“Our
STORY: JAMES COMBS
ere’s a sobering statistic: one-in-four women and one-innine men experience physical violence, sexual violence, and/ or intimate partner stalking, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
I’m deeply saddened and troubled when I hear how prevalent domestic violence is today.
Sadly, our little corner of the world is not immune.
Anyone has the potential to be a victim of domestic violence. It a ects rich and poor, young and old, men and women, gay and straight. It can occur in a range of relationships, a ecting married couples, dating couples, even two people living together.
Whether it’s a spouse or a boyfriend or girlfriend, that “special someone” should be a soulmate, not a soul crusher. Nobody deserves to become a victim of verbal, sexual, and physical abuse. Nobody deserves to feel trapped in a hell they can’t escape. Your spouse or signi cant other is supposed to be the most special person in your life, one who helps you through di cult times and shares wonderful times with you.
That’s certainly the case with me and my husband, Doug. While our marriage isn’t perfect, I never
feel like rearing my hand back and slapping Doug in the face. And I know he feels the same way. We prefer to sit down together and rationally discuss our problems like adults.
Hitting, kicking, screaming, and cursing only make existing problems worse.
I wrote all that to explain why an article on domestic violence is featured in this month’s Style. Yes, the majority of stories that appear in this magazine are positive. However, not everything in Lake County is rainbows and unicorns. As part of our “Dark Side of Lake” series, writer/editor Gary Corsair delves into the brutal reality of domestic violence.
It is my heartfelt hope that our story opens eyes to this alarming problem.
I also urge anyone who is a victim to seek professional help immediately.
After all, you’re worthy of true love. And you deserve to have the dignity and life God wants for you.
Sincerely,
KendraHave a story to tell? always looking for stories about people who live and work in our area. Send suggestions to editorial@akersmediagroup.com.
OWNER/PUBLISHER kendra@akersmediagroup.com
Michael Gaulin
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR michael@akersmediagroup.com
Shawnee Coppola DESIGNER shawnee@akersmediagroup.com
Alejandra DJermano
DESIGNER alejandra@akersmediagroup.com
James Combs WRITER james@akersmediagroup.com
Roxanne Brown STAFF WRITER roxanne@akersmediagroup.com
Nicole Hamel PHOTOGRAPHER nicole@akersmediagroup.com
Kathy Porter Cindy Peterson Cynthia McFarland
Richard T. Bosshardt, MD Gina Horan
Gary Corsair
Tim tim@akersmediagroup.com
Melanie melanie@akersmediagroup.com
Aubrey
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“Ifound a lump in my breast.” We hear this line most often concerning breast cancer detection, but breast cancer can exhibit other signs, too. Some may be due to other, benign causes, but see your doctor if these signs do not go away or if they get bigger or worse:
A thickening inside your breast or in your breast skin
A dimple or indentation in your breast
A crust on your nipple
Redness, swelling, or heat in your breast that doesn’t go away with antibiotics
Nipple discharge not associated with developing breasts, infection, cysts, pregnancy, or breastfeeding
Skin sores developing on your breast, usually associated with a hard lump
A bump on the breast (These can also be benign lumps or cysts)
A nipple that flattens or turns inward
Newly appearing blood vessels or veins on the breast or near the collarbone (if not connected to weight gain, breastfeeding, or Mondor’s disease)
Changes in breast size, flattening, swelling, or drooping, not due to breastfeeding or menstruation
Your breast looks like the dimpled skin of an orange (called “peau d’orange”) and might change color. This is a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.
A hard, immovable lump deep in your breast is the most common breast cancer symptom, though it may also be a cyst.
See your doctor if any of these signs persist or if you are concerned.
Men can get breast cancer, too, although the condition is rare. About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. is found in a man.
RBOI’s support groups are available at no charge to participants both during and after treatment. Our Breast Cancer Educational Group meets in our Lecanto office. Our Women’s Cancer Support Group meets online via Zoom. We also offer a mindfulness meditation group, book club, and more.
RBOI’s resource room in Lecanto offers wigs, hats, and blankets for free to any Citrus County resident undergoing cancer treatment, regardless of where they receive their care. The wig program is overseen by the Citrus Aid Cancer Foundation, which also provides financial assistance to cancer patients in Citrus County. Marion County residents can use RBOI’s resource room in our Ocala office. Cancer patients needing financial assistance can turn to the RBOIsponsored H.U.G.S. charities.
RBOI sponsors Michelle-OGram, which provides access to mammograms, breast ultrasounds and MRIs, BRCA gene testing and counseling, breast biopsies, and referrals for procedures and other treatments. The organization helps mainly women, but also men, whose lack of insurance or funds would otherwise prevent them from getting care.
Call us for more information about these and other resources helping our community.
by the numbersBreast cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in U.S. women (after lung cancer)
Annual drop in the death rate for women with breast cancer, from 2013 to 2018
Join us for We Can Weekend, a free cancer educational and support seminar in Ocala on October 29, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM. Contact Amy Roberts, LCSW, to register: 352-732-0277, aroberts@rboi.com.
Dense breasts can spell the difference between finding a tumor and missing one. Dense breasts and tumors look similar on a mammogram, so further screening like ultrasound or a breast MRI may be needed. Talk to your doctor.
Estimated new cases of U.S. women’s breast cancer in 2022
The Villages 352.259.2200 Ocala 352.732.0277 Timber Ridge 352.861.2400 Inverness 352.726.3400 Lecanto 352.527.0106
Women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lifetime
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I’m very impressed with Salesperson Nathan Craigie and Manager Tony Pagano. Very informed about all things Cadillac. Harry Akarcay, the service advisor, helped me out when I had a flat tire at my home. I have bought 4 Cadillacs from Plaza Cadillac, they are great! HITE
Guy & Jenean Hite
Nathan Craigie,Salesperson
Mike Killngsworth
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David Smith
hen Dr. Alexandra Vlad completed optometry school and interviewed for a residency position, she was unprepared to answer one question.
If you could choose any other career outside optometry, what would it be?
“Out of all the questions I prepared for, I did not have an answer,” she says. “I simply cannot fathom being in another eld. For me, being an optometrist isn’t a job; it’s a passion.”
That’s evident in her daily interactions with patients. Her positive attitude, friendly demeanor, and vast knowledge provide patients with peace of mind knowing they receive the best vision care possible.
“Patients tell me all the time that they can tell I really love what I do,” Dr. Vlad says.
Dr. Vlad graduated from optometry school in 2019 from the
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Optometry. In 2020, she completed her residency in ocular disease and primary eye care at William Chappell Jr. VA Satellite Outpatient Clinic in Daytona Beach.
Today, Dr. Vlad is happily employed at Lakeview Healthcare System, an a liate of Aegis Medical Group. Being part of Aegis’ network of care allows Dr. Vlad to focus on each patient as a whole person and not just their illness or disease.
“Working with other specialists and primary care physicians makes my work ful lling because I see the big picture of a patient’s overall well-being,” she says. “It’s not just me staring at a pair of eyes. It makes the exam so much more thorough and detailed. I can sit down with my patients and say, ‘I know you have other issues going on in your body. I can tell you how it a ects your eyes.’ I consistently tell
patients that half the treatment is a proper explanation. If I don’t have all the data to do the explanation, then I can’t do half the treatment right.”
As an optometrist, Dr. Vlad provides comprehensive and diabetic eye exams, treats conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and prescribes soft contact lenses and prescription glasses. For her, making a di erence in people’s lives by improving their vision is a rewarding career.
What’s even more rewarding is interacting with residents of The Villages.
“My patients are very open-minded and dedicated to their wellbeing, which really helps me treat them well during their retirement years,” she says. “They listen and learn. They take all the information I provide them and run with it. I love that because I can think outside the box when I treat them.”
Dr. Alexandra Vlad will improve your sight in the wink of an eye.PAID
HEAD FOR THE HILL: That’s about as believable as oceanfront property in Kansas. Yes, Lake County is home to Sugarloaf Mountain, the fth-tallest named point in Florida. The Green Mountain Scenic Overlook in Ferndale gives visitors exceptional views of Sugarloaf Mountain and is also an ideal location for bird and butter y watching. It’s located at 20700 County Road 455 near Clermont.
RAISE THE CURTAIN: The Clermont Performing Arts Center’s 2022-’23 season kicks o Oct. 6 with The Munsterz Live and ends May 6, 2023 with Kashmit: The Live Led Zeppelin Tribute. In between, favorites like “The Righteous Brothers,” and “SAK Improv Comedy Lab,” as well as new acts like “Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute,” “The Mikado” and “Mike Super Magic & Illusion” will hit the stage. To check out the line-up or buy tickets, visit clermontperformingarts.com or call 352.394.4800 for more information.
WALK THE WALK: Walk for Freedom, a day of global awareness and action in the ght against human tra cking, takes place Saturday, Oct. 15. Thousands of abolitionists will hit the streets in hundreds of cities across the globe to walk in a single le line while holding posters about human tra cking and how to end it. In Leesburg, the event will originate at Venetian Gardens Park, 109 E. Dixie Avenue, at 8 a.m., with the walk beginning at 9am. For more information, go to the Walk For Freedom Leesburg Florida Facebook page or contact Tanya at walkforfreedomleesburg@gmail.com.
TRI YOUR BEST: Are you a tness guru who has what it takes to compete in one of Florida’s most grueling triathlons? Then sign up for the 32nd Annual Great Floridian Triathlon, which will be held Oct. 22 at Clermont’s Waterfront Park. Call 352.394.1320 for more information.
Beat a rug and hang clothes to dry at the Clermont Historical Society’s annual Heritage Day Festival , 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 5 at the Clermont Historic Village, 490 West Avenue. Buildings will be open for tours and guests will be able to participate in activities such as rug beating, doing laundry with a washboard, making rope, wooden hand tools and crafts, and playing old-fashioned games like jump rope, hopscotch, and hula hoop. Volunteers will demonstrate butter churning and ice cream making. Tin Lizzies will also be on display, and lunches will be available for purchase. For information, visit clermonthistoricvillage.org or call 352.432.3496.
SALUTE TO BRAVERY: Our community pays homage to the courage and sacri ce of local servicemen and servicewomen on Oct. 28-29. The Vet Fest Gala inside the Venetian Center in Leesburg will feature a cocktail hour, silent auction, guest speaker, and dinner. The following day, an honor ride will depart from AMVETS in Mount Dora and travel to Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg, where both the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and the War on Terrorism Wall will be on display.
SEE YA LATER ALLIGATOR: Reptile Awareness Day falls on Oct. 21. For Floridians, the word “reptile” automatically conjures up images of the state’s most popular reptile—alligators. Speaking of alligators, here’s a little history. The last alligator fatality in Lake County occurred on June 18, 2003 when a 12-year-old boy was attacked by an alligator while swimming in the Dead River.
140 AND COUNTING: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 317 S. Mary St., Eustis, is 140 years old this year! In honor of the milestone, the church and parish will be blessed by the bishop of Central Florida. In Lake County, St. Thomas Episcopal, established and operating at the corner of Mary and Lemon streets since 1882, is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in Lake County. For more information about St. Thomas’ history and worship services, visit stthomaseustis.org or call 352.357.4358.
Miller’s Ale House, 1555 S. Grand Hwy., Clermont, celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 22.
The 7,230-square-foot, sportsthemed, casual dining restaurant and bar, in the former location of Golden Corral, features indoor and outdoor seating, full bar, and a menu with more than 60 items, including appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, atbreads, pastas, steaks, seafood, plus daily lunch and dinner specials.
Miller’s is open from 11am-12am Monday-Thursday, and 11am-2am Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 352.424.6299.
SCARED SILLY: Looking for a good scream this Halloween? Let Mount Dora Ghost Tours send shivers down your spine with one of its unique tours. Meet the “lost souls” at the haunted Lakeside Inn, search for paranormal anomalies inside the Donnelly House, or sip suds at the town’s haunted watering holes. Call 407.494.5655.
Lake Sumter State College’s first female president inspires others to reach for their dreams.
INTERVIEWER AND PHOTO: CINDY PETERSON
• Became LSSC’s first female president in July
• Previous LSSC Provost Executive Vice President
• 25-year career in higher education
• Started Lake Hawk Leadership Academy
My advice to other women is: Yes you can—and that’s the answer to anything that gets in your way. Believe in yourself and be willing to lean on those around you who want you to be successful. As women, we are always putting others before ourselves, laying aside our own interests, which makes us great at service. But we need to also know how to set examples of when to put ourselves rst, being open and willing
I am helping others have a pathway to achieve their dreams. It has compelled me to be more intentional in encouraging access, particularly for women, whenever possible.
My secret to success: Believing it’s possible. I really believe in the future we can create together. When we connect talent and passion for these kids, we can only
• Partner with the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network
In my leadership, I hope to bring: A new sense of optimism by embracing a growth mentality. Our college needs to continue to grow and serve students and it needs to be intentionally creating access to all students who desire an education. We have to close the gap and continue to look at what the best way is to serve these students for Lake County and encourage people to visit.
When I’m not running a college, I’m: spending as much time with my family as possible. My husband is an amazing culinary artist, and we enjoy traveling together. Being a baseball mom and dance mom is one of my favorite things in the world.
I love Lake County because: I love the people. They are authentic and genuine and love being here. I’m drawn to that sense of pride and feel proud to be a part of it.
Email your recommendation to editorial@akersmediagroup.com.
VITAL STATS
Softball state champion looking for her next win, plans to attend West Point.
INTERVIEWER AND PHOTO: CINDY PETERSON• 17 years old
My greatest accomplishment: Being softball state champion for Eustis High School, national champion for travel ball team, named 4A Softball Player of the Year 2021, Daily Commercial All-Area Player of the Year 2021 and 2022, South Central Florida Player of the Year 2021 and Orlando Sentinel All-Area Player of the Year 2021.
This year, I hope to: Be ranked in the top 10 in my class, and I hope to win another state championship for softball.
My future plans: I want to play Division 1 softball and serve my country at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
My greatest quality: I am sel ess.
What do you want everyone to know about you? That I do everything for the glory of God.
A saying or mantra I live by: If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.
Topping my playlist: “Our Song” by Taylor Swift.
• Senior at Eustis High School
• Involved in varsity volleyball, varsity weightlifting, and varsity softball
I look up to: she is one of the most God-fearing women I know.
When I’m starving I get: A Chick- l-A number 1 meal with a lemonade.
If I could have a superpower, it would be: Being able to see into the future, that way I would be able to make educated decisions on what is best to help the country.
My favorite book is: “Call of the Wild” because it represents perseverance and the power of kindness.
Know an outstanding student? Fill us in!
Email your recommendations to editorial@akersmediagroup.com.
My message to the world: God’s got you.• Pitcher for the Eustis Panthers softball team • Executive Vice President of Student Government
John and Karla McCarey devote retired life to serving others.
STORY: CINDY PETERSONohn and Karla McCarey have spent the majority of their lives ministering to others, so it’s no surprise that they began looking for ways to volunteer when they retired to The Villages last year.
“We came to The Villages to visit and within three days we bought a house,” John says. “We were getting ready to retire, but we like to call it re- re instead. We were really impressed with the active lifestyle here and thought we could do a lot of good work.”
Because the couple had been involved with children’s ministry and youth programs, they began volunteering with Helping Hands, Habitat For Humanity, and Friends of SoZo Kids.
“My neighbor invited me to the Friends of SoZo Kids club where we do di erent projects to help the program,” Karla says. “We are still growing, and I was asked to help with volunteer management for the after-school programs and various projects we do.”
One project was the club’s annual Back to School Bash in the Ocala National Forest for more than 1,000 kids. Each kid was gifted with a new backpack, school supplies, toiletries, and a pair of shoes. Club members are also preparing for their annual Angel Tree event.
“The focus is really to help kids out there,” John says. “We have after-school programs that are educational, like a robotic club, teaching them how to do nances and other essentials to help them throughout life.”
But their volunteer status doesn’t end here. At least ve times a year, John heads o to a small village in Mexico where he has been
John and Karla McCareyshowing people how to improve hygiene and food, and how to have better quality of life.
“I was on vacation in Mexico about ve years ago and met a man named Nehamias Tun Chuc and I started teaching him English,” John says. “There are a lot more job opportunities for people in Mexico when they know how to speak English. He learned very quickly and invited me to his village to teach them too.”
Over time, John learned about Nehamias’ Mayan village, Tabi.
