps them to manage their chronic care conditions in their own home setting.” Rashmee shows patients how to use the telemonitoring devices, which are connected just twice a day—patients are not constantly walking around with them. The telemonitors are mobile medical devices equipped with capabilities to transmit patient parameters (e.g. BP, BS, weight or oxygen saturation) to the cloud, either directly via cellular signal or by using Bluetooth technology in other mobile devices, e.g cell phones. The data is then accessed by Rashmee using HIPPA compliant Windows-based software system in Aegis computers. She checks a patient’s data twice a day, and if any critical abnormalities arise, she communicates with the patient immediately. She’s also in contact with the primary
care providers, who have access to data via print out reports or by directly logging into the system if needed. Otherwise, Rashmee talks to patients on a regular basis to keep tabs on their use of medications, as well as advising them on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications. Telemedicine is part of the overall primary care, and not a substitute for doctor appointments or proper use of medication. But the monitoring helps Rashmee and the physicians know that patients are taking medication in the correct dosage and frequency. Telemedicine also can reduce unnecessary visits to the emergency room, and reduce health-care costs in the long run as patients take better control of managing their conditions. Aegis soon will implement videoconferencing into the program, and Rashmee expects telemedicine to be expanded to cover more patients and a wider range of medical specialties. “I’ve received very positive results from the patients and their families,” Rashmee says. “At first, they’re a little bit hesitant when they hear about the technical aspect and using devices. But they’re happy to see the ease of using it.”
F e at u r i n g
6 The Villages is still a hot spot! Growth continiues, great entertainment reigns, and a new hotel is on its way. Plus
12 An eye on diabetes Keeping blood sugar under control is essential.
4 Toy commander Villager Gerald G. Haggerty paints toy soldiers.
* MVESEtT yAlVeI L L A G E R
He commands a small army Former promotions supervisor Gerald G. Haggerty enjoys peacful villages. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTO: ANTHONY RAO
V I TA L
S TAT
S
Villages resident since 2005. Former homes: Red Bank, Monmouth County, New Jersey, and New York, New York. Retired from Time Inc./ McGraw-Hill Publishing as promotions supervisor. Married 54 years to wife Mary Jane. Family: Four daughters; 15 grandchildren
What I enjoy most about living in The Villages: The warmth of the people and the weather.
My typical day: Breakfast with my wife, Mary Jane. Some days I’m involved with church work at St. Vincent de Paul, and other days I work part-time at the Old Mill Playhouse. I enjoy dinner with Mary Jane on our lanai and occasionally dining out with friends in The Villages.
My motto: Treat others as you wish to be treated.
Guilty pleasure: Desserts of any kind.
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Favorite movie: “Lawrence of Arabia” or anything directed by David Lean.
Favorite activity: Painting miniature model soldiers and historical figures.
Best advice I’ve ever been given: Always be truthful. Favorite possession: Good health.
Something about me that no one knows: In college, I was the official ram keeper of the school mascot, the Fordham ram, Rameses XVIII. In high school, I was employed as a pony boy at the Bronx Zoo, giving
children rides around the children’s zoo track.
On my bucket list: River boat cruise in Europe.
Pet peeve: Automobile drivers who do not use their directional signals. One word that describes me: Friendly. If I could have dinner with anyone living or dead, it would be: Jesus Christ or Thomas Jefferson.
Favorite quote: “Lord make me an instrument of thy peace…” and the rest of the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.
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* IVNSTtHyE lV eI L L A G E S
Adjusting to declining capabilities Aging means slowing down, but never quitting. STORY: JOE ANGIONE
I *
If you’re still enjoying strenuous pursuits, and don’t want to slow down, the time will come when you must accept declining capabilities.
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’ve been living in The Villages for nearly 21 years, and recently I reflected on how I’ve changed over time. Most significant is although I’m healthy for my age, I can no longer do some of the physical things I once was able to do like many of my friends. I can no longer climb a ladder to clean my roof gutters. I can’t play half-court basketball with my grandsons anymore… or play touch football with them. My body just can’t take the twists and jumps it used to. Stamina is abandoning me. My metabolism seems nearly zero. Also, my interest in controlling my weight is not as avid. Years ago, I walked for miles along a sandy beach or around the promenade deck of a cruise ship. It was invigorating. But now, arthritis flareups in my feet cooled my passion for this. Until about five years ago, my wife and I loved high-energy vacations. I remember happily “zip-lining” across the canyons of Chile. But now, after a knee replacement, the thought of doing that sends shivers down my legs. Am I defeated, old, and useless?
Some say I’ve become lazy and too fearful of injury. I’ve been told some help from a doctor might get me feeling my oats again. Maybe so. But aging has a natural way of diminishing enthusiasm for an energetic lifestyle. Sooner or later, goal changes from a quest for excitement to one for comfort and convenience. If you’re still enjoying strenuous pursuits, and don’t want to slow down, the time will come when you must accept declining capabilities. There’s no particular age, but, be assured, it will happen. Gradually, you’ll find yourself with a new perspective on pleasure, where joy comes from sitting in the sun, not running through it…soaking in a pool, not swimming laps…where a vacation means sightseeing from the comfort of a tour bus, not puffing your way up steep hills. Medical science says we must maintain moderate physical activity throughout our lives. But it also says sleeping in on weekends, or at least a couple of days a week, can add years to your life. So, don’t feel guilty about giving in to more comfort and convenience. It’s not a sin…and it won’t kill you.
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s e g a l l i V e h T in hing of everyt e r o m y s enjo . Resident munity expands m o c as the RIS STORY: CH
6
GERBASI
Hot property Residents in the north end of The Villages had been clamoring for more recreation space before the population grew in the past year with the opening of two new villa complexes on County Road 42. Those residents’ prayers were answered when the First Baptist Church at The Villages sold its original fellowship hall and 18 acres to the Village Center Community Development District. The $2 million deal was three years in
the making. The site at 7746 SE Highway 42 will be transformed into a new regional recreation center, including the renovated 9,000-square-foot building, a swimming pool, and “both specialty and unique indooroutdoor recreation opportunities,” district documents state. Development will take many months, and the new campus will mirror the look of other Village Center sites, Recreation Director John Rohan said during the developer’s annual presentation to homeowners. “We’re going to Village-ize it,” John says. “It’s a great building, great set-up, great location.”
Hot housing As The Villages develops its southern region, home sales are sizzling. In 2017, more than 1,000 homes were sold in the newest neighborhoods south of State Road 44, a sales representative says. Part of the attraction are new floor plans: patio villas offer easy, low-maintenance living and include three-bedrooms, a variety of new kitchen designs, and golf cart and two-car garages; and verandas combine the privacy of a courtyard with the comforts of a full-size home. Construction is not ending anytime soon. New villages continue to be unveiled south off County Road 468, and the developer also purchased another 5,600 acres in Wildwood, east of CR 501 and extending south of CR 470, to build more homes and businesses, according to Villages news announcements.
Hot town square Rustic Brownwood Paddock Square continues to grow like a Western boomtown. A major medical center/hotel project announced in 2017 broke ground recently on State Road 44, west of Grand Traverse Plaza. It’s expected to be completed by spring 2020, Villages director of operations Kelsea Manly recently told residents. The Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood will be a state-of-the-art, six-story, 200,000-square-foot multispecialty care clinic—essentially a “bedless hospital” serving all needs except emergency services. The Brownwood Hotel & Spa will have a “luxury cowboy theme,” Kel-
FLORIDA CANCER SPECIALISTS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER TODD SCHONHERZ, CENTER, GOV. RICK SCOTT, FIFTH FROM RIGHT, AND FCS PHYSICIANS AND STAFF MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE CENTER OF ADVANCED HEALTHCARE AT BROWNWOOD. (PHOTO BY FLORIDA CANCER SPECIALISTS)
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sea says. The boutique hotel will include 151 guest rooms, a multipurpose courtyard, and 10,000 square feet of convention space on the first floor of the seven-story building. The 6,800-square-foot spa will offer both traditional and medical spa services, and a resort-style pool with indoor-outdoor bar, and the Wolfgang Puck Kitchen & Bar will have seating for 140 guests plus two private dining locations in the hotel. Within Brownwood Square, a new two-story extension of buildings on Kiessel Road will house restaurants, retail shops, and Villages administration offices, a sales representative says.
HOT MUSIC
JON SECADA: Warning: Villagers may be seen in the throes of passion after listening to the Cuban singer’s romantic sounds. Aug. 17, the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center. THE GUESS WHO: Who would’ve guessed the Guess Who would still be touring? The Canadian rockers will bring along a “Laughing” “American Woman”
Hot recreation New residents need new playgrounds, and The Villages’ plans for recreation centers are as ambitious as its housing blueprint. The most elaborate center is slated for the northwest corner of County Road 468 and Florida’s Turnpike. The Everglades Recreation Center & Softball Complex provides four softball fields, sports pool, basketball court, multipurpose soccer field, pickleball and platform tennis courts, shuffleboard and bocce courts, theater and crafts room, and areas to use radio-controlled cars and boats. The Everglades complex is expected to open in fall 2019, according to Villages news announcements.
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THE GUESS WHO
TITO JACKSON
with “These Eyes” who’s come “Undun.” Dec. 11, Savannah Center. WAR: Since the funky band’s inception in 1969, fans have been making love, not war, to songs like “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” and “Low Rider.” Jan. 18, Savannah Center. THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS: Despite the death of Bobby Hatfield, partner Bill Medley continues to tour with a new
Hot future icon The Villages brand will be on display for all to see when a large golf cart bridge with the community’s logo on the side is built over Florida’s Turnpike by early 2020. Two other new bridges spanning State Road 44, along with a network of tunnels, will connect the north and south sections of The Villages, developer Mark Morse recently told residents.
“brother,” Bucky Heard, presumably also righteous. Find out if they’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’. Jan. 20, the Sharon. DON MCLEAN: Enjoy classics like “American Pie” and “Vincent (Starry Starry Night),” just don’t ask the singersongwriter to explain them. Feb. 1, the Sharon. B.B. KING BLUES BAND FEATURING TITO JACKSON: The thrill may
Hot veggies
THE BEACH BOYS
be gone, but the blues live on. The late legend’s band keeps the good times rolling with…Tito? Believe it. Feb. 16, Savannah Center. TONY ORLANDO: It’s a new dawn for Tony, minus the Dawn of his 1970s heyday. If you want to see him, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ’Round the Ol’ Oak Tree” and “Knock Three Times.” Feb. 24-25, the Sharon. WAYNE NEWTON
WAYNE NEWTON: For one night, “Mr. Las Vegas” will
be “Mr. Villages.” Don’t forget the showgirls, Wayne. “Danke Schoen.” Feb. 26, the Sharon. BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS: …and aches and pains and gray hair…but the rock-jazz genrecrossing crusaders still are making fans so very happy. Featuring singer Bo Bice. March 1-2, Savannah Center. THE BEACH BOYS: Mike Love and Bruce Johnston’s version of the classic Cali surf band sails into town. March 3-4, the Sharon. Source: thevillagesentertainment.com
Hot euphemism When is a sinkhole not a sinkhole? When it’s in The Villages. Administrators prefer to use the word “depression.” But they may want to think of an alternative because a lot of residents are depressed about the stunning number of sinkholes that have been reported each month this year. And these aren’t potholes; some appear to be 20-40 feet wide and 20-40 feet deep. Hurricane Irma’s severe weather and a rainy spring are to blame, some reports say, but maybe The Villages is getting so big it’s collapsing upon itself.
Starting this fall, The Villages returns to its farmland roots. Farm-totable food items at local restaurants will be coming direct from The Villages Grown, a 40-acre organic farm in the works at the southwest corner of State Road 44 and County Road 468, opposite the Rohan Recreation Center. The “controlled agriculture” farm will grow crops such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers vertically in greenhouses; one acre will equal 10 acres of conventional agriculture. The approach uses less water, creates less pollution, and creates a more consistent product, Villages director of operations Kelsea Manly says.
