LEARNING THE ROPES
A Leesburg boxing club builds youths’ esteem. I SPY …
Person of Interest: Ex-CIA officer Michele Rigby Assad.
APR '20
L AKE, SUMTER & VILLAGE
Local Legends A thumbs-up to the late David Lee
AND OTHER INFLUENTIAL LEADERS IN LAKE & SUMTER. AL SO
ROYAL TREATMENT Fellowship drives historic African American community.
A LITTLE TWISTED Lake Seneca Farms makes its own style of wine.
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APR'20 V.16
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CONTENTS 1 of 2
FEATURES
The late David Lee
038 048 056 062 Legends of Lake and Sumter
Trailblazers and trendsetters in fields such as government, education, business, sports and volunteerism have enriched their communities.
A Royal tribute
Stories of the past
A fighting chance
Founded in 1865 by former slaves, Royal is one of Florida’s oldest African-American communities.
Local historical cemeteries are the final resting places for pioneers, war heroes and community characters.
Primo Outreach Boxing Club is helping young people gain skills and confidence.
STORY: JAMES COMBS
STORY: JAMES COMBS AND CHRIS GERBASI
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STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
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Annuities 101 àŻƢţƪʼnŻƟƪ ŁŻƢ ƟƢŎŦ Seating is very limited and by RSVP only
April 8th | 9 a.m. April 16th | 9 a.m.
The Waterfront Inn. Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages
April 23th | 9 a.m. Mission Inn, Howey-in-the-Hills
TB Financial Group Inc. is a licensed insurance agency for life, health, and annuities. We are not securities licensed.We are not tax advisors. Our seminars are very general in nature and not meant to replace the advice of your CPA, Tax Preparer, Investment Advisor or Attorney. We will not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional for these matters.
Liz Cornell, CAS®
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
APR‘20 V.16
≈ N.06
CONTENTS 2 of 2
DEPARTMENTS
first
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agenda
THE HIT LIST 024 PERSON OF INTEREST 026 OUTSTANDING STUDENT 028 IN THE VILLAGES 030 MY FIRST TIME 032 THIS 'N' THAT 034
069
THE TO-DO LIST 070 LOCAL TALENT 074 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT 076 ATTRACTIONS 078 HI, SOCIETY! 082
menu
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IN THE KITCHEN 100 FORK ON THE ROAD 104 SPIRITS 106 DINING GUIDE 108
026
FROM THE PUBLISHER 014 AT YOUR SERVICE 015 FINAL THOUGHT 116
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074 024
columns
116
104
076
E ON TH R C OV E
028
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LEARNING THE ROPES
A Leesburg boxing club builds youths’ esteem. I SPY …
Person of Interest: Ex-CIA officer Michele Rigby Assad.
APR '20
L AKE, SUMTER & VILLAGE
Local Legends A thumbs-up to the late David Lee
AND OTHER INFLUENTIAL LEADERS IN LAKE & SUMTER. AL SO
ROYAL TREATMENT Fellowship drives historic African American community.
A LITTLE TWISTED Lake Seneca Farms makes its own style of wine.
Lake and Sumter Style Photo of David Lee
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L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • A P R ' 2 0
Sharon Bassett, Owner/Broker HSE, SRES, MRP
4972 NE 73RD DRIVE, WILDWOOD, FL 34785 STUNNING LAKE VIEW! BEAUTIFUL 3/2 Custom Waterfront Southern Plantation with 1/1 Guest Home privately nestled amongst (7) beautiful acres on LAKE DEATON. Includes; Barn and covered RV parking. $559,999
1104 BECKER AVE, THE VILLAGES, FL 32163 FABULOUS 3/2 “Avondale” Bungalow Courtyard Villa with 2 car garage on corner homesite! Turnkey Furnished. Located near Lake Sumter Landing where there is shopping, restaurants and more! $349,000
13225 SE 94TH AVE, SUMMERFIELD, FL 34491 Dynamite 2/2 “Madeira” model POOL Home has an open and spacious layout with 1,636 SF Living Area and 3,141 Total SF under Roof. Nestled on an over-sized home-site in a Cul-De-Sac that backs up to beautiful trees, providing rear privacy. $217,900
12403 NE 52ND LOOP, OXFORD, FL 34484 FAMILY FRIENDLY! Villages of Parkwood. LOVELY 4/2.5 “Evergreen” Model on a fenced private Homesite, Front covered and rear Screened Covered Lanai, Newer AC, Quartz countertops and ceramic tile floors. $237,000
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13945 SE 66TH CT, SUMMERFIELD, FL 34491 Adorable 3/2 Mobile Home in the lovely subdivision of High Hope Mobile Home Community. Large backyard, large enclosed screened in porch with a BEAUTIFUL view and no neighbors behind. $53,000
11200 SE SUNSET HARBOR ROAD, SUMMERFIELD, FL 34491 SUPER UNIQUE! 7.2 GORGEOUS Acres with a POND and a CHARMING 1/1 Home, basement/garage, laminate floors, front enclosed Lanai by Lake Weir! $240,000
4880 NE 122ND AVE, OXFORD, FL 34484 Granite, Tile and Room for Pool!!! Beautiful 3/3 “Holly” model is nestled in The “Family Friendly” Villages of Parkwood, A Deed Restricted Neighborhood near the heart of the Villages. $259,000
7936 NE 42ND TER, WILDWOOD, FL 34785 Charming 3/1.5 block lovely home nestled on an acre and sold AS-IS. Beautiful flowering bushes, double car port, enclosed side porch, 3 storage sheds (1 has electric), towering oak trees, 2017 Roof and yard completely fenced in. $110,000
(LOT 32) BARRINGTON DR, EUSTIS, FL 32736 GORGEOUS 1.42 acre Lakefront property in the prestigious Estates at Black Bear Reserve. This Deed Restricted golf community offers serene Country Club Living. Build to your specifications. If you’re an avid fisherman or enjoy the outdoors this is the right place for you! $104,900
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1211 ANDERSON LANE, LADY LAKE, FL 32159 Beautiful 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath Manufactured Home nestled on (5) Gorgeous Acres in Lady Lake off Rolling Acres Rd. Fireplace, Gourmet Kitchen, 30’ x 30’ Workshop, gun range, fenced with electric Gate! $269,990
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
The legend continues A look at the people who have made our communities great.
any of us are legends in our own minds. But maybe we should be more mindful of the legitimate legends, past and present, in Lake and Sumter counties. We’re so busy zipping around the area that we don’t see the forest for the trees. Take the time to recognize the people who truly built and led and enriched their communities. Profiling legendary people is a feature that Style taps often, and you’d think we would be running out of candidates. In reality, we’ve barely scratched the surface. Think of any building, street or park that’s been named for someone and there’s certainly a “legendary” story behind it. This month, we write about another batch of leaders and role models, such as Bill Farmer, who has served as Sumter County sheriff for nearly 25 years; the late Kyleen Fischer, a Lake County School Board member for nearly 25 years; and
the late Mabel Norris Reese, a journalist who helped expose the injustice of the Groveland Four case involving AfricanAmerican men falsely accused of raping a white teenage girl in 1949. Mabel and the Groveland Four—Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd, Charles Greenlee and Ernest Thomas— were honored this year with a sculpture and a monument. Following the history theme, we present stories about Wildwood’s Royal community, one of Florida’s oldest African-American communities, which was formed by freed slaves; the historical Lone Oak and Florida National cemeteries and some of the heroes buried there; and Clermont’s Citrus Tower, one of the region’s first roadside attractions in the 1950s. We also live in the moment with our usual profiles of trending people, places and events. We hope you enjoy learning more about the area we call home. Have a legendary month.
Have a story to tell? We’re always looking for stories about people who live and work in our area. Send suggestions to chris@akersmediagroup.com.
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STAFF WRITER james@akersmediagroup.com
Volkan Ulgen Theresa Campbell ART DIRECTOR volkan@akersmediagroup.com
LEARNING THE ROPES
A Leesburg boxing club builds youths’ esteem. I SPY …
Person of Interest: Ex-CIA officer Michele Rigby Assad.
UNCOMMON SCENTS How aromatherapy can relax the mind.
APR '20
FEEL THE BURN
How local millennials and doctors overcome burnout.
ASK THE EXPERT
Sound advice from health care leaders.
L AKE, SUMTER & VILLAGE
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APR '20
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TO LA KE COUNTY
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Local Legends
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Shaena Long
A thumbs-up to the late David Lee
AND OTHER INFLUENTIAL LEADERS IN LAKE & SUMTER. AL SO
ROYAL TREATMENT Fellowship drives historic African American community.
A LITTLE TWISTED Lake Seneca Farms makes its own style of wine.
LAKE COUNTY IS HOPPIN’ Local beer that’s truly local. Fresh hops, fruit and other ingredients grown in Lake County.
WE SPECIALIZE IN YOU!
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ADVANCED ORTHOPEDICS INSTITUTE
FRESH TODAY!
WHERE THE LOCALS GO
BIRDWATCHERS UNITE
Keeping people active and doing what they love, is their life’s work.
Enjoy food picked fresh at a farm café, pick your own fruit, or take a hayride to relish agritourism.
Find the best places for outdoor fun, downtown adventure, and lazy life on the water.
Lake County is home to hundreds of bird species, including the native scrub-jay. TO L AKE COUNT Y • 1
Hot off the press! The latest editions of Lake & Sumter Style, Healthy Living, and Welcome to Lake County.
Get yours Subscriptions: Order a subscription of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $84. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Lake & Sumter Style, Village Edition Style, or Healthy Living. Choose 2 or more magazines for $108 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112 or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749. Change of Address: If you are a seasonal resident or have moved, send your address
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Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2020 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.
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Dr. Thomas McCoy
Walk this way to better health Dr. Thomas McCoy brings orthopedic innovations to UNOVA Hip & Knee Center. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
r. Thomas McCoy recently pivoted in his career. Rather than ride out to retirement at a practice in his native North Carolina, he turned toward a highly respected colleague at UNOVA Hip & Knee Center in Lady Lake. Dr. McCoy joined the team in January, and now UNOVA is able to offer the unique Kinematically Aligned Medial Pivot Total Knee Replacement for the first time in Central Florida. He brings nearly 35 years of experience in orthopedic joint replacement surgery and has had a role in numerous orthopedic innovations involving implants, instrumentation and surgical techniques. The kinematic alignment technique transforms a total knee replacement into a resurfacing procedure that diminishes the need for ligament releases, allowing the surgeon to balance the knee through the bone. The ligaments are restored to their predisease balance, allowing for greater knee stability, restoring the knee’s normal flexion/extension and rotation, and delivering a knee that feels more like a “normal knee.” Dr. McCoy graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He studied general surgery at Columbia University and completed orthopedic residency at Cornell University Hospital, both in New York City. He joined UNOVA after meeting Dr. Jeffrey Kerina, a fellow orthopedic surgeon, at educational seminars around the world.
“IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, THERE’S BEEN MORE INNOVATIONS IN TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT THAN PROBABLY IN THE PRECEDING 20.”
GAIL BENOIT, OF THE VILLAGES, HAD TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT AND TWO TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENTS:
—DR . MCCOY
“In the last three years, there’s been more innovations in total joint replacement than probably in the preceding 20,” Dr. McCoy says. “It’s people’s nature to want progress and to always do better.” The Kinematically Aligned Medial Pivot Total Knee Replacement includes three innovations, Dr. McCoy says. The goal is not to make the leg straight but to restore the patient’s own personal healthy alignment, customized to their body the way a tailor would make a shirt. This design reintroduces 12-15 degrees of rotation that the natural knee has and helps the knee replacement feel more natural. “When you do that, the ligaments don’t have to be readjusted, which means there is less soft tissue, less bleeding, less pain, less stiffness,” he says. At Unova a proprietary technique has been developed to block the sensory pain fibers in the plane that they travel to and from the knee, so patients can be active right away with little or no use of narcotics. Dr. McCoy also specializes in total hip replacement using the anterior approach. About 95 percent of hip replacements are done anteriorly, as opposed to through the back. “All things being equal, if you go through the front, you’re not cutting any muscles at all. You’re pushing the muscles aside, and that results in less pain and easier mobilization,” he says. “All these different pieces in orthopedics have provided this incredible synergy to make what used to be hellaciously painful with long hospitalization to a procedure where you’re walking right after surgery and you can go home,” Dr. McCoy says. “That’s really been amazing.”