“It’s deep in the jungle and not for the faint of heart,” John says. “Nehamias was the rst person in the village to learn English. But the people there were having a lot of health issues because of the quality of food and water, and with no medicine or means of living.”
John worked with other ministries to provide healthcare, cooking classes, clinics, and clean drinking water.
“All of this is being supported by people in The Villages,” Karla says. “We are so grateful for their support.”
John says his reward for being a supporter comes when he sees villagers lining up for checkups, and when he notices medical equipment purchased for the village is being used.
John helped start a community garden to give people there a better variety of foods and nutrition, plus they purchased chickens to give them fresh eggs. In turn, the eggs generated business, since the villagers discovered they could sell them at markets.
“It’s been a wonderful lifechanging experience,” John says. “We aren’t trying to change their culture, we just want to make their life a little better. Everything we do is for sustainability.”
The couple is also involved with missions in Guatemala.
“We’ve had great opportunities since retiring, and most of us have worked our tails o to get there,” Karla says. “But we feel it is our responsibility to give back and help people around the world.”
“If we can encourage people to just do one thing, we would live in a better world today,” Karla concludes.
Know an interesting Villager? Fill us in! Email your recommendations to editorial@akersmediagroup.com.
Photo on left of John and Karla McCarey taken by Nicole Hamel. / Photos on right provided by John and Karla.“IT’S BEEN A WONDERFUL LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE.”
—JOHN MCCAREY
urbulent times created by the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn have led to nancial concerns among investors. That’s hardly surprising when one considers that the market has gone from record highs to record lows all in a span of 2.5 years.
Financial advisors cannot merely just o er nancial advice. It isn’t enough! During these critical times, they must put client communication at the top of their to-do list.
Fortunately, Cebert Wealth has become a beacon of trust by actively communicating with clients to help them navigate through this slowing economy.
Dale Cebert, the Private Wealth Advisor who founded the practice in 1998, pivoted quickly when the pandemic hit the U.S. in early 2020. He began o ering live video presentations three times a week through WebEx to keep clients updated on how their assets are being managed during a fear lled time and a volatile market.
Dale and his team of nancial advisors continue to use this e ective tool today. Live presentations are
o ered every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Local clients are invited to come to the o ce to attend the presentations, while out-of-state clients can log in via a computer, tablet, or cellphone. During the presentation, they can submit questions that are answered by the Cebert Wealth team live during the presentation.
“It remains imperative that we communicate proactively with clients,” Dale says. “This is the worst start to the stock market for the rst six months of a year since 1970. There’s a high level of nervousness and a high level of anxiety. That’s understandable given the events that we’re seeing unfold.”
For many, the economic impact of the pandemic has made it harder for them to achieve their long-term nancial goals. As a result, they are hungry for nancial and investment advice that only a professional nancial advisor can o er.
“It’s important that clients are in touch with their nancial advisor to hear what is going on and what is being done about it,” Dale says. “These live presentations allow us to explain what we feel is happening in the market, how we think things will play out, and what
we’re doing about it as far as managing their portfolios. We are proactive in how we manage money, but it’s very important that we’re proactive in how we communicate with clients. This is not just lip service. These presentations are something we do every week. It has allowed our clients to feel more con dent and less anxious during this volatile time.”
Economic recessions can wreak havoc on the average person’s nances—whether that entails nancial health, decision making, job security, or investment losses. However, being in frequent communication with their nancial advisor gives Cebert Wealth clients con dence that they can weather any economic storm.
“We’ve always focused on nding ways to di erentiate ourselves in the area of proactive communication,” Dale says. “We’re living in unprecedented times. We’ve never gone through a global pandemic like this. We’ve never shut down the world.”
The video presentations have paid dividends. Clients have enthusiastically encouraged their family members and friends to watch the online presentations. As a result, in just the past year, 150 new households have
THERE’S A HIGH LEVEL OF NERVOUSNESS AND A HIGH LEVEL OF ANXIETY. THAT’S UNDERSTANDABLE GIVEN THE EVENTS THAT WE’RE SEEING UNFOLD.
chosen to begin working with Cebert Wealth. A business is certainly doing something right when its growing client base comes from referrals and word-of-mouth rather than public advertising.
“THEY APPRECIATE THAT WE ARE OPENING UP THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION,” DALE SAYS. “I THINK IT’S VERY IMPORTANT. COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT AT ALL TIMES, BUT ESPECIALLY DURING PERIODS LIKE THIS.”
That philosophy explains the growth Cebert Wealth has experienced since its humble beginnings in 1998. That year, Dale opened in a 900-square-foot building with one assistant.
Today, they have seven nancial advisors and 13 support sta , which includes administrators and information technology (IT) specialists. Cebert Wealth helps more than 1,400 households spread over 46
states. The team of nancial advisors manage nearly $700 million through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.
“When I think back to 24 years ago, just getting someone to trust you with $100,000 was a big deal,” Dale says. “You don’t build relationships with over 1,400 households in 46 states and manage three-quarters of a billion dollars by accident. That has happened because we do what’s right and what’s important for all of our clients on a daily basis.”
Despite the tremendous growth, one thing hasn’t changed at Cebert Wealth. Just like in 1998, business is still built on relationships. Clients get more than a nancial advisor; they get an entire team of professionals who get to know them, their circumstances, their goals, and their objectives.
For Dale, one of the most rewarding aspects of his job is retaining multiple generations of clients.
“I’ve worked with grandparents, their kids, and now their grandkids,” Dale says. “In some cases, we’re even seeing great-grandchildren because our clients are living longer. Being entrusted with the responsibility of helping families meet their nancial goals and impacting
multiple generations is certainly ful lling. We’re thankful for those opportunities.”
Dale is equally proud that the Cebert Wealth team manages clients’ assets internally. This means all of the allocations within our client portfolios are chosen by our Cebert Wealth Investment Committee.
“That way, our clients know that they can hold us accountable for how we’re performing,” Dale says. “All of our nancial advisors take part in the committee and the conversations we have as a team-what’s going on in the markets, what’s going on in the world, and what’s going on in the news. They’re also part of the decisionmaking process. Whether a prospective client or an existing client talks to me or anybody else on my team, they’re talking to somebody who’s been part of those conversations and part of that decision-making process.”
The Cebert Wealth team has something very special to o er and has been working with retirees from all over The Villages and surrounding areas for over 20 years. They are excited to expand their presence even further into
The Villages. The company recently opened another o ce in Brownwood Paddock Square making it even easier for new residents to The Villages to have the opportunity to entrust their money with a rm with a stellar reputation built on trust, honesty, and integrity.
“We’re very excited to have a presence in Brownwood,” Dale says.
“I really feel Brownwood will be the center of The Villages in 10 to 15 years because the growth is pushing toward the Florida Turnpike and toward Wildwood. We look forward to establishing relationships with Villagers who are going to live here for 20 to 30 years. We want them to know that we’re very equipped to help them navigate this type of nancial environment.”
Choosing the right nancial advisor is crucially important for retirees. After all, many dream of taking luxurious cruises to The Bahamas,
weekend getaways to beachside motels, playing a couple rounds of golf each week with buddies or enjoying any of the thousands of other opportunities that retirement o ers.
Cebert Wealth can help their clients make that lifestyle a reality.
“The four most important things in life are faith, family, health, and money,”
Dale says. “You have to have money to take care of your family and your health. Money also plays a role in faith because it allows people to give to a cause they’re passionate about, whether it’s a charity or a church. Life expectancy among retirees is increasing, so our goal is to make sure our clients’ money lasts as long as they do.” 352.674.4200
ameripriseadvisors.com / 11714 NE 62nd Terrace #100, The Villages, FL 32162
Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Client experiences may vary.
Ameriprise Financial provides financial services without regard to religious affiliation or cultural background.
Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.
Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.
Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. 4948753ACMR0922
HOME WITH A HEART...Guard gated 24/7 golf community! Ready for immediate occupancy! Brick paver driveway leads you to oversized 2 car plus golf cart garage and front porch! Front door to separate foyer leads you to great room/ dining area and eat-in kitchen with separate breakfast nook with glass sliding doors to porch. Great room leads you to the screened lanai. Split bedroom design, separate den/o ce for additional space. Inside laundry room convey washer and dryer! Seller partially floored attic and installed drop down stairs! Upgrades to include exterior and interior lighting/ fixtures...and more! Please note that Club Social and Golf memberships are available for a separate fee! MLS# G5059652 // $410,000.
SPECTACULAR SUNSETS...CHAIN OF LAKES WATERFRONT! Postcard worthy on a Double Lot describes this rare find of a .63 acre lot with approx. 153ft of frontage... unique designs found in the 3/2.5 home has been completely renovated with oversized 2 car garage! NO HOA! Venture to the ocean if you dare via the Saint Johns River...fish from your backyard on your own private aluminum dock with electric service. Roof and HVAC replaced in 2019...electrical throughout home was updated to include new fixtures, light switches & electrical outlets year 2022. Lawn watered from lake with your new irrigation pump, new sprinkler system & sprinkler heads! Two water heaters plus newly painted exterior & interior...no carpet equals no fuss with the newly installed “Pergo Gold” lifetime warranty water resistant flooring throughout...Enter through courtyard screen porch with pavers that lead you to double door entrance to the huge foyer to greet your guests! Formal living dining area opens to family room with triple glass wall of sliding doors with the amazing lakeviews! Kitchen with granite counter tops with double full size convection ovens, smooth top range top, built in microwave hood, disposal and brand new side/side refrigerator & faucet hardware. Master bedroom with his/her mirrored closets...master bath with new raised double sink vanity & hardware with walk in shower! Bedroom two feature built in desk. Bedroom with large wall closet. Guest bath with tub/shower combo with new raised vanity & hardware...bonus room “Mancave” recreation room with built in custom bar convey 4 barstools! Great for entertaining! Huge screened oversized garage with two storage closets plus outdoor shed with window & electric. Holiday decorating will be a breeze with its own breaker box for lights plus one for home and one for dock! Brick pavers on your deep driveway and expanded new patio...great for BBQ’s with scenic views of 13 “Florida Palm” trees! MLS# G5057358 // $699,000.
SPECTACULAR VIEWS...KING OF THE HILL! Quiet cul-de-sac o ering amazing golf and lake views! Enjoy views of Lake Gri n in the distance! Foyer opens to the Great room with volume tray/ceilings with crown molding plus built in wet bar leading you to your sunroom! Formal dining room with custom storage & shelving. Kitchen is remodeled, cabinets galore & new granite countertops. Plus all new “Energy Star” appliances to include 5 burner smooth top range, built in microwave, “French style” side/side refrigerator and dishwasher! Pendant lighting over snack bar opens to large breakfast area. Master suite with vaulted ceiling features private walled courtyard with exterior iron gate entrance. Completely renovated bathroom with walk in closet for the Mrs. & separate mirrored wall closet for the Mr... free standing tub for your “bubble bath” relaxation, raised vanity with dual above bowl sink basins plus separate glass walk in shower with rain head and body jets! Bedroom 2 & potential 3rd bedroom used as o ce features a dual pocket door access sharing renovated guest bath that features a new circular modern walk in shower with rain head & body jets, raised vanity with above bowl sink! MAINTENANCE FREE living...exterior of home from outside walls, roof repairs (excluding replacement), lawn/water irrigation plus complete yard care included in HOA! Enjoy the “feeling of security” & peaceful living here in this manned guard gated 24/7 community with close proximity to The Villages and area shopping. Clubhouse social and Golf memberships available for a separate fee! MLS# G5056330 // $559,000.
LIKE NEW…FOUR BEDROOMS! Brand new roof, new paint, new HVAC and appliances (approximately 3 years ago)! Bonus Rec room/den that could be used as an o ce! Two walk- in pantries! Inside laundry room leads to attached 2 car garage. Master suite with vaulted ceiling plus his & her separate walk- in closets! Master bath with garden soaking tub, large vanity with cultured marble plus separate water closet with walk in shower! Ceiling fans in all bedrooms… Open patio great for BBQ’s. MLS# G5059617 // $379,000.
TRUE LAKE HOUSE…SPECTACULAR SUNRISES & SUNSETS! Located on the chain, venture to the ocean! Amazing views from almost every window and large wood deck! Restored original wood floors, baths and fireplace are just a few to mention. Front screen porch. Quiet, peaceful dead-end street... Bring all your cars, RV's and recreational toys with the extra parking pad and NO HOA! Detached large 28 x 9 workshop with electric and workbench for the handyman plus extra storage area found in the 10 x 8 additional shed that conveys! Enter into foyer/ mud room including separate inside Laundry Room that leads you to the living/kitchen/ breakfast area with breathtaking "sparkling water views ". Split bedroom plan for privacy plus formal dining/ family room area with gas fireplace to enjoy...Recent remodel to home includes new "wood look" laminate flooring in Master Bedroom, deck repair, new railing, repair of irrigation lines/ pump and boat lift, new paint, light fixtures, hot water heater, electrical outlet/ boxes, custom shutters to exterior yard sod and more...Termite bond conveys for preventative measures. MLS# G5059431 // $574,900.
CHARMING HISTORIC POOL HOME Upon driving up to this lovely home you will immediately be enchanted with the architectural details of the house, Tower, large .7095 lot, cottage and resort style pool with pool house. This could be an eight bedroom home with the o ce and two bonus rooms. There are two stairwells for convenience from the foyer and the kitchen so you don’t have to walk through the whole house. There is a guest cottage that could be converted to an o ce, lady or man cave or rented after you have the plumbing finished. The roof is brand new and don’t forget there is an attic and a shed for more storage if you need it.
CUSTOM LAKE FRONT HOME ON A PENISULA that has breath taking views of Lake Eustis at the end of a cul de sac on .96 of an acre with over 400 feet on Lake Eustis. From the moment you enter the foyer you will appreciate the open floor plan, fine finishes, attention to detail and the lake VIEWS from almost every room. You will enjoy luxury in this fivebedroom home with a BOAT HOUSE, four car garage and four bathrooms that has been updated. The gourmet kitchen is centrally located in the heart of the home with two islands, stone counter tops, beautiful hardwood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a large two door pantry. Dining here is a treat whether you are in the formal dining room, lake view dining area or on the screen enclosed lanai. The octagon room has a stone fireplace with a full wall of windows and French doors to maximize the lake views and bird watching. There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an o ce downstairs with two or more bedrooms, two bathrooms and a bonus room upstairs with a dump waiter. The master bedroom has a fireplace, two walk in closets and private balcony over looking Lake Eustis. You will be even more impressed upon entering the large spacious master bath with two sinks, stone countertops, luxury garden tub and shower. The wrap around screened porch has had dinner parties for 60 and romantic dinners for two with the beautiful skyline and lake as the backdrop. Be sure to view the video tour of this luxury lake front home. Whether you like privacy or to entertain this is the house for all lifestyles. and professionals who puts our best and with cell // 352.742.1077 fax
WELCOME TO RURAL LIVING Enjoy sounds of silence while calming yourself in this peaceful setting situated on 2 acres of waterfront living on this private 14 acre lake known as Lake Saint Claire. Been dreaming of building a home? This lot is perfect for a site built home or manufactured home and is zoned for Agriculture so bring the animals! No HOA! Build your own dock for fishing in your backyard. The property will need both septic and well. Centrally located and less than an hour from Orlando, New Smyrna, Mount Dora, and more. Stop dreaming, start believing, and make country living yours. MLS# G5060311 // $87,500.
A TRADITIONAL FAVORITE! Homes like this 2/2 featuring just under 1700 sq.ft. of living are in demand! Awesome layout makes life easier! Fall in love at first sight upon pulling into the driveway as you take in the immaculate landscaping, oversized corner lot, and freshly painted exterior greets you with a bright new look. As you walk in the front door you will be greeted with the open living space overlooking the Formal Living Room, Dining Area featuring almost new laminate wood flooring and open Florida Room features tile. Home can be sold “Turnkey” (everything in the home stays) or without the furniture...the choice is yours! As you continue through the home you will love the split floor plan. Retreat to the master bedroom that is o the formal living room. The master bedroom features sliders leading to the backyard, walk in closet, and master bathroom features walk in shower, garden tub, and dual vanity sinks. The other side of the home features the kitchen with newer stainless-steel appliances and plenty of cabinets and counter space and overlooks the kitchen nook and family room; both featuring wood flooring and the family room features a built-in entertainment center that is perfect for extra storage. Just o the kitchen nook you will love the “open” light and bright Florida Room that is lifestyle adjustable… perfect reading room, o ce, additional family room, craft room, etc. Just on the other side of the home you will find the guest bedroom and guest bath that features shower/tub combo and the indoor utility room leading to the 2-car garage. Did I mention the roof is almost new June 2021. As If this wasn’t enough you will love this gated golfing community that has Amenities to Infinity! ONE YEAR HOME WARRANTY INCLUDED. MLS# G5059584 // $324,900.