Hot activity Villagers love the natural environment of the community, but if man gives nature some assistance, that’s fine, too. Guided tours on manmade Lake Sumter proved so successful that the schedule has been extended at least through September. The Recreation & Parks Department conducts kayaking, fishing, and nature pontoon tours for guests who want to get closer to the wildlife and ecosystem on the lake.
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Hot hobby
HOT CONTROVERSIAL FIGURE You either love him or hate him. Much like in Cooperstown, Pete Rose didn’t get into the big hall in The Villages for “4192 – An Evening with Pete Rose Live!” Baseball’s hit king and recidivist gambler stages a Broadway-style theatrical event Oct. 6 at Savannah Center, rather than at the Sharon. Of course, Pete’s well-known as a songand-dance man in the tradition of Jimmy Cagney. The night revolves around storytelling, backed by multimedia visuals, from the man known as “Charlie Hustle” on the field and now “Hustling Buck” in his baseball banishment years. The show will go on, unless someone tells Pete that Vegas is posting odds on when the show will close.
Woodworking is so popular in The Villages that a land deal was made to add a second shop for the community. The chosen site is on Buena Vista Boulevard behind a public safety station and across from Eisenhower Recreation Center. The original Villages Woodshop, at 704 Oak St., provides hobbyists with all the machinery and tools necessary for all types of woodworking, and also host classes. But despite 8,000 square feet of space, the shop doesn’t have enough room to meet the woodworking demand, developer Mark Morse says. If he needs any help building the new structure, he knows who to call.
Hot for teacher Villagers must have a thirst for knowledge. The Enrichment Academy, implemented in 2017 as a replacement for the shuttered Lifelong Learning College, has been an overwhelming success with 10,000 registrations and counting, according to Recreation Director John Rohan.
Hot rivalry Sure, it’s a David vs. Goliath matchup, but Water Oak Country Club Estates is making a big push for expansion toward The Villages. Water Oak, adjacent to The Villages on U.S. Highway 441 in Lady Lake, is a 55-plus gated community that’s hoping to add 300 manufactured homes to its 1,100 current homes, news reports state. But apparently not everybody loves an underdog, as the plan is running into governmental obstacles. It’s like your team is playing the champ and can’t get any calls from the refs. C’mon, Water Oak!
Hot new businesses The Villages is always adding to its commercial clientele. Among the new establishments coming soon or recently opened are: Soft Surroundings and Stretch Zone at Spanish Springs Town Square; the Rustic Rose Fashion Boutique, Bluefin Grill & Bar, and Babette’s Furniture at Brownwood Paddock Square; Paradise Nails & Spa at Sarasota Plaza; and Shooter’s World at Powell Road and County Road 44A next to Brownwood.
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Source: The Villages commercial property management
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Diabetes and your eyes Among the many problems uncontrolled diabetes can contribute to are diseases of the eye. STORY: LEIGH NEELY
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Though diabetic retinopathy is mentioned most often, there are a number of diseases related to having uncontrolled blood sugar.
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ugust is Eye Awareness Month, a time when we bring awareness to various eye conditions. Uncontrolled diabetes causes several eye problems. The main point to remember is all forms of diabetic eye disease have the potential to lead to blindness. That alone seems motivation enough to keep blood sugar at safe levels. Dr. Shawn C. Wilker, with MidFlorida Eye Center, specializes in diabetic eye care and is board-certified in ophthalmology. He says eye diseases caused by uncontrolled or untreated diabetes are the leading cause of blindness in America. “There was a major study not long ago that proved maintaining blood-sugar levels and keeping them consistent can prevent complications from diabetes,” Dr. Wilker says. “The two factors that contribute to possible complications are how long the person has had diabetes and how controlled the blood-sugar levels are. I find it very frustrating that people wait too long to get help when they know something is wrong.” Diabetes testing must be done when the patient is fasting. That means no food or drink for at least eight house prior to the test. A blood-sugar level of less than 100 mg/dL is normal; 100-125 indicates
prediabetes; and blood sugar at 200 mg/dL or higher is diabetes. Unfortunately, there are no tangible symptoms of prediabetes, and the main symptoms of diabetes are abnormal thirst and frequent urination. Sometimes, damage to organs has already begun by the time diabetes is diagnosed, especially with Type 2. Type 1 diabetes usually begins early in life and occurs because the body produces no insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use its insulin properly. This often can be controlled with proper diet and exercise. However, there also are oral medications and injections that help the body use glucose properly and keep blood-sugar levels normal. Though diabetic retinopathy is mentioned most often, there are a number of diseases related to having uncontrolled blood sugar. Among them are macular edema, neovascularization, and neovascular glaucoma. Macular edema is swelling in the macula, which is in the center of the retina. This fluid build-up causes the macula to swell and thicken, which distorts vision. “The blood vessels start to die off,” Dr. Wilker says. “This means there is no blood flow and the area dies.” Neovascularization occurs when new blood vessels are created as with diabetic
retinopathy. “The body responds by creating new blood vessels, which sounds good. However, they are abnormal and cause bleeding and scar tissue and even blindness,” Dr. Wilker says. Retinal neovascularization is a tangle of new blood vessels on the retina surface. They bleed spontaneously or with minimal trauma, creating fibrovascular stalks, which eventually may cause the retina to detach. Neovascular glaucoma is blood vessels growing in the drainage system and fluid continues to increase with no place to go. This will result in the need for major surgery. “These days, we’re treating more problems with eye injections, like we do with macular degeneration, and they have been shown to reverse damage or improve the problem,” Dr. Wilker says. “There are still conditions we can’t do a lot about, but that’s not the situation with diabetes. With good care and controlling blood sugar, these things may never happen.”
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* BVOSOtK yR lE VeI E W
“The Glass Room” By Ann Cleeves. The fifth book in the Vera Stanhope series doesn’t disappoint. STORY: LEIGH NEELY
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A small group of writers in a dark and stormy place is the perfect setting for a mystery.
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I
first saw Vera Stanhope when watching British crime mysteries on television. I love them, and “Vera” is one of my favorites. After learning it was based on a series of books, I knew I had to read them. Ann Cleeves is an award-winning writer, earning the Duncan Lawrie Dagger for Best Crime Novel and the Crime Writers’ Association’s Diamond Dagger, which is the highest honor in British crime writing. A prolific writer, she also writes other series and short stories. “The Glass Room” is the fifth book in the Vera series, and I especially enjoyed it because the murder took place at a writer’s workshop in remote North England. A small group of writers in a dark and stormy place is the perfect setting for a mystery. Pulling on her Agatha Christie roots, Ann has all of them together in one small bed and breakfast, but no one saw anything. When her hippie neighbor’s wife goes missing, Vera does a little
detective work and finds the runaway at the writer’s conference. However, she also finds a body along with her neighbor, who’s holding a knife. Knowing she’s too close to the main suspect, Vera calls in her whole team to help her solve this one. Vera has an array of suspects who have reasons to hate the victim, a well-known book critic who can make or break a writer’s career. One by one, the straightforward Vera and her group of detectives and forensic specialists go through the questioning and backgrounds of the writers. There’s a former policeman, a one-time best-selling author who is now running the B&B to pay bills, a professor who’s working with the writers but has a past with the victim, a new writer who has been in prison, and it just gets better and better as Vera digs deeper into all of their lives. Ann is especially adept at pulling you into the story on the first page and keeping you reading until you find out who did it—and rarely do I guess correctly about who the murderer was. I’ve read one of Ann’s standalone novels, and I was surprised at the end of it, too. Rest assured I’m going back to book one of the Vera Stanhope series. The stories don’t match with the television show, so it’ll be like having double the enjoyment. If you enjoy mysteries from the other side of the pond, check out Ann Cleeves and “The Glass Room.”
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eet our staff member of the month, Monique Tapanes, Accredited Jewelry
Professional from the Gemologist Institute of America (GIA). Monique is always providing customers with satisfaction as she continuously strives to learn and master all information regarding jewelry design. Monique is native to the Ocala, Florida area and when she is not selling diamonds, she enjoys soaking up the summer sun. One of Monique’s favorite hobbies is shopping, and this is why our customers will always find her dressed for success and ready to have everyone around her wearing the highest quality products that we offer at Arden’s.
Q&A WITH MONIQUE FROM ARDEN’S
What is the best advice you have ever received? Nothing is ever given to you, if you want something you have to earn it. What gemstone do you love the most? I love sapphires because of their rare quality of being one of the strongest natural gemstones in the world. What is your favorite diamond shape? The Oval cut, it maximizes the stone’s beauty. Favorite piece of jewelry in Arden’s? Simon G® Padparadscha ring, it displays the rarest type of pink sapphire in its center. It is an excellent piece that can be worn every day to have everyone falling in love with your jewelery!
352.751.6613 | 1060 Canal St., The Villages (Lake Sumter Landing) | www.ardensjewelers.com
A LEGACY OF WELLNESS
WEIGHT LOSS
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Legacy Clinic offers a fat-burning program designed for people to lose primarily fat as weight—without starvation, calorie counting, or frozen meals. This program offers sustainable weight loss, so that at the end of the program patients may start to eat some cheat meals here and there, and there’s no reason they should start to gain the weight back. The only exercise component of the program is a casual walk in the mornings. Fat is burned at a lower level of strenuous exercise, which can be achieved by taking a stroll for 20 to 30 minutes first thing in the morning.
Yes, this cream is derived from cannabis, and no, it won’t get you high, but it will make you feel better. Legacy Clinic is one of the few clinics in the area offering cannabis cream. The cream is flying off the shelves because of its incredible pain-relieving effects on joints and all areas of the body. The active medicinal ingredient, CBD, or cannabidiol oil, is extracted from the cannabis plant, and the cream targets the immune and nervous systems. It does not contain THC, the mind-altering ingredient. The cream penetrates the targeted area to calm spasms, arthritis, stenosis, degeneration, inflammation, adhesions, and even tremors from Parkinson’s disease within five minutes.
Legacy Clinic uses a variety of approaches to treat back pain, making it one of the most sought-after practices in all of Florida. Legacy Clinic will determine whether the patient has sciatic pain, SI (sacroiliac) joint dysfunction, IT (iliotibial) band syndrome, or a piriformis muscle issue and then choose the appropriate treatment. Legacy Clinic can treat sciatica through a plethora of different nonsurgical methods, including chiropractic manual adjustments, flexion distraction, and spinal decompression, a conservative therapy that can rehabilitate the spinal discs and take pressure off of irritated nerves without drugs or the invasiveness of surgery.
The key to laser therapy is power, and Legacy Clinic has a 60-watt laser, one of the highest wattage available. The powerful laser helps relieve patients of their pain quickly and reduces their number of visits to the clinic. The patient’s body receives the laser’s energy, which increases cellular activity, oxygen, and blood flow much like stem cell therapy would do. Laser therapy is used to heal damaged soft tissue, degenerated spinal discs, fractures, tendonitis, arthritis and tears, and may even save a patient from getting knee replacement surgery.
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Comprehensive care under one roof Advanced Wellness and Orthopedic Center provides convenience by offering numerous services in one location. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
H
ave you been in an automobile accident and need treatment? Are your hormones out of whack? Do you need to lose a few pounds to achieve a desirable blood-sugar level? All these services—and more—are offered at Advanced Wellness and Orthopedic Center in Leesburg. Dr. Chris Curry, an advanced registered nurse practitioner who completed his Doctorate of Professional Nursing at the University of Florida, started the practice 10 years ago. Since that time, his practice has developed a reputation as one that provides high-quality health care in a compassionate, caring, and welcoming environment. “We pride ourselves on providing a familylike atmosphere where we make patients the top priority,” Dr. Curry says.