I had been having knee problems for years. I decided I was going to begin to pursue doctors. Dr. Jeffrey Kerina was having a presentation, and I thought, “This is the doctor I want.” He was wonderful. The whole staff is so professional. They walk you right through it and, fortunately, I just did outpatient surgery, so I was home within a few hours. I’m very active. I’ve never had any trouble with my knees since I’ve had the replacements. Dr. Kerina did a total hip replacement on me 2 1/2 weeks ago, and I’m walking without any aides at all; no walker, no cane. I’ve been doing my own housework and I even went grocery shopping. That’s remarkable. I’ve had friends that had hip replacements and they were laid up for three months. He’s amazing. He and his staff were top notch, absolutely the best. I’m so grateful to Dr. Kerina and his staff for the wonderful care that I had and just the skill and the outcome. I couldn’t ask for anything better. Dr. Kerina is the best. I always say, “Why go to the rest when you can go to the best.”
HUBIE PORTERFIELD, OF FRUITLAND PARK, HAD ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT:
I felt pain in my left hip. My physician in Michigan said, “You’ve got severe arthritis in that hip.” I made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. He handed the X-ray to my wife and said, “I don’t know how the man’s walking.” I came to Florida in October. The first of December, I couldn’t get out of bed. Our neighbors have had work done by Dr. Jeffrey Kerina. I made an appointment and he scheduled surgery for Dec. 30. He was top notch. You couldn’t ask for anyone better. He got me in as quick as he could, seeing the shape I was in, and everybody was great. The physical therapist came in an hour after I was in recovery, and we walked clear around the hospital an hour after surgery. I went home the next day. I never used a walker; I used a cane. After about 10 days, I was mowing my grass. Dr. Kerina said that’s one of the worst hips he’s ever done, it was sticking out 2 inches, and I did better than anybody he’s had. He’s the best. He made me whole again.
888.847.4895 / UnovaHealth.com
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BE IN THE KNOW ABOUT LAKE AND SUMTER COUNTIES | PEOPLE. COMMENTARY. NEWS.
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THE HIT LIST News and notes from Lake and Sumter counties.
PERSON OF INTEREST Michele Rigby Assad can beat you at “I spy.”
OUTSTANDING STUDENT Adam Cochran is prepping for surgery.
MY FIRST TIME Tattoo artist Bob Fulwider feels your pain.
THIS ’N’ THAT No beer? Are you drunk?
THE HIT LIST
FLYING HIGH: Five Umatilla High School students recently won the state championship in the Real World Design Challenge, an engineering competition, a press release states. The students— Candice Schumaeher, Lillian Humphreys, Jazulin Wisdom, Colby Champoux and Keara Carmelia—designed a drone aircraft system that delivers packages. They will compete in the RWDC National/International Competition April 25 in Washington, D.C.
HOT STUFF: Lake County Schools is making 20 mobile hot spots available to all high schools, “leveling the playing field for all of our students in regards to access to technology,” Duane Weeks, director of information and instructional technology, says in a news release. The devices provide filtered internet access, and services such as Netflix and Spotify are blocked.
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IT’S OLD BUT NEW: Check out the Rusty Truck Diner at 1800 S. Highway 27 in Clermont for breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, including barbecue chicken, mashed red-skinned potatoes and hearty beef stew. Fans of classic cars also may get a kick out of seeing photos of classic rusted cars on the walls. 352.432.3140.
ALL JOKES ASIDE: Though its origins are murky, April Fools’ Day has been celebrated for centuries in many cultures. American humorist Mark Twain made its meaning clear with this observation about April Fools’ Day: “This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four.”
ON TOP OF THE WORLD: You can get fit around the clock in Clermont. The city’s first Planet Fitness opened recently at 2620 U.S. Highway 27 S. in the 56,000-square-foot Shoppes at Anderson Hill. The gym is open and staffed 24/7. 352.432.8444. planetfitness.com.
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FIRE UP! Paradise Grills recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. The business at 17320 State Road 50, Suite 200, in Clermont specializes in outdoor kitchens, hibachis, firepits, fireplaces and tiki huts. 352.364.9255. paradisegrillsdirect.com.
FRIENDLY REMINDER: April 15 remains the deadline to file individual tax returns (Form 1040) for the 2019 tax year or to request an automatic extension from the IRS. However, income tax payment deadlines for individual returns are being automatically extended until July 15 due to the coronavirus outbreak. Free selfpreparation tax services are available through myfreetaxes.com or by visiting the IRS free file website at irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free.
BUILDING A BETTER BODY: Since Simon Seed was razed last fall, a new building has been taking root at South 1st and Magnolia streets in Leesburg. A large body shop is under construction on the lot between Magnolia’s Oyster Bar and the Leesburg Police Department. It’s one-stop service if you’re in a collision: file a report with the police, get your car repaired at the shop and drown your sorrows at the bar.
DRIVE ON IN: Could the world’s largest drive-in movie theater be headed to Eustis? It will if Eustis native Spencer Folmar has his way. Spencer, owner of the film company Hard Faith Inc., wants to build a multiple-screen, drive-in theater with restaurants. In March, the Eustis City Commission approved selling 71.4 acres for the proposed project, according to city records.
BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS: Locally made bagels are available from 7am-1pm Fridays and Saturdays at Florida Citrus Tower, according to the Clermont city newsletter. Henderson Bagel Co. makes the dough, hand-forms the bagels and bakes them at a commercial kitchen. Reserve a dozen in advance at hendersonbagelcompany.com.
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PERSON OF INTEREST
PEO PLE
Michele Rigby Assad Former undercover officer for the CIA. INTERVIEWER: THERESA CAMPBELL
≈ PHOTO: DOUGLAS TYLER
L V I TA AT S ST
• Current hometown: Brevard County.
• Childhood hometowns: Mount Plymouth, Mount Dora. • Graduated from Tavares High School.
What I hope readers glean from “Secret Cover,” my tell-all memoir of my secret life as a spy in the CIA: We are all capable of so much more than we think.
Greatest career accomplishment: Protecting our country and its interests from terror attacks at home and abroad.
Best advice I ever received: Winning is a state of mind. Never stop trying, working, believing and fighting to be a winner.
Describe being part of the rescue mission to relocate internally displaced Iraqis to Slovakia, which was featured on ABC’s “20/20”: We went through an enormous range of emotions: deep sadness and empathy for the people we were dealing with who had lost everything; fear that we might not find a country willing to take them in; determination to try as hard as we could; hope that something would come through; shock and complete joy to see miracle after miracle unfold before our eyes; and massive gratitude to God for the ability to help some of them establish new lives in Europe.
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• Occupation: Author, inspirational speaker, international security consultant.
My message to audiences: Don’t let fear, doubt, intimidation or uncertainty keep you from living a life of adventure and positively influencing the world around you.
The challenge of leading a double life: You could never let your hair down or relax. We were always on our toes and looking for hostile surveillants who might be trying to target us. What I hear most at speaking engagements: “You’ve inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and have more confidence!”
Memories of growing up in Lake County: Climbing trees, roller skating and playing dodgeball with neighborhood kids. Lake County was an awesome place to grow up.
Email your recommendation to theresa@akersmediagroup.com.
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OUTSTANDING STUDENT
PEO PLE
Adam Cochran Villages High School junior has heart set on becoming a surgeon. INTERVIEWER: CHRIS GERBASI PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
L V I TA AT S ST WA S A D A M IN BORN U R G, B S LEE IN L IV E S O O D. W D W IL
• 3.5 GPA unweighted; 4.0 weighted. • AP classes: computer science; language and composition. Honors classes: biology, chemistry, algebra 2.
Goals? My goal for college is to be accepted into the Dartmouth University pre-med program. My goals for my profession are to one day be a triple board-certified surgeon in cardiovascular, transplant and plastic surgery. What inspired your goals? I was inspired by my father, who passed away on Jan. 1, 2017. As a child, I always said to my parents that I wanted to become a scientist. So, after spending time in the hospital with my father, I was exposed to the professionalism of the doctors and, at that time, I wanted to save families from pain and heartache.
Tell us about receiving the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence: This award signifies the dedication and hard work that I have already put into my education, while Congress encourages and motivates students while putting them on the right path to succeed in medicine.
Do you have a mentor? My mentor is Dr. Marwan Mihyu, who was my dad’s cardiovascular doctor. Dr. Mihyu has helped by exposing me to hospital life and teaching me some of the medical practices they perform. Hobbies? Most of my hobbies consist of being either at Premier Medical Associates, where I work as a clerical employee, or at the hospital volunteering and shadowing doctors. I also am really into “Grey’s Anatomy,” the show and the book (“Gray’s”). One is more real than the other, though. LOL.
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Email your recommendations to chris@akersmediagroup.com
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IN THE VILLAGES
CO MMENTARY
Wonderful but dangerous The internet has everything you need to know—in spam. STORY: JOE ANGIONE
ach year, the internet offers more coverage of information that people want to deliver to other people. Some of this email is good, authoritative, helpful news on virtually every conceivable thing that humans might want to know. But a lot of internet messages remain filled with attempts to misinform and even to actually harm those who receive them. Unfortunately, there is no agency that exists to police these messages or to evaluate their truth and safety. Essentially, you’re on your own to determine what messages you’re willing to receive and read. As a writer who wants to know just about everything the internet is bringing to the nation’s attention, I don’t use a “spam filter” or any other protocol to block certain categories of messages. Consequently, I receive more than 150 messages daily, and it’s a tedious chore to identify the truth from the lies. Messages such as “Is your prostate as big as a lemon?” or “This green veggie causes
diabetes” might scare you, but there’s no possible way to know the truth without a doctor’s help. Another email that comes to me almost weekly says: “The financial collapse of our lifetime is coming.” It’s always from a financial company that has protection to sell ... and it doesn’t come cheap. Then there are the “almost too clever” emails that simply say, “Please read this.” Don’t. If that’s all they can say to get you to open their email, they have no worthwhile message to deliver. You don’t have to expose yourself to the garbage that hides in many email messages. Most servers, like AOL, Google and others, provide help. They place a “spam” button or link along the top of each email you receive. Click on it and the email is both deleted and reported as spam. You may still receive a couple more emails from the offending source. Click the spam button on these also, and very soon the offender will stop contacting you. Google’s Gmail also will help you block certain categories of email and block individual offending email sources. But the process is somewhat complex, so the best bet is to click the spam button on each offending email you receive. Don’t just delete them. Although filtering spam isn’t quick and easy, it’s worth the time and effort. Remember: You control the internet’s impact on your life; it shouldn’t control you.
Joe Angione loves to share stories of his adventures. If you want to contact him, email joeangione@aol.com.
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MY FIRST TIME
PEO PLE
Bob Fulwider Tattoos should be earned, says artist from House of Ink in Leesburg. INTERVIEWER: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
hen I got my first tattoo, I was 18 years old. I walked in, picked one (a cross and rose) off the wall and that was it. Now I have over 25. Not all of them are meaningful, but I won’t let just anybody tattoo me. I have to want to have you as part of my life, and I could tell you right off the bat who did every tattoo I’ve got. My favorite style is cartoon stuff, comic book characters. But my favorite tattoos are always ones that are personal to the people. Tattooing itself is really personal, it’s really intimate. Your kid draws you a cute little picture, I love doing those. They’re not exactly aesthetically beautiful, but the meaning behind it is super-cool.