PRICE! PRICE! PRICE! The price is right and priced UNDER appraisal value! VALUE-4-U! Simply put, its the PRICE that makes this 3 bedroom, 2 bath traditional favorite very noticeable. Open the door to rent no more! Adios apartments! Say hello to home ownership! Whether you're looking for a place to call home all year round, seasonally, or looking for an investment property this home is a ordable, livable, and loveable. As you pull into the driveway you will love the front patio as you enter into the home. Upon entering you will be greeted with the family room that features tile flooring. Split floor plan. Just o the living room you will find both bedroom one and two that feature carpeting and ceiling fans. Guest bathroom features shower/tub combo. Kitchen features white cabinets, range, and refrigerator. Just o the kitchen you will be greeted with the dining area that has another entrance from the carport on exterior front of home. Just o the dining room you will find the utility room that features a washer/dryer hookup, folding counterspace, or storage... you chose. There's also a walk in shower and toilet. There is an addition the back of the home that could be a "flex" room and could be used as a playroom, living room, or as a master bedroom. There is no closet but if buyer wants one....seller will build one prior to closing. There is also a door leading to the backyard. Backyard is perfect for entertaining, playing, and more! Wait there's more!!! A detached shed could be made into a man shed, she shed, or just used for additional storage. This home was constructed for convenient living...just minutes from shopping, restaurants, mall, and more! Get hooked on convenient living! You'll never regret the convenience! MLS# G5060320 // $219,500.
PARK PLACE A SOUGHT AFTER COMMUNITY ON PRISTINE LAKE JOANNA Home features 3 bedrooms 2 baths and 2 car garage. Separate living room and family room with sliders leading out to the lanai area. Spacious gourmet kitchen with tons of cabinet space, eat in counter, granite counter tops and closet pantry. Large En-suite and bathroom has double sinks, garden tub, separate shower, and custom walk-in closet. Inside laundry. INSIDE HAS BEEN FRESHLY PAINTED. ROOF IS UNDER 5 YEARS OLD AND UPGRADED HVAC. WHOLE HOUSE SOLAR ENERGY with VERY LOW ELECTRIC BILLS. Beautiful screened in pool with huge lanai area 31x13 for those family gatherings and summer parties. Out door patio area to enjoy the outdoors. LARGE CORNER LOT. Private boat ramp spring fed Lake Joanna. Great skiing lake and lots of fishing. Very close to popular down town Mount Dora and downtown Eustis for all the festivals. centrally located and close to major highways for the Orlando commute. THIS HOME HAS IT ALL AND IS JUST WAITING FOR A NEW FAMILY. MLS# G5056863 // $525,000. LIVING ON on 1.39 Acres. Very wooded and Gate entry. for building MLS# G5055411 // $250,000.
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LAS COLINAS MISSION INN Natural wood flooring flows through the main living areas. Kitchen with updated Samsung appliances. Breakfast nook, informal dining, screened lanai, Florida room. The master suite features tray ceilings and a walk-in closet. Master bath has double sinks, spacious shower and private water closet. Bedroom 2 includes 9’ ceiling & a closet, while bedroom 3 has a double door entry for use as an o ce or den. Premium lifestyle with (2) 18 hole championship courses, tennis, fitness, a full service spa, 4 restaurants, lounges, hotel & an exclusive marina on the Harris Chain of Lakes. MLS# G5044683 // $369,000.
A PICTURE PERFECT HOME with Lake Eustis in clear view. This 55-plus community is also nestled between Lake Harris & Lake Dora of the Harris Chain of Lakes making it a water lover’s paradise. Instantly appealing and meticulously maintained, this home’s floor plan has been redesigned in 2010 with updates to attain the lifestyle you deserve. The kitchen underwent a total renovation from top to bottom moving walls and doorways creating a user-friendly space offering ample cabinetry, pendant lighting, and designer granite. A fireplace was added to the living area creating a cozy ambiance to the space while extending hidden storage for TV & video components. Overlooking a serene pond and natural preserve the screened lanai was converted to a relaxing Florida room where you will find energy-star windows dressed by power blinds in a climate-controlled setting. A modest master suite features a generous walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom with a solid surface counter & low maintenance flooring. Located opposite the master are bedrooms 2 & 3 presenting privacy for friends or family visits. With energy efficiency in mind, solar fans were recently installed in the attic along with additional blown-in insulation. All windows were upgraded to vinyl, double pane energy-star with transferable warranties. The roof was replaced in 2019 with an upgraded designer shingle carrying a 50-year transferable warranty and 6” gutters were incorporated throughout. A new HVAC system was installed in 2016 to include zoning controls around the home. Imperial Village is an attractive community of 46 homesites in a 55-plus setting with access to the Harris Chain of Lakes at its front door. Proximal to the nearby cities of Tavares, Eustis, & Historic Mount Dora, you will discover fine restaurants, waterfront dining, water activities, shopping & full medical facilities yet just minutes to Orlando Airport, The Villages & Famous Area Theme Parks and Beaches. Packaged to please both taste and budget, this home is sure to exceed your expectations. MLS# G5058594 // $325,000.
ATTRACTIVE CUSTOM POOL HOME located on a breathtaking canal excessing Lake Eustis and the renowned “Harris Chain of Lakes. Having practically 2700 square feet of living space this 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath home sits on over 1/3 acre. Located in a discreet community on a dead-end street with NO Homeowner’s Association the opportunities are endless. Presenting an open floorplan, featuring vaulted ceilings, skylights, wood burning fireplace, modern fixtures, and amply windows for natural light this home is a bona fide Bargain. The kitchen was renovated with new cabinets, granite counters, and appliances. A new fireplace surround enriches the family room while ceramic tile creates a warm flow throughout the entire residence. Brick pavers have been added to the lanai and pool deck while custom LED lighting creates a warm ambiance in the screened enclosure for the nightly pool use or outdoor entertaining. The sliding doors have been upgraded with new Anderson doors whereas all the bedroom windows are also scheduled for installation very soon. The oversized two-car garage offers ample space for additional storage along with an 13X14 airconditioned flexible space perfect for your in-home office/studio or workshop. While the shingle roof was replaced in 2014, all major appliances have been recently updated as well to include the HVAC, 50 gal-electric water heater, pool equipment along & heat pump. The boat dock also under-went renovation installing TREX decking along with a touchless boat cover. The back yard feels like a private oasis of mature landscaping with a garden feel overlooking the canal & nature preserve beyond. Cool off in the inground pool on a sizzling summer day, or lounge poolside with family or friends. This home has everything you have been looking for. Great location close to Shopping, Medical, Entertainment and Restaurants, so DO NOT miss your chance to own this Peaceful Piece of Paradise on the Harris Chain of Lake. Priced for a quick sale, set up your showing today! MLS# G5057066 // $589,000.
13.28 ACRES W/ 860 FEET HIGHWAY FRONTAGE on US 27/441, the only 6 Lane Highway through the Villages, Florida. Next door neighbor one of the largest Buick/GMC dealers in the Southeast. Virtually the only piece of vacant land of this size in the area which is totally on level ground, at roadside eye level. Can be seen from 1000 feet away, coming from either direction. City utilities available. St Johns Water Management permit obtained, to expedite build out. Massive billboard highly visible, provides annual income. Likely eventual Traffic light at northeast corner. Over 30,000 vehicles pass daily. Zoned PUD-Industrial with C-2 uses also allowed. Endless possibilities! MLS# G5047877 // $3,200,000.
THREE UNIT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN GROWING AREA OF LEESBURG AT SIGNALIZED CORNER OF W MAIN ST AND THOMAS AVE. Building currently fully occupied with three tenants on site, one on month to month and 2 with leases in e ect. Total rental income monthly is $1,750 per month, and building has newer roof and a/c. Great location with plenty of drive by tra c and high visibility. Each unit has it’s own restroom, and the property backs up to Dyches Lake.
GREAT OPPORTUNITY! MLS# G5054357 // $269,000.
26.10 ACRES DEVELOPMENT SITE on signalized corner of US HWY 441 & Sadler Rd. Deceleration/turn lane and cross tra c road cut already in place on 441 and Sadler Rd will be a main interchange to the new 429/Wekiva Expressway extension connection Mount Dora to metro Orlando and Sanford, which is under construction and nearing completion. Also very close to the planned Wolf Branch Innovation Center which is a PUD to consist of commercial and residential development. Tra c counts on 441 exceed 29,000, and property features 1000 ft on 441 and over 1400 ft frontage on Sadler Rd. Property IDs consist of: 16-20-27-2912-00-062, 16-20-27-0000-00-015, & 16-20-27-0000-00-016 ** Listing agent also has an additional contiguous parcel for sale, which would add an additional 3.19 acres and 350 ft of road frontage on 441. MLS# G4852054 // $2,600,000.
NEWLY AVAILABLE SPACE FOR LEASE in growing Downtown Leesburg! 3rd floor approximately 5, 025 sq ft available which owner will consider dividing/building out to suit your specific needs. Rental rate on 3rd floor space TBD/negotiable depending on terms. Upstairs space easily accessible via elevator or stairs. Conveniently located with an easy commute to Orlando, the Turnpike, I-75 and more. Location is walking distance to the multitude of new businesses on Main St. as well as Beacon College facilities. MLS# G5056390 // $18.00/Per Sq. Ft.
PRIME MEDICAL BUILDING FOR LEASE IN EXCELLENT HIGH EXPOSURE LOCATION DIRECLTY ON US HWY 441. 1,845 sq.ft. first floor available for o ce/medical use. Numerous o ces, exam rooms and restrooms on first floor, while the second floor has conference room, additional o ces, break room etc that could be leased at add’l cost. Excellent US HWY 441 frontage and visibility, with approx. 32,743 FDOT Avg Trips per Day/. Just 6 miles from the growing LRMC hospital with quick access to The Villages as well! Great opportunity in growing area!!! MLS# G5020197 // $12.00/Per Sq. Ft.
CHARMING MOUNT DORA HOME in DESIRABLE SYLVAN SHORES just steps away from Lake Gertrude & Park! This 3/2 home with NEW ROOF features wood floors throughout much of the home, a cozy fireplace, and fully updated guest AND master bathrooms! Home boasts a split plan layout with a family room AND a living room! Nice elevated wood deck out back overlooking spacious back yard great for hosting and entertaining friends and family. Home has NO HOA!
MLS# G5056600 // $459,900.
WONDERFULLY UPGRADED HOME located near Lake Eustis and desirable downtown Tavares! 3/2 home, bathrooms and kitchen have been upgraded with quality finishes. The open floor plan is wonderful with a great living room set up and separate dining room. Custom screened in outdoor kitchen area with built in grill and vent hood, sink and granite countertops and plenty of room for entertaining! No HOA! Plenty of parking for your RV, boat or both! This home is a must see to appreciate! MLS# G5058257 // $339,000.
18 UNIT income producing waterfront opportunity! Pristine Florida Waterfront! This rare and unique property is loaded with potential. Sitting on approximately 4.3 acres of beautiful Harris Chain of Lakes water frontage, you cannot go wrong with this opportunity! There is a pool with restrooms that is currently not in use and needs refurbishing that would also allow for increased rents. Property also includes Alternate Key #2757744, with US HWY 441 highway frontage to allow for better signage and entrance. MLS# G5056221 // $3,200,000.
PRIME LOCATION Hwy 441 frontage in Lady Lake. Two parcels! Parcel one is 0.27 +/- acres and includes a 4800 sq.ft. 2 story building with an elevator, interior, and exterior staircases. MLS# // $855,000.
LOOKING FOR LAND? Look no further check out this hidden gem of 0.62 acres in Lakefront Community with no HOA and views of Lake Gri n! The sis the perfect secluded property to build at the end of private drive which makes this neighborhood have rural feel and still only a couple minutes to downtown Leesburg and LRMC. MLS# G5053463.
STUNNING MUST SEE CUSTOM HOME! From the paved private drive this home is an eye catcher with a wraparound front porch sitting on over half an acre. This home has a large formal dining room. The kitchen features granite counters, tiled backsplash, a center island and an oversize breakfast nook. If you need a home o ce, there is a separate front entrance into the big bonus room with built-in window benches. There is also a half bath outside this room for business guests! Two of the down stairs bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bathroom that also features granite counters. All the closets in this home are walk-in so you have ample storage space. The master bedroom located on the first floor has a gas fireplace, tray ceilings, and French doors to the FL room. The master bathroom has granite counters with dual sinks, elegant Jacuzzi tub, toilet room, large walk-in tiled shower, large linen closet, and a walk-in closet. The 3-car detached garage has pulldown stairs with an upstairs attic space tall enough to stand up in and could be converted into a loft space. Park your RV on the designated pave RV spot with 50 amp hook up and septic clean-out. Roof was replaced in 2020, well service 2021, and septic pumped in 2021. This home has it all and more. MLS# G5059814 // $599,900.
PEACEFUL BEAUTY! This 6+ acres is your slice of heaven. Located in Webster, this property is stunning and ready for you to build your dream home or remodel this two bedroom home to make perfect for you. Located close proximity to the interstate, this property makes for easy commuting yet country living. MLS# G5057535 // $350,000.
FANTASTIC FRUITLAND PARK FIND! This spacious home has plenty of room and sits on apx .68 acres of land. Located in the beautiful community of Lake Myrtle Shores, you are close to everything and an easy commute to the interstate and turnpike. This four-bedroom has many features throughout such as a double-sided gas fi replace from the living room to the den, a formal dining room plus additional dinette seating, a nice open fl oor plan, ceramic tile, crown molding and more. The recently remodeled kitchen features top of the line appliances including a double wall oven, gorgeous granite counters and backsplash, an abundance of cabinet storage, and a built-in desk area. The guest bathrooms have also been remodeled. Your large Master Suite has space for a sitting area and is immediately next to another bedroom which could be the perfect spot for a nursery or a work from home o ce. The en-suite bathroom has a beautiful tile shower, separate garden tub and plenty of counter and storage space. Don’t miss the spacious closets throughout. The upstairs bonus room could be an additional bedroom or the perfect game room! The fl oorplan also allows for future growth above the guest bedrooms (see fl oorplan). The large backyard is waiting for the perfect pool or swingset! Don’t miss this one! MLS# G5056692 // $599,900.
RETIREMENT AT IT’S BEST with this beautiful 3 bedroom 2-1/2 bath home on a tranquil oversized corner lot located in The Plantation at Leesburg in Lake County Florida. The Plantation at Leesburg is a premier 55+ community with gated entrance/exits and 24 hour sta ed security, 2 golf courses, a restaurant/lounge with outdoor seating and entertainment, softball, tennis and pickleball courts, 3 clubhouses equipped with the state-of the art fitness centers, full time activity directors, 3 swimming pools, walking/biking trails and much more! Located just minutes away from shopping, dining and entertainment in beautiful Leesburg, Florida. The nearby Harris Chain of Lakes provides world class fishing, pleasure boating and seaplane access. This spacious home features 2,664 square feet of living space that includes a formal dining, room, living room, family room and separate den/o ce. The living room, family room and master suite have slider access to your spacious screened enclosed lanai where you can enjoy your morning co ee or take in the stunning and peaceful sunsets overlooking the adjacent pond. High ceilings, rounded corners and archways add to the charm. The large kitchen includes ample counter space with many spacious cabinets. A large pantry, built-in desk and under cabinet lighting finish this spectacular space. The master suite includes 2 separate walk-in closets with plenty of storage. The large en suite master bathroom o ers separate sink vanities, relaxing garden tub, walk-in shower with bench and large linen closet. The 2+ car garage includes space for your golf cart or boat as well as additional overhead storage. A new carrier A/C system will ensure maintenance free comfort for years to come. The home is also in walking distance of Hermitage Hall including an indoor pool, a hot tub and a gym. This is a perfect time to move to central Florida. MLS# G5058544 // $425,000.