Making happy hormones When hormone imbalance occurs, it can make the natural CHRIS CURRY, ARNP, DNP
aging process extremely complicated. Common symptoms of hormone imbalance include fatigue, lack of mental clarity, weight gain, and loss of libido. The team at Advanced Wellness and Orthopedic Center combats this through bioidentical hormone pellet therapy. This is a procedure where tiny pellets are implanted under the skin to treat low testosterone. The pellets, which are plant-based and mimic the molecular structure of hormones already found in the body, slowly release their powerful medicine over the duration of about three to four months. The benefits of this treatment are numerous. It can protect against Alzheimer’s disease, clear plaque from arteries, provide increased energy, and boost the libido. And contrary to popular belief, hormone pellet therapy can be every bit as effective for women as men. Men receive the treatment up to three times a year, while women receive the treatment up to four times a year. “Women need testosterone as much as men do,” Dr. Curry says. “The goal of this treatment is to set the clock
back and make you feel 25 again. We have a 98 percent retention rate.” Increased sex drive is another important benefit of hormone pellet therapy. “An example of a typical man between the age of 40 and 50 say they’re going to have sex when they get home from work,” Dr. Curry says. “But once they get home, they eat and then rest in a chair after supper. Then they decide that they’re going to bed if their wife does not make the first move. However, several months after hormone pellet therapy, it’s sex first followed by supper then rest.” Because Dr. Curry is boardcertified in anti-aging, he possesses a greater degree of expertise in the field of hormone pellet therapy. “I make sure the implants are performed properly and things are happening the way they are supposed to,” he says. For patients who desire to not only feel good but look good too, the practice offers fat-burning injections to help the body metabolize fat. The injections, which can be administered twice a week, help the liver burn fat faster and more efficiently.
Premier orthopedic services As the only office in Leesburg to offer orthopedic services, Advanced Wellness and Orthopedic Center is committed to providing compassionate, worldclass care to area residents for orthopedic injuries and conditions. General and surgical orthopedic care is offered by Dr. Richard Valenzuela, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who published more than 20 scientific articles related to cartilage reconstruction, osteoarthritis, and bone tumors. Dr. Valenzuela, or Dr. V as he is more commonly called, treats conditions such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, meniscus tears, rotator cuff tears, ulnar nerve injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains, and degenerative arthritis of the knee, hip, and shoulder. Most surgical procedures he performs are arthroscopic, and he can also administer injections under fluoroscopy. “The majority of orthopedic services we provide are done as outpatient procedures,” Dr. Curry says. “We also treat auto injury patients who need orthopedic care. Everyone loves Dr. V, and he is bilingual.”
Tackling car crashes head-on According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 7-8 million people are in automobile accidents each year. What many do not realize is that even minor wrecks can result in longterm injuries. Here’s the unfortunate part. It can take weeks, months, and even years for symptoms from those injuries to appear and affect a patient’s quality of life. Therefore, many do not seek medical treatment, erroneously thinking they escaped the automobile accident unscathed. “There is a lot of violence during an automobile accident that the body absorbs,” Dr. Curry says. “That can lead to headaches, blurred vision, or low back pain. They can also suffer air bag or seat belt injuries. People do not realize how much damage has been done until it is too late. You have to get on it right away to prevent injuries from getting worse.”
Fortunately, Advanced Wellness and Orthopedic Center has successfully treated thousands of patients who have been in motor vehicle crashes, ranging from fender benders to headon collisions. “When patients come to our office following an automobile accident, we perform an evaluation to determine if there is a need for X-ray, MRI, physical therapy, chiropractic care, or medication,” Dr. Curry says. “If there are no injuries you’re seen only one time and you’re out of here.” In addition to preventing long-term injury, there’s another important reason to seek prompt medical treatment. In Florida, if you are injured in a traffic collision and do not obtain medical attention with 14 days, your auto insurance company will not provide medical coverage. “It’s important to make sure you have the financial ability to have proper care,” he says. “Without a proper diagnosis that is not going to happen.”
Advanced Wellness and Orthopedic Center 1000 East North Blvd, Leesburg 352.702.0850
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SET YOUR SITES ON BETTER VISION “We are both so humbled and honored to have been nominated as one of The Best Eye Doctors in Sumter/Lake Counties” The Collins family: Braydon, Jessica, Branson, Dr. Collins, Brynna and Brooks
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Paul E. Collins, O.D. is a Board Certified Optometric Physician and has completed two residencies in Ocular Disease, Retina, Glaucoma, Cataract and LASIK co-management alongside some of the leading Optometrists & Ophthalmologists in the world. He has been practicing in the area since 2006. One of his residencies was completed at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, which has been rated #1 in Ophthalmology in the US for the last 13 years. The other residency having been completed at Commonwealth Eye Surgery Center in Lexington, Kentucky a leading cataract/LASIK/Co-management center serving the great state of Kentucky and those states surrounding it. Services provided: •
Comprehensive Medical Eye Exams
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Medical Eye Emergencies (red/pink eye, double or sudden loss of vision)
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The HOTTEST Orthopedic Solutions Keeps the community in the Swing of Things Florida Hospital Waterman's Orthopedic Center is dedicated to reducing pain for a better life. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
F
lorida Hospital Waterman provides some of the most advanced orthopedic care available in Central Florida. This nationally recognized orthopedic center combines the skill of board-certified orthopedic surgeons with an experienced team of nurses, therapists and clinicians all commited to providing patients the best experience possible. The dedicated and only Joint
DONALD PERRY, MD
JON RADNOTHY, DO
Commision certified orthopedic center in Lake County is designed specifically to meet the needs of orthopedic patients, making it the hottest destination around for knee and hip replacements.
Take a Knee
Sarah DeIuliis, of Eustis, had been living with arthritis pain in her knees for years. She chose to have her left knee replaced almost six years ago but her right knee remained a source of frequent pain. “I used to walk two miles every day and my right knee started bothering me more and more,” explains DeIuliis. She went to see orthopedist Samir Guru, DO, to find out what could be done about her pain long-term. Dr. Guru advised her about one of the HOTTEST modern medical solutions: Mako™ knee replacement surgery. In Lake County, this procedure is only available at Florida Hospital Waterman. "Joint pain is often chronic, occurring more gradually as an 'ache' and worsening as time goes by," says Dr. Guru. Several diseases
and conditions can lead to chronic hip and knee joint pain, but the most common cause is osteoarthritis. Mako™ Robotic-Arm Assisted knee replacement, used for higher precision, is an innovative treatment option for adults living with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis. Benefits include smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, less scarring, minimal hospitalization, improved surgical outcomes, and less implant wear and loosening. “Arthritis is when the cartilage in the knee wears out and your two bones are then rubbing together, causing severe pain,” says Dr. Guru. “In a knee replacement, we resurface the knee on the top and the bottom of the joint and use metal and plastic components so that they don’t have that bone on bone pain any more.” Today, DeIuliis is walking again every morning and recently took her family on vacation to Ireland. "I couldn’t be happier with the entire process and results,” she says.
Hip to Hips
Larry Crowdis, of the Villages, had dealt with discomfort and pain in his hip
for years. When it finally began to interfere with his golf game and favorite hobbies, he knew it was time to seek help. “The pain became debilitating to the point where I couldn’t get around comfortably doing daily activities,” explains Crowdis. To find relief, Crowdis turned to orthopedic surgeon and robotic-assisted surgical specialist Jon Radnothy, DO. “We tried physical therapy and even a cortisone shot but the pain gradually became permanent. Dr. Radnothy recommended total hip replacement using Mako™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Hip Replacement technology. In this procedure, a robotic arm assists the surgeon with accurately planning and placing implant components. "This is an excellent treatment option for adults suffering with degenerative hip joint disease," Dr. Radnothy says. "During surgery, we are able to guide the robotic-arm preparing the hip socket and positioning the implant,” explains Radnothy. “The Mako™ procedure not only increases accuracy but also results in less blood loss, greater sparing of the bone and better functioning after
recovery compared to manual total hip replacement.” After a few short weeks of physical therapy, Crowdis was back on the golf course and resuming his favorite hobby of making rugs.
Follow it up
Florida Hospital Waterman's physical therapy and rehabilitation team provides individuals who have undergone elective or emergent orthopedic medical treatment with individual and group treatment by Physical and Occupational Therapists. "These treatments are customized to address the specific individual’s goals, and allow for a safe hospital discharge," says Shelly Maes, Rehabilitation Manager. "The purpose of rehab is to restore level of functional independence and a safe return to daily life."
Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Knee and Hip replacement by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety. In addition, Florida Hospital Waterman is the only hospital in Central Florida to be named a Top General Hospital and earn straight A’s for safety since 2013.
Florida Hospital Waterman 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares, FL 32778 352.559.9343 FHWatermanOrtho.com
No bones about it
Florida Hospital Waterman is the only hospital in Lake County to earn The
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On the Scene Writing songs and heading to the studio keep David Oliver Willis busy. SEE STORY on PG 82
* TOHnE TTOh- DeO SL cI S eT n e
August AUG. 4
Clear the shore CleanUp Eustis needs your help. Join dozens of volunteers to clean the shoreline of Lake Eustis. Kayaks and canoes welcome to Ferran Park shoreline for an hour or two, beginning at 9am. Call Christine Cruz for more info at 352.217.7370. AUG. 9 AUG. 4
Pack to go back The first “Back to School Backpack Bash” will be held at Faith Christian Fellowship, 1951 Dora Ave., Tavares, from 11am-2pm. Join your community to bring school supplies to help children succeed in school. There will be food, fun games, and fellowship. Registration is required to receive a backpack. Call 352.343.9119 for info.
Sample food at the library The Roaming Gourmet, chef Zé Carter, presents the last of her Summer Cookbook series at the Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St., at 11am. Hear a cookbook review and sample dishes prepared by the chef. Call Deb Bussinger at 352.728.9790 for more information.
Longest-running musical Victory Productions presents “The Fantasticks,” the world’s longestrunning musical, at The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol, The Villages. Monday-Friday 4 & 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 3 & 7pm. Tickets: $40. See thesharon.com for info. AUG. 1-31
Doo-wop, doo-wop Victory Productions presents “Life Could Be a Dream,” the doo-wop musical, at The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. Monday-Friday 4 & 8pm; Saturday-Sunday 3 & 7pm. Tickets: $40. See thesharon.com for info.
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Dogs and cats living together It’s your last chance for “Hot Dogs, Cool Cats” at Lake County Animal Shelter this summer. Enjoy fun, food, and take a pet home. 11am-5pm. Call 352.343.9688 for more information. AUG. 11
Jazzy golf Eustis Jazz It Up Golf Tournament to benefit the Eustis High School and Middle School jazz programs. Entry fee: $70 per player. Lunch provided. Tournament at Black Bear Golf Club, 24505 Calusa Blvd., Eustis. For info, contact Brian Clemens at 407.617.7269. Check-in at 7:15am and shotgun start at 8:30am. AUG. 11-12
AUG. 10 AUG. 1-11
AUG. 11
Buying art is fun The 5th and Magnolia Art Market begins at 6pm at the Leesburg Center for the Arts. Musicians take the stage at 7pm outside the market. Call 352.365.0232 for more information. AUG. 10-12
Squishy toes Harvest season has ended at Lakeridge Winery, and it’s time to stomp the grapes! Admission is $10 for adults, and a portion of the proceeds go to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties. Grape stomping is for all ages. 10am-5pm every day. 19239 U.S. Highway 27 N., Clermont. Call 800.768.9463 for information.
Classic art The famous Florida Highwaymen will have their annual art sale and benefit in Mount Dora at the Donnelly Park Pavilion at 5th and Donnelly Street. The scenic paintings were sold on highways for years, and some of the original artists will be there. Admission is free. Call Heron Cay at 352.383.4050 for information. AUG. 13-31
Musical theater “Something Wonderful: A Celebration of Rodgers & Hammerstein” at The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol, 806 San Marino Dr., The Villages. Some of their works included “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma!” and “Carousel.” Show times: Monday-Friday, 4 & 8pm;
Saturday-Sunday, 3 & 7pm. Tickets: $40. See thesharon.com for info.
AUG. 25
UK violinist With grace and beauty, British violinist Gary Lovini thrills audiences everywhere with his beautiful music. See him at The Sharon in Spanish Springs Town Square, The Villages. Tickets: $20-$45. Show time: 7pm. See thesharon.com for info.