What about your first time?
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≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
I tell people, don’t be so impulsive. You know, it’s forever, it’s not like a marriage where if you don’t like it in six months, you can get rid of it. Unfortunately, when we’re young, we make mistakes. We pick a bad tattoo, or we let our friend who works out of their house tattoo us. You grow from that. We don’t like the same things we liked when we were 18 when we’re in our 40s. Our lifestyle changed. When I first started out, most shops were still biker-run. Now, any preppy kid with some money opens up a tattoo shop. You’ve got so many snowflakes nowadays: “Can’t you numb the skin first?” And, I mean, I could. I’m not going to do it, though. I feel tattoos should be earned. With life comes pain, with your tattoo comes a little pain, especially if it’s a memorial tattoo. Say you lost your son and you’re getting this tattoo for your son. It’s going to hurt, whether I know it or not, because that pain is still in you. I can’t take that away.
If you’d like to share a story about a significant “first,” email victoria@akersmediagroup.com.
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THIS 'N' THAT
CO MMENTARY
A CALL TO ARMS … AND BENT ELBOWS I’ll give you my beer bottle when you pry it from my cold, dead hands. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI
≈ ILLUSTRATIONS: MEGAN MERICLE
o beer? What the hell is wrong with them?” That certainly was the universal reaction recently when a deranged group in the United Kingdom described its 2020 campaign to help people reduce their alcohol consumption. The group is called One Year No Beer, or OYNB. (A counterinitiative called All Year All Beer already is underway.) Ruari “Einstein” Fairbairns, Andy “Carry Nation” Ramage and research scientist Dr. Pepper founded OYNB to help people achieve higher levels of productivity, health and happiness. I’ve been conducting my own research for decades and I think beer has the happiness angle covered. OYNB, not to be confused with OB/GYN, states in a news release that every year, “people resolve to reduce their consumption of alcohol, if not cut it out of their lives completely. This is especially true in recent times as studies have shown that people all over the world are making this choice.”
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I’d like to see the paperwork on those “studies.” My guess is that all of the “test subjects” were interviewed while puking in the alley at closing time. “I’m never going to drink again! I mean it this time! I’ll even be part of a study!” OYNB is changing people’s attitudes about alcohol, “Einstein” says: of 1,000 surveyed participants who completed the pilot program, 83 percent carried on alcohol-free (because they lost their minds), 95 percent changed their “relationship” with alcohol (it’s complicated), 80 percent improved their quality of sleep (because they were dreaming of beer) and 78 percent were more productive at work (only because they didn’t have a beer in one hand). The group’s alcohol-free lifestyle is based on a habit-changing system: Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do – MEND. Drinkers also have a habit-changing system: Buy, Embibe, Enjoy, Repeat – BEER. (Spelling gets a little fuzzy after a few Rolling Rocks.) “We’ll also help you understand alcohol,” the founders say. Listen, I know alcohol. Alcohol is a friend of mine. And you, sirs, are no alcohol.
Try to read this OYNB propaganda with a sober mind: • Complete an alcohol-free month, if not longer, perhaps 90 or 365 days. I recently went an uneventful month without beer. I gained nothing, I lost nothing. All things being equal, boredom has to be better with beer. So, try the BEER challenge: 30, 90 or 365 days of consecutive drinking. • Set rules, such as I will not drink faster than the slowest drinker in the room. Or, follow this rule: Tell the slowest drinker in the room to get on with it already. • Rather than meeting friends for drinks, try a walk in the park, a cooking class or an escape room. Or, try walking in the park with a beer, cooking with beer or escaping the room for the fridge. • Get an “accountability buddy,” someone to inspire you. That’s what Americans call a “drinking buddy,” you sods. • Set a limit on your “drinking days” in a given timeframe. Hmm, let’s see, there are seven days in a week, 30 days in a month … • If you are drinking at home, keep track of your units. It’s actually quite easy to count backward from 24 one by one. • Take before and after photos to see the benefits for your body. No one wants to see that. • Keep a journal to map progress and note feelings. “Dear Diary, I’d really like to kill a couple of dudes in the U.K. right about now. I feel like I’m entitled to own that emotion.” • Educate your friends about alternatives to drinking. Brilliant. Everyone loves to hear from the sober preacher. “I’m trying to get healthy. You should, too!” the sad sack says just before he gets pummeled. • Don’t be hard on yourself if you slip up. Blips happen. Sometimes every weekend. Let them go and enjoy yourself. • Don’t allow yourself “drinking days” that were not planned. OK, now we’re getting into psychiatric evaluation territory for the OYNB founders. Unplanned drinking days are the best kind of drinking days. What do you think I’m doing right now? Hey … bartender!
Do you think you’re better than me because you don’t drink? Comment on this article or share ideas for new stories by emailing chris@akersmediagroup.com.
CHRIS GERBASI CHR
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Head and Neck Cancer: Know Your Risks and Symptoms PA I D
T
PROM O T IO N A L
F E AT U R E
he risk of getting head and neck cancer increases after age 40. While smoking is the number one risk factor, people who use both tobacco and alcohol are many times more likely to get head and neck cancer than people with neither habit. Other risk factors
include poor oral and dental hygiene and a diet low in vitamins A and B. Hoarseness and voice changes can be a sign of cancer; see your doctor if they do not improve within two weeks. Head and neck cancers can also start away from the vocal cords and produce other symptoms. The most common is swelling or a sore that does not heal. Other symptoms include: • Persistent sore throat • Constant coughing • Pain/difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving jaw or tongue • Ear pain/infection • Trouble breathing • A lump, bump, or mass in head or neck • A red or white patch in the mouth • Foul mouth odor not explained by hygiene • Persistent nasal obstruction/ congestion • Frequent nosebleeds and/or unusual discharge • Double vision • Numbness/weakness in the head and neck region
• Blood in saliva or phlegm • Loosening teeth • Dentures no longer fit • Unexplained weight loss • Fatigue
Did You Know? Head and neck cancers are divided into five main types: 1. Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers occur in and around the voice box. 2. Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers occur behind the nose. 3. Nasopharyngeal cancers occur at the upper part of the throat behind the nose. 4. Oral and oropharyngeal cancers occur in the mouth, tongue, and the area from tonsils to voice box. 5. Salivary gland cancers occur in the mouth glands that produce saliva.
The HPV Connection Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted virus in the US, has been playing an increasing role in head and neck cancers. This discovery was made by researchers at The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). TCGA researchers studied 279 head and neck cancer tumors and found that more than 70% had specific gene alterations, for which therapies are either available or in development. They also found similarities to other cancers and clues to drug resistance. About 25 percent of head and neck cancers have been linked to HPV infection, but researchers have seen a rapid increase in these HPV-related cancers, especially in oropharyngeal tumors. There are vaccines available to protect you from the HPV strains that cause head and neck cancer. “While many head and neck cancers are preventable, they are increasingly common throughout the world, and often challenging to effectively treat over the long term,” says Harold Varmus, MD, director of the National Cancer Institute. "This type of broad analysis provides important new clues for future research and treatment directions."
65,630
New diagnoses of head and neck cancer in the US estimated for 2020
85%
Percent of head and neck cancers linked to tobacco use
65 or older
Join Us in The Villages and Lecanto! RBOI’s next Look Good Feel Better workshops occur on Monday, April 13, 2-4 PM at 1540 Clemente Ct in Lady Lake and on Monday, April 20, 2-4 PM at 522 N Lecanto Hwy in Lecanto. This free workshop is offered to women undergoing cancer treatment. Trained and certified beauty professionals give lessons on skin and nail care, cosmetics, wigs and turbans, and accessories and styling. Registration is required. Visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org and look for the Program Finder. Call Wendy Hall at 352-527-0106 or Amy Roberts at 352-732-0277 with any questions.
Age at which over half of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers are first diagnosed.
Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home
2-3%
Rate per year at which new cases of laryngeal cancer are falling, most likely because fewer people are smoking.
The Villages 352.259.2200 Ocala 352.732.0277 Timber Ridge 352.861.2400 Inverness 352.726.3400 Lecanto 352.527.0106 RBOI.com
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Legen David Lee SPORTS He compiled an overall 463-308 record and led Eustis High School to the Class 3A state baseball title in 2000. He also helped develop the pitching skills of Brady Singer, who was the 18th overall draft pick two years ago by the Kansas City Royals. The late David Lee enjoyed tremendous success as a high school baseball coach. His career included stints at Mount Dora (1991-1995), Leesburg (2001-2005), Apopka (2006-2010) and Eustis (19952000; 2011-2018). “He not only taught them how to win but also taught them to grow into fine young men,” says his widow, Tina Lee. Although David died in 2019 of congestive heart failure, he is not forgotten. Eustis High renamed its ballpark to David Lee Diamond at Stuart Cottrell Field. In addition, two former players got tattoos to honor his memory—one with Roman numerals of his death date and the other with David’s initials and uniform number.
ndary lives Here’s a look at influential people whose hard work and dedication helped transform Lake and Sumter counties. STORIES: JAMES COMBS AND CHRIS GERBASI
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Aurelia Cole EDUCATION “Be the very best you can be.” That was a daily inspirational saying from late educator Aurelia Cole to her two children, who followed her path: Devon Cole Jr. is assistant principal at Lake Minneola High School, and Danielle Green teaches at the school. “We had a standard for setting a certain bar by doing everything with excellence, and that was based on what she instilled in us and that carried over to what she instilled in her students as well,” Danielle says. Aurelia became the first African American high school principal since integration in Lake County when she was named principal in 2004 at East Ridge High School in Clermont. She rose to the No. 2 position, assistant superintendent of administration, in Lake County Schools. Aurelia died in 2018, but her impact is still felt. Clermont Middle School will be renamed Aurelia M. Cole K-8 Academy when the school expands in 2023, and a road near East Ridge High has been named in her honor.
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Sommer Sports founder Fred Sommer, right, hands out the first-place award at the first Clermont triathlon in 1984. Provided by city of Clermont
Fred Sommer SPORTS In 2014, Clermont dubbed itself the “Choice of Champions.” It’s an apt moniker for the city, which has become a popular training destination for Olympic athletes. But the city’s transformation into a sports mecca began in 1983 when lifelong resident Fred Sommer brought a new niche to South Lake: triathlons. Since then, athletes from all 50 states and 30 countries have competed in prestigious events such as the Great Clermont Triathlon, which Fred started in 1984, and the Great Floridian Triathlon, which he started in 1991. “In 2001, the Great Clermont Triathlon had more than 2,000 competitors,” says Fred, owner of Sommer Sports, which manages racing events. “They love our sandy beaches, hills and country roads.” In 2017, USA Triathlon presented Fred with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who have made valuable contributions to the sport. His company will organize or manage 40 racing events in 2020.
Irene O’Malley VOLUNTEERISM The Lake Cares Food Pantry will celebrate its 11th anniversary in April, and Irene O’Malley has been there from the start. She first volunteered but soon took over as executive director, guiding the organization through lean economic times that created great demand. “The passion is serving the people,” she says. “The people that come through our doors are people that are in need, and the most important thing that you can do for anyone is to make sure that they have enough food to be able to eat.” Financial contributions are most beneficial to food pantries because the demand surpasses food donations. When the pantry opened, it served about 25 families a week. Last year, it served 51,000 people, or nearly 1,000 a week. Irene says the need is greater than ever among seniors and children. But her passion grows as the numbers rise. “This is what I love to do,” Irene says. “This is what all of our volunteers love to do.”