BE PREPARED TO SAY WOW TO THIS HOME! Built in 2021 this AMAZING home is situated on almost 5 acres with stunning views! Cathedral ceilings, open floor plan, kitchen with a 13 ft island with stone accents, tons of cabinet and counter space plus walk in pantry. Co ee bar in your butlers pantry that also features a built in o ce desk. Master suite with tray ceilings, walk in glass shower, his and her sinks and claw foot bath tub that overlooks the pond in the backyard. Split bedroom plan with two additional rooms and bathroom that has his and her sinks plus a tub/shower combo. Enjoy entertaining your gorgeous back porch that has a dining and living area plus outdoor fireplace. MLS# G5060367 // $975,000.
POOL HOME!! Welcome home to this 3 bedroom 2 bath home in Sunnyside! Right from the time you drive up to your home you will notice the oversized driveway. Upon entering through the front door, you will love the open floor plan. Living room with built-in’s, tray ceiling and gas burning fireplace. Dining area with tray ceilings as well. Enjoy working from home in your den/o ce area. Kitchen with stainless steel appliances, great cabinet and counter space and eat-in dinette. Master suite with glass shower, garden bath, large vanity and great closet space. Split bedroom plan with two bedrooms and a bath that leads to the pool area. You will love making memories in this OVERSIZED fenced in backyard and great pool. New well 2020. New roof within 5 years. Another great feature this home has is the private boat ramp just for this neighborhood that leads right into the Chain of Lakes...Bring your fishing poles! Great location just minutes to shopping, restaurants, hospital and more! Call today so you do not miss out tomorrow!
MLS# G5057054 // $475,000.
BE PREPARED TO SAY WOW TO THIS HOME! You will immediately fall in love with this gorgeous 5 bedroom 4 bath home. The stunning curb appeal will catch your eye the moment you drive into the driveway. As you enter through the front door, you will notice the high ceilings and open floor plan. Chef’s dream kitchen with tons of cabinet and counter space, high end appliances, breakfast area plus a full built in butlers/bar area. Large living area with beautiful accent wall has french doors that lead to pool area. Enjoy entertaining in your formal dining with built-in’s and fire feature. Double door entry leads to den/o ce. Romantic oversized master suite with lounging area plus walk in closet, his and her sinks, garden bath and glass shower. Split bedroom plan with bedrooms two and three. Bathroom 2 features a glass shower and door that leads to pool area. Bedroom 4 currently used as an o ce with built in desk also has a bathroom with glass shower. Head on upstairs to find the HUGE game room with built in bar that has Lake Joanna views. Bedroom 5 is located upstairs with a large walk in closet. Bathroom 4 has a tub/shower combo. Enjoy relaxing in the evenings in your gorgeous screened in pool. Fully fenced backyard. Make sure you bring your boat and fishing poles! The community boat ramp is right across the street. The location of this home is hard to beat with just minutes to shopping, restaurants, hospital and more! You will not be disappointed the moment you see this home! Call today! MLS# G5059913 // $775,000.
WATERFRONT! This magnificent three-bedroom home in Ozello is the perfect RIVER RETREAT!! Don’t miss the opportunity to own this slice of heaven. This home features over 2000 living square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a family room, a dining room, and even a great room with a wood-burning fireplace. You will love the spacious kitchen and the brand new ice maker - perfect to fill that cooler with for the boat. Have toys? No problem! There’s so much storage...room for 6 vehicles not counting the driveway! Bring the boat trailer too! The spacious dock with a lift has water and a fish cleaning area as well. There’s plenty of dock space with the recent dock extension. You may spend most of your time relaxing or entertaining on the large porch area. And if you need more space, there’s an additional screen room with an attached workshop as well. The best part might just be that you are located about 200 yards from the main channel out to the Gulf of Mexico. This spectacular find is ready for you! MLS# G5057202 // $775,000.
FALL IN LOVE! 3/2 home is well maintained. BRAND NEW ROOF! Sitting on a large oversized fenced lot, this property also features a spacious detached garage in addition to the two car main garage. The detached garage has an overhead front garage door and side entry door as well as plenty of space for all of your storage needs. The open floorplan o ers a kitchen with a large breakfast bar that opens directly to the living and dining rooms. The split bedroom plan gives everyone some space and the Master has a convenient walk-in closet as well as an en-suite bathroom. The Master bathroom features convenient double sinks and a spacious shower area. You will love the beautiful plank tile flooring and neutral colors throughout. You can choose to enjoy co ee on your front porch or breezy evenings on your screen enclosed back porch. MLS# G5059688 // $282,000.
GORGEOUS GRAND peaceful privacy fenced backyard. The spacious floorplan has a nice open feel with the kitchen opening directly to the living and dining areas. Enter bamboo hardwood flooring. The living room sliders that lead directly to your screen-enclosed lanai. The spacious kitchen has plenty of cabinets and counter space and leads directly to the laundry room and garage. We can’t forget to mention this garage... it is oversized with plenty of storage space and a side entry for beautiful curb appeal. The Master bedroom features separate his/her sink areas, a relaxing garden tub, and a separate shower. There are even double closets for extra storage and a separate door leading to the screened lanai. The three guest bedrooms share a spacious bathroom with double sinks and a tub/shower combo. Upgrades include fresh exterior paint with stucco professionally repaired and sealed, a newly re-built air handler, in-wall pest control system with tubes, a multi-zoned sprinkler system, and even a fire pit in the backyard with incredible views of the stars and rocket launches! You will love the two beautiful Tabebuia trees in the front yard that bloom twice a year in full yellow! You may often see nature visitors such as tortoises, hawks, and owls! This is a superb location with easy access to highways 429, 44, and 46. Grand Island is located between Lake Yale and Lake Eustis on the Harris Chain of Lakes. You will love to explore the local Chain of Lakes. This home is just 10 minutes to downtown Eustis and Umatilla, and 20 minutes to downtown Mt. Dora, Tavares, and Leesburg. It is also an easy commute to schools and shopping. Seller is also willing to escrow the amount for a NEW ROOF at closing for the new buyers! Don’t miss the opportunity to call this beauty HOME! MLS# G5058605 // $399,900.
LAKEFRONT LUXURY! Located in Palmora Park, this remodeled beauty on the Chain of Lakes will be sure to impress you! The spacious lakefront home feature three bedrooms with three bathrooms boasting nearly 3000 sq ft of living space as well as a private pool setting in the backyard. Upon arrival, you’ll see the very well-maintained landscaping and a brick pavered driveway. Once inside you will love the updated kitchen with a built-in oven, smooth cooking surface, and quartz countertops. All of the bedrooms have wood floors and the bathrooms have been beautifully updated. You will appreciate the large family room in the rear of the home for all of your gatherings. Outside, you will love the private screened in pool for both hot afternoons and evenings. Don’t feel like swimming? Walk to the dock and board your boat located directly on the Harris Chain of Lakes. With a short golf cart ride to downtown Leesburg, Venetian Cove Marina, or the future Ski Beach Restaurant being built in Venetian Gardens, this home has it all. Call today for a private showing. MLS# G5058698 // $849,500.
While we celebrate crystal-blue lakes and lush fairways, monsters are giving us a black eye we can’t cover up with sunglasses and suntan lotion.
For thousands of citizens, the county promoting itself as Real Florida, Real Close … is Real Dangerous.
Monsters who demean, strike, and emotionally abuse the very people they claim to love live among us.
How big is the problem? In 2019*, the Lake County Sheri ’s O ce reported 1,719 domestic violence related o enses.
You read right; ve times a day, one of our neighbors phoned 9-1-1 and shouted, sobbed, or whispered something along the lines of, “Please help me, he’s going to kill me.”
And those are only the documented cases. We can only guess how many victims were too afraid to call or prevented from seeking help.
It took Bonnie 20 years. She didn’t pick up the phone when husband No. 1 threw a frying pan at her. Five years later, she didn’t call; she just moved out when husband No. 2 threatened her son.
Bonnie (not her real name) was invisible until husband No. 4 pointed a pistol at her face and began locking the bedroom door at night and sleeping with a pistol under the pillow and a shotgun nearby. Bonnie didn’t seek help until he slammed her against the wall and hissed, “You are my wife, and you will never leave.”
Why did she stay so long?
“In between the times of crazy, the devotion, undying love and support comes through,” she says. “I think ‘This is NOT his fault.’ Service to his country has severely wounded him. God would not put me in this situation if I couldn’t handle it. I can do this. I can love and support him through his pain. Leaving is quite possibly the hardest thing you will ever do.”
Kelly Smallridge, director of Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties, Inc., understands why thousands of Bonnies stay with tormentors.
“If you think about how women are raised; we’re raised as caretakers,” Kelly says. “And we want to believe what people tell us anyway. That’s just human nature. So, when someone says, ‘I promise I will never do it again.’ We want to believe that.”
What a victim should believe is their abuser will not and cannot change.
“If they hit you once, they’re going to do it again,” Kelly states.
That’s what Kelly tells women—and men—when they explain through broken, bloody lips that they stayed with a partner who hit them.
There are valid reasons why women stay to be hit again and again, and/or verbally attacked and emotionally belittled.
“It’s hard to leave a relationship when you have that emotional connection, or you have children,
or you don’t have a job, or you have no money, there’s a million good reasons why they stay. Most people don’t realize how hard it is to really leave,” Kelly says.
Bonnie can relate. Her bank account was empty when she left No. 4. But she nally left.
Leaving nearly cost Bonnie her life.
In a voice breaking with emotion, Bonnie returns to the terrible scene: “He exits the truck with his blank, mission-to-kill face. I am screaming, ‘You need to leave!’ He jumps in his truck. I start to run. He is trying to run me over. ‘I am going to die!’ I run into the house and lock the door. I see through the window that he has parked by the barn a good distance away. He is walking towards the house … approaching on a mission
to kill. My phone is left outside in my panicked retreat. I nd my pistol. I run out to the top of the hill by the house screaming, ‘You have to leave!’ He continues his advance. No words, nothing... I re warning shots away from him … He nally stops about 50 feet away after multiple warnings and retreats.”
Bonnie understands she’ll never be completely free.
“The constant reliving the event and every diesel truck sound sent me into a collapsed ball of sobbing mush on the oor or ground – wherever I happened to be at the moment. I was on the verge of suicide. If not for my dog, I would be dead,” Bonnie says. “Every diesel truck still sends me into a panic, in spite of living in another state, although I no longer collapse.
You can start over. You can heal with the right support. You can nd your true self for the rst time or reclaim your true self if you were ever lucky enough to have known yourself at some point in your life. You may lose your job, your home, your car, your pets. You WILL lose family, friends, and acquaintances. You will feel devastatingly alone.”
It doesn’t have to be that way. That’s the point of this article.
Not sure if you’re in an abusive relationship, or about to enter one? Look for your mate or prospective partner in this summary of “characteristics of batterers” from a list The Haven provides clients. Doing so could save your life.
Domestic violence is a big, big problem, but it’s not THE big problem.
Lake County’s lack of facilities and programs for domestic violence victims is the larger issue.
“We normally, within our shelter, would serve 40 clients at a time, but we’ve been limited to 14,” says Kelly Smallridge, director of Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties, Inc. “The county commission wouldn’t give us a new zoning to do 40. We have a waiting list and since this happened, we’ve turned away probably 3,000 people.”
What “happened” was a 4-1 vote by Lake County Commissioners on January 28, 2020 to deny Haven’s request to rezone in rural
Lake County so the capacity of the shelter could be increased from 14 people to 120.
During the meeting, Commissioner Josh Blake, who made the motion to deny the rezoning request, opined that Haven is bound by the promise made in 2002 that “there would be no more than 14 people at the facility.” He also cited concerns by neighbors.
Kelly disagreed then, and 3,000 domestic violence victims later, she still disagrees.
“I’ve fought them and fought them, and I don’t have any money to keep fighting them,” Kelly says.
With that said, Kelly cannot bring herself to utter the words, “Sorry,
we’re full,” to a victim of domestic violence.
“What we do, as opposed to saying, ‘We just can’t take you,’ we try to find them a place in another county, or a homeless program, or something so that we can accommodate them in some way. Basically, right now, we’re dependent on other shelters and whatever we can do to find them a safe place,” Kelly said.
Those who oppose expansion of the Haven’s shelter for abused women have valid reasons for their position.
Obviously, so does the Haven’s board of directors.
The impasse is unfortunate, to say the least.
• May appear to be “tough, strong and confident," but really suffer from low self-esteem.
• May be emotionally "needy" and have become dependent on their partner.
• The thought of losing their partner feels threatening. Controlling and jealous behavior follow.
• Many victims dated or knew their abuser for less than six months before becoming engaged or living together.
• Can come on like a whirlwind, claiming “love at first sight,” and using flattery such as "I have never felt loved like this by anyone.”
• May need someone desperately and will pressure a partner to commit to a relationship before they are truly ready.
• It’s often said that jealousy is a sign of love. Jealousy has nothing to do with love; it's a sign of possessiveness and lack of trust.
• Of course, not every twinge of jealousy is a sign of impending doom to come.
• May explain away their controlling behavior as a concern for their partner’s safety, a need for you to use time well or to make good decisions.
• Anger if you are "late" coming home.
• Questions about where you went, who you talked to, etc.
• Doesn’t let you make personal decisions about the house, your clothing, etc.
• Keeps all the money.
• Makes you ask permission to leave the house.
• Tries to completely isolate their partner from friends, family, and their support system so the victim will be totally dependent on the abuser.
• May call you names like “whore” or “slut” and/or accuse you of cheating when you express a desire to spend time with friends.
• May accuse you of being “tied to apron strings” if you are close to your family.
• Accuse people who are supportive of causing trouble.
• May restrict use of the phone and/or car.
• May try to keep you from working or going to school.
• Often expect their partner to meet ALL of their needs, be the perfect partner, lover, and friend.
• Says things like, "If you love me, I'm all you need and you're all I need.”
• May expect you to take care of everything for them; emotionally, physically, and sometimes economically.
• Obsessive about being recognized as "the man of the house."
• Makes rigid rules and expects their needs to be catered to at all times, including in the bedroom.
• Sees you as unintelligent, inferior, and less than whole without the relationship.
• They will often tell you that no one else would want you or that you are nothing without them.
• May show little concern about whether you want to have sex and use sulking or anger to manipulate you into giving in to sex.
• They may start having sex with you while you are sleeping, or demand sex even when you are ill or tired.
• They may want to "make up" by having sex after they have been physically or verbally abusive.
• Typically have trouble with discussing "feelings,” especially very strong ones like anger or frustration.
• Without skills or self-permission to express themselves in constructive ways, they can lash out with violence.
• Studies suggest that batterers, in general, have a higher incident of drug and alcohol abuse than nonbatterers. Drugs and alcohol CAUSE lower inhibitions, making an already frustrated and violence-prone person more likely to fall back on violence as a crutch.
• Commonly use the actions of others as excuses for their own behavior.
• They blame the person who made them angry, often asking their victims, “Why did you make me do that?”
• They may make mistakes and then blame you for upsetting them.
• They may tell you that YOU are at fault for almost anything that goes wrong.
• Abusers see themselves as the victim in the relationship, and do not take responsibility for their own feelings or behaviors.
• Easily insulted and may view the slightest setback as a personal attack.
• They will rant about the injustice of things that are really just a part of life, such as having to go to work, getting a traffic ticket, or being asked to help with chores.
• Many abusers are also excellent actors. They may appear to function well at work, with friends and family, etc. That makes it difficult for a victim to get support from friends and family, who may try to convince the victim that their spouse is not abusive.
• Punishes animals brutally or is insensitive to their pain.
• May expect children to be capable of things beyond their ability. They may tease children until they cry. They may be very critical of other people's children, especially any children you bring in from a previous relationship.
• May threaten to prevent you from seeing children you have no biological rights to or punish children to get even with you.
*The most recent statistics available.
HAVEN OF LAKE & SUMTER COUNTIES, INC. 2600 South Street, Leesburg 24-Hour Hotline: 352.753.5800
• Outreach counseling
• Transitional living for victims requiring longer term physical and/or emotional healing
• Legal advocacy
• Help securing financial assistance and restitution
• Children's services for children through age 17, who are victims of or witnesses to domestic and/or sexual abuse. Group counseling and Positive Parenting sessions for caregivers
• All services free of charge
• Provides advice to survivors of domestic violence
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING 13806 CR 33, Groveland, FL 34736 352.536.4158
There is nothing scarier than a child in danger. Grinnell some safety tips to help a Halloween: a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.