AUG. 17
International superstar Jon Secada comes to The Sharon in Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages. He has been on Broadway, has two Grammy Awards, and 20 million albums sold. Show time: 7pm. Tickets: $20-$70. See thesharon.com for info. AUG. 18
Book sale Cagan Crossings Community Library is having its monthly book sale beginning at 9am. Great inexpensive books: 50 cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks and DVD/CDs. $3 bags of paperback books or one coffee-table book. 16729 Cagan Oaks, Clermont. Call 352.243.1850 for info. AUG. 20
No business like show business “Ethel Merman’s Broadway” is at The Sharon in Spanish Springs Town
Square in The Villages. She was brassy, beautiful, and bold in her singing, and Rita McKenzie brings that magical voice back to the stage. Show time: 7pm. Tickets: $20-$65. See thesharon.com for info.
AUG. 25-26
All you can eat The fourth annual Mount Dora Seafood Festival begins at 11am each day on the shore of Lake Dora in Elizabeth Evans Park and Gilbert Park. Enjoy tasty seafood, activities for kids, including pirates, and lots of great music. For info, call Janet Gamache at 352.217.8390.
To have an event considered for the calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 45 days in advance of event to: calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749
Ongoing Events Farmer’s Markets Brownwood Farmer’s Market Saturday, 9am-1pm 2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood Lady Lake Farmer’s Market Tuesday, 9am-1pm Lady Lake Log Cabin 106 S. U.S. Highway 27/441
Every Friday Wear Red Fish Fry Enjoy a fish fry at AMVETS Post 2006, 500 N. Canal St., Leesburg. For more info, see amvets2006.com. 5-7pm 1st Saturday: Wine Tasting Stroll Starts at Maggie’s Attic at Alexander Street and 4th Avenue. 6-8pm (7-9pm in summer)
2nd Friday: Art Splash Features artists and performers on the sidewalks of downtown Mount Dora. 6-8pm 2nd Friday Acoustic music Live local musicians at Leesburg Center for the Arts, 429 W. Magnolia St. 7-9pm
2nd Friday: Movie in the Park Starts at dusk at Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora.
3rd Thursday: Mount Dora Food Trucks Downtown Mount Dora.
2nd Saturday Food Truck N Flick Night Leesburg Towne Square.
Every Thursday Family game night Tavares Public Library, 315 N. New Hampshire Ave. 6-8pm.
3rd Wednesday: PAWS Reading Dogs W.T. Bland Library, Mount Dora.
4th Saturday: Classic Car Cruise-In Downtown Eustis.
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* LOOnC ATL hT AeL ESNcTe n e
A song in his soul David Oliver Willis is a busy singer/songwriter who’s working to get back in the studio to do some recording. STORY: LEIGH NEELY // PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
D
avid Oliver Willis is a local musician whose name became prominent after three seasons on “American Idol.” He is busy these days and very happy about it. “‘American Idol’ propelled me to where I get a lot of calls from people who want us to play,” David says. He and his wife, Olivia, and baby daughter Selah Mae live in Mount Dora. His focus now is on writing songs and getting ready to head to the studio to record an album. “I want to jump back into original music,” David says. “It’ll be a few months before we get in the studio because we’re still writing.” A couple of his original songs include “Selah Mae” and “Young Love,” which he wrote after he and Olivia were separated for a while. “It talks about hardships and working through them.” When asked about his style of music, David laughs and says, “Saying my type of music is always the hardest. I like songs with depth that tell a story but also have a relevant groove. I guess I’d have to say it’s pop/soul.” His inspiration came from great singers like Otis Redding, Nina
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Simone, and Sam Cooke. He released his debut EP, “Milk and Honey,” in 2015. David’s schedule is full with corporate and local shows in the area. A complete list of performance dates is on his website, davidoliverwillismusic. com, and fans can RSVP that they’ll be attending. He has a lot of things going on, however, not just his music. “We’ve been talking about a coffee house/bistro in downtown Mount Dora.” In addition, he continues to be a worship leader at his church, The Cross Mount Dora, and he’s also outreach director. “I think the best things about continuing to lead worship, to me, is I’m able to use my gift for my occupation, and with church, I’m able to truly give back service to God using the gift he gave me,” David says.
*
American Idol’ propelled me to where I get a lot of calls from people who want us to play. — DAVID OLIVER WILLIS
Mieluz Grand Hall Mieluz Grand Hall is a family owned event venue designed to win your heart and take your breath away. We are known for our ability to make your “special day� spectacular. Our venue options maximize your choices while saving you time and money. All of our packages include linens, chairs and chair covers, crystal chandeliers, up-lighting, party lights, spotlights, large dance space, vintage beer and wine bar, a food and beverage management team, design and decorating service. We would love to make your dream reality. Let us be your one-stop for any event! We help you with your hair, nails, makeup, dress and the planning and decor of your special event let us create your dream a reality. Call us now and ask to schedule your tour!
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TIME
ARTIST
VENUE
8/4
Noon
Shawn Ash
8/4
7pm
Daniel Heitz Band
8/4
7:30pm
Barbara Fairchild
8/4
9pm
Manfredi Rocks
8/5
11am and 6pm
Hearts of Faith
Whispering Oaks Winery, Oxford Pisces Rising, Mount Dora Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale JJ’s Lounge and Package, Sorrento First Church of God, Eustis
8/10
6pm
David Oliver Willis
Mellow Mushroom, Mount Dora
8/10
8pm
Highway Starz
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
8/11
Noon
8/11
6pm
Shawn Ash Mai Tatro and Moonlight Drive-In
8/11
7:30pm
Ronnie McDowell
Whispering Oaks Winery, Oxford Gator Joe’s Beach Bar and Grill, Ocklawaha Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
8/11
8pm
Jimmy Hunter (drums)
Lake Harris Hideaway, Tavares
8/12
7:30pm
Defenders of Daisies
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
8/15
7:30pm
Jeff Whitfield
8/17
7pm
Jon Secada
8/18
8pm
8/17
9pm
8/18
7pm
Kings County Gypsy Elise and the Royal Blues Lonie Carter
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
8/18
7:30pm
Michael Twitty
8/18
8pm
Justin Heet
8/18
9pm
8/18
9pm
Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg
8/22
7:30pm
10,000 Papercuts Gypsy Elise and the Royal Blues Jeff Whitfield
8/23
9pm
Dan Rodz
Oasis Saloon, Sorrento
8/24
8pm
The Machine
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
8/24
9pm
Lonie Carter
8/25
Noon
Shawn Ash
8/25
7pm
Gary Lovini
8/25
8pm
Da Boys
McGregor’s Bar, Mount Dora Whispering Oaks Winery, Oxford Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
8/25
9pm
Lonie Carter
McGregor’s Bar, Mount Dora
8/31
7pm
Sulfuric
Pisces Rising, Mount Dora
8/31
8pm
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
8/31
9pm
Kings County Mai Tatro and Moonlight Drive-In
Shamrock Lounge, Leesburg American Legion, Mount Dora Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Frank’s Place, Leesburg
Ruby Street Grille, Tavares
Bru Tap House, Tavares
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Our company is dedicated to customer satisfaction and trust through quality craftsmanship, integrity, hard work and communication with our client. We value the reputation we have earned.
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Wild West in St. Pete Move over, Sal (Dali); take a break, Dale (Chihuly). The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is St. Petersburg’s new ‘sheriff ’ in town. STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS // PHOTOS: COURTESY OF JAMES MUSEUM OF WESTERN AND WILDLIFE
T
he Tampa Bay area may seem like an unlikely location for a museum dedicated to the American West; however, it’s probably not any more unlikely than, say, venues focused on Spain’s most avant-garde painter or a glass artist from Washington state. And those museums are attracting thousands of visitors each
St. Petersburg, FL
JOHN COLEMAN (AMERICAN, 1949-). 1876, GALL-SITTING BULL-CRAZY HORSE (2008, BRONZE, 5/9)
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year to the downtown arts district in St. Petersburg. So, why not a Western-themed museum, especially when billionaire Thomas James, chairman emeritus of the Raymond James Financial Services Co., is willing to share his collection with his city. Much of the art—which took decades to collect—once
decorated the company’s corporate headquarters in St. Pete. When the new James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art opened earlier this year, director Bernice Chu said the collection was inspired by Thomas’ fascination with cowboy lore. Thomas and his wife, Mary, frequently traveled to the American West to pursue
MATTHEW HILLIER (BRITISH AMERICAN, 1958-). SUMMER SNOW (2011, OIL ON BOARD)
BILLY SCHENCK (AMERICAN, 1947-). OH, YOU WANTED TO SEE MY GUNS? (1991, OIL ON CANVAS)
SCHOOL GROUPS EXPERIENCE THE STORIES OF THE AMERICAN WEST THROUGH ART
DAVID DEVARY (AMERICAN, BORN 1943). RED BARN DOORS (1990, OIL AND GOLD LEAF ON LINEN)
her love of skiing. As art collectors since their college days, it was only natural for them to frequent galleries and shows when they were not on the slopes. Although they began collecting New England scenes as students at Harvard and Wellesley, their tastes eventually evolved
to American Western art, primarily because they grew up on cowboy movies and the romance of the Old West. The stories of the American West are told through 300 to 400 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures and one-of-a-kind jewelry. The jewelry, which is Mary’s contribution to the collection, features a broad selection of contemporary Southwestern and Native American jewelry as well as bolos and belt buckles. The 80,000-square-foot museum is organized into six galleries. The Early West Gallery features the oldest paintings in the collection, from the 1890s to the 1940s. Well-known artists include Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, and the Taos Society of Artists. The Native Life Gallery highlights visual stories of
FRITZ SCHOLDER (AMERICAN, LUISEÑO, 1937-2005). CHEROKEE (1975, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS)
many American Indian tribes in the 1800s. The Native Artists Gallery features The Jewel Box, a collection of Mary’s exquisite contemporary Native American jewelry. The gallery, dedicated to art by 20th and 21st century American Indian artists, is one of the most popular among women visitors. The Frontier Gallery explores cowboy life and culture. Visual stories of expansion westward, the fur trade, and the adventurous Wild West are included in this gallery. Other galleries are the Wildlife and New West. The Wildlife Gallery showcases paintings and sculptures of North American mammals and birds. The New West Gallery features Western subjects in unexpected styles and approaches. Pop art, cubism, and other modern movements inspired these canvases and illustrate the West’s independent spirit in new ways. Daily admission to the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is $20, adults; $15, students/military/seniors 65-plus; $10, youths (ages 7-18); and free for children under age 7. thejamesmuseum.org
Mary Ann DeSantis Mary Ann DeSantis has written for Style publications since 2006. She was recognized with first-place Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards for Travel Writing in 2017, 2016, and 2012.
August 2018
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A treasure to discover Mount Dora Seafood Festival features food, music, and pirate fun. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI
A
Two days of fresh seafood, more than
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exhibitors on hand with specialty food items and more.