Bill Farmer LAW ENFORCEMENT At club meetings in The Villages and events throughout Sumter County, a familiar person often sings the national anthem. It’s Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer. Who knew he has a beautiful voice? “I spent 25 years as minister of music at the Church of God of Linden in Webster,” says Bill, a lifelong resident of Sumter County. He has made many public appearances since joining the Sumter County Sheriff ’s Office in 1971 and being elected sheriff in 1996. He also has been active in the community, having served as president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, board member of the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce and on the advisory committee of Lake-Sumter State College. “I go out in public often because it means a lot to the citizens,” Bill says. Under his guidance, the SCSO has undergone technology upgrades, including the addition of computers and GPS systems in patrol cars, and body cameras for deputies.
Kyleen Fischer EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE She impacted education as a Lake County School Board member for 24 years. She made her mark on mental health as program manager at LifeStream Behavioral Center in Leesburg for 25 years. She tackled youth drug addiction as a founding member of Be Free Lake. Indeed, Kyleen Fischer, who died in 2016, worked tirelessly to make Lake a better place. As a result, she was inducted into the Lake County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2019. “She was everywhere,” says her daughter, Leah Fischer, of Umatilla. “We joked that she should get an RV so she could sleep wherever she was at that point in the day.” Kyleen also served as chairwoman of the Circuit Juvenile Justice Committee and a board member of the Golden Triangle YMCA, Alee Academy and the Ruth House. “She was a dear friend and one of the kindest people I’ve ever known,” says B.E. Thompson, a co-worker of Kyleen’s at LifeStream. “She is loved and missed each day.”
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Benny McLean
The
McLean Family FARMING The McLean family tree produces citrus. Five generations of McLeans have grown citrus in South Lake County, but a freeze in 1983 cost the family every tree on their 550 acres. In 1999, Benny McLean converted 1,500 acres of citrus to organic farming, becoming one of the first certified organic citrus growers in the nation. His son Matt founded Uncle Matt’s Organic Farm in Clermont, and another son, Ben McLean III, is head of research. The business spearheaded a new market for organic products such as fresh fruit, juices and flavored water. Valuing the citrus industry is a tradition that continues to be passed to each generation. Ben’s daughter, Michaela McLean, won the 2019 Miss Florida Citrus crown. She followed that by winning the Miss Florida pageant and competing in the Miss America contest. “It’s amazing to see how my family has prioritized health, especially organic citrus, throughout our whole life and made sure that we’re raising healthy generations for the future,” Michaela says. “Now I get to travel around and we’re actually piloting a citrus program where we’re going to be able to go into schools and educate students on the health benefits of eating Florida-grown crops.”
Mabel Norris Reese JOURNALISM Some legends take time to be written. Long after her death, journalist Mabel Norris Reese has been honored for her work with the unveiling of a sculpture this year in Mount Dora and induction into the Lake County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018. Mabel is best known for covering the 1949 Groveland Four case, in which four African American men were falsely accused of raping a white teenage girl. Critics say she initially supported Sheriff Willis McCall. But after the sheriff shot two of the men, Mabel started standing up to white supremacy, says Gilbert King, who authored a book on the case. “She began to meet sources that were experiencing this injustice, and I think it was at that moment that she really decided that she was going to start reporting on justice,” Gilbert says. Mabel wrote about civil rights, school desegregation and corruption in law enforcement throughout her career. She died in 1995 at age 80. The Groveland Four men were posthumously pardoned in 2019.
Mabel Norris Reese sculpture by Jim McNalis. Photo from remembermabel.com
John Christian RELIGION AND GOVERNMENT John Christian jokingly describes himself as “the hardest-working preacher in Lake County.” Few could argue. His church, Christian Worship Center, has three locations. Each Sunday, he preaches at 8am in Groveland, at 10am in Wildwood and at 11:30am in Leesburg. “We’re a holistic church that introduces people to Christ but also helps them grow spiritually, financially and socially through education,” John says. During the week, John focuses on his duties as a Leesburg city commissioner. He was first elected in 2004 and has served four terms as mayor. “I’ve always strived to be a voice for the voiceless,” he says. He was a driving force in getting the Leesburg Recreational Complex built on Griffin Road. Outside the center is a bronze plaque with an image of John’s face on it. The facility’s basketball courts allow youngsters to hone their skills year-round. “I attribute the facility to helping Leesburg High School winning back-to-back state basketball championships in 2017 and 2018,” he says.
Janet Tutt GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION Janet Tutt was always quick to deflect praise away from herself and onto her staff. But there’s no avoiding the fact that she led The Villages district administration during a period of tremendous growth from 2005 until her retirement in 2018. She started as co-district manager with Pete Wahl, and they oversaw two different areas with two sets of government departments. Janet says the administration’s greatest accomplishment was unifying those operations, bringing a cost benefit to the budget and a convenience benefit to residents.
She became sole district manager around 2007 and watched The Villages expand from about 30,000 residents to 130,000. The challenging aspect of that growth “was the influx of various expectations and backgrounds of people moving to The Villages and having to respond and communicate with such a large and diverse population,” she says. In retirement, Janet says she’s trying to keep her mind busy with topics other than budgets, board meetings and bureaucracy.
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families Descendants of slaves still enjoy living in a historic black community. STORY: JAMES COMBS
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here’s no place like home. That is certainly true for Lorenzo Brooks, who has called one place home for 71 years. Home for him is Royal, one of Florida’s oldest black communities. Hidden in Sumter County a few miles from the gargantuan retirement community known as The Villages, Royal is a quiet place where the rich history and pride of the African American experience comes to life. Lorenzo has many fond memories. “It was so much fun to grow up here,” says Lorenzo, who now serves as deacon of Second Bethel Baptist Church in Royal. “As a kid, I would go from Sunday school to fishing to climbing trees. And everyone was close. We were a community raising a community.” The community (it’s not a city or township) was first inhabited before the Civil War by the children of African tribal kings and queens who escaped the slave auction block and lived freely. After slavery was abolished in 1865, the federal government provided freed slaves with 40 acres and an old mule to begin their lives. Many former slaves from the Old Green Plantation near the Withlacoochee River moved to Royal, which was originally named Picketsville for the white picket fences marking the 40-acre homesteads. In the late 1880s, the name was changed to Royal so future generations would know that the first black residents in the community were African royalty. Royal became an agricultural community where founding families harvested tobacco, cotton and sugar cane. They built log cabin homes and dug wells for water. Unlike many African American communities throughout rural Florida, the occupants of Royal kept their land.
Today, it is home to approximately 1,500 descendants of slaves.
Preserving history One of those descendants is Beverly Steele. As a child, she attended Royal Elementary, a 10-room, segregated school for students in first through eighth grade. She’ll never forget a question that principal Alonzo A. Young Sr. repeatedly posed to students. “He asked, ‘How do you know where you’re going if you don’t know where you come from?’” Those words stuck with Beverly even after she graduated from Florida A&M University and enjoyed lucrative careers while living in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. So, in 1992, she left the bright lights of the city and returned home to tiny Royal. “God was pulling on my heartstring to come back,” she says. After returning home, she grew concerned that much of Royal’s history was becoming lost. Countless hours of research helped her unearth some of the community’s overlooked past, including the discovery of a one-acre cemetery for slaves. Beverly set out on a journey to preserve Royal’s past. She formed the Royal Historical Enrichment in Art Program (RHEAP) for local schoolchildren to participate in during spring break and summer vacations. Art projects, such as building a model of a 19th-century Cracker house where their ancestors lived, give kids a better understanding of their heritage. She also began giving tours of Royal and authored a book titled “‘Hello, Somebody!’: Beverly Steele’s 40 Acres & A Mule Stories. Her people kept the land!” Now, she is trying to get Royal listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Helping her in that endeavor is Edward Gonzalez-Tennant and his wife, Diana, owners of Digital Heritage Interactive in Orlando. The couple, who have worked as historic consultants in other rural African American communities throughout Florida, spent eight months in Royal identifying historical structures. They detailed their findings in a lengthy report sent to the Florida Department of Historic Preservation. One of the most interesting structures they found is a tobacco barn made of concrete block. In the 1800s, tobacco hung in barns over an intermittent fire to produce a tobacco low in sugar and high in nicotine. They also discovered shedlike structures covering large copper pots where sugar cane was boiled. In Florida, sugar was king long before citrus and cattle. “The practice of boiling sugar cane was started in the late 1800s and persisted into the early 21st century,”
says Edward, who is also a researcher and lecturer for the University of Central Florida’s Department of Anthropology. “Some residents of Royal were still doing it as recently as 10 years ago. Royal is a small-scale agricultural community where many of those practices persisted much longer than they did around other black communities in Florida.” Edward is familiar with some of those other black communities. He did a research project on Angola, a prosperous community of escaped slaves that Florida’s military governor and future U.S. president Andrew Jackson burned to the ground in 1821 because he felt it was a territory of “runaway negroes.” Edward authored a book on another black community, Rosewood, which was
destroyed during a racially motivated massacre in 1923. “What’s unique about Royal is that it was one of the few African American communities to survive into the 21st century,” Edward says. “Some were destroyed, and others fell prey to migration. Royal was fortunate that no infrastructures like the railroad ever reached it. And as a result, descendants of the initial black settlers now live on their ancestors’ properties. That’s pretty amazing.”
Long-lasting memories Beverly Johnson, 65, has resided in Royal her entire life. She is caretaker for her mother, Annie Johnson, 94, who also lives there.
OD WAS PULLING MY HEARTSTRING ME BACK [TO ROYAL].” — B E V E R LY S T E E L E
Beverly likens Royal to the popular show “Little House on the Prairie.” Much like the fictional town of Walnut Grove, Royal is a place with a deep sense of community where people worked hard by hand, shared with one another and maintained a strong faith. “We went to church, ate dinner with each other and cared for one another,” Beverly says. “When my mom was pregnant, neighbors came over to wash clothes for her and clean our house. The support system you feel out here is amazing.” Some not-so-fond memories also remain. She attended Royal Elementary through eighth grade. Her freshman year in 1969 was the first year Wildwood High School fully integrated. “Racial tension definitely existed,” Beverly recalls. “If a fight broke out at school, people would come out to Royal and start shooting. So, the tension spilled over to here.” Gloria Brooks is another lifelong Royal resident and retired school bus driver of 30 years. She never went hungry as a child. Her father taught her how to skin hogs and make cornbread. While she attended Royal Elementary, her mother worked in the lunchroom and became known for her tasty cinnamon buns. “The kids would be out on the playground and get a whiff of her cinnamon buns,” Gloria says. “We’d get excited because they tasted so wonderful. Everyone would eat lunch that day.” When she was growing up, two churches served the people of Royal: Ebenezer African Methodist Church had services on the first and third Sunday of each month, and Second Bethel Baptist Church held services on the second and fourth Sunday. “Some people attended all four services,” Gloria says.
When Second Bethel Baptist burned in the late 1960s, the community came together. “We’d have frequent barbecue gatherings and would sell pies and peanuts to raise money so we could build the church back,” Gloria says. Today, services continue to be held in both churches.
Present-day Royal Royal remains a close-knit community. Residents congregate at two main buildings: the Royal Community Building, which formerly was the school, and the Alonzo A. Young Sr. Enrichment and Historical Center, a renovated building that once served as the school’s cafeteria. The community’s rich heritage is preserved inside the latter. Walls are covered by paintings done by Beverly Steele’s art students and professional artists that depict life in Royal. Inside another room are donated artifacts such as farming equipment. That’s also the building where the monthly Seniors and Elders Royal Historical Enrichment Program is held. People of all races are invited. “I’m not from Royal, but I come to the program every month because there’s a sense of caring and loving here,” says Wildwood resident Kathryn Goodyear, a retired teacher of 25 years who is white. “They don’t look at me as white; I’m just Kathryn. I feel very welcome.” In addition to monthly gatherings, residents enjoy fellowship through community events such as a Martin Luther King Day parade in January, a holiday open house in December and the Perlo Rice Fall Festival in October. The largest event is the Royal Homecoming in June. That’s when former Royal residents come back to the community for laughter, hugs and memories. The three-day event is highlighted by a parade and fish fry.