CHOOSE bright costumes have are
ALWAYS walk younger children the door treats.
NEVER send younger children out alone they should be with a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult.
TEACH children to say “NO!” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. Tell them to try everything they can to escape, including yelling, hitting and kicking.
ince his start more than 30 years ago, David C. Lew, MD, FACC, FSCAI, a board-certi ed, award-winning interventional cardiologist with Orlando Health Medical Group FHV Health in Leesburg, continues making strides as an innovator in his eld.
He earned his medical degree and completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, followed by two fellowships in cardiology.
Dr. Lew then became an assistant professor of cardiology with UF, and in 1992, came to Leesburg and founded his own practice. He made history starting Lake County’s rst cardiac program—performing more than 800 cardiac catheterizations in the rst year—with help from business partner Dr. Jose Rosado.
A few years later, Dr. Lew was one of 12 national investigators on a landmark trial called PAMI-No SOS, which gave outpatient facilities and community hospitals clearance to perform angioplasties for patients presenting
with acute heart attack. Before that, big hospitals with surgical programs in place were the only option.
“I’m very proud to say I have made a contribution to the way cardiology has been practiced in the last 10-15 years,” says Dr. Lew.
From there, FHV went from a single specialty cardiology practice to a comprehensive group with several cardiologists, primary care, vascular surgery, and more.
“We are now a group of about 30 providers, physicians and aestheticians all combined, providing cardiology, family practice, internal medicine, vascular surgery and same day walk-in clinic care,” he says.
Today, Dr. Lew continues making a di erence by excelling in groundbreaking procedures, such as TAV-R surgery, used to replace heart valves through the groin versus opening the chest. MITRA-clips repair leaky nitro valves, and PFO ASD is a procedure for closing holes in the heart. He has also served as an investigator for STAND, a critical limb ischemia
trial comparing balloon angioplasty versus a new novel stent, and NIH CREST, comparing stenting to endarterectomy, alongside Dr. David Sustarsic, his surgical counterpart.
In April 2021, a merger with the $7 billion Orlando Health System, took FHV to another level by boosting its range of services, funding capability, and medical support. It also resulted in better bene ts and working conditions for its more than 200 employees.
Locals or winter residents who would like to be seen at Orlando Health System FHV Health, can make an appointment with a provider with a referral from their primary physician, if required. They may also visit one of FHV Health’s two walk-in clinics.
PAID FEATURE
STORY: JAMES COMBS innocence
ive-year-old Amy enters a room where Sesame Street books are scattered across a small table accompanied by toddlersize pink, red, and green chairs. An animated Disney movie plays on a television set. Gold sh swim playfully in a large aquarium.
Unfortunately, Amy is not at a daycare center or preschool. She’s inside the Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center, a child-friendly facility for children who are victims of abuse and neglect.
Amy (not her real name) nds herself in an unimaginable situation for someone her age. She must answer a forensic interviewer’s questions about being sexually abused by a family member.
During the interview, the timid, soft-spoken girl dgets with a pair of broken glasses and ddles with an untied shoelace. She curls her slight body—perhaps to make
herself as small as possible—as she quietly discusses what happened to her. She’s emotionally con icted, hesitant to name the alleged o ender because she does not want to get him in trouble.
Amy is not only a victim; she’s also a statistic. Two-thirds of children in the U.S. experience at least one traumatic event by age 16, according to a study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
The National Institute of Mental Health de nes childhood trauma as, “the experience or an event by a child that is emotionally painful or distressful, which often results in lasting mental and physical e ects.”
What constitutes childhood trauma varies widely. Traumatic events can include psychological, physical, or sexual abuse, community violence, witnessing domestic violence, national disasters, sudden or violent loss of a loved one, neglect, serious accidents, or lifethreatening illnesses.
Sadly, there are many “Amys” in Lake and Sumter counties. Between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022, the Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center saw 347 children for sexual abuse, 228 for physical abuse, 207 for neglect, 40 for drug endangerment, and 29 who witnessed violence.
Often, the egregious acts of child mistreatment that occur in our communities are downright shameful. Case in point: last April police charged a Eustis babysitter with aggravated child abuse after she placed a 4-year-old boy in a dryer and made him spin round and round. The boy su ered injuries to his head, cheek, ears, stomach, and back.
“Problems like abuse and other traumatic events are a big problem in Lake County and underreported,” says Brenda Crellen, executive director of the Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center. “These things don’t just happen in larger cities.”
Many children who live lives lled with trauma beyond their control don’t know how to stop the abuse. In many cases, their demeanor and actions speak for them.
“In young kids there is regression like thumb sucking, crying, and separation anxiety from a parent,” says Cary Scipio, a licensed mental health counselor at Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties. “With kids in elementary school and middle school, they feel that the traumatic event is their fault and that they should be doing more to remedy the problem. That impacts their self-esteem and sense of safety. With teenagers, since they’re going through hormone changes and reaching puberty, they engage in more risky behavior like sex, drugs, or alcohol.”
Haven, headquartered in Leesburg, serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Cary provides therapy for kids ages 7-18 who accompany their abused parent to the organization’s emergency shelter.
“They either witness violence or experience it themselves,” he says.
“When there’s violence between parents, some children eventually display the same conduct, whether it’s physical emotional, or sexual.”
He says childhood trauma can result in learning problems, academic failure, increased school suspensions, and increased involvement with the juvenile justice system. Therefore, therapy is important. For children, having the opportunity to express thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences in a safe and con dential place is crucial to helping them avoid risky behaviors and helping them better cope with traumatic experiences.
“Having people who support you, believe you, and encourage you is a big factor in the healing journey,” Cary says. “Also, they need to be in an environment where they feel safe.”
That safe, supportive environment is what the Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center provides for traumatized children. Kids brought to the center undergo a videotaped forensic interview, a medical examination, and prompt crisis counseling. They are welcomed back to receive long-term counseling if needed.
“When they rst come in you can see the trauma on their face,” Brenda says. “They’re closed o . Their trust is damaged. They feel like nobody believes them.”
The center o ers a therapeutic art room stocked with colored pencils and markers. Hanging prominently on the wall is a child’s tear-jerking drawing of a happy family that is accompanied by the words: “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the lights.” In another room superhero gurines line multiple shelves.
“Kids tell us that if they had the same superhero powers they wouldn’t be in this situation,” Brenda says. “It’s so heartbreaking.”
What’s also heartrending is that most children who end up at the center are sexual assault victims age 6 or under.
Thankfully, prompt intervention can turn the worst cases into success stories.
That’s the case with Amy, who received trauma-focused counseling. Two years after being sexually assaulted, she bravely testi ed in court before a jury of strangers. She told her horri c story and named the o ending family member, who ultimately received a series of consecutive life sentences.
The brave girl found her voice and the justice she deserved.
“Kids have resiliency beyond words,” Brenda says. “If we can intervene, then a horrible event doesn’t have to a ect them for the rest of their lives or de ne who they are.”
• Provided 539 medical exams to children following allegations of abuse. • Provided 2,377 counseling services to 464 children. • Assessed 430 children for victimization. BETWEEN JULY 1, 2021 AND JUNE 30, 2022, THE LAKE SUMTER CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER:Without intervention, the impact of trauma-related stress can last well beyond childhood. Just ask Alan Hickey, a licensed mental health counselor in Ocala.
Several years ago, he participated in a live theater production of Paula Vogel’s “How I Learned to Drive,” a play about a young girl who was sexually molested by her uncle. Following the performance, an elderly woman who had been sexually abused by her brother approached him.
“She said she was grateful for us putting on the play because people didn’t realize how common sexual abuse is in real life,” Alan says. “She told me that she kept her story to herself all those years because she was afraid of telling on her brother. However, her brother died two years earlier and she was nally able to start talking about it. Talking about it allowed her to start healing.”
Simply put, time doesn’t heal all wounds in every victim of childhood trauma.
Alan knows. Some of the adults he treats engage in self-destructive behaviors like gambling, alcoholism, sex addiction, and compulsive shopping.
“When I talk to them and explore deeper, I realize they had needs that went unmet when they were children,” Alan says. “They experienced some sort of trauma and never received the help they required. You cannot assume you’re
going to grow out of the problem and that if you give it enough time everything will be okay.”
For older men in particular, the masculine ideal of suppressing feelings comes with repercussions. Men who experienced childhood trauma often su er from anxiety, depression, and anger.
“Older men lived in a time where the expectation to deal with a problem was to keep calm and carry on,” Alan says. “That reinforces multiple ideas, one of them being that nobody cares. The other being that this problem shouldn’t be a ecting me because nobody else is talking about this. I’m the only one feeling this way, so there must be something wrong with me. All this compiles on each other over the years. As adults, they begin looking for ways to numb their pain or release it. Unresolved childhood issues can certainly have an impact on your physical health, and they can also be a detriment to your nancial well-being.”
The good news is that adults can overcome traumatic experiences from their childhood. They can raise happy and healthy families, be productive citizens, and live a ful lling life.
“I always tell a joke: How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, but the light bulb must want to change,” Alan says. “My clients who are truly committed to changing their lives for the better are the ones who experience the best results with therapy.”
children were the victim of robbery, vandalism, or theft during the previous year.
of children report being physically bullied, while more than 1-in-3 say they are emotionally bullied.
Sources: National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, The Medical University of South Carolina. adults experienced abuse or other difficult family circumstances during childhood. children in the U.S. will witness or experience a traumatic event before they turn 4. children repeatedly experience by a caregiver.
CHILDHOOD TRAUMA BY THE NUMBERS:
“IF WE CAN INTERVENE, THEN A HORRIBLE EVENT DOESN’T HAVE TO AFFECT THEM FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES OR DEFINE WHO THEY ARE.”
STORY: ROXANNE BROWN ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
xpecting a baby can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life, a time of anticipating all the things that can go right after welcoming your new bundle of joy home.
No one wants to think of things that can go wrong. But things can–and do–go wrong.
Just look at statistics regarding sleep safety for infants. They’re enough to rattle any new parent.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “Approximately 3,500 infants die from sleep-related infant deaths annually in the United States.” Most fatalities are due to sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS) or accidental su ocation or strangulation.
On a positive note, “There are ways of reducing the risk of such deaths in babies,” says Registered Nurse and Lactation Consultant Nancy Drenning, R.N., who works at the Orlando Health South Lake Hospital’s Women’s Center in Clermont.
Nancy’s statement is based on the AAP's Safe Sleep for Babies Act.
The 1992 document detailing the AAP’s recommendations for a safe sleep environment was updated in 2011 and again in 2016. On May 3, 2022, Congress passed a bill containing revisions to those guidelines, updated recommendations, more speci c direction, and an o cial stance.
Since then, Nancy has been sharing the dos and don’ts of laying babies down to sleep. She not only briefs new parents on the updated guidelines after delivery, she shares her knowledge with mothers at “Mom’s Day Out,” a weekly support group Nancy leads for new moms at the National Training Center on the Orlando Health South Lake Hospital campus.
NANCY EXPLAINS THAT THERE ARE THREE FACTORS (KNOWN IN THE MEDICAL WORLD AS THE TRIPLE RISK MODEL) THAT NEED TO BE PRESENT FOR SIDS TO OCCUR:
• Undetected vulnerability in the baby;
• The baby is in a critical developmental period of growth (birth-12 months);
• Outside stressors, one of the biggest being an unsafe sleep environment.
“Making sure your baby is in a safe sleep environment takes away one of the three things you have to have for SIDS,” Nancy says. “So, if you have provided a safe sleep environment for your baby, you can pretty much rest and sleep well yourself.”
And what are the other guidelines for a safe sleep environment?
For starters, the AAP stresses that infants should sleep on a rm, at, bare surface with no incline, or anything around them like stu ed toys, pillows, extra blankets, bumpers, wedges, etc.
Most importantly, parents should, at all costs, refrain from sharing a bed with their babies. That goes for siblings and caregivers, too. In the past decade, accidental su ocation deaths have increased over 30 percent. The most common causes are laying on the baby, soft bedding, or the baby getting wedged between two objects.
“You can almost double your chance of having an unexpected accidental death by co-sleeping or bed sharing with your baby. You think it’s safer but it’s not, because things you may not even think of, like if you’re on your side and sleeping with your arm on your baby’s chest, that kind of dead weight can su ocate them,” Nancy explains. “But if they’re right next to you in their own space, you’ve got that mom ear and when something changes with the baby, you instinctively wake up.”
Nancy says the AAP does condone sharing the same room, so feeding babies in bed and then placing them in a bassinette or crib positioned next to your bed is ideal.
First-time mom and frequenter of Nancy’s support group Akua Brenya says she appreciates learning all she can about keeping her new arrival—a 3-month-old baby boy named James—as safe as possible morning, noon, and night.
Akua says she nds great comfort in spending time with other moms who can relate to her experiences and concerns, and who share Akua’s
determination to get things right for the sake of her baby.
“Even though you have a partner, you feel alone sometimes. Like I have this whole child I need to take care of, and I need to hear what other women are going through,” she says.
Akua says there’s so much information on so many social media outlets and various websites that it’s sometimes hard to decipher facts from ction.
“Some of the things I’m hearing are reiterating what I already know, because either I’ve looked them up or I’ve heard them, but some things have been real eye openers for me,” Akua says. “Plus, you hear things in di erent circles, and you hear things that are not accurate sometimes, so it’s worth coming here and hearing the right things from people like Nancy who are more reputable and who can give more validity to them.”
Most importantly, Akua recommends staying on top of the AAP’s guidelines.
“You don’t want to have the story that your child died of SIDS or su ocation, especially when you spent nine months growing the child and waiting so long to meet him or her,” Akua says.
Additionally, the new federal Safe Sleep for Babies Act, advocated by the AAP and signed into law in May, will place a ban on potentially dangerous sleep products that contribute to an unsafe sleep environment. Within the year, crib
Akua Brenya and baby boy Jamesbumpers,inclined sleepers, and other potentially hazardous products should be completely o shelves.
Until then, Nancy reiterates to parents that devices and products marketed to prevent SIDS are not recommended by the AAP and should not be relied on.
In a press release about the ban, AAP President Moira A. Szilagyi, M.D., Ph.D., FAAP, called the congressional approval a “monumental victory for children’s health.”
With all that in mind, Nancy says there is one more very important thing to remember—ensuring that
any caregiver you entrust is aware of routines and sleep guidelines you follow for your baby, period.
Nancy says it may be a hard conversation to initiate, but a necessary one, especially when dealing with a family member who reminds you of the many kids they raised and who ‘turned out just ne’ without adhering to the new measures.
“Just talk with them regardless and explain that there are new guidelines that you would like followed. Gently remind them that back in the day, they didn’t have car seats either, a requirement now. But whatever you do, it’s important
to communicate and express your wishes,” Nancy says.
She suggests showing your caregiver the baby’s room and sleeping environment if they’ll be caring for your baby in your home. If your baby will be cared for in their house, ask to see where your baby will be sleeping.
“If you’re adamant, they should listen. Let the mama bear come out in you. Afterall, this is your baby’s well-being we’re talking about,” Nancy says.
For more information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.aap.org
The baby should sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface that, at a minimum, adheres to the June 2021 Consumer Product Safety Commission’s rule that any infant sleep product must meet federal safety standards for cribs, bassinets, play yards, and bedside sleepers. Parents should not use products that aren’t specifically marketed for sleep.
Sitting devices such as car seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers, and infant slings are not recommended for routine sleep in the hospital or at home, particularly for infants younger than 4 months.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, and while any human milk feeding is more protective than none, two months of at least partial human milk feeding has been demonstrated to significantly lower the risk of sleeprelated deaths. The AAP recommends exclusive human milk feeding to 6 months, with continuation of human milk feeding for one year or longer as mutually desired by parent and infant.
A recommendation that parents sleep in the same room–but not in the same bed as a baby–preferably for at least the first six months.
Avoid parent and infant exposure to nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and illicit drugs.
Make sure the baby receives routine immunizations.
Pacifier use is associated with reducing risk.
Avoid the use of commercial devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS or other sleep-related deaths. There is no evidence any of these devices reduce the risk of these TYPES OF death. The use of products claiming to increase sleep safety may provide a false sense of security and complacency for caregivers. Do not use home cardiorespiratory monitors as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended to facilitate infant development and to minimize development of positional plagiocephaly. Parents are encouraged to place the infant in tummy time while awake and supervised for short periods of time beginning soon after hospital discharge, increasing incrementally to at least 15 to 30 minutes total daily by 7 weeks of age.