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vast ye, rogues and wenches! Today, we start our voyage with ye olde pop quiz: Which of the following does not belong? A. Crab. B. Lobster. C. Oysters. D. Pirates. If you answered “Pirates,” walk the plank! ’Twas a trick question! They all belong together at the annual Mount Dora Seafood Festival, Aug. 25-26 at Elizabeth Evans Park on Lake Dora. Yo-ho-ho! In fact, the pirates will storm the shore a day earlier for the official Friday Night Pirate Party. Guests are urged to wear their best pirate or wench apparel and join the Rusty Cutlass Band from 7-9pm on the deck at Pisces Rising Restaurant in downtown Mount Dora. This is the fourth year for the festival, and event coordinator Janet Gamache says it’s bigger and better than ever. She expects a crowd of about 40,000 visitors over the two days. Admission to the festival and all entertainment shows is free. “I like that it gives everyone something to do during the hot months and it highlights Mount Dora,” Janet says. “It brings a lot of
people to the area that normally may not come here and, hopefully, they’ll come back and visit Mount Dora in the future.” Last year, organizers extended the footprint of the festival from the park to Simpson’s Cove and the lighthouse area to provide more space for more activities—and more pirates. With apologies to the pirates, of course, the main attraction is the food. The restaurant lineup features Golden Gate Seafood, Cousins Maine Lobster, Pisces Rising, Tiki West Raw Bar & Grill, Lake Dora Sushi & Sake, and Willy T’s Crab Shack. All food vendors will have at least one seafood or tropical menu item for $5 or less so visitors can sample a wide range of options. The choices include alligator, jellyfish, ceviche, conch, blue crab, and more—you name it, Janet says. In addition, Magical Meat Boutique will pour British brews and other adult beverages at a pop-up bar for the second straight year. Owner Phil Barnard says he enjoyed being a part of last year’s festival. “It’s a very good time of year because it’s the slow season and the festival helps bring
visitors to Mount Dora during a time when a lot of businesses can use a few more customers,” he says. Other festival highlights include wine tasting, crab races, and a larger Kids’ Zone that once again will offer mechanical shark rides. Some of the best shuckers in the business also will compete for a $500 prize in the Central Florida Oyster Shuck-Off. For anyone who can’t handle life at sea, the festival offers the Landlubber Seafood Tasting Tour. The self-guided culinary adventure runs from 11am-4pm Saturday at seven downtown restaurants with seafood and beverage samples and three bonus stops offering tasting samples and discounts on purchases. Tickets cost $38 and are available at ezticketapp.com. Janet wasn’t kidding about more pirates. Blackbeard the Pirate returns this year to host a show twice a day on the Pirate stage, and visitors are likely to catch a glimpse of Cap’n Jack Sparrow sneaking around Pirate Village in the Olde Port of Mount Dora. Face painting and costumes help children become buccaneers on the Panama Pearl, a unique familyfriendly ship that will host games and a treasure hunt. So, me hearties, on your Google treasure maps, “X” marks the spot for fun in Mount Dora.
Mount Dora Seafood Festival When: 11am-9pm Saturday, Aug. 25, and 11am-5pm Sunday, Aug. 26. Where: Elizabeth Evans Park at the end of Donnelly Street on the Lake Dora waterfront. Cost: Free admission to the festival and all concerts. Parking: Parking and shuttle options are available for $5 both days at Mount Dora Christian Academy, 301 W. 13th Ave., and Saturday only at Mount Dora High School, 700 N. Highland St. A roundtrip train shuttle for $5 is available at Mount Dora Plaza Shopping Center. More information: mountdoraseafoodfestival.com Entertainment lineup (subject to change) Saturday, Aug. 26 Main Stage (at Evans Park) 11am – Rusty Cutlass, the Disney Pirate Band Noon – MacGilliossa, brilliant Celtic music 2pm – Acoustic Flair, Classic Rock 3:30pm – Central Florida Oyster Shuck-Off 5pm – Lights Out Project, Island Fusion 7pm – Craig Thompson & the Revelations, reggae Pirate Stage (at Simpson’s Cove) 11:30am – Blackbeard’s Kids Pirate Show Noon – Asa Sellers Band 2:30pm – Blackbeard’s Kids Pirate Show 3:30pm – Rusty Cutlass, the Disney Pirate Band
Sunday, Aug. 27 Main Stage 11am – Rusty Cutlass, the Disney Pirate Band Noon – TNT 2pm – Asa Sellers Band 3:30pm – Ramona The Band Pirate Stage (at Simpson’s Cove) 11:30am – Blackbeard’s Kids Pirate Show Noon – Sunnyland Steve 2:30pm – Blackbeard’s Kids Pirate Show 3:30pm – Rusty Cutlass, the Disney Pirate Band
Rusty Cutlass, the Disney Pirate Band
August 2018
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HIGHLANDRANCHFL.COM Old Highway 50 and Blackstill Lake Road Clermont, Florida 34715 Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floorplans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. Š March 2018, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. All rights reserved.
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cenic locales and unique itineraries have been hallmarks of Blount Small Ship Adventures ever since shipbuilder and founder Luther Blount opened the business in 1966 backed by the motto, “Go where the big ships cannot.” Luther originated the concept of cruises on small ships that can navigate narrow waterways and canals en route to popular destinations and private islands throughout North, Central, and South America. In fact, Blount is the only overnight cruise line that navigates the Erie Canal. In the early days, some travel agents told Luther he’d never succeed, that people didn’t want to journey on “small ships.” But the family-owned and operated business now is entering its 53rd year and presenting cruise packages for winter 2019. “We provide unique experiences for cruise travelers that you can’t find anywhere else,” says Nancy Blount, president of the company and one of Luther’s five children. “We’re destination-ori-
Blount Small Ship Adventures Questions or catalog request, call 1.888.871.3202 461 Water St., Warren, RI 02885 info@blountadventure.com www.blountadventure.com
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ented, and we offer a more intimate, casual experience than you’d find on a larger vessel.” Blount Small Ship Adventures offers two distinctive Caribbean & Central America voyages that are reachable by an easy plane ride from Florida: the Panama Canal & the Islands, and Belize & Roatan. Both itineraries are 12 days and 11 nights. The Panama trip starts at $4,999, and the Belize trip starts at $4,739 per person. Blount offers an early booking discount, saving passengers an extra 10 percent off cruise fare if booked by Aug. 27, 2018. Blount also can accommodate solo travelers with designated single cabins. Both the Panama and Belize trips have onboard naturalists who accompany guests for nature walks and provide guidance during snorkeling and kayaking, two activities included in the price of cruise fare during the Caribbean programs. The Panama Canal & the Islands excursion begins with a one-night stay in a luxurious 4-star hotel in Panama City. Departing from there,
passengers visit the “whole Panama,” including the full length of the awe-inspiring Panama Canal and the diverse, natural ecotourism destinations on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of the country. Travelers can view the marine wonders of the Pearl Islands through Blount’s glass-bottom boat, swim and snorkel among colorful coral and reef fish, take an incredible walking tour through the ramparts of old Spanish forts at Portobelo, or search out the pelican colony on Taboga and watch herons nesting along jungle rivers. Travel dates are Feb. 1-12, Feb. 15-26, and March 1-12. The Belize & Roatan trip departs from Belize City for a tropical adventure through clear-blue waters for kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and island exploration. Snorkeling enthusiasts know Belize is a must-experience destination, and this itinerary was specifically designed to take guests to exclusive islands for amazing snorkeling opportunities. An extensive barrier reef system teems with colorful marine life. This itinerary also features stops at Roatan and Utila in the Bay Islands chain off the north coast of Honduras. These islands exude authentic Caribbean charm. Travel dates are Jan. 11-22, and March 22-April 2. Luther discovered the waterways where he would launch his future cruise line after founding Blount Marine in 1949 in Rhode Island. He designed and built more than 100 vessels for clients, often making the deliveries himself and cruising all over the Western Hemisphere. Luther’s design innovations remain present today in Blount’s small ships, the Grande Caribe and the Grande Mariner. His patented bow ramp
allows the ship to dock in shallow water and deliver passengers to the edge of the shore. The ships never carry more than 84 passengers, so travelers can avoid crowded decks, kick off their shoes, and feel like they’re cruising on a friend’s yacht. And Blount’s BYOB policy is unique among cruise lines. That’s the same relaxed environment Luther created when he took relatives and friends on vacation cruises on his family boat in the 1960s. The trips became so popular, Luther decided to mix business with pleasure, and his family vacations exploded into Blount Small Ship Adventures. Family members became part of the business. Nancy worked for the company in high school and college, even serving as the only female welder in the shipyard. Later, after several years in the business world, she came back to Blount in 1979 to run the cruise line. “I stayed because it’s a family business and it was a way of working with my dad,” Nancy says. “I always respected him. He was inventive in building ships that could do what others couldn’t do. He designed boats around the different itineraries where the vessels would travel. He was a real innovator.” Luther passed away in 2006, but the family kept the cruise line and shipyard going. Today, many large cruise lines are moving toward smaller, more intimate travel plans, something Blount has been doing for more than 50 years. Like the captain who started it all, Blount Small Ship Adventures delivers great cruise experiences that are full of fun, passion, and excitement.
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Prostate Problems? As men mature, the prostate grows from a walnut-sized gland to sometimes as large as an orange. This growth causes outflow problems from the bladder in the passing of urine, resulting in symptoms from a slow stream, getting up at night to urinate, or even worse—the constant urge to urinate, even to the point that urination begins before they reach the bathroom. These inconvenient, and often embarrassing symptoms, can be resolved by proper treatment of the enlarged prostate. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Dr. James Young is a very successful urologist who has been practicing in Lake County since 1982. “The treatment of BPH (an enlarged prostate) has always been my focus, and that is the primary reason I moved to Florida when I finished my medical training as Chief Resident of Urology at the University of Arkansas. I looked at Florida as being the largest ‘prostate ranch’ in the United States, so I began my practice from scratch in Eustis in 1982.” For many decades, the only treatment for BPH was a surgical procedure, the TURP, more commonly referred to by men as a “roto-rooter.” Dr. Young performed more 3,000 of these procedures, however they were very invasive, required anesthesia, hospitalization, and could have serious complications, including massive bleeding and at times, death. Then medications were approved that relieved symptoms but after a period of time, the medications lose their effectiveness or caused side effects, usually sexual in nature. There had to be a better way. In the late 1990’s a new procedure, transurethral
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needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA) was approved by the FDA. “I was never a fan of jumping on new technology quickly because, as we know, not everything delivers the results as promised,” says Dr. Young. However, after the procedure was used for five years, Dr. Young began doing TUNAs, later known as Prostiva RF therapy. This procedure was done in the office under local anesthesia with few complications. The procedure worked by inserting wires into the prostate, then low frequency radio waves were transmitted through the wires and heated prostate tissue to 115 degrees Celsius. This heat was transmitted in a conductive manner (radiate from the wires) but the heat dissipated rapidly as it traveled away from the wires. The heat was reduced by the formula of 1/r2 with r being the distance from the wires. Basically, cores of prostate tissue surrounding the wires were destroyed. Dr. Young had tremendous success with Prostiva RF therapy and ultimately did almost 3,000 procedures. His success with Prostiva gave him the distinction of being placed on
Castle Connelly’s Top Docs list for five consecutive years. However, more than five years ago, Dr. Young heard rumors of a new technology that was similar in some ways, but completely different in others. This new therapy was FDA approved in 2015 and was known as Rezum. “Even though I have a reputation for not jumping on new technology, I completely understood the science behind Rezum, so as soon as it was available to me, I switched to this procedure immediately. The science driving this technology is fascinating. Using low frequency radio waves, water is transformed into steam and then nine seconds of steam is infiltrated into the prostate tissue, once again in the office under local anesthesia. The major difference is the heat is transferred in a convective, as opposed to conductive manner. As Einstein said, “Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed.” So once the steam is infiltrated into the prostate, and returns to liquid, it releases all the energy that changed the water into steam. This is a tremendous amount of energy and destroys much
more prostate tissue than the conductive heat did conveyed by Prostiva. There is much less discomfort with Rezum and when patients leave the office (usually in under 30 minutes), they experience no pain what so ever. Since June 2016, Dr. Young has performed just under 300 Rezum procedures, almost twice as many as any other urologist in the United States and many, many more than any other urologists in the state of Florida. “The results have been so amazing and the patients have been so happy that Healthgrades.com notified me that based on my recent reviews and clicks on my site, I am now ranked in the top 100th percentile of all urologists in the United States. While I am very proud of that, it is also very humbling. I personally think this is biggest leap forward in the treatment of BPH that I will see in my lifetime.” ________________________________
JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D.
Board-certified Urologist Practicing in Lake County since 1982 with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.
COMPREHENSIVE CARE If you are a first-time patient of Dr. Young, you will receive a detailed examination. “When I see a new patient I perform physical examinations and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” Dr. Young said. “Next, I describe to the patient what’s normal and then explain what is abnormal with him. Lastly, I teach him his treatment options. If I’ve done a good job of teaching, he will select the correct option for himself.” While prescribing medications for enlarged prostate can be done by primary care physicians, only urologists are trained to thoroughly evaluate the bladder and prostate (including ruling out prostate cancer), as well as providing extremely effective minimally invasive, office-based therapies as alternatives to lifelong medical therapy. With an office staff with nearly as much experience as
the doctor (many have worked with Dr. Young for 25 years), you don’t spend a great deal of time waiting to see him. “We pride ourselves in being timely in seeing our patients. We respect our patients’ time as much as we do our own. Patients appreciate this; many of our patients tell me I have the best office staff on the planet. I consider that a huge compliment.” So if you are waking up at night and have difficulty falling back asleep because you’re worried what may be wrong, then it is time to check in with Dr. Young and have him examine you. “Many men accept frequent bladder urges as part of aging. And while it is part of the aging process, it’s not like death and taxes. There is something you can do about it.”