“While some people left Royal, they’ve never forgotten their roots,” Beverly Steele says. “It’s great to see them come back and reunite with their family and friends.” But for lifelong residents like Beverly Johnson, leaving Royal is not an option. “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” she says. “This is home, and I love it.”
Take a tour If you would like to learn more about Royal’s fascinating history, consider taking the 40 Acres and a Mule tour, which lasts 1.5 hours. For more information, call 352.748.0260 or email youngartists@aol.com.
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Legends OF THE PAST Historical cemeteries are the final resting places for heroes and characters. STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell
Photo: Nicole Hamel
E
very year on Jan. 27, hundreds of Green Berets storm Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. They gather to remember the life of Green Beret Franklin Douglas Miller on his birthday. Doug, as he was known, received the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War and served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Special Forces in Asia for six years. Throughout his career in the Army, he also was awarded a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and six Purple Hearts. He is memorialized in a section of the cemetery. “There are Special Forces Association (members) out here on his birthday. Hundreds of Green Berets come here and they all drink whiskey and celebrate. I mean, he was like a badass,” says Gerard Lyons, assistant director of Florida National Cemetery. The stories of many legendary people live on at historical cemeteries such as Florida National and Lone Oak in Leesburg.
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Leesburg’s Lone Oak Cemetery
Florida National has two other Medal of Honor recipients buried there, including Master Sgt. James R. Hendrix, who Lone Oak Cemetery served in the Army during World War II, and William R. Charette, who served as a master chief hospital corpsman in the Navy in Korea and Vietnam. He also received a Purple Heart for his heroic acts. The lineage of war heroes extends much farther back than the 20th century. Maj. David Moniac, a Creek Indian, fought in the Second Seminole War in the 1830s as a member of the Creek mounted volunteers. He was killed at the Battle of Wahoo Swamp. He was the first Native American graduate of the U.S. Military Academy in 1822 and also served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. 6th Infantry. His headstone reads, “He was as brave and gallant a man as ever drew a sword or faced an enemy.” Other than veterans, the spouses and children of soldiers also can be buried alongside their family members at Florida National. “And with the Cory Shea Act, if a single soldier is killed in action, their parents can be interred with them, too,” Gerard says. Florida National Cemetery is the second busiest in the country with around 7,000 new burials every year, Gerard
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says. It also is one of the largest in the state at 600 acres. The cemetery includes a Memorial Pathway lined with more than 50 memorials, most of which commemorate veterans of 20thcentury conflicts, according to its website. Florida National Cemetery is located in the Withlacoochee Forest, the second-largest forest in the state. In 1980, the Department of Veteran Affairs announced that a new national cemetery would be established in Withlacoochee, and the first burial took place in 1988. In 1993, the American Veterans (AMVETS) gifted a carillon that is adjacent to the main building. The main assembly area, adorned with an open colonnade, hosts events for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Lone Oak Cemetery was founded in 1887 and earned its name because there was only one oak tree on the premises, along with a small cabin and graveyard. The land was donated because there was no cemetery in the area up to that time. But long before its official founding, Lone Oak recorded its first burial, that of Minerva Howell, in 1867. “At that time, they put a fence around her grave to keep the critters away from it because it was so wooded and just primitive,” says Midge Dodge, executive director of Lone Oak.
LONE OAK CEMETERY HAS BEEN A PART OF LOCAL HISTORY SINCE 1887, AND IS THE FINAL RESTING PLACE FOR LEESBURG FOUNDER EVANDER LEE, POLICE CHIEF JAMES HUX, AND GEORGE WIDDAS, GUNSMITH FOR ANNIE OAKLEY AND BUFFALO BILL CODY.
The Lone Oak Improvement Association was started in 1893, and the first fundraiser generated money for a wrought-iron fence around the property. The cemetery covers about 37 acres, with roughly 6,000 people buried there and around 100 new burials each year, Midge says. One legend in Lone Oak is Evander Lee, for whom Leesburg is named. He was buried there in 1904. Evander and his brother owned a store, and when purchasing supplies from New York, they were asked where the goods would be shipped by waterway. The brothers decided on the name “Leesburg,” or so the story goes, Midge says. Other founding families also are buried at Lone Oak, as well as Police Chief James Lee Hux, who was assassinated in 1924 while chasing moonshiners, Midge says. Another recognizable name is Annie Oakley. She’s not buried at Lone Oak, but George Widdas is—he was the gunsmith for the famed sharpshooter as well as “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Annie, an occasional resident of Leesburg, refused to be buried at Lone Oak because the cemetery did not allow animals to be buried there, and she wanted her dog with her at the same site. “We now have a pet cemetery here. And so, we were going to name it Dave’s Garden after Annie Oakley’s dog,
but the consensus came down to Pet Haven Memorial Gardens,” Midge says. Although Lone Oak isn’t owned by the city of Leesburg, it is considered a historic part of the city, so officials approve a grant each year to help with maintenance. Lone Oak also handles maintenance and upkeep, though not burials, at Shady Oak Cemetery in Leesburg. Lone Oak is a nonprofit organization, so other fundraising events for upkeep include its annual “Chair”-i-“Table” event, where donated chairs and tables are on display at the Leesburg Art Fest and then winners are drawn in a raffle. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the cemetery puts up hundreds of flags to commemorate the lives lost in the wars. Lone Oak also participates in Wreaths Across America, a national program held the second week of December every year. A member of each of the armed forces places a wreath in front of the Veterans Memorial, and speakers at the event have included U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster. “(We) honor the veterans of all the wars and we lay wreaths. People purchase wreaths for their loved ones or some people just purchase them for veterans in general, because we have a lot of them that no longer have any family alive,” Midge says.
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Primo Outreach Boxing Club provides youths with lessons for the ring and for life. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL
N
≈ PHOTO: ANTHONY RAO
urse Carol Patterson, boxing coaches Aaron Ramprashad and Orande Richards, and Dr. Michael K. Henderson beam with pride at Primo Outreach Boxing Club, where the four co-founders oversee a gym that focuses on getting kids off the street and building their self-esteem, as well as making them fit. Kids in Primo’s after-school program can train until 8pm weekdays at the gym, which opened in August 2019 at 2106 U.S. Highway 441 in Leesburg. They practice footwork and ring work, punch heavy bags and speed bags, and improve their physical conditioning through core work, calisthenics and circuit weight training. Primo also is where youths learn self-control tips and interact with peers. Parents are invited to work out at the gym, too. “We are just trying to be a part of the community, to be a problem-solver and help the kids,” Carol says. “The best compliment is hearing parents say, ‘Oh, wow! My child is different since he started here a month ago. He listens more, he’s paying attention, is more focused. I can see the confidence going up.’” Blake Yates, 13, of Leesburg, relishes each moment he spends at Primo. “Being here is a stress reliever,” he says. “I feel a lot stronger since I’ve been coming here, and it releases a lot of anxiety because you’re not thinking about anything else. We also make a lot of friends because you have time to talk and get to know each other.” Julio Alexander Flores, 16, of Fruitland Park, credits the boxing gym for boosting his overall health. “Being here helps me get rid of anxiety, and it has given me more confidence. I feel a lot stronger, too,” Julio says. “This has been very good therapy for him, a very big change,” adds his father, Julio Cesar. “He had a lot of problems with anxiety, and one of the things somebody told me was to have him exercise. He tried different exercises before he finally tried boxing. Now, since he’s been doing this, he doesn’t want to stop. He wants to do it every day. I’m so glad we found a place like this. People are so friendly here. This has been very good for him.” Coach Orande’s goal is to see people become happier. “There are kids who come in here and you can tell the changes that have been made because of the gym,” he says. “Some become healthier and they can’t believe the weight they’ve lost.
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They build self-confidence, and when I see someone make a positive change in their life, that’s worth it.” He says boxing provides a total body workout that helps with rhythm, timing, balance and coordination, and also benefits athletes who play basketball, football and soccer. “It’s also good for runners by helping them strengthen the legs and calves,” Orande adds. “When boxing, it all comes from the legs up. Technique comes from the legs. You have to teach a person how to stand first, how to stand properly, and then teach them how to throw a punch. It’s also a great way to lose weight and get toned really fast.” Michael is involved in the gym’s nonprofit program, Academy of Three Rings, where he works with young people who are socially challenged and may be at risk of winding up in the court system. “The prevention component actually starts at the gym. We get them off the streets to come to the gym and that is one way to keep them out of trouble,” says Michael, adding that referrals can come from attorneys, judges, parents, schools—anyone who fears that a young person is heading down the wrong path. “Instead of locking them up, we’re saying let’s give them a second chance to turn their life around,” Michael says. “The millennials are the fastest-growing population, and we need to make sure the millennials are OK.” The gym also is expanding with new programs for adults and seniors. “We’re trying to cater to everybody, and that is what separates us from being a regular boxing gym,” Carol says. “We’re looking at how can we make a difference in everyone’s life. It’s all about helping people.” The gym recently signed up with SilverSneakers, a 65-plus program that is included in many Medicare plans. This summer, it will join Rock Steady Boxing, a program aimed specifically at people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s to help them fight back against the disease. Primo’s coaches will take classes to become RSB-certified trainers. Carol says the boxing exercises are touted as being “neuroprotective,” slowing down further decline and attacking Parkinson’s at its vulnerable neurological points. The workouts are designed to improve overall fitness, strength, reaction time and balance. Primo’s founders want the gym to be a place for all ages. “The workout really helps a person de-stress. After a hard day’s work, you can come to the gym and just let it flow,” Michael says. “This is a place that brings everybody back together.”
Orande Richards, boxing coach and co-founder of Primo Outreach Boxing Club.
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360 FEET CANAL FRONT leading to “Chain of Lakes”! One acre corner lot with two sides of water front giving your own peninsula feeling… ready to build! Seller can provide a recent preliminary site evaluation, Soil Percolation test and Boundary wet land survey - valued at ten thousand dollars! Well and Septic will be required. USE YOUR OWN BUILDER and NO HOA! Lot has also been cleared and is level. Conveniently located near town. MLS# G5019726 // $42,900.
VILLAGES BEST BUY! Enjoy this RARE FIND that features a deep brick paved circular driveway...property accommodates up to 6 cars to include electric screen door for garage, workbench with peg board wall for the a handyman plus separate golf cart garage & side entry door, too! NEW ROOF on its way....NO BOND!! Enter through front porch leading you into foyer that opens to great room with solar tube lighting & volume ceilings. Newly remodeled huge glowing eat in kitchen/ dining area with oversized island that includes bar chairs...enjoy stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and river rock backsplash with lots of custom cabinets to include a lazy Susan feature plus plantation shutters. You will love the recent upgraded laminate wood floor look throughout plus durable berber carpet in bedrooms only. Three bedrooms, two bath split plan home offers large master bedroom with his & her walk in closet en suite...master bath with double sinks & large walk in shower with bench seat, too. Guest bedroom 2 & 3 with large wall closets and bath with tub/shower combo. Enjoy year round living in the super sized bonus Florida room with custom metal cathedral ceiling and removable vinyl windows for summertime screen porch. Inside laundry room converted to office area still retains plumbing for conversion back if desired. Be rest assured no termites here...seller has always maintained a termite bond. SAVE GAS....USE GOLFCART...Entertainment & shopping minutes away! MLS# G5027352 // $349,900.