There is no evidence to recommend swaddling as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS. If infants are swaddled, always place them on the back. Weighted swaddles, weighted clothing, or weighted objects on or near the baby are not safe and not recommended. When an infant exhibits signs of attempting to roll (which usually occurs at 3 to
The long-running Pig on the Pond community festival–featuring barbecue, live entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors, kids zone, and more–is back after a temporary hiatus. Proceeds from the event hosted by Project Scholars, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships and support, benefits local students. For more information, including admission rates, entertainment schedules and parking guidelines, visit pigonthepond.org.
In 2021, Sunshine Artist Magazine ranked the Mount Dora Craft Fair as the #1 all-time favorite classic/ contemporary craft festival in America. The event features original works of 350 of the country’s best crafters. More than 250,000 craft enthusiasts attend the
October 22-23 / Downtown Mount Dora / mtdoracraftfair.com
Nothing spells autumn like fallen leaves, freshly picked pumpkins, and ghoulish ghosts. Come celebrate this special season at First Assembly of God’s Fall Festival. Attendees will enjoy games and activities for all ages, including a blow-up slide, a dunk tank, free food, and lots of candy.
October 29 / First Assembly of God 2024 S. Grove St., Eustis / 352.636.1741 22-23
October 14-16 / Waterfront Park / 330 3rd St., Clermont / 407.797.9393 N. Market N.
Enjoy quality entertainment on the many stages of Lake and Sumter counties.
Enjoy the Sounds of Soul, a high-energy group of six seasoned performers who relive the tunes of Motown by unleashing awesome vocals and slick dance moves. Clermont Performing Arts Center 3700 S. U.S. Hwy 27, Clermont / 352.394.4800
Move to the beat of your favorite performers at these great concerts or local venues!
10/3 @ 7pm
VOCTAVE
The Sharon, The Villages 10/6 @ 6pm
MANFREDI ROCKS
Flying Boat Tap Room, Belleview 10/7 @ 5pm
C.O.D. FLORIDA
Hurricane Dockside Grill, Tavares 10/8 @ 7pm
TURN THE PAGE Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale 10/9 @ noon
DENNIE AND THE JETS Lakeridge Winery, Clermont 10/9 @ 7pm
THE VILLAGES PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA The Sharon, The Villages 10/12 @ 7pm
CHRISTOPHER CROSS The Sharon, The Villages 10/14 @ 7pm
MELISSA ALDANA The Sharon, The Villages 10/15 @ 7pm
SOUL SACRIFICE
Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale 10/16 @ 4:30pm
C.O.D. FLORIDA Hurricane Dockside Grill, Tavares 10/17 @ 1pm
LINDA ELDER The Sharon, The Villages
10/18 @ 7pm
LINDA ELDER
The Sharon, The Villages 10/20 @ 7pm
THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
The Sharon, The Villages 10/22 @ noon
ACE SUGGS
Lakeridge Winery, Clermont 10/22 @ 7pm
FLEETWOOD MASK Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale 10/27 @ 7pm
MICHELLE INGRHAM
GarVino’s Cigars, Fine Wine, and Gifts, The Villages 10/28 @ 7pm
HOTEL CALIFORNIA Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale 10/28 @ 7pm
DENNIE AND THE JETS Elks Lodge #1578, Tavares 10/29 @ 7pm
HOTEL CALIFORNIA Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale 10/30 @ 7pm
THE TEXAS TENORS
The Sharon, The Villages 11/4 @ 5pm
C.O.D. FLORIDA
Hurricane Dockside Grill, Tavares
RACEGrammy-balloted singer/songwriter
Luanne “Annie”
Hunt has recorded entering the world
Her latest album, “Portraits in Song,” is in the running for a Josie
Genre Album of the Year’ category. Luanne is one of 11 artists nominated for the honor. Whether she wins or accomplishment—less than 1,000
This is Luanne’s second Josie
Most recently, Luanne wrote and recorded a song for the Villagers for Veterans group at the request of organization founder Marie Bogdono . In August, Luanne unveiled “Brave American Girl,” a tribute to women who served in the military, at a concert and fundraiser for Ashley’s House, a $16-million transition home for veterans being built by Villagers for Veterans.
She’s also headlining a Veteran’s Day concert for the Vietnam Veterans of America, chapter 1036, at 6pm Nov. 11 at Lake Deaton United Methodist Church in Wildwood.
“I spent so many years just trying to hone my talent and gure out what I was going to do with the gifts I was given, but now I have a whole di erent outlook centered on helping others,” Luanne says.
She explains that extending support soothes her soul since she knows how it feels to operate without it.
“When I was a kid, I always talked about singing, but unfortunately, I didn’t get a lot of support from my family,” Luanne says. “They pretty much told me I should think about doing something else because I had no musical talent.”
especially since the awards ceremony will be held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Luanne took that criticism to heart and set her sights on acting when she married and left Pennsylvania for southern California in the early 80s.
Deep down, Luanne’s heart knew what it wanted, and although it took more than a decade, her mind eventually followed suit.
In retrospect, Luanne says, “I was afraid of failing, but I just couldn’t let go of the idea of singing. I would say it picked me; I didn’t pick it.”
performing, Luanne loves giving back.
For more information, visit luannehunt.com. you know of a our
STORY: ROXANNE BROWN ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
333 Fish Camp, Crescent City
The 40-acre property supplies everything needed to get on the water — boat ramp, gas, boat rentals ( shing and pontoon), bait, tackle, shing licenses — and a place to
back to the ’30s and ’40s. Although weekenders frequent Pana Vista Lodge to sh, there are plenty of winter residents and people who live there permanently.
“Lake Pan is spring-fed and shallow. It has a lot of shell bottom so the whole lake has sh habitat, whereas some lakes only have habitat around the edges,” notes Jim. “It’s well known for shellcrackers and bluegill in spring and summer. Speckled perch are mostly caught in the winter, but largemouth bass are year-round. In October the biggest sh are getting ready to spawn.”
—JIM VEAL, JR.stay. The shop has also sold and serviced Johnson & Evinrude outboard motors since the 1950s.
“All you need to bring is your
There are 75 full hook-up RV sites, a primitive tent camping area, 15 mobile home lots and 15 rustic but modernized cabins, some dating
PANA VISTA LODGE 3417 C.R. 421, Lake Panasoffkee 352.793.2061 / panavistalodge.com
Boat rentals ( shing and pontoon) are available with advance reservation.
Lake Harris Lodge features 27 RV sites and 10 cottages (one-and two-bedroom), plus a screened pool. All cottages have been remodeled and guests appreciate the screened-in porches.
“Most of our guests do sh, and we also have people who come just to see the surrounding towns, like Mount Dora. We have out-of-state winter
guests who have been coming here for 20-plus years,” says Debbie, noting that their lodge appeals to people who love the lake, but not a hotel setting.
“Lake Harris Hideaway restaurant is right next door,” adds Debbie, noting that boaters often tie up to the popular restaurant’s dock
LAKE HARRIS LODGE 11924 Lane Park Road, Tavares / 352.343.4111
“WE’RE ONE OF THE FEW OLD-TIME FISHING CAMPS LEFT IN THE STATE; THEY’RE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN NOW.”Photos of 333 Fish Camp and Pana Vista Lodge provided by sources
The scenic, north- owing St. John’s River is home to Parramore’s Campground, which began as a logging camp in the 1930s before evolving into a sh camp in the 1960s.
Somewhere in the 1980s, “Old Man Parramore” sold the camp and the new owner added cabins to expand lodging options. Since 2017, Parramore’s Campground has been owned by Kimzey and Jordan John.
“The St. John’s is a bucket list item for a lot of people who sh. Photographers like it for the wildlife and birds,” says campground manager
Julie Bates. “It’s an interesting ecosystem; it’s considered brackish water until the Highway 40 bridge, so you can watch manatees, as well as catch shrimp and blue crab. There are two big crappie tournaments on the river and it’s also good bass shing.” Bring your boat or rent one. Parramore’s doesn’t rent boats, but Julie can set you up with a locallyrented shing or pontoon boat.
The campground is close to Lake George; it’s only 30 minutes by water to Silver Glen from Parramore’s boat ramp.
Lodging includes 15 guest cabins with nature-minded monikers like Bluegill Beds and Otter.
Many visitors opt for a full hook-up RV site, of which there are 30 shortterm and 70 long-term.
“Some of our RV sites are used by year-round residents; we have people who have lived here 15 years or more. It’s a great little hideaway,” says Julie of the tranquil setting.
“There are speci c seasons to legally catch certain saltwater sh, but none for freshwater species. You can sh for them at any time, but bass shing tends to be better in fall and spring as water temperatures change,” says Alex Aubuchon, public information director for the northeast region of the Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“The Trophy Catch program (www.trophycatchflorida.com)
o ers prizes for anglers who submit data of catches of any largemouth bass eight pounds or heavier,” he notes. “This data is crucial to FWC biologists, guides our agency’s management decisions, and allows amateur anglers to be rewarded for their trophy catches.”
Contact us at least three months in advance and provide all the details to editorial@akersmediagroup.com.
Know of a cool local attraction you’d like us to feature?
An intense thriller about three friends who worked in a secret facility during wartime coming together to catch a traitor who had one of them committed.
STORY: KATHY PORTERt’s June 1940 and England is at war. Olsa Kendall and Mab Churt meet on the train to Buckinghamshire. Both women have received a summons for an unknown job there.
Olsa is a beautiful Canadian-born debutante who does her part in the war e ort by pot-riveting airplane parts. She is madly in love with Philip, a very handsome English naval o cer, Greek prince, and nephew of Lord Mountbatten.
Mab, an inch shy of six feet (and don’t call her Mabel), is in a secretarial pool. She lives with her mother and 4-year-old sister in Shoreditch, a district in London’s East End.
The two are directed to report to Bletchley Park, a Victorian mansion situated on a lovely green expanse of lawn, which would have been
picturesque if not for a number of prefabricated huts all around the grounds. The women are told that, “Bletchley Park is the most secret place in Britain, and all activities there are crucial to the outcome of the war.” Like all workers at Bletchley, they are presented with the O cial Secrets Act to sign. They are also told that disclosing even the slightest information which could be of use to the enemy would make them guilty of treason and liable to the most extreme penalties of the law, whether it be by hanging or ring squad.
Olsa and Mab are billeted just down the street in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Finch and their mousy, spinster daughter Beth, who has a brilliant talent for puzzles. It’s not long before Beth is recruited to Bletchley.
The three girls become con dants as year-after-year they work almost
continuously trying to break Italian and German enigmas, until tragedy intervenes and they become enemies overnight. Then, as the war draws to a close, Beth has a mental breakdown and is sent to an asylum.
England in 1947 is preparing for the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip of Greece. Olsa and Mab receive a coded message from Beth who says there was a traitor at Bletchley who had her committed before she could discover his or her identity. The only hope to identify the traitor is for Olsa and Mab to spring Beth from the asylum and work together to catch the traitor.
Based on fact and real characters, Kate Quinn has crafted an extraordinary, multi-layered thriller lled with mystery and suspense.
Believe me when I say that it should be at the top of your reading list!
Want to read more about Olsa and Mab’s e orts to spring Beth from the asylum?
“The Rose Code” can be found at Target, Books-A-Million, Barnes and Noble, or on Amazon.
@ TAVARES ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL. The Educational Foundation of Lake County hosted the 16th Annual Stepping Out for Education event, a local version of Dancing with the Stars. Local “celebrities” Jimmy Adams, Jaime Bach, David Helton, Lori Myers, Shaunna Purdy, and Tyrell Rachel were partnered with professional dancers to perform various ballroom dances at the foundation’s signature event. The gala, held at Mission Inn Resort & Club, raised $45,000 for Lake County Schools Career and Technical Education programs, an amount the state will match.
Lori Myers and Jose Perez
Kaitlyn Ware, Christina Pizzimenti, Mandy Riddle, and Dina Simpson
Erin Burns and Emma Kapper with Vegas Showgirls Vixen Talent Productions
Melissa and Woody Brazill, Stephanie and Steve Strong, and Jim Miller
Christie Mihm and Eleanora Rosel Cameron and Sherry Jo Crews
Lora Costantini and Tyrell Rachel, Tiffany Whitley, Lissa Sheets, Karah Nobles, and Maritza Rhoden
Elijah Germain and Melissa James
Jimmy Adams
Eddie Rivera, Anamary Santiago, Jailene Espinosa, Kaylee Boghos, Jeremy Martinez, Summerlyn Hardy, and Camilo Villafane
Scan this code to view all photos on lakeandsumterstyle.com.
WHERE'S MY PIC?!
@ LEESBURG ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL. The Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a teacher and sta appreciation breakfast at Lake Square Mall. Honored guests enjoyed a hot breakfast catered by Gourmet Today, participated in a spirit contest, and received heaps of praise from elected o cials and community leaders. All Leesburg schools were represented at the breakfast, as well as Fruitland Park Elementary and The Villages Elementary at Lady Lake.
Tiffany Franks and Brittany R. Montgomery
Daniel Webster, US Congressman 11th district
Rosanne Brandeburg and Holly Hernandez
Jessica Tomalia, Nicole Carman, and Jessica Buss
Tyler Brandeburg, Lake County School Board, Mike Pederson, City of Leesburg Mayor, and David Jordan, Lake County Tax Collector
Lisa Humphreys
Marc Robertz Schwartz
Beverly Shores Teachers
Carver Middle School Teachers
@ CLERMONT ≈ PHOTOS: PAUL PENDERS. The South Lake Chamber of Commerce held its Teacher Appreciation Breakfast at First United Methodist Church in Clermont. More than 1,600 teachers attended the event which included a breakfast bu et, musical entertainment, a spirit contest, goodie bags for each teacher, and over 300 door prizes valued at more than $20,000 provided by local businesses. The twoday event honored elementary school teachers on Aug. 8 and middle and high school teachers on Aug. 9.
Scan this code to view all photos on lakeandsumterstyle.com.
WHERE'S MY PIC?!
Pastor Doug Kokx and Jill Swidler
Sherry Watts, Christy Perez, Michelle Michnoff, and Edwin Tenorio
Kim Dison
Mark Bracht and Kaci Roberts as dinosaur mascots, Julie Forgie, Danni Rodriguez, Gilbert Gordon, and Shirley Clavijo
Jill Fornoles, Kristen Pautienus as Mo the Mascot, and Brittany Locuson
South Lake Chamber of Commerce President David Colby
Acting helps Eliani Brito escape the cruel reality of living with two diseases.
he has performed as Ursula in The Little Mermaid, Tiger Lily in Peter Pan, and Evie in Descendants. But for 13-year-old Eliani Brito, being on stage means far more than simply connecting with her audience. Acting helps the young theatre performer escape the cruel reality of living with
disease, ampli ed musculoskeletal pain syndrome, or AMPS. This condition–as the name suggests–ampli es her pain. A paper cut could feel like a stab wound and a soft breeze might feel like a blow torch.
Battling two illnesses comes with setbacks and responsibilities. She missed 68 school days in 2021-’22 and must remember to take 10 pills each night. But Eliani seldom complains. Instead, she adheres to an old saying in the entertainment industry: The show must go on.
person and temporarily about all this craziness that has happened in my actual life,” says Eliani, a seventh-
—ELIANI BRITOcauses kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of electrolytes. Only 1 in 1,000,000 individuals develop the condition, according to the National
She is currently enrolled in the Caponi’s Cannolis School of the Arts in Minneola, as well as her school’s theater program. Her theater teacher, Amanda HoppeDierking, says Eliani’s determination to persevere is as impressive as her smile and striking stage presence.
“I’ve been teaching her theatre since she was 7, and I can tell you that she refuses to give up,” Amanda says. “She is a passionate actress, and when she’s on stage all eyes go to her.”
leaving her hospitalized for two weeks
“I had to undergo all kind of therapy
experiencing pain in her legs, spine, arms, and hands. Last May, she was diagnosed with another incurable
Eliani’s mother, Elizabeth Berrios, sees the same determination. She says, “You can’t tell her she cannot do something because she’ll prove you wrong.”
In September, Eliani underwent an intense four-week therapeutic program at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando. The goal: to strengthen her muscles and increase her mobility.
“I want a good outcome so I can take on larger roles and show everyone that nothing can stop you from living your passion,” she says.