James W. Young III, M.D. Nationally recognized board-certified urologist
PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING Annually over 50 years of age (At age 40 if family history or African American)
Introducing Rezum Therapy for enlarged prostate.
Prostate Evaluation Center Available for second opinions for BPH and Prostate Cancer
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Wine lovers may take a break with new craft cocktails SEE MORE on PG 120
* QFUoI CoKdB I&T EDS r i n k
Go for the heat
Crave spicy hot food dishes? Serious heat connoisseurs will want to circle their calendars in red on Aug. 19, which is billed as National Hot and Spicy Food Day. Some of the hottest spicy dishes Style has found are Macho Nachos, Buzzard’s Breath Chili, and Volcano Wings at Ramshackle Cafe in Leesburg; Spicy Sushi at VKI Japanese House and Sushi Bar in The Villages; and Purple Heart, the hottest of hot chicken wings at Cousin Vinnie’s World Famous Chicken Wings in Leesburg.
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Delights from Italy Rigoni di Asiago jellies, jams, and other samples arrived at the office just in time for the monthly meeting. Add a basket of fresh croissants, and the perfect food test was done in a matter of minutes. All the flavors were popular, from Nicciolata, organic hazelnut spread with cocoa and milk, to Mielbio, which is Italian honey, to Fiordifrutta, which is strawberries and wild strawberries. The samples were tasty and flavorful, making a Monday morning meeting a much sweeter event. Though they’re not available in Florida stores yet, these spreads are easily purchased online. Go to rigonidiasiago-usa.com and get the information, and then order from wellknown retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Vitacost.
.com
NEW
CLERMONT
Stay in, eat out When you feel like dining out but can’t muster the energy, let someone else bring the restaurant to you. Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 2240 E. Highway 50 in Clermont, recently announced it has delivery service. Delivery is
available after 4pm, and a charge for it may apply. Carrabba’s has an extensive menu of pasta dishes, seafood, steaks, chops, and wine. Call 352.394.8602 or go to carrabbas.com.
NEW
EUSTIS
Turk turf The reviews are nearly unanimous: Nalan Sultan Mediterranean Grill is a fivestar restaurant. That’s according to customers posting on the Facebook page of the Turkish restaurant that opened in the spring at 1 N. Eustis St. in downtown Eustis. The family-owned restaurant serves authentic Turkish cuisine and fresh homemade specialties including gyros, falafel, lamb dishes, beef shish, and unique desserts such as baklava. Call the restaurant at 352.357.4444 for more details.
LEESBURG
Chicken signs Have you noticed the nice new signage outside the venerable Maryland Fried Chicken in Leesburg? The familiar restaurant at 708 N. 14th St. has new, colorful signs that will no doubt bring more customers to the Leesburg landmark. So whether you go for the traditional fried chicken or the popular American burger with a fresh side salad, it’ll be easier to find one of your favorite fast-food places with the new signs.
U M AT I L L A
Cool off with cool treats
The country store/gift shop at Sunsational Citrus Inc. in Umatilla is one of the coolest places to go on hot days for tasty soft-serve ice cream in weekly rotating flavors, such as pineapple, chocolate, lemonade, and strawberry that can be twisted with vanilla. Or, if you really need to cool off, dive into the company’s wide variety of flavored shaved ice. Among the most popular flavors are blue raspberry, cotton candy, and watermelon.
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& drink * IfNoToH d E KITCHEN
Enchanting cuisine at Moss Gate B&B proprietor Laura Wright treats guests to special delights.
T Laura Wright
all concrete columns topped with urns adorn both sides of the gated, secluded driveway of Moss Gate Bed and Breakfast. The picturesque old-world ambience and canopy of old oaks make guests feel like they’re about to enter a magical place in a faraway land. “This place is like out of a storybook,” guest Isaac Nolden wrote in an online review of the B&B at 210 Rose St. in Umatilla. He also praised proprietor Laura Wright as “an absolutely amazing hostess.” Laura takes pride in making guests feel welcome, whether it’s opening Moss Gate to 300 people for a garden wedding on the front lawn, providing a luncheon for 15, or serving overnight B&B guests. “Many people call me the memory maker,” she says. She cherishes preparing memorable breakfasts with the freshest, locally sourced foods, including farm-fresh
eggs she gets from the Coop of Hope, which is just a pontoon boat ride across the lake from Moss Gate; fresh-squeezed orange juice from Sunsational Citrus; peaches from P’s U-Pick Peaches; and honey from D&J Apiary. Luncheon guests (including some Style staffers) have been treated to the tasty chicken salad that Laura makes fresh on a near-daily basis and serves on real china, along with a delicious quiche made from the farm-fresh eggs, and scrumptious miniature red velvet and carrot cakes she whips up for dessert. “I have tried to take the chicken salad off the menu for luncheons and people always ask, ‘Where’s the chicken salad?’ I totally learned if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” Laura says. The chicken salad, along with beef brisket and several other entrées and desserts, have become Moss Gate staples. Laura’s husband, Tracy, loves her stuffed French toast and secretly recommends to B&B guests that they request it for their morning meal. “It really is yummy,” Laura says. She serves it with praline bacon and agreed to share both recipes with Style readers. The Wrights opened their turn-of-the-20thcentury B&B in 2005.
Photos of Laura Wright and food: Nicole Hamel
STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL
Peach preserve stuffed French toast and praline bacon
Peach preserve stuffed French toast Ingredients
1
1
loaf (day old) French bread (unsliced) 8oz. package softened cream cheese
½
cup peach preserves
6
farm-fresh eggs
vanilla ½
1½ cups milk 1
2
teaspoon cinnamon
(Garnishes: Maple syrup, honey, and mint)
Pinch of nutmeg
teaspoon
tablespoons butter
Directions
“We bought this so that I could be a stayat-home mom and spend time with our daughter,” Laura says in raising Karlee Rae, who is now 19 and in college. An older daughter, Amanda, 39, lives and works in Indiana. Moss Gate has become popular with European visitors. Some are regulars who make annual trips to the United States and stay at the B&B. “I love it here,” Laura says. “We hear every day that people want to own a bed and breakfast. It’s a fantasy and it was mine, so I totally relate.”
Cut bread into 16 slices about 1 inch thick. Cut a pocket in each slice almost to the bottom of the crust. In a bowl, stir together softened cream cheese and peach preserves. Beat eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla till all combined. Spoon 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into each bread pocket. Dip bread slices in egg mixture. Heat skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Cook about 1½ minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drizzle honey and maple syrup over French toast. Serve with fresh, sliced peaches and whipped cream; garnish with fresh mint
Praline bacon Ingredients
24
oz. Wright Thick Sliced
Applewood Bacon
1
cup of brown sugar
1
cup of pecans Fresh honey
Directions
Drizzle honey over top of bacon. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place parchment paper on jelly pan followed by strips of bacon. Finely chop pecans in food processor. Mix pecans and brown sugar together and press into bacon. Cook bacon for approximately 20 minutes or until bacon strips start to crisp (not well done). Remove from oven and allow to cool (I place mine into freezer for 30 minutes, this makes it easier to cut into bite-size pieces.)
*
“I have tried to take the chicken salad off the menu for luncheons and people always ask, ‘Where’s the chicken salad?’ I totally learned if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” — LAURA WRIGHT
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d & drink * FfOoR o K ON THE ROA D
5
GIOVANNI’S RISTOR ANTE AND PIZ ZERIA
Delizioso! Authentic Italian cuisine from the Old Country.
Forks
STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL // PHOTO: ANTHONY RAO
(Out of a possible 5)
Giovanni’s Ristorante and Pizzeria 3439 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages 352.751.6674 Hours: 11am-9pm Monday-Saturday; 4-8pm Sunday
T
here are times when I really love my job. Giovanni’s house specialty calzone created one of those divine moments when I relished savoring each bite of a perfectly baked, golden-brown folded pizza. The calzone’s tasty crust (made from fresh dough that is handmade daily) was sprinkled with aromatic garlic and filled with the rich goodness of sauce, ricotta, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, and mushrooms. It was delicious, or more appropriately, “delizioso,” as the Italians would say. My dining companion oohed and ahhed right along with me. We were enthralled with our lunch from the get-go, diving into tasty garlic knots bread served with a hearty Greek salad of fresh lettuce, tomato slices, onions, pepperoncini, ham, feta cheese, Greek olives, and dressed with light olive oil.
Fork report:
Casual dining $$ Seated immediately (lunch hour) Wait for meal: 10minutes OUT-OF-THEORDINARY STARTERS: ($4.50$9.50): Fried ravioli, bruschetta, and mussels. ENTREES: ($6.75$16.50): Variety of pizzas, calzones, hot parmesan sandwiches, linguini Marechiaro, veal marsala, and shrimp parmigiano.
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We were thankful our friendly and efficient server, Jennifer, who has been working at Giovanni’s ever since the restaurant opened 13 years ago at Southern Trace Plaza in The Villages, alerted us to the restaurant’s generous portion sizes. We chose to split a “small” salad and calzone in order to be able to enjoy every morsel of two heavenly desserts (the newest offerings recommended by executive chef Roberto Manco): spumoni gelato, which featured three separate refreshingly cool layers of strawberry, pistachio, and chocolate gelato inside a coated chocolate shell drizzled with white chocolate, along with torta al tartufo, a delicious layered chocolate truffle cake that was light and delicate in texture and taste. Both desserts were the perfect ending to a very wonderful lunch, and we look forward to going back to Giovanni’s many more times for a delightful dining experience and flavorful and deliziosio Italian cuisine.
5
Forks
(Out of a possible 5)
Combat Cafe 1602 N. Highway 19, Eustis 352.483.0250 Hours: 6am-2pm daily
Fork report:
Casual dining $ Seated immediately (lunch hour) Wait for meal: 10-15 minutes
C O M B AT C A F E
Chow time Military-themed diner earns a distinguished service medal. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI // PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
T
he grunts report for duty on Flag Day armed with appetites and a writing instrument. Their mission: to eat a lot of food at Combat Cafe. The Eustis mess hall, which opened in May, is a breakfast and lunch diner with a military theme and menu items like Eggs Benedict Arnold, Colonel Beef Hash, and freedom fries. Customers also have the freedom to order breakfast all day. Instead of a fancy wine list, check out the fancy cereal list with Cocoa Puffs, Alpha-Bits, and other childhood favorites. You think we can’t review cereal? The 2018 vintage Cap’n Crunch was fresh and crunchy this day with a delightful bouquet from the multi-colored crunchberries. The main dishes are not small rations. Generous amounts of ham, bacon, breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese are stuffed into the Grunt meat lover’s omelet, accompanied
by crisp and buttery hash browns and freedom toast. The excellent Banging Burger is thick and juicy, topped with cheddar, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted bun, and the side onion rings are large and golden-brown. The meal tastes like…victory! Owners Beth and Bruce Chambers, who’s an Army combat veteran, pay tribute to other veterans with memorial displays and menu items. For example, the Greka omelet or scramble with feta, tomato, and onion, is named for Bruce’s sergeant, Allen Greka, who was killed in Iraq. The diner is packed with veterans who make new friends, buy each other lunch, and swap stories, Beth says. The friendliness, along with quality food and inexpensive prices, will no doubt make all the customers at Combat Cafe sign up for another hitch. Mission accomplished.
BREAKFAST: ($2-$9.50): Omelets, scrambles, pancakes, waffles, country fried steak, burrito, and the Cluck Norris: grilled chicken breast named for actor and veteran Chuck Norris. LUNCH: ($5-$8): Grenaders (mini-cheeseburgers on Hawaiian rolls), Grown-up PB&J, Oops Hot Mess Open Face Sandwich with roast beef or turkey, Reuben, the General’s Club Sandwich.