CHAIN OF LAKES CANALFRONT! Boat or fish from your own backyard on half acre with 140 Ft. on wide navigable canal (2 lots) and TWO COVERED BOAT SLIPS!! For low price of $32,500 gain 80 feet more of waterfront with a separate lot of record available 80 x 187 for optional additional purchase...NO HOA! Well maintained home with a wrap around screen porch! Enjoy lots of car storage with a DETACHED OVERSIZED 1 CAR GARAGE plus additional detached raised “SUPERSIZED” RV 2 CAR GARAGE with two individual 10 x 12 doors plus 5 x. 6.6 foot high double side entrance doors that features a workshop area, great for working on your cars, the woods craftsman or handyman! Kitchen/dining combo with island includes refrigerator, range and closet pantry. Master bedroom with his/her closets plus 3rd closet for additional storage. Master bath with shower only. Guest bath with tub/shower combo. Laundry/building “wash house” with washer & dryer that convey also gives you additional storage room! Producing lemon and red orange tree! Chain link fenced dog run area...for your pets!! Separate well for lawn irrigation, another for outside hose usage and 3rd well for home & “wash house” water! AFFORDABLE PRICE... FISHERMAN and HANDYMAN’S DREAM! MLS# G5027560 // $154,900.
181 FEET CANAL FRONT CHAIN OF LAKES BEAUTY Welcome to your own resort. Located at the mouth of the lake with spectacular views. Entertain with ease with a screened in pool & spa… splash away! Seller expanded, gutted and remodeled entire home initiated in 2015 to include new flooring, french doors with blinds built in & crystal pleated shades, cedar lined custom closets, 6 inch baseboards, wood trimmed window sills, frames & crown molding, recessed lighting plus new hardware. 3 car garage with lots of parking space with a full RV hook up to include full amp electric & separate septic. NO HOA! Large foyer leads to open floor plan with a Rec room with full bar & sink accommodates 7 high top bar stools, formal dining room plus an oversized living room that overlooks your fabulous pool. Spectacular kitchen with granite counter tops, large island with 2 bar stools, built in desk, walk in pantry plus closet pantry, loads of cabinets with soft close feature and a breakfast nook. Master suite features double tray ceiling & walk in closet 14 x 10. Master bath with walk in shower and garden tub/jets. 3rd floor bonus room with potential closet! Floored walk in attic storage with room to expand! Full guest apartment includes living room, kitchen/dining plus bed/full bath ( almost finished...pick your colors) with separate door entrance. Additional washer dryer hook up and septic. Newly brick paved courtyard for outside relaxation by the canal… custom playhouse for the kids. Fish from your own backyard! MLS# G5026712 // $749,900.
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Lynn Haynes Multi-Million Dollar Producer
GATED LOG CABIN home on 1.77 acres with a screen enclosed POOL built in 2002. Privacy is a premium in home with two bedrooms, a loft, plus a den and two bathrooms. Charm and character are in this custom built home with wagon wheels in the stairs and uniquely designed kitchen cabinets.
352.516.0903 Lynn@LynnHaynesSellsFlorida.com
PREMIER EXECUTIVE POOL home in the Village of Fernandina hosts three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms with an oversized two car plus golf cart garage. The curb appeal will draw you in with the lush landscaping, pavered driveway with custom stone curbing and a tumbled stone wall on the garage side of the property. From the time you enter this home you will appreciate the upgraded finishes from a stone wall in the foyer to Plantation shutters to custom lighting to wood and porcelain tile flooring to granite counters to cherry cabinets to stainless steel appliances and much more. The kitchen has a dinette area with custom built-in bookshelves, an island and a counter bar open to the living and dining rooms. The resort style lanai is great for entertaining with lanai doors that telescope into the wall so you and your guests may enjoy the beautiful solar heated salt water pool with two waterfalls. Your resort lanai includes an outdoor kitchen with Alfresco grill, refrigerator and sink.
THIS BEAUTIFUL POOL HOME was a Parade of Home WINNER in 2004 built by Showcase Homes with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. There are upgrades throughout this home from exterior stacked stone, pavered driveway, new wood design tile, new quartz counter tops, new window treatments, stainless steel appliances and the interior and exterior of the home has been freshly painted. From the moment you enter this home you will be impressed from the foyer which leads to the living and dining room. The kitchen is open to the dinette and family room with stacked stone fireplace which opens to the screen enclosed lanai and pool with room for entertaining family and friends. Attached two car garage has a painted floor and enters into the indoor laundry room. In the community of Westgate on Lake Eustis with a community DOCK with BOAT SLIPS where you may dock your boat, fish, watch sail boats, sunsets or bi-annual fireworks.
Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158
725 E Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778 352.408.5999 cell //352.742.1077 fax
We are committed and passionate professionals who puts our clients' best interests and satisfaction above all else. Our team’s determination to cater to our clients' specific needs coupled with our market expertise, attention to detail and superior negotiating skills allows you to receive first class service.
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Y
Ducharme Levensohn Residential Sales
352.874.5906 Kim@MorrisRealtors.com Kim Connects… Your Real Estate Connection
COME HOME TO THIS 3/2 featuring 900 sq.ft. of living that perfect for a first time home buyer, downsizing, or as an investment. Home features brand new roof, new carpet, freshly painted and includes fenced in back yard and additional garage in the back that perfect for extra storage, workshop, etc. No HOA. $138,000.
UNFORGETTABLE FIRST IMPRESSION! Quality’s on display daily in this custom built hm located in gated community & situated on corner lot. Fall in love the moment you step inside. Upon entering you will be greeted w/ volume ceilings & open floor plan. Love to cook? Bring the cookbooks & start cooking in your remodeled kitchen (2017) featuring plenty of space, kitchen nook, & newer oak cabinets w/ pull out shelving, crown molding, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances & overlooks living/dining rm. Light & bright living/ dining rms features hard wood flooring & door leading to back enclosed lanai. Retreat to lg master bedrm featuring hard wood floors, walk in closet, & newly renovated master bath w/walk in shower, new double sink vanities, quartz countertops, light fixtures, & paint. 2nd bdrm has brand new carpet & murphy bed conveys. Guest bath has 2 entrances giving guest privacy & also features new vanity, countertops, light fixtures, & paint. Need an extra room? You will love the upstairs bonus rm that could easily be used as a 3rd bedroom, theatre rm, or craft room featuring built in cabinets, desk, 1/2 bath, wet bar & more! Other features include oversized garage (4 ft added), electric screen on garage door, open patio w/ natural gas for grilling, dual control a/c & more. Retire in style and start living the good life. Amenities to Infinity include: swimming pool, community clubhouse, tennis courts,community dock, exercise room, too many to mention! Come see for yourself! Home Warranty too! $289,000.
A UNFORGETTABLE FIRST IMPRESSION! A thousand words can’t begin to describe this picturesque 2/2 featuring over 1600 of sq.ft., & best of all NO REAR NEIGHBORS! Looking to escape the snow or live all year around? This is the perfect place to call home! Freshly painted home greets you with a light and bright new look. As you enter you will immediately fall in love w/ the open living space, vaulted ceilings, split floor plan & more. Formal Dining overlooks living rm. Living rm features sliders to back extended lanai. Love to cook? Wait to you see the kitchen...center island is a chefs dream, granite countertops, plenty of cabinets & brand new appliances w/ sliders leading to patio. Retreat to the master bedrm featuring master bath w/ dual vanity sinks, walk in closet, & shower. Guests will have their privacy in the 2nd bedrm on the other side home & guest bath features shower/ tub combo. Office/den could easily be used for a 3rd bdrm. Enjoy nature while sipping on your coffee in the oversized screen lanai. Located in a gated community & ammenities to infinity! It’s like owning your own resort! You will never be bored with all the extras.. fitness rm, computer rm, 3 outdoor pools, enclosed heated pool, spa, library w/ wifi, billards, craft & activity rm & 14,000 sq ft multi purpose community center. Best of all....outdoor heated pool just down the street. As if this wasn’t enough...your just minutes away from The Villages. Medical facilities, shopping, restaurants, and more are just a golf cart ride away! $259,000.
Yes! We’ve got a loan for that!
Conventional | Jumbo | 100% FHA | 203k | VA |USDA Down Payment Assistance and many more. Equity Prime Mortgage LLC NMLS #21116 Local Office NMLS #1212632
Empowering People More. Equity Prime Orlando - Swanson Office 2290 Lucien Way, Suite 250, Maitland, FL. 32751 Equity Prime Mortgage LLC - NMLS #21116. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2019.
TODD LEVENSOHN | MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR | NMLS # 299664 tlevensohn@equityprime.com | 321.287.5440 (Direct)
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Jo Leen
Cooper Howe Residential Sales
55+ LEGACY IN LEESBURG HUNTLEY MODEL. NEW ROOF IN 2019. Open floor plan with 3 bedrooms 2 baths. Great room measures 21x19. Kitchen with solid surface counter tops. Updated appliances. Freshly painted inside and out. NO CCD BOND IN LEGACY. MLS# G5026474 // $249,900.
352.267.0770 JoLeen@MorrisRealtors.com The Results Will Move You!
REDUCED
3 BEDROOM 1 BATH HOME IN LEESBURG Home has recently been painted. Ceramic tile throughout. Front screened porch. Stove will be put in this week. Close to shopping and schools. MLS# G5026667 // $125,500.
ROYAL HARBOR 55+ SOUGHT AFTER COMMUNITY 3 bedroom 2.5 bath split plan with an upstairs loft or office, game room or craft room. NEW AC WITH 3 ZONES IN 2016.OVERSIZED GARAGE WITH GOLF CART GARAGE. VIEWS OF LITTLE LAKE HARRIS. MLS# G5017114 // 289,900.
LEESBURGS HIDDEN SECRET SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS POPULAR 55+ COMMUNITY, 2/2 newer HVAC unit, hot water heater, and APPLIANCES. Screen porch has been turned into a covered lanai to enjoy the outside. Oversized 1 car garage. MLS# G5026663 // $129,900.
WATERFRONT HOME ON TROUT LAKE A FISHER MANS PARADISE 3/2 bath remodeled home. New appliances, updated home freshly painted, new flooring, new windows on the main home, updated electric, NEW SEAWALL and much more. MLS# G5026108 // $129,900.
WATERFRONT HOME CORNER LOT WITH 246 FEET OF WATERFRONT 3 bedroom 2 bath home with 2000 sq ft of living area. Large living room area with tile floors throughout the living area. Updated appliances, New HVAC unit. Family room overlooking the water and a huge screened area for outside entertaining by the waters edge. 2 CAR GARAGE. Double boat house measuring 24x10 for each boat lift. MLS# G5026144 // $269,900.
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CANAL FRONT LEADING TO LITTLE LAKE HARRIS ON THE CHAIN OF LAKES Ceramic tile in the main living area. OVERSIZED ONE CAR G ARAGE. BOAT HOUSE AND HOIST. Low HOA fee of 500.00 a year which also includes your water for the whole year. REDUCED TO MLS# G5021848 // $199,900.
Call about our 25 YEAR NO LEAK guarantee!
ROOF REPAIR
ROOFOVER
NEW CONSTRUCTION
REROOF
FINANCING AVAILABLE
352.669.6607 www.prodryroofing.com RC29027460
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Michael Barrett Residential Sales
352.255.5710
Michael@MorrisRealtors.com
BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME in this sought after well established neighborhood in Wingspread. Majestic trees are located on this beautiful property with plenty of room to roam on the 1.22 acres. Conveniently located near hospitals, shopping and schools. Bring your own builder and start your new home! MLS# G5025261 // $59,000.
LAKE HARRIS LAGOON FRONT HOME with breathtaking views from almost every window. Lakeside living is affordable and desirable in this 4-bedroom 3-bathroom end unit townhouse. With over 120 feet of seawall and a deep canal to Lake Harris you can spend endless hours navigating The Chain of Lakes. This Palm Harbor home gives you a spacious feel with vaulted ceilings, open upstairs loft and skylights for natural light. This home also features a brick fireplace for cool winter nights. The master bedroom is located downstairs with his and her closets. There is also a 2nd bedroom located downstairs with bedroom 3 and 4 located upstairs. New carpet has been installed throughout the home. Relax and enjoy the serenity of the waterfront views and nature at its best in your own backyard. MLS# G5027543 // $275,000.