Attitude alone makes Eliani a tough act to follow.
Do you know someone who is a healthy inspiration? Email your recommendations to james@akersmediagroup.com.
“I WANT A GOOD OUTCOME SO I CAN TAKE ON LARGER ROLES AND SHOW EVERYONE THAT NOTHING CAN STOP YOU FROM LIVING YOUR PASSION.”
The truth about COVID-19
menstrual bleeding in 40% of women after being vaccinated. Although it appears to be temporary, this raises
vaccine “passports,” etc. And many Americans are still living with school closures and various restrictions.
COVID is here to stay. What was once a pandemic is now an endemic virus. Seroprevalence studies going back to early 2020 showed that COVID was already so su ciently widespread that zero COVID, i.e. eradicating it, was never an option, or even possible. All the public health measures – mandated lockdowns, school closures, prohibiting gathering in large groups, mandated masking and social distancing – were simply to slow the spread, not eliminate the virus. The collateral damage of these Draconian measures was catastrophic and some of it will be with us for a generation or more. The economy was decimated, businesses closed (some forever), schools closed for over a year with immeasurable loss of learning to students, mental health problems proliferated as one quarter of college-age adults admitted having contemplated suicide, and needed medical care
– including cancer screenings – were not provided.
Deaths directly and indirectly attributed to the incidental e ects of these measures have been calculated to be greater than the deaths from COVID itself. The World Health Organization estimates that the economic impact of COVID lockdowns threw over
"COVID IS HERE TO STAY. WHAT WAS ONCE A PANDEMIC ENDEMIC VIRUS."
poverty worldwide, which resulted in more deaths from starvation than from COVID.
COVID introduced the general public to the concept of herd immunity, which states that a viral pandemic ends once the population has achieved a su cient level of immunity, whether acquired immunity from exposure to the virus or from a vaccine. For a very infectious virus like SARS-CoV-2, the percentage has to be high, on the order of 90%. More than two-thirds of the U.S. general population has been fully vaccinated. For those over 65, the percentage is over 90%. Add in the number of people who had COVID and recovered, and we are well above the 90% threshold for herd immunity.
Although the news media continues to publicize case numbers, the fact is that the number of people being hospitalized for — and dying of — COVID has remained remarkably stable and quite low since the brief Delta surge of late 2021. There will
cancer, and immune disorders, among other conditions. I believe the bene t-to-risk ratio favors vaccination. As to whether to boost or not, that is between you and your doctor. How much protection is enough? We accept an e ectiveness that varies from 30 percent to 80 percent for annual u vaccines. If you do not favor the novel mRNA vaccines, consider the newest one approved in the U.S. — Novavax, which is made according to timetested vaccine production methods.
If you had COVID and recovered, studies show that your immunity is likely broader, stronger, and more durable than from vaccines alone. Measuring any one individual’s degree of immunity is impractical and subject to many variables.
Most agree that naturally-acquired immunity is good for a year or more. Should you be vaccinated if you have had COVID? There is no consensus.
While vaccination after COVID may boost your immunity to some degree, there is legitimate concern
"IF YOU HAD COVID AND RECOVERED, STUDIES SHOW THAT YOUR IMMUNITY IS LIKELY BROADER, STRONGER, AND MORE DURABLE THAN FROM VACCINES ALONE."
children is close to zero. Flu is much more dangerous to this age group. The number of deaths in children for the entire three years of the pandemic is less than for a single season of u, and nearly all of the child casualties had medical risk factors such as chronic illness, cancer, etc. This makes the relentless push to vaccinate healthy children, who are also no longer regarded as signi cant spreaders of COVID, di cult to explain.
As COVID has evolved, so has our knowledge and capability to deal with it. We now have an e ective drug, Nirmatrelvir + Ritonalvir (Paxlovid), that, when taken within ve days or less of the onset of symptoms, is more than 90% e ective in decreasing the severity and duration of COVID.
become politicized and divisive to the extent that it has. After all, we are all in this together. The messaging from our public health leaders has been mixed at times. Some of the mandates made little sense and created unnecessary pushback and vaccine hesitancy.
What has been especially troubling is the resistance to changing the messaging about COVID as we have learned more about it. It took many months for the CDC and NIH to openly admit that acquired immunity was not only good, it was likely better than vaccine immunity, and yet so-called experts continue to lump those who have recovered from COVID among the unvaccinated. In addition to government experts Drs. Fauci, Birx, Collins, and Red eld, I
readers to seek out these physicians online for their opinions on vaccines.
On a personal note: To live life fully, we must accept risks and not allow them to overwhelm or obsess us. The constant, scare-mongering media messaging on COVID needs to end.
Sources:
asbmb.org/asbmb-today/science/040421/how-effective-isthe-first-shot-of-the-pfizer-or-m
yalemedicine.org/news/covid-19-vaccine-comparison covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vaccpeople-additional-dose-totalpop
wintoncentre.maths.cam.ac.uk/coronavirus/covidcommentary/covid-death-rates-population-and-comparisonnormal-risk-updated-12th-may
science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abm7201
Share your comments on this article Contact Dr. Bosshardt at drbosshardt@akersmediagroup.com.
"AS COVID HAS EVOLVED, SO HAS OUR KNOWLEDGE AND CAPABILITY TO DEAL WITH IT."
As the only authorized dealer in Central Florida, bring a great selection, Let our finding the model
Independence RV is a three-time Newmar Diamond Award winner, only to with a higher than 95% Customer Satisfaction Rating in
Here’s a toast to our new column “Behind the Bar,” featuring an intoxicating mix of humorous and interesting bartending stories.
ift giving is easy for Robin Smithgall.
She only needs to reach for a few jars of jams and jellies neatly arranged by avors in a spare room near her kitchen.
A personalized label on each lid includes the words, “Spread the Love,” and reveals where the uniquely avored, sweet, and sometimes
seasonal concoctions come from. But don’t bother searching Google for an address on how to get to ‘Smithgall Vines.’
That’s because the private vineyard surrounded by winding oak trees with various-size antique chandeliers hanging to create a romantic ambiance illuminating multiple rows of grapevines is in the backyard of Robin and Ken’s home in Lady Lake.
“When people nd out I make jams and jellies, and especially when they taste them, they always say, ‘You need to start your own business,’ which I refuse to do because it’s such a fun hobby,” Robin says. “I don’t want to ruin it by turning it into work. I just enjoy making them and giving them away, but surprisingly enough, they are in high demand.”
The inspiration for Robin’s hobby is sweet.
After Hurricane Irma hit in 2017, Robin and Ken were left with a backyard mess. After clearing the debris, the vast openness inspired Robin’s vision of what she calls ‘a four seasons farm,’ complete with vineyard, a chicken coup full of pet
chickens that lay fresh eggs daily, and soon, a Christmas tree farm.
The dream was in honor of Ken’s love for Hallmark movies.
“Ken loves the Hallmark Channel, and he undoubtedly watches more Hallmark movies than any man you’ll ever meet. It’s on 24/7 from October through January, and then again for Christmas in July,” Robin says. “He even has a countdown on his phone speci cally for Fall Harvest and Christmas movies—his favorites—as well as a personalized shirt he wears that says: “I just want to drink bourbon and watch Hallmark Christmas movies.”
Robin explains, “I love that he has such a tender heart. And although I tease him, I shouldn’t, because secretly I like them too. Most of the movies remind me of us.”
She continues with the story of how she and Ken met.
They were both re ghters at Marion County Fire Rescue but had never crossed paths. After working several intense calls together, the two began talking, and eventually got closer.
“How our relationship grew from ‘just friends’ really did feel like a fairy RECIPE
Lady Lake woman makes hobby of ensuring special moments, and flavors, are well preserved.
tale,” Robin says, adding that when she met Ken’s children, then 10 and 14, she felt it was God’s plan. “Everything just kind of fell into place; it’s like the stars aligned.”
On October 20, they will celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary, and she can’t imagine her life without them.
“Hallmark movies seem to share a sad element to them, like a spouse or other family member dying, but then true love is found just in time, and the endings are always so sweet, which is us,” Robin continues. “I feel like we have our own little Hallmark story.”
As for the grapevines, they took three years, but nally produced an abundance of grapes.
Robin, knowing she needed to devise a plan on how to use them, considered her passion for pepper jellies. Whether on vacation or at farmer’s markets, she’d always nd herself looking for new avors to try.
So, with more than 40 gallons of freshly picked muscadines, Robin thought, “Making wine is too complicated; I’d rather just buy it, so I’ll try making my own pepper jellies.”
Additionally, Robin says that during the coronavirus pandemic, she felt the need to learn how to can and preserve food like her mom and grandmother always did.
Robin says after researching canning basics, she came across a fairly simple, yet time-consuming technique called water-bath canning. Using that process allows her to vacuum seal the metal lids to glass jars so her creations stay fresh for months.
Robin also called on a friend who makes jellies. She provided a better understanding of working with pectin, acids, sugar, fruit, and juices— ingredients in most jellies and/or jams.
Robin’s rst jelly recipes were Habanero Muscadine and Jalapeno
got second place, but it lost to my Habanero Muscadine, which got rst, so I was beyond ecstatic about that,” Robin says. “Plus, I think it’s cool to say you have a blue-ribbon jelly.”
Although Robin does not consider herself an expert just yet, she’s getting better and more creative each day.
“I am really just a beginner canner, and I have made my share of mistakes in the past with either jellies that didn’t set up, or some I may have forgotten an ingredient in, so there’s
de nitely a learning curve,” Robin explains. “There’s always a use for even a messed-up batch though, so nothing ever goes to waste.”
Robin says she also enjoys looking for specialty ingredients like aged bliss maple syrup, Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans, and aged amarettosoaked cherries she can incorporate into recipes. And she’s already contemplating a few unique avors for Christmas.
Her husband, daughter, and neighbor are always on board as her taste testers. And Robin likes hearing how people use the jellies.
“There are really no rules on how to use jelly. They’re good for charcuterie, toppings on ice cream, and at the re station, the guys/gals love making PB&Js with them,” Robin says. “Other people use them as syrups in cocktails, and one co-worker of mine swears by my blackberry jam he loves making a pork tenderloin with.”
For special occasions, Robin has been known to make brie-stu ed croissants topped with her White Pumpkin Coconut Jam. For Easter, she made one topped with Carrot
Cake Jam, aka Bunny Bait. She also makes an excellent Crème Brulee using farm-fresh eggs laid by her chickens, and ice cream sundaes topped with her Black Crow Jam, which features aged amaretto-soaked cherry juice and walnuts.
Most of all, she hopes people nd happiness in the fruits of her labor.
“Another thing about making these jams and jellies is that it is so relaxing. It takes away your worries and stresses for at least a few minutes a day,” Robin says. “Also, my mom always said, ‘Bless and be a blessing,’ so this is my way of doing just that.”
pumpkin 15 oz. ea.
light brown sugar
ground cinnamon
sweetened coconut
4 1/2 cups tart cherry juice from concentrate (I use organic no sugar added RW Knudsen family)
1 orange, juiced
4 1/2 cups sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. almond extract
4 tbsp. Williams & Sonoma Fabbri Amarena cherry syrup
1 10 oz. chopped walnuts
8 golden delicious apples (you will need 5.5 cups of apple juice)
4 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 cup apple cider vinegar 3 habaneros
2 packages of pectin (I use the pink box, not the yellow)
Combine all ingredients and cook on medium heat until all the Transfer to sterile jars and water bath for
2 packages of pectin (I use the pink box, not the yellow)
Red food coloring (optional)
Juice the apples in a juicer and set aside. In a food processor, combine 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 3 habanero peppers (for less heat remove the seeds and veins). Combine all the ingredients into a large pot. Bring to a rolling boil that you can’t stir down, then add the pectin. Set your timer for 1:15. Take the pot off the heat and transfer into sterile jars. Water bath 5-10 minutes.
Combine yolks, the until frothy, then whisk in a water bath in the oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove from water and let cool for 30 minutes in the fridge. Before serving, of to the top and torch.
Combine all ingredients in a small pot over medium heat. Once ingredients are married together, pour the mixture over a sheet of wax paper, and bake at 350 for 1015 minutes. Remove immediately from the wax paper (or it will stick to the paper) and transfer to a serving bowl. Once you torch the creme brulee, this makes a pretty tasty topping before you serve.
“THERE ARE REALLY NO RULES ON HOW TO USE JELLY. THEY’RE GOOD FOR CHARCUTERIE, TOPPINGS ON ICE CREAM, AND AT THE FIRE STATION, THE GUYS/GALS LOVE MAKING PB&JS WITH THEM.”
—ROBIN SMITHGALL
fter years of missionary work overseas and operating the Happy Hive Music Café in South Malta, Ben and Eve Passmore returned to the states intent on continuing their good works, but ready to serve them up di erently. How? By turning Ben’s beloved hobby of home brewing–something he’s dabbled in since 2016–into a business.
in 2020, the pair announced their leap of faith into a project straight out of the recipe books of European monks—the Eden Abbey Brewing Community—a micro-brewery in downtown Mount Dora that opened in July 2022.
“It’s a dream that’s been kind of bubbling in the brew pot of our hearts for the last couple of years,” Eve says in a YouTube video the pair recorded in June 2020 to shed light on their endeavor. “It’s all about the things that matter most to us, so faith, family, community, fun, music, good food, and good beer.”
Ben explains that old-time abbeys combined a community of faith and fellowshipping with a trade local monks would master for sustainability–like brewing beer, an art-form today that monks are credited with pioneering.
“It really enhances the city that it’s in and that’s really one of our goals, along with charity work,” Ben says, adding that they couldn’t be more pleased because the entire town has welcomed them with open arms.
Eve says, “Mount Dora puts a lot of value on locally-owned businesses, and on community, so we’re not having to go against the grain.”
Since charity work is still high on their priority list, a portion of the brewery proceeds are split between four non-pro ts they support: Lake Cares, a food pantry with branches throughout Lake County; Sacred Garden, an Orlando-based lifecoaching organization for unwed moms; Life Child Asia, an orphanage in the Philippines; and Bridges of
Faith, an orphanage and adoption organization in the Ukraine.
Style photographer Nicole and I loved the vibe when we recently visited Eden Abbey.
The tap room, featuring wooden tabletops, cozy lighting, and live music on weekends, was abuzz with customers eager to try one or more of the beer varieties (most of them gluten-reduced), mixed drinks, craft sodas, and hop water high in antioxidants.
Guests can also buy into an annual membership called “The Taster’s Guild,” a beer and co ee club with special perks like a t-shirt, handcrafted mug for discounted lls, a 10-percent donation to charity, and more.
The beautiful dining area— reminiscent of a huge living room, incorporating booths and conventional tables with comfy couches, and cute tables made from wooden barrels—leads into a porch and outside beer garden patio where
STORY: ROXANNE BROWN ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMELfun is the name of the game. Wellbehaved pets are welcome and there is a kid’s corner and dollhouse for the little ones, plus cornhole, giant Jenga, and board games for adults.
“We wanted to remain family oriented, which is generally brewery culture, and that’s what we’re really interested in establishing, rather than just turning tables,” Eve says.
The menu is loaded with specialty hamburgers, sandwiches and tacos with avor pro les dreamed up by Chef David Asher. There’s also a variety of salads, empanadas and skewers by John Walquist, contributing chef and owner of ‘Johnny Paci c,’ a popular restaurant in Los Angeles.
For starters, Nicole and I tried perfectly cooked jalapeno poppers with beer cheese, and two types of empanadas we thoroughly enjoyed: Carnitas De Kahlua, lled with Kahlua marinated pork and cotija cheese, and the Hamptonite Delight, stu ed with lump crab meat, chopped lobster claw, and veggies.
For our entrees, we ordered an exceptionally tender and delicious skirt steak skewer, and the “Mo’ Clucka,” a fried chicken breast sandwich that’s tasty and requires extra napkins.
Then dessert!
We shared the Foster’s Cheesecake, a banana and caramel cheesecake
non-beer drinkers like me a taste of what we may be missing.
Dave and Denise Byers, who were in town from Tampa for Dave’s 65th birthday and sitting in the booth behind us, were also impressed. Both say they enjoy breweries and sampling di erent handcrafted selections wherever they go.
“I had the ‘In the Light,’ a double pilsner, and it was delicious. it’s not too hoppy, but just enough,” says Denise.