How Fork On The Road Works Our reviewers are objective and unbiased. This is not a paid feature. Our reviewer makes one unannounced visit and we pay for our meals.
August 2018
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COLD, ALLERGY & SINUS
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& Drink
Crafty cocktails The old fashioned is not old-fashioned any longer—cocktails are making a hot comeback. STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS
“Simple can still be complex while being refreshingly familiar.” — KATIE BRATON
ven wine lovers can’t ignore the numbers: 23 percent of the U.S. population enjoyed a cocktail outside the home in the last three months, according to a recent nielsen.com survey. The percentage is even higher when you add in all the do-ityourself, at-home cocktails.
Florida’s craft cocktail scene is hotter than a downtown sidewalk in August as more restaurants employ mixologists who love to get creative. With record-breaking heat still around, cool off with one of these locally inspired cocktails.
THE SWEATY GINGER TURNERS KITCHEN + BAR, LEESBURG
Turners mixologist Katie Braton knows how to make a drink on order. She has tended bar at Turners since it opened, but her first experience mixing drinks was at her dad’s bar, Hemingway’s, in Beaufort, South Carolina. Ironically, I asked her to make a cocktail using Papa’s Pilar Rum, a brand I discovered recently at the Hemingway Rum Co.’s Key West distillery. Katie enthusiastically agreed to craft something using the smooth Papa’s Pilar 24 Dark Rum, which Turners carries.
Katie put her twist on a Dark & Stormy, the national cocktail of Bermuda, with angostura bitters and fresh ginger. She tries to use Florida products whenever she can. “A lot of our customers like to drink handmade, microbatch spirits like Palm Ridge Reserve, which is made in Umatilla,” she says. “I’m also seeing a shift toward the classics, like martinis, old fashioneds, Manhattans,” she adds. “People just want a good drink that is not overdone. I like that. Simple can still be complex while being refreshingly familiar.” Hemingway Rum Co. opened its Key West location in 2017 though the brand was launched six years ago in five states. That number has grown to 38 states and the rum—both the Papa’s Pilar 24 Dark Rum and its lighter Papa’s Blonde Rum—is readily available in Lake County.
The Sweaty Ginger 2
oz. Papa’s Pilar 24 Dark Rum Juice from half a lime Dime-size crushed fresh ginger
2
dashes angostura bitters
3
oz. Goslings ginger beer
Prep: In a tumbler, muddle ginger and lime. Fill with ice and add rum. Lightly shake. Add ginger beer and bitters. Strain into either an ice-filled highball glass or a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lime wheel.
Turner’s photo: Mary Ann DeSantis; 1921 photos: Ryan Rougeux
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CLASS OF ’75 1921 BY NORMAN VAN AKEN, MOUNT DORA
This cocktail appealed to me for a variety of reasons: it’s made with lavender syrup, one of my favorite flavors; it contains prosecco, a delicious Italian sparkling wine; and I’m a member of the Class of ’75 although the drink has nothing to do with graduation dates. “The 75 has been a favorite on the menu since opening and will likely stay,” says mixologist Chelsea Harkness, bar manager at 1921. “It’s mostly a transition cocktail…Vodka is a very approachable neutral spirit everyone knows.” Chelsea’s cocktail creation is actually a rendition of the classic French 75, which was created around World War I and was named after the 75mm M1897 artillery gun used by the French military. The original recipe was gin, lemon, champagne, and sugar. American soldiers revived the cocktail back in the States, and it has become a classic. “The cocktail scene in Lake County is growing as more guests warm up to the craft bar and restaurant industry in the area,” Chelsea says. Chelsea and her team of mixologists have “converted” many regulars from simple mixed drinks to craft concoctions. “All they needed was a little push to try something new, and that’s exactly what our menu and selection inspires,” she explains.
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“The cocktail scene in Lake County is growing as more guests warm up to the craft bar and restaurant industry in the area.” —CHELSEA HARKNESS
Class of ’75 Gin cocktails are also popular, and Chelsea has created a new one, known as Dutch Courage, made with pineapple juice and ginger turmeric honey. “As we represent modern Florida cuisine, we like to give guests a peek into the past with a modern flare,” Chelsea says. DUTCH COURAGE
2
oz. vodka
½
oz. fresh lemon juice
½
oz. lavender syrup made from dried lavender flowers*
2
oz. prosecco topper
Prep: Steep 2 tablespoons of organic lavender flowers in hot water for 3 minutes. Using a fine mesh strainer, remove flowers and fine particles. While lavender water is still warm, dissolve an equal part of white sugar to equate a 50/50 solution. Add the vodka and pour prosecco to complete. *Be sure to use organic food-grade lavender flowers as many are treated with pesticides and preservatives.
Mary Ann DeSantis Mary Ann DeSantis has written for Style publications since 2006. She was recognized with first-place Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards for Travel Writing in 2017, 2016, and 2012.
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Food & Drink DINING GUIDE
Dining in your city Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 Astor Blackwater Inn Williams Landing 55716 Front St. 352.759.3802 Castaways Restaurant 23525 US State Road 40 352.759.2213 Sparky’s Place Restaurant 24646 State Road 40 352.759.3551 Bushnell Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 Hong Kong Restaurant 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-8888 Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877 Waller’s Restaurant 138 Bushnell Plaza 352.793.2592 Clermont 801 City Grille 801 Montrose St. 352.394.6911 Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 Cheeser’s Palace Café 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 Corelli Italian Restaurant 1042 E. Hwy. 50 352.989.5924 El Cerro Restaurant 811 W. Hwy. 50 352.241.9884 Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214 G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd. 352.243.8900
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Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 Guru Restaurant 2400 S. Hwy. 27 352.241.9884 Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd. 352.242.1910 Lilly’s on the Lake 846 W. Osceola St. 352.708.6565 Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 The Crooked Spoon Gastropub 200 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.404.4808 Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 Uncle Kenny’s BBQ 157 Hwy. 27 352.394.1225 Eustis 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 Haystax Restaurant 15439 Hwy. 441 352.489.0510 Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.359.0027 Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 Maria’s Latin Dinner 1 N. Eustis St. 352.357.5555 LaCabana Mexican Bar and Grill 2060 S. Bay St. 352.357.4600
NightOwl Caribbean Restaurant 929 S. Bay St. 352.589.0256 Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 Tillie’s Tavern & Grill 31 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.602.7929 Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 Valentina’s Sandwhich Factory 132 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.408.9608 Fruitland Park Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575 ibar-be-que Express 3170 Hwy. 27 352.315.4227 Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.728.0006 Groveland Coyote Rojo 214 W. Broad St. 352.557.8999 James Barbeque 262 W. Orange St. 352.557.4050 Ikaho Sushi Japanese 7965 SR 50, #900 352.557.8988 Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. State Road 33 352.429.2997
Howey-inthe-Hills JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600 Lady Lake Bamboo Bistro 700 Hwy. 441 352.750.9998 Lady Lake Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. 514 Hwy. 441 352.614.9000 Leesburg Bloom’s Baking House and Restaurant 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 Cafe Ola 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 Chesapeake Bay Grill 4467 Arlington Ridge Blvd. 352.315.0066 Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 Cuba Pichy’s 10401 US Hwy. 441 352.365.2822 Dance’s BBQ 1707 South Street 352.801.8885 El Ranchito 911 W N Blvd. 352.314.9339 Frank’s Place 201 N. 1st St. 352.323.1989 Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 God Café 300 W. Main St. 352.801.7447 Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739
HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 Ichiban Buffet 10301 Hwy. 441 352.728.6669 Irene’s Ice Cream Sandwiches and Deli 4120 Corley Island Rd. 352.315.1118 Jamaican George 2402 W. Main St. 352.455.1898 Johnson’s Pizza Place 4120 Corley Island Rd., Ste. 300 352.801.7250 Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 Citrus Blvd. 352.323.1444 Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 Ms. T’s Place 305 Pine St. 352.431.3217 Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616 Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd. 352.728.0788 Pine Street Bar-B-Que 408 Pine St. 352.728.1293 Plantation Oaks Restaurant 4720 Plantation Blvd. 352.530.2680 Ramshackle Café 1317 N. 14th St. 352.365.6565 Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093 San Jose Mexican 1337 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174
Sip Restaurant and Wine Bar 707 W. Main St. 352.435.7840 Southern Gourmet 314 W. Main St. 352.409.7512 Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 Takis Pizza Restaurant 1205 N. 14th St. 352.787.2344 The 24 Tap Room 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.315.0198 The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 The Old Time Diner 1350 W. North Blvd. 352.805.4250 Turners 114 S. 5th St. 352.530.2274 Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989 Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777 Wrapsody 712 W. Main St. 352.801.7239 Mascotte Minneola Grill 117 W. Washington St. 352.394.2555 Napoli’s Pizzeria 556 Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd. 352.429.2093 The Surf Bar and Grill 650 Hwy. 27 202.527.0100 Minneola Jack’s Barbecue 100 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.2673 Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232
Mount Dora 1921 by Norman Van Aken 141 E. 4th Ave. 352.385.1921 Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 Barnwood Country Kitchen and Smokehouse 3725 W. Old US Hwy 441 352.630.4903 Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 Breezeway Café 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.702.7898 Cecile’s French Corner 237 W. Fourth Ave. 352.383.7100 Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 Eduardo’s Loko Tacos Mexican Restaurant 226 Alfred St. 352.742.1181 Frog & Monkey English Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352. 383.1936 Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 J.K. Thai & Sushi 116 E. 5th Ave. 352.385.5470 Let’s Do Lunch 426 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.4577 Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Ste. 100 352.758.9818
Pisces Rising 239 W. 4th Ave. 352.385.2669 PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092 Shiva Indian Restaurant 140A W. 5th Ave. 352.735.4555 Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 Whale’s Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old U.S. Hwy 441 352.385.1500 Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 Sorrento Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 CR 437 352.383.8882 Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 Tavares Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137 Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 Palm Gardens Restaurant 1661 Palm Garden St. 352.431.3217
Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.7744 The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 The Villages Amerikano’s Grill 998 Del Mar Dr. 352.633.8027 Bavarian Brewhaus 2738 Brownwood Blvd. 352.399.5516 Bravo Pizza 1080 Lake Sumter Landing 352.430.2394 Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 City Fire Brownwood & Paddock Square 352.561.2078 Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 Giovanni’s 3439 Wedgewood Lane 352.751.6674 Margarita Republic 1102 Main St. 352.753.4600 Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd. 352.753.3824 NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9939 Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800
VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 Umatilla Fish & Chix 100 N. Central Ave. 352.669.7145 Gator’s 9 N. Central Ave. 352.669.6969 Greg’s Haystax 526 Umatilla Blvd. 352.669.1555 Nicky D’s Pizza 325 N. Central Avenue 352.669.2400 Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 State Road 19 352.669.3922 Quarterdeck 801 Central Ave. 352.669.4662 Shanghai 531 N. Central Ave. 352.669.2004 The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 Umatilla Tavern 605 N. Central Ave. 352.669.1325 Wildwood China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.461.0577 O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 Yalaha Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366
Country Club Restaurants Clermont Sanctuary Ridge Bar & Grille 2601 Diamond Club Road 352.243.0411 Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd. 352.243.1118 Howey-in-the-Hills Mission Inn Resort El Conquistador Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3101 Mount Dora The Country Club 1900 Country Club Blvd. 352.735.2263 The Villages Belle Glade Country Club 446 Moyer Loop 352.205.8208 Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evan’s Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 Glenview County Club 3914 Glenview Rd. 352.753.0077 Hemingway’s at Havana Country Club 2484 Odell Circle 352.430.3200 Legacy Restaurant Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475 Orange Blossom Country Club 1542 Water Tower Circle 352.751.4501 Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.750.4499 Tierra Del Sol Country Club 806 San Marino Dr. 352.753.8005 Wildwood Continental Country Club 50 Continental Blvd. 352.748.3293
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Food & Drink DINING GUIDE
Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant Open seven days a week: 11am–9pm // Food, Spirits, Music, Sports 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441, Leesburg // 352.253.2442 // CVinnies.com Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Home Depot. Owner “Cousin” Vinnie Vittoria and his family have created a unique atmosphere by combining a “Sports Bar” with a “Family Restaurant”. As soon as you walk into Vinnie’s you will immediately notice why they are famous for outstanding comfort food and service! Their 35+ wing sauces have awarded them voted BEST WINGS in Lake & Sumter County every year since opening in 2008. In 2017, Vinnie’s was also voted BEST SPORTS BAR! Every Monday Night from 6 – 10 they host Texas Hold’Em Tournaments, Tuesday night is “Family Night” from 5–8p.m. when kids 12-and-under eat free. Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” when the fun starts at 6:30p.m. with prizes given to the top 3 teams. A few menu items offered are (never frozen – 80/20) ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing rib-eye Philly cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, fresh homemade chicken salad and 15 awesome appetizers, including Cousin Vinnie’s Signature Secret Shrimp! Central Florida’s families simply can’t get enough of their deep-fried Ice Cream, Twinkies and Snickers Bars! Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, a small arcade for the kids, free Wi-Fi, great music, and an enthusiastic staff ready to exceed your expectations.