MORRIS REALTY & INVESTMENTS WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM!
Judd Dickerson 352.516.7809 | JUDD@MORRISREALTORS.COM
Joe Meany 352.255.8603 | JOE@MORRISREALTORS.COM
Traci Meany 352.255.8602 | TRACI@MORRISREALTORS.COM
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Guy Shipley Realtor®
321.356.3755 10 ACRE RANCH! Enter through iron gate to magnificent home sold FULLY FURNISHED TURN KEY! There is 4 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 baths and plenty of room to entertain with a beautiful private pool and summer kitchen. PLUS.... large 68’x60’ barn with stables, workshops, multi purpose facility and more! Bring tooth brush... SADDLE UP, RODEO HERE! MLS# G5024205 // $949,000.
Guy@MorrisRealtors.com When you’re ready to buy, I’m your Guy!
D! STE
T LI JUS
PRICED BELOW APPRAISAL 4460 sq.ft. Incomparable Custom Home with Brilliant Attributes for a Discerning Buyer. The bright open floor plan boasts a spacious Living Room with coral fireplace, formal dining room, butler’s pantry, a substantial master suite with walk in closets and a generous master bath, and a beautifully designed office with custom cabinetry & BellaWood flooring. A magnificent kitchen offers custom cabinetry, impressive granite, built-in appliances, spacious walk-in pantry and dazzling views on the 7th tee of Deer Island Golf. A large 26’x30’ bonus room (or 4th bedroom) opens to a private balcony overlooking Lake Dora on the Harris Chain of Lakes. Built in 2005, with energy efficient windows, core filled block construction & a well for irrigation, this home offers ultimate energy efficiency. MLS# G5026608 //$585,000 // 17642sawgrassrun.golf
PRIVATE ELEVATOR FULLY FURNISHED. 3/3 w/ 2 car garage 2400 sq.ft .condo with gorgeous wood floors, volume ceilings, crown mouldings, granite, breakfast bar. A jetted garden tub, separate shower, double sinks and walk in closets create a comfortable setting for the Master Suite. Overlooking the 5th fairway of El Campeon golf Course, the screened lanai offers fantastic sunsets at nightfall. Mission Inn Resort has created an Ideal blend for RECREATION & RELAXATION. MLS# G5022880 // $370,000 tourdrop.com/dtour348212
PENDING
AFFORDABLE GOLF FRONT HOME located on the 10th fairway of Deer Island Country Club. This 3/2/2 is perfect for a young family, empty nesters, retirement or simply a winter retreat. Kitchen/ Family rm & Master bdrm overlook a spectacular Asian inspired botanical garden. A 30’ x 25’ screened yard with ponds, fountains & waterfalls. HVAC & roof have been replaced, & ceramic tile has been installed throughout. This gated golf community offers a semi-private facility which includes golf, marina, tennis, pickle ball and swimming pool. Motivated Sellers. MLS# G5025595 // $268,000 // 30545islandclubdr.golf
THE LAURELS OF MOUNT DORA Presenting this 3/2 builder model with 2 car garage and 10x20 workshop on 1 peaceful acre of property. . The Living room, Formal Dining room and Kitchen boast vaulted ceilings. A wood burning fireplace creates the focal point of the living room which opens to a 36 foot screened porch. With a new roof in 2018, granite counters in the kitchen, updated stainless appliances, new washer & dryer, this home is truly move in ready. MLS# G5027157 $329,000 // tourfactory.com/2716887
Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158
725 E Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778 352.408.5999 cell //352.742.1077 fax
BELOW MARKET VALUE this Mission Inn condo offers 3/3 2010 sq.ft. of living area with magnificent golf course views & priceless sunsets from the second floor. A Master suite boasts large walk-in closet jetted tub and separate shower while overlooking the 5th fairway of El Campeon Golf course. No Social or Golf Membership is required for ownership within this condo complex however memberships are available. MLS# G5019185 // $200,000.
We are committed and passionate professionals who puts our clients' best interests and satisfaction above all else. Our team’s determination to cater to our clients' specific needs coupled with our market expertise, attention to detail and superior negotiating skills allows you to receive first class service.
morrisrealtors.com
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Scott Strem
T PER RO TP O H
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Realtor®
352.978.3428 Scott@MorrisRealtors.com Serious About Selling Multi-Million Dollar Producer
HIDDEN GEM IN LAKEFRONT COMMUNITY with NO HOA and views of Lake Griffin! Located on over an acre, this elegant 5 bedroom 3.5 bath POOL home features upgrades galore including BRAND NEW ROOF, new flooring, a new kitchen with granite counters, breakfast bar, wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Major remodel/ renovation completed in 2015! Extra lot included! Enjoy peaceful views of Lake Griffin from the front porch and north facing rooms. Just 10 miles from the Villages! MLS# G5022342 // $455,000.
BOATER’S DELIGHT one of a kind location! Must see, on the Harris Chain Of Lakes! Charming 2/1 block home features updated kitchen and SS appliances. Outside there is a boat ramp with and a 40 ft. two story boathouse, a 35 ft. second dock, as well as FIVE extra covered boat slips that could offer great rental income potential! Complete custom bar area and full outdoor kitchen/grill set up overlooking the water! No HOA, No DEED restrictions! MLS# G5022419 // $289,000.
PICTURE PERFECT VIEWS OF LAKE EUSTIS from your kitchen, living room, and air conditioned bonus room with beautiful sunrises over the lake! 1/1 Mobile home very well taken care of is move in ready and fully furnished. Boat slips available for a very low annual fee. MLS# G5026858 // $84.900.
25+/- ACRE PARCEL LAKEFRONT ON TWO LAKES Owner had preliminary approvals underway for a 45 bed assisted living facility. Over 60 current parking spots existing. Formerly an operational 9 hole golf course. Perfect for restaurant, special event venue etc, bring your ideas and let’s make a deal! MLS# G5001006 // $299,000.
10+/- ACRES IN GROWING AREA OF LEESBURG surrounded by existing numerous retirement communities, and turnpike access and the new south lake medical facility within 1 mile. Potential golf cart access to nearby 1,500 home retirement community. Preliminary meetings with the City of Leesburg find annexation into city limits with connection to nearby city utilities possible. MLS# G4855207 // $699,900.
26.10 ACRES mixed use development site on signalized corner of US HWY 441 & Sadler Rd. which 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. City utilities nearby. MLS# G4852054 // $2,600,000.
3.19 ACRES DIRECTLY ON HWY 441 IN MOUNT DORA, ZONED C-2, CITY UTILITIES NEARBY. Cross traffic road cuts 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 under construction and soon to be completed. MLS# G5003125 // $1,625,000.
VERY ATTRACTIVE 2,500 TO 5,500 SQ.FT. PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE! Owner will divide as needed for suitable tenant. Features numerous private office, large conference room, add’l meeting room, large secure records storage room, employee and customer restrooms, and four customer service windows in front lobby, two of which are private. MLS# G5018090 ($12 psf)
GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN THE VILLAGES ON 27/441! Over an acre located directly across from Spruce Creek & easily accessed near the entrance of Stonecrest just 1.6 miles from the Villages Regional hospital, 1/2 mile from Wal-Mart. Surrounded by Medical Professional use, and zoned B-2 with Marion County. MLS# G5004041 // $739,900.
3 MEDICAL/PROFESSIONAL BUILDING SALE! CAP RATE estimated at 9% Currently all three buildings are leased and utilized as medical, with one building on month to month. Excellent US HWY 441 frontage and visibility, with approx 32,743 FDOT Avg Trips per Day. City utilities and approximately 65 parking spaces. Great opportunity in growing area! MLS# G5006624 // $1,050,000.
Brokers Title
of Leesburg, LLC
Leesburg
352.728.6707
info@brokerstitle.net 9800 US Hwy. 441 Suite 106
B
rokers Title is one of the largest independently owned insurance companies in the state of Florida. Let our experienced team of professionals work for you when purchasing, selling, or refinancing your property. Brokers Title has been an established leader in real estate transactions for over 18 years, and we value you most. In fact our reputation is built on it.
• Partnership opportunities • Short Sales • REOs • Foreclosures • Staff Attorney • Mobile Closings Seminars • 24 hour turnaround on HUDs • Title Searches • 1031 Exchanges
352-326-4007
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darrschackowinsurance.com
Costa Del Mar, Corkcicle, Sparkle Life Simply Southern, Mud Pie & much more! 7 -AIN 3T p (ISTORIC $OWNTOWN ,EESBURG &, p /PEN - & p 3AT
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BRING YOUR BUSINESS TO THE RAPIDLY GROWING DOWNTOWN LEESBURG AREA! There are multiple spaces available in the Downtown Leesburg area ranging from 840 square feet to buildings as large as 8000 square feet. Downtown Leesburg is conveniently located with an easy commute to Orlando, the Turnpike, I-75, and more. You are walking distance to the incredible waterfront growth of the Venetian Gardens area with the brand new Community building as well as a popular waterfront restaurant underway. You are also close proximity to the brand new Marriott Towneplace center that is set to break ground shortly. Several new businesses downtown are drawing attraction to this location. Get your spot secured today!
INSPECTIONS:
• Move in walk thru inspection in writing along with photographs of the property conditions at the time of lease signing and when tenant vacates • Bi-Annual inspection of occupied property
• Handle complete eviction process • Operate within the Landlord Tenant Law • Comply with Federal “Fair Housing Act” • Handle repairs with licensed, insured and bonded vendors
FOR OWNERS:
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES Let us manage your rental property. Call us today at 352.365.6900.
TREY@MORRISREALTORS.COM
• Monthly and annual income and expense reports along with 1099 statement • We can pay mortgage payments from rental income if desired by owner
RENTAL ANALYSIS:
• Recommendation on how to get the most from your property • Analysis based on comparable properties and market movement
MARKETING:
• Online with Multiple Listing Service • Zillow.com • Yard Signage • Local media outlets (Daily Commercial, The Daily Sun, Style Magazine)
OCCUPIED PROPERTIES:
• All adult applicants are prescreened for credit, criminal and eviction history • All lease agreements are prepared by an attorney • Collect and handle all payments (rent, security deposit, pet deposits) • Post late payment notices
TREY HALIDAY REALTOR® // PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
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Camie Kennedy Realtor®
HARBOR HILLS Gorgeous Canary Model in Bella Vista section, built in 2016. Beautiful plank style wood tile, arched entry ways and stone accented gas fireplace. Gourmet kitchen - 5 burner gas range, quartz counter tops, over sized island, custom backsplash, double oven and separate built in bar with wine refrigerator. Master has been expanded, allowing plenty of room for a sitting area. Screened lanai accented with pavers plus separate sitting area also with pavers. Simply Stunning! MLS# G5019943 // $419,000.
IMMACULATE! 3/2 Maple Model located in the Stonecrest community - with close proximity to The Villages. Living room/ dining room combo, split floor plan and separate den. Kitchen has plenty of cabinet and counter top space, stainless steel appliances and eat- in space. Paver drive/ walkway, wrap around screened lanai, high ceilings, inside laundry room and 2 car garage. This home is not to miss and sure to impress! MLS# G5023881 // $258,115.
352.408.4668 Camie@MorrisRealtors.com Camie Can!
GOLF COURSE FRONTAGE IN HARBOR HILLS Looking for a home with lots of space and a beautiful views? Look no further! Well maintained split floor plan with four bedrooms and two baths, formal dining room, separate kitchen nook and spacious living room. Large glass enclosed Florida room off the back of home with wet bar and panoramic views of golf course. 2 car garage with separate side entry for golf cart. Act fast! MLS# G5025376 // $289,000.