Dave had the “OATaste And See,” a medium-bodied stout, touted on the menu as the grown-up version of a classic cookie, complete with
Let’s do lunch or dinner
Tell us about a great restaurant by emailing roxanne@akersmediagroup.com.
EDEN ABBEY BREWING COMMUNITY
405 S. Highland St., Mount Dora 352.729.6698
For more information, including hours, menu, and live music/ special event schedules, visit edenabbeybrewing.com or follow ‘Eden Abbey Brewing Community’ on Facebook.
ROXANNE BROWNIF YOU GO
n 1986, I took a semester o college and went back home to work at a costume-themed restaurant in the San Francisco Bay area. I was tasked with running the beer and shots table in the adjacent nightclub dressed as a cheerleader.
Each night, to the pulsing strains of Madonna and Run DMC, I marveled at the money piling up in my tip bucket. All I did was smile and open a few bottles.
Not long after that debut, I begged for a chance to train behind the main bar. With my newfound trade, I nished my degree and paid
for most of it by slinging drinks. Those gigs also funded a lifetime of solo travel and endless wanderlust.
When I turned 40, I decided to take a year o and backpack through Europe. I worked six shifts per week for two years to nance my adventure. When it was time to pack my shaker and go, my “regulars” gifted me $2,000 in cash and a custom-made pink passport holder, which has traveled around the globe with me ever since.
I’m convinced that many bartenders start this crazy career for money and freedom, but the stories and human connections are a huge part of why we stay. Whether it’s the couple who spends every Tuesday night at Jamie’s
Bar, or the newcomer Alan welcomed with a sincere handshake, we form lasting relationships and may not even know how we impact people’s lives.
Throughout Lake and Sumter counties, there are dozens from this tribe with diverse backgrounds and similar tales to tell. We are pouring dockside in Tavares or stirring an Old Fashioned in Mount Dora, sampling varietals in The Villages, and brewing ale in Clermont.
I hope to bring you on a journey to meet the folks who work hard to make your bar experiences memorable. We’ll chat, or just listen, if we leave politics and religion at the door.
Grab a stool and belly up! We are here, Behind the Bar.
STORY: GINA HORAN ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
A debut column from a longtime bartender.
From classic diners and lakeside restaurants to fine dining and everything in-between, Lake County’s culinary scene is booming. Your favorite meal is sure to be served with a side of hospitality. You can find a copy of Lake & Sumter Style at all listed dining locations! eats
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 2586 W CR 48 352.568.7000
Darrell’s Diner 2237 W CR 48 352.444.2318
Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988
Ay Jalisco 580 Hwy 50 352.243.1360
Cheeser’s Palace Café 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431
Crooked Spoon Gastropub 200 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.404.7808
Gator’s Dockside 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.242.1825
Goomba’s Pizzeria 2395 S. Hwy 27 352.989.4403
Green Mountain Pizza 303 Hwy. 50 352.432.3380
Lilly’s on the Lake 846 W. Osceola St. 352.708.6565
Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill 230 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.394.0036
Robata Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688
Sarah’s Greek Cuisine & More 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Ste. 305 352.404.8031
Gators Dockside 15241 US Hwy 441 352.357.1255
Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. CR 44 352.589.9100
Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022
The Oyster Tro 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939
Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001
NY Deli N Diner 3325 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.365.0051
Guru 2400 S Hwy 27 Suite 101 352.241.9884
Rae Rae’s Restaurant 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.323.1595
Stavro’s 3223 US Hwy. 441 352.315.0028
The Rose Plantation
An early 20th Century dining experience. 200 Rose Ave. 352.805.4340
GROVELAND
Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. SR 33 352.429.2997
JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600
Mission Inn’s La Hacienda Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3910
Mission Inn’s Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.2718
LADY LAKE
Bamboo Bistro 700 Hwy. 441 352.750.9998
El Ranchito 1 Lagrande Blvd. 352.750.3335
Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000
Marco’s Pizza 13721 US Hwy 441 352.775.1500 Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722
OakWood Smokehouse & Grill 860 S. Hwy 27/441 352.751.5640
Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630
Brooklyn’s Pizzeria 27405 US Highway 27 352.728.2020
Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739
Ichiban Bu et 10301 Hwy. 441 352.728.6669
Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442
Donut King 708 S. 14th St. 352.805.4888
Mammoth Oak Brewing Company 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.326.0100
Mystic Ice Cream 314 W. Main St. 352.812.1366
Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616
Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill 2775 U.S. 27 352.435.4633
Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093
El Ranchito Mexican Cuban Restaurant 911 W. North Blvd. 352.314.9339
Fire Rock Pizza 712 W Main St., Ste. 5 352.605.6123
San Jose’s Original Mexican Restaurant 1337 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174
The Brick & Barrel Public House 209 W. Main St. 352.431.3069
La Palma Mexican Grill Old-school traditions from Mexico combined with inspirations from California and Louisiana. 1690 Citrus Blvd.The Co ee Snob 1101 W North Blvd 352.460.4570
The Old Time Diner 1350 W. North Blvd. 352.805.4250
Magical Meat Boutique 322 N. Alexander St. 352.729.6911
Vincent’s Italian Restaurant 5914 Orange Blossom Trl. 352.735.4578
OXFORD
The Ranch 10601 US 441, C12 352.901.6193
Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777
Water Gypsy 201 W. Main St. 352.435.7937
MOUNT DORA
Barnwood Country Kitchen & Smokehouse 3725 W. Old US Hwy 441 352.630.4903
Fiesta Grande 421 N. Baker St. 352.385.3540
Pho Saigon 11707 N. US Hwy. 301 352.492.9423
Bella Nona Pizzeria 280 Silverado St. 352.508.9370
BTW (Burgers, Tacos & Wa es) 115 E. Main St. 352.508.9287
Fish Camp Lake Eustis 901 Lake Shore Blvd. 352.742.4400
Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137
Puddle Jumpers 111 W. Ruby St. 352.508.5862
Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill 118 W. Ruby St. 352.508.5783
Cody’s Roadhouse Brownwood 3731 Meggison Rd 352.430.2926
Cody’s Roadhouse Lake Sumter Landing 1041 Lakeshore Dr 352.259.8500
Giovanni’s 3439 Wedgewood Lane 352.751.6674
Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream 1001 Lake Shore Dr 352.751.0261
Legacy Restaurant 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475
Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 2468 Burnsed Blvd. 352.626.1059
Sakura 265 Colony Blvd. 352.205.7393
Too Jays Brownwood 2835 Brownwood Blvd 352.350.2122
Too Jays Lake Sumter Landing 1129 Canal Street 352.430.0410
NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 Peachwave 249 Colony Blvd 352.750.2238
Peterbrooke Chocolatier 1087 Canal St 352.391.5877
VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887
UMATILLA
The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535
27405 U.S. HWY 27, LEESBURG | 352.728.2020 & 352.365.9004
MYBROOKLYNPIZZERIA.COM
When hit with a craving for authentic New York style pizza, there’s no need to catch the next flight to the Big Apple. Simply visit Brooklyn’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant in Leesburg and Owners James and Shawna Pancari will make you feel right at home with New York inspired vibes, décor, and flavors. Not only have they perfected the New York style thin crust people swear by, but they take pride in ensuring everything they serve is made fresh and from-scratch daily; including their pizza dough and sauces, strombolis, calzones, subs, salads, wings, specialty Italian and pasta dinners. Additionally, the restaurant is family-run and Veteran-owned, with James having served in the Coast Guard for 31 years. In honor of that, the dining room features a military wall, plus a 10 percent discount for veterans, active members of the military, police, fire, and first responders. Brooklyn’s Pizzeria also offers gluten-free pizza and pasta options, and accepts door-dash, online-ordering, catering, and curbside pickup.
911 W. NORTH BLVD., LEESBURG | 352.460.0123
ELRANCHITOMEXICANCUBAN.COM
Since opening in 1997, El Ranchito has been the go-to place for Lake Countians who desire delicious Mexican food. Although the restaurant was closed for nearly two years due to the coronavirus, El Ranchito’s Leesburg location officially reopened in December 2021. The restaurant is now named El Ranchito Mexican Cuban and serves genuine Mexican cuisine and a variety of Cuban entrees with entertainment on Tuesdays and Saturdays! The menu features many of the favorite dishes diners have grown to love over the years, as well as new dishes. Consider the Molcajete Caliente featuring your choice of meats grilled with onion, potato, and bell pepper, topped with cheese and salsa verde. Or try the Bistec de Palomilla with thin-sliced steak with onions and parsley that comes with a signature steak sauce. El Ranchito fans will appreciate the remodeled restaurant, which now includes a 50-seat outside patio. Despite the changes, the food remains as scrumptious as ever. Enjoy amigos!
Mon, Wed & Thu 11:00am – 8:00pm
Closed Tuesdays Friday 11:00am – 9:00pm Saturday 12:00pm – 9:00pm Sunday 12:00pm – 7:00pm
CLERMONT HILLSIDE TERRACE, 2400 S. U.S. 27, SUITE 101, CLERMONT 352.241.9884
Owned by Chef Uday Kadam, Guru has a following of fans who savor the delicious, award-winning Indian cuisine inside the restaurant’s beautiful dining room filled with Indian décor and tables with linen tablecloths. Guru earned the prestigious Best Entrée award at the 2021 Taste of South Lake & Business Expo for its Chicken Tikka Masala, featuring boneless chicken pieces cooked in a Tandoor oven with tomato sauce, onion, aromatic herbs, spices, and served with Basmati rice. Guru also has tasty appetizers, Naan breads, vegan dishes, and a wide array of entrees, including Palak Paneer, a dish of homemade cubes of cheese cooked with spinach and fresh spices; Lamb Vindaloo of choice lamb cubes marinated in vinegar with potato and a blend of spices; and Tandoori Chicken Tikka, where the chicken is marinated in mild spices and yogurt. Additionally, Indian alcoholic beverages of Taj Mahal and Kingfisher are served at Guru, and the restaurant caters private functions, parties, and provides many delivery options for orders made online at mygurutogo.com.
Sun – Sat 11:00am – 10:00pm
Follow us on Facebook for daily specials and entertainment!
Visit our Villages location!
El Ranchito Restaurant 1 La Grande Blvd, The Villages 352.750.3335
Mon – Sat 3:00pm – 9:00pm Sunday Noon – 6:00pm
Open Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm
Lunch Specials 11:00am – 3:00pm
Margarita Mondays!
Enjoy $5 margaritas all day every Monday.
Sun – Thu
11:00am – 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday 11:00am – 10:00pm
1690 CITRUS BLVD., LEESBURG | 352.323.1444 | LAPALMAGRILL.COM
The entire staff invites you to a delicious dining experience at La Palma Mexican Grill. The recipes used for the restaurant’s unique dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Mexico, combined with culinary inspirations from California and Louisiana. Homemade Mexican entrees such as Tacos Azteca, carnitas, fajitas, Chori Pollo, tamales and more, are flavorful and prepared with only the freshest of ingredients. Sit comfortably in the beautiful dining room, the festive bar, or outside on the patio deck with a serene view of the grounds and of the fun wild animals that can be spotted in the trees. Enjoy fast and friendly service, reasonable prices, three-for-one margaritas all day, every day, and a party room, available by reservation, for large parties or meetings.
Full menu at lapalmagrill.com. Call for daily specials.
5806 SEVEN MILE DRIVE SUITE 101, WILDWOOD 352.571.2400 | MARCOS.COM
The most delicious dishes are made with lots of love. That’s certainly the case at Marco’s Pizza, which is owned by business partners Peter Hiles and Roger Mellen. They opened the restaurant last April off County Road 466A in Wildwood and already have plans to open five additional locations. And why not? Everyone loves pizza, but they appreciate a quality pizza much more. At Marco’s Pizza, everything is made daily, including the dough and sauce. In other words, everything is fresh and never frozen. The popular three-cheese blend is another aspect that makes the pizza so satisfying. Marco’s Pizza also offers calzones, specialty pizza bowls, subs, salads, and wings. Expect to always be welcomed by a warm, friendly staff whether you dine inside the restaurant or call for delivery.
Wed – Sun 4:00pm – 9:00pm Closed Monday & Tuesday
Full Gluten-Free Menu
Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 352.753.2722 | 304 US-441, LADY LAKE
Mom and Dad’s Italian Restaurant in Lady Lake has the distinct honor of calling itself a true family-owned restaurant. In fact, five generations of family members have represented the restaurant since its humble beginnings in May 1962. As many generations of customers have dined there throughout the years thanks to the outstanding service and scrumptious dishes such as Spaghetti a la Bruzzi, Delmonico steak, and lasagna. This food savvy family prepares everything from scratch, crafting everything with love to satisfy your taste buds.
It’s five o’clock somewhere!
26736 U.S HIGHWAY 27, LEESBURG | 352.319.8093 | RODELLOS.COM
Chef Amadeo Avila invites you to enjoy authentic and fresh Italian cuisine in a friendly, comfortable dining environment at Rodello’s Italian Restaurant. The recipes used for his dishes are a blend of old-school traditions from Italy—the restaurant is named for a city in the old country—with new culinary inspirations that Chef Amadeo has learned during many years in the restaurant business. Flavorful, homemade Italian entrees such as Pistachio Crusted Lamb, Salmon Saltimbocca, Lobster Ravioli, Shrimp Risotto, and many others are classics and prepared with only the freshest ingredients. The lunch menu features personal pizzas, calzones, subs, and pasta. Sit in the spacious dining room or enjoy drinks or desserts like delicious gelato in the cozy lounge, which features a full bar, wine menu, and an array of specialty cocktails. Always look for new features on Chef Amadeo’s menu, available on the restaurant’s website, Rodellos.com.
Open Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm
SUBWAY.COM
LADY LAKE | 208 W. GUAVA ST. | 352.750.4929
EUSTIS | 469 PLAZA DR. | 352.357.7827
MOUNT DORA | 18870 U.S. HWY. 441 | 352.735.4376
LEESBURG | 2013 CITRUS BLVD. | 352.787.6442
10135 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 4 | 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. HWY. 27, SUITE 4 | 352.314.8847
THE VILLAGES | 1580 BELLA CRUZ DRIVE | 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165TH MULBERRY LANE | 352.750.9991
1070 LAKE SUMTER LANDING DRIVE | 352.205.8535 349 COLONY BLVD. | 352.391.1657
WILDWOOD | 480 W. GULF TO ALANTIC HWY. | 352.748.8800
Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food.
CALL 352.787.4112
t began with a little smack talk.
Then the men found themselves face to face. Insults were hurled, followed by a torrent of punches, kicks, and headbutts. The enraged combatants wrestled each other to the ground as curious onlookers used their cellphones to video the melee and make it go viral.
It’s what you’d expect to see in a heated rivalry game. Except, in this case, the violence was in the stands.
Fan ghting seems to be an increasingly growing problem inside collegiate and professional sports venues. Call me old school, but I have a problem when middle-aged, beer-bellied men are providing more action than the teams on the eld. I pay for my seat with my hard-earned money.
The last thing I want is for a horde of brawling dimwits to ruin the experience for me.
Perhaps it’s time for me to start enjoying games from the comfort of my recliner. That way, I can avoid outrageous people like the Cleveland Browns fanatic who tackled an 8-year-old New York Jets fan in the parking lot following a game in 2010. Or the fan who fatally stabbed a 24-year-old man outside Dodger Stadium in 2013. Or the fan who pushed a man in his early 20s over a second-deck railing during the 2016 NBA Finals.
What gets these people so riled up that they’re willing to in ict injury on a total stranger and risk spending time inside the county jail? I doubt they’re attending a game to discuss the opioid epidemic or health-care crisis, two topics worthy of real passion.
In most cases, it’s probably one of two things. First, the combination of 12 beers and a lackluster performance from the home team likely will exacerbate feelings of hostility. Second, the Chuck Norriswannabe fan with all the free- oating rage spends the entire game looking for a target until he nds someone to take the bait.
Look, sports venues are not the Wild West. We’re there to cheer our teams, not walk around clinking our boot spurs and twirling six-shooters. Enjoy everything that makes being at a sporting event great: mascots and cheerleaders, the wafting aroma of popcorn and hot dogs, the crowd cheering.
If you have trouble keeping your cool, then it’s best to stay home.
Your absence ensures that athletes—not the fans—are providing the best action.
Hey, readers! Is there a particular subject that you would like me to write a commentary about? Tell me, via email, at james@akersmediagroup.com.
JAMES
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