Gio’s Deli and Mercato 3975 County Road 201, Oxford // 352.748.5558 Mon-Wed 10A.M.-6 P.M. // Thurs-Sat 10 A.M. -8 P.M. Buon Appetito! There’s no need to travel to Italy to enjoy scrumptious homemade breads, pasta, fresh sandwiches, meats, cheeses, desserts, pastries, and foods from an Italian market—it’s all available here at Gio’s Deli, where our chef Giovanni earned his culinary degree in Italy. After opening Giovanni’s Ristorante & Pizzeria in The Villages in 2004, Gio has expanded with the deli bringing more of the old world to The Villages area to enjoy! Gio’s can cater a special family meal of lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, chicken parmigiana or baked ziti, or call us when you need a special party platter or desserts for a social gathering. We get raves over everything from our homemade cheeses, bruschetta, and sweet treats of cannoli, lemon mascarpone cake, cheesecakes, strawberry tiramisu and more. Come check us out!
Guru Restaurant and Catering 2400 S. U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 101, Clermont // 352.241.9884 Monday-Saturday 4pm-10 pm // Closed Sun. Guru Restaurant and Catering is the “go-to” place for a wide array of mouthwatering Indian fare, everything from appetizers, clay oven-baked Indian breads, Biryani specialties, chicken, seafood, lamb, beef entrees, and 12 different vegetable dishes for vegans to enjoy. Many diners rave about our Chicken Tikka Masala, featuring boneless chicken cooked in a clay oven, dipped in tomato sauce with onion, and flavored with aromatic herbs. All of our chefs are renowned for their creative combinations of spices and sauces, so let us cook for you!
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La Palma OF THE BEST
HOTLIST2018
OF THE BEST
WINNER
HOTLIST
OF THE BEST HOTLIST FINALIST
1690 Citrus Blvd., Leesburg // 352.323.1444 // LapalmaGrill.com Open Daily 11am – 9pm // Lunch Specials: 11am – 3pm
Owner Raudel Torres invites you to a delicious dining experience at the La Palma Mexican Grill. The recipes used for these unique dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Mexico, combined with culinary inspirations and trends from California and Louisiana. Flavorful, homemade Mexican entrees such as Tacos Azteca, Carnitas, Fajitas, and Tamales and much more are timeless and prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Sit in the comfortable dining room or enjoy the outdoor view on the new patio deck. Fast and friendly service, reasonable prices, and three-for-one margaritas all day every day mean exceeding customer expectations. In addition to in-house service, catering is available for large parties, or meetings. Daily specials available on the website, lapalmagrill.com. ts! hi Nigh Mariac hts from ig Tuesday n d kids an m p -8 m 6p ! r) eat free e d (10 and un
Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 U.S Highway 27, Leesburg // 352-319-8093 // Rodellos.com Open Daily: 11am-9pm Chef Amadeo Avila invites you to enjoy authentic and fresh Italian cuisine in a friendly, comfortable dining environment at the new 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 specials on Chef Amadeo’s menu, available on the restaurant’s website, Rodellos.com.
Southern Gourmet 314 W. Main St., Leesburg // Open Monday through Friday 10:30am–3pm // 352.409.7512 Smiling faces. Courteous service. Outstanding food. That’s what visitors can expect when they dine at Southern Gourmet, a quaint deli and café located in the heart of downtown Leesburg. While customers rave about the chicken salad sandwich, plenty of other delicious items are on the menu, including a Super Club sandwich, the Traditional BLT, and Classic Turkey Reuben on Rye. Daily soup specials are offered, as well as a variety of scrumptious side dishes such as cranberry salad, pasta salad, and seasonal fresh fruit.
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Food & Drink DINING GUIDE
Stokes Seafood Market and More 719 W. Main St., Leesburg // 352.787.3474 Facebook.com/StokesSeafoodMarketandMore The freshest seafood available, and many delicious “grab and go” meals are available from Stokes Seafood Market and More, and we now have outdoor seating so you can enjoy a quick lunch at the market! We are located at 719 W. Main Street at the corner of 9th Street in historic downtown Leesburg. Our very own Chef Michelle Norvé C.E.C. creates the wonderful seafood dishes at the market, including lobster rolls, sesame-seared Ahi tuna, salad with blackened salmon or Ahi tuna, the best seafood gumbo, New England clam chowder, shrimp and lobster bisque around, and so much more. When you pick up your fresh seafood you can sample some of the wonderful house-made seafood salads, spreads, and dips, and wine and beer, and take some home to go with your dinner. We specialize in hard to find Northern fish and shellfish, live Maine Lobster and Blue Crab, Salmon, Tuna, Snapper, Grouper, Mahi, Ipswich Clams, Oysters, Mussels, Mullet, Catfish, Tilapia, Swordfish, Crab, and so much more! Every day there’s something new to pick up for lunch and “grab and go” home to enjoy. We are your one stop seafood shop…we carry everything to make your seafood meal perfect! In addition to the fish brought in fresh from the boats daily, there’s also a great selection of shellfish and frozen fish. Ask about our fun and informative cooking demonstrations by Chef Michelle. Call or check the schedule in the store for times.
Subway Subway.com Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food. 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 Whistle Stop at Zellwood Station 2728 Cayman Cir., Zellwood // Tue-Sat 11am-7pm // Sun 11am-5pm // 407.814.7005 Located in the rolling hills of Zellwood Station is Whistle Stop Restaurant and Lounge. With a scenic view of the community’s beautiful golf course, the restaurant is open Sunday morning for breakfast, Wednesdays and Fridays for dinner, and Tuesday through Sunday for lunch. Diners can satisfy their taste buds on various food items prepared by a former Disney Chef, including Reubens, burgers, Caesar salad, and a large pork sandwich.
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Yalaha Bakery 8210 State Road 48, Yalaha // Open daily 8am-7pm // 352.324.3366 The family owned German Bakery since 1995, is an award-winning Bakery that offers to customers high-quality German products made with the highest culinary standards. Fine European pastries and breads are made with organic flours, chocolates, and spices, butter, and imported European ingredients. Take home tortes, tarts, and wonderful pretzels, but before you go home, enjoy something from our delicious deli menu. We serve breakfast from 8-11am and lunch and dinner are served 11am-7pm. Enjoy German specialties like Nurnberger breakfast, Hunterschnitzel with Spätzle, Bratwurst, Reuben, Quiche, typical German soups, and maybe Semelknoedel (bread dumplings with mushroom sauce) for lunch or dinner. We offer a fine selection of German beers and wines. Whatever time of day, you’ll find something you love at Yalaha Bakery. On the weekends you can come and enjoy various events and music concerts on Saturdays and Sundays at our Beer Garden. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter or via our website www.yalahabakery.com A German Bakery Like No Other!
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Call us at 352.787.4112
LAKE & SUMTER
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F i na l T h oug h t
In the lane, snow is missing Florida heat makes the North seem like an enviable place to be. STORY: RHEYA TANNER
G
ood gracious, it’s hot. Every year, I’m blindsided by how quickly Florida air becomes a wet blanket. Some days, I wish I lived where Old Man Winter visited more often. But then I remember how he snubbed me the first time we met, and I reconsider. I’d just turned 8. My family was visiting relatives in the long-forgotten plains of upstate New York. Dover Plains, to be exact. (If you’ve never gone there, don’t.) My brother and I desperately wanted a snow day, but that wasn’t guaranteed in November. The whole 22-hour drive, and most of the week, yielded not so much as a flurry. We were disappointed, as were my parents, who had to hear us. But one glorious morning, it happened. It wasn’t pretty and felt more like slush than snow—no good for sleds or snowballs or anything they sing about in “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.” My brother and I didn’t know that, though, and we didn’t care. We were clamoring to get out of Nana’s stuffy old cottage and finally explore the frozen unknown. We lasted 20 minutes. Chalk it up to culture shock or faded childhood memory, but I can’t recall how
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Do I hate the cold? Hard to tell. I was born and raised in a state known for sunshine. Cold is both a novelty and a threat.
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it went down. I remember making a sorry excuse of a snowball with my bare hands. I remember receiving a face full of muddy slush from my brother and struggling to get it out of my hair. I remember feeling colder than I’d ever felt. I wasn’t in a hurry to relive that experience. In fact, a decade passed before I saw snow again—and promptly slipped in it. Do I hate the cold? Hard to tell. I was born and raised in a state known for sunshine. Cold is both a novelty and a threat. I’ve heard enough from relatives to know Northern winters are nothing to shake a snowshoe at. I’ve never shoveled a driveway or navigated black ice. I’m already cold most of the time and would unquestionably be miserable like I was on that slushy day 14 years ago. But my curiosity is getting the better of me. I adore the idea of the cold, so pure and quiet and somehow ethereal. I’ve never opened presents on a true white Christmas, and feel my spirit is missing something for it. I’m tempted to try my luck with winter, just to see if the beauty is worth the hassle. And to my brother, if he’s reading this: You can’t come.
Hands-On Owner That Manages Your Project WINNER OF THE BEST
HOTLIST2018
OF THE BEST
HOTLIST
OF THE BEST HOTLIST FINALIST
Small Hometown Company, Established 1994
Same Day Service For Emergencies Leak Detection Remodels Repipes Water Softeners Sewer Camera Inspections Hot Water Recirculator Systems Water Filtration Systems Hassle-Free
Non-Electric Water Softeners
Experienced Service Techs. Visit our Showroom Mon-Fri 9 am-3pm “To connnect our community to the comfort and convenience of water for everyday life.”
3016 NE 37th Place, Wildwood Serving the Tri-County Area
www.cpmplumbing.com August 2018
129
TOYOTA MAKES THE CAR... DELUCA MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!
-FRANK DELUCA PRESIDENT/OWNER
“TREATING CUSTOMERS WITH HONESTY AND INTEGRITY FOR 40 YEARS!”
500 OFF!
$
ANY NEW OR PRE-OWNED VEHICLE IN STOCK! MUST PRESENT COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. EXPIRES 9/30/18 SEE DELUCA TOYOTA FOR COMPLETE DETAILS.
352.732.0770
$5FREE
BUS
INTRODUCING THE EASY NEW SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM THE VILLAGES TO DOWNTOWN LEESBURG Shuttle service will launch this Fall. For information about travel and reservations visit our website at www.5freebus.com. Follow us on Facebook for updates and offers at www.facebook.com/5freebus.
COMING SOON
PLASTIC SURGERY & LASER CENTER
POWERXÂŽ LIPO-SCULPTING A one time treatment that offers dramatic results. Utilizing a unique hand piece that rotates 360 degrees, it offers the surgeon greater flexibility to precisely reach and disconnect fatty tissue. With traditional liposuction the cannula can only reach above and below. With more range of motion, PowerXÂŽ allows the doctor to do everything from superficial sculpting to large volume fat removal. This innovative procedure is powerful yet gentle and can treat excess fat in the abdomen, back, chest, shoulder, hips, legs, or arms and results in less swelling, bruising and downtime.
Gentle treatment, powerful results. Before
After
18 MONTHS INTEREST FREE FINANCING AVAILABLE
Schedule a free consultation today!
352.259.8599 | MesosHealth.com