PENNBROOKE 3/2 Key Largo model (with no rear neighbors!) Living room, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, Florida room, office/ den, spacious laundry room and a two car garage. Many upgrades throughout! Solar panels (great for reducing electric bills!), Plantation shutters, custom in house shade adjusters, solar tubes (for natural lighting) and much more. All this with a private backyard - no rear neighbors. Truly one of a kind is this sought after community. MLS# G5023471 // $269,800.
ET! ARK M TO NEW PENDING
BEAUTIFUL 1940’S HOME located in the heart of Umatilla on Lake Umatilla. Three bedroom, two bath with a den. Original hard wood floors through most of home along with laminate wood and tile. Spacious living room with original wood burning fireplace (and beautiful view of the lake), formal dining room and inside laundry room. There is also a separate out building (that was originally the garage) that does have electric. Old world charm with breath taking views! MLS# G5027447 // $284,050.
SITS HIGH ABOVE THE 18TH TEE BOX Harbor Hills Gold Course. Arthur Rutenberg golf front pool home. 2 master suites with updated bathrooms as well as additional private 2 bedroom suite. Portico covered double front doorway. Open floor plan reveals large living room/dining room leading to the covered lanai as well as a recently updated kitchen great room with custom cabinets, granite counters, mosaic back-splash and stainless steel appliances. Pool area has two covered lanais and outdoor kitchen. Circular driveway and side entry oversized 3 car garage with and adjacent English courtyard. MLS# G5022514 // $524,900.
HARBOR HILLS Popular Florence model with an oversized screened lanai - plenty of room to entertain! 3/2 with den/ office. Laminate wood throughout (New carpet in Master). Great room with high ceilings and sliders across back. Kitchen with stainless appliances, gorgeous granite and stunning custom backslash. Paver driveway, custom landscaping and whole house water filtration system. Inside laundry and two car garage. Perfect in every way! MLS# G5017075 // $269,900.
Yes! We’ve got a loan for that!
Conventional | Jumbo | 100% FHA | 203k | VA |USDA Down Payment Assistance and many more. Equity Prime Mortgage LLC NMLS #21116 Local Office NMLS #1212632
Empowering People More. Equity Prime Orlando - Swanson Office 2290 Lucien Way, Suite 250, Maitland, FL. 32751 Equity Prime Mortgage LLC - NMLS #21116. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2019.
TODD LEVENSOHN | MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR | NMLS # 299664 tlevensohn@equityprime.com | 321.287.5440 (Direct) morrisrealtors.com
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Joan DeFoe
T PER RO TP O H
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Realtor®
352.516.6843 Joan@MorrisRealtors.com Real Estate “Little Giant” // Multi-Million Dollar Producer // Premier Agent
BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME HERE! This Great Waterfront Community in Leesburg has access to Lake Griffin and the beautiful Harris Chain of Lakes! The community offers beautiful custom homes and yours can be next. This is a very nice corner lot. This private community is located close proximity to downtown, local parks, shopping, schools, and more. Bring your plans and get started today! MLS# G5021931 // $39,900.
10 ACRE RANCH! Enter through iron gate to magnificent home sold FULLY FURNISHED TURN KEY! Formal living with gas log fireplace with wood floors plus separate dining room. Office/den with built in bar & closet. Kitchen fit for a “chef” with high end granite counter tops and custom island with sink, 6 burner, gas range with griddle & double oven, top compressor, refrigerator, additional wall oven with warmer, oversized built in wine cooler, dishwasher, built in advantium microwave & slate floors. Master suite downstairs with wood floors & walk in closet with custom cabinets. Master bath with jetted garden tub, separate shower & separate vanities. Upstairs leads to master suite #2 with wood floors and bedrooms 3 and 4 with shared guest bath. Family/Bonus room with built in closet. Stunning gas heated pool and spa with brick pavers. Summer kitchen offers a full sized wall oven, 5 burner gas range, built in ice machine and two refrigerant drawers plus mini refrigerator and granite counters with snack bar. Upgrades to include a 80-gallon water heater, security system and so much more! Ask your realtor to show you our attached upgrade list! 68’x60’ Barn to include 8 modular stalls, tack room and 2 workshops. Multi-purpose facility is upgraded to include appliances, half bath, TV/AV system, bathing tub, central ac/heat, exhaust system, modular kennel system, fire protection monitoring, 24’x25’ covered outdoor space for runs/equipment, cross fenced paddocks, and a 4” submersible well split into 2-separate tanks. Call Theresa Morris 352-360-3736! MLS# G5024205 // $949,000.
S E RV I N G A L L O F C E N T R A L F L O R I DA S I N C E 1 9 7 5 N D G
ENJOY GORGEOUS WATER VIEWS from this amazing cleared and ready to build lot. Here is your chance to purchase a spectacular piece of property to build your dream home. Oak Pointe Subdivision is located in beautiful Lady Lake with close proximity to The Villages, shopping, schools and more. MLS# G4839451 // $38,900.
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Neal Development Inspection Group
HOME INSPECTIONS
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Lauren Fickett Realtor®
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY! Situated on over 3.5 acres in a beautiful gated community, this 5 bedroom 3 bath is available! Open floor plan with kitchen/family combo plus formal dining and formal living. All bedrooms are oversized. Detached garage for additional storage. Convenient location near all amenities of Ocala. $359,900.
352.636.2167 Lauren@MorrisRealtors.com Leave It To Lauren!
BE PREPARED TO FALL IN LOVE! Engineered wood hand scraped hickory floors (they are just stunning!) welcome you in. Formal dining with board and batten detail. The kitchen will then “wow” you with clean white cabinets, quartz counter tops, modern backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Romantic master suite with walk in closet features garden bath, his and her sinks, and separate shower. Split bedroom plan. Enjoy your evenings watching the gorgeous sunsets and golfers from your screened in back porch. NEW AC and water heater within last couple years. This beautiful home will not last long! $325,000.
TWO MASTER SUITES! Situated off the road with long private driveway, this 4/3.5 has 3,00 sq ft of living. Formal living and dining. Kitchen with wood cabinets, solid surface counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Family room with beautiful stone wood burning fireplace. Large Master bedroom #1 downstairs as well as another large master suite upstairs. Huge fenced in backyard. AC’s replaced 2016. Convenient location right in town. Bring the whole family! $304,900.
LAKE AND CANAL FRONT CHAIN OF LAKES HOME! Bring your fishing poles! 75 ft of Lake Griffin frontage. Newer AC that was put in 2015. This well loved home features a great floor plan. Large kitchen with breakfast area overlooks dining. Large living room with wood burning fireplace overlooks the gorgeous views of the lake and spacious backyard. Enjoy relaxing in the evenings in your Florida room and watch the gorgeous sunsets. Master suite with shower only. Split bedroom plan with full bath for guests. Bring your in-laws! In-law suite features it’s own separate door leading from the front of the house. Living room and full kitchenette with refrigerator and range. Private bedroom with door leading to main house as well. Bathroom with tub/shower combo. Large inside utility room is great for storage. Enjoy all the amenities that the Chain of Lakes has to offer from boating to restaurants and shopping! The convenient location of the home will save you time and gas! $280,000.
Rich LeMoyne Regional Manager NMLS#333158
725 E Alfred St. Tavares, FL 32778 352.408.5999 cell //352.742.1077 fax morrisrealtors.com
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LUXURY WATERFRONT ESTATE ON THE GORGEOUS HARRIS CHAIN OF LAKES! This stunning property features an expansive sixbedroom Main house plus an additional one-bedroom Guest house complete with kitchen, living, and dining room areas. Your guests are greeted with a beautiful circular drive and grand foyer entrance. Immediately as you open the doors you see thru to the inviting pool and water views of the Lake. There's everything you could ask for from formal living space to casual living space with a full movie theater room and additional wine/ billiard room. The gourmet kitchen features top of the line appliances with plenty of work space for cooking and opens nicely to the breakfast nook and family room with an additional bar. The downstairs master suite offers a large bedroom with additional en-suite office and an incredible master bath with large vanity space, closet space, a corner garden tub and walk in shower. The formal office sits off the living room with custom bookshelves and built-ins. Every room in the home has its own en-suite bathroom and a walk-in closet and the upstairs second master suite with its own fireplace. You can walk thru the enchanting courtyard to the Guest house from the main floor or upstairs from the walking path. Enjoy Summer afternoons on the enormous lanai with a rock waterfall pool and outdoor summer kitchen. Other features include a four car garage with a half bath for the gardener, plenty of storage rooms and closets. This is truly a magnificent Estate and a must see! Call Lena Williams 352-636-4488! MLS# G5018627 // $1,650,000.
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Lena Williams Realtor®
VILLAGE OF VIRGINIA TRACE Location is key and this home delivers! Simply stunning remodeled/ expanded Foxglove model Villa with water and golf course views! Privacy galore! 3/2 with a 400 sq.ft. sun room, accented with full wall picture window. Gorgeous kitchen with breakfast bar, granite counter top & back splash, updated cabinets, stainless appliances (including gas range) and decorative pendant lighting. Side patio has a 24 ft retractable awning perfect for sunny afternoons. So many features to this gem! Upgraded front and side sliding door (with built in blinds), remote operated window blinds, new washer and dryer and electric garage screen door. Roof is 3 years old, upgraded 3 1/2 ton AC 3 years old and 5 year old water heather. All this and the BOND IS PAID. Folks, this won’t last long. MLS# G5027567 // 519,000.
352.636.4488 Lena@MorrisRealtors.com Lena Sells!
LAKE LIVING AT ITS FINEST! This immaculate three bedroom home sits on a gorgeous canal front lot leading straight into Lake Griffin on the Harris chain of lakes complete with a boat dock and hoist. You will love this Fruitland Park location and as you drive up you immediately notice the spacious corner lot complete with circular drive and bonus concrete for parking your boat and RV! This home offers a full two car garage with an additional workshop garage with overhead door perfect for the mower and tools. The dock recently has fresh cables on the boat lift and is in immaculate shape complete with electric, lighting and water to clean those Bass that you can catch right off the dock. Inside is amazing and well kept from head to toe. The vaulted ceilings add a spacious feel. There are three full bedrooms but two additional bonus rooms that could be used as a home gym, office, or playroom. The Kitchen has beautiful new stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, granite counters and eating space in the kitchen. Other features include a gorgeous brick fireplace, updated plumbing, upgraded light fixtures, no carpet, solar hot water heating, fresh exterior paint (2019), electric dog fence, double screened porches, upgraded super efficient windows, and irrigation system from the lake. The Master bathroom features a custom walk in shower and custom cabinets as well. Most of your evenings may be spent gasping at the lake views from your back screened porch. MLS# G5026484 // $325,000.
WATERFRONT ESTATE! You will be amazed at this incredible home sitting on one of the most beautiful settings you could find... 1.66 acres of pristine Chain of Lakes waterfront. This one of a kind home has a true boathouse with upstairs apartment complete with a balcony gazing at the lake. Bring the rackets to your own backyard and play a set on your private full lighted tennis court. That’s right... you will not find this anywhere else. The Main house features four bedrooms and four bathrooms with over 4,400 square feet. The storage space is incredible with a large three car garage. The current owner has converted one of the sitting rooms to a full gym area. Many rooms in this home take in breathtaking lakefront views! The large kitchen features a cooking island, quartz counter tops, double ovens, a buffet area and plenty of work space for the household chef. The remodeled Master Bedroom offers plenty of space for a sitting area inside the room and an incredible walk in closet complete with a separate washer and dryer. The Main laundry room has plenty of storage and cabinet space. The Den/office has it’s own fireplace and also incredible views. Your third bedroom offers an en suite bathroom for double Master options. You may spend most of your time on the pool deck splashing around in the pool with guests. Bring the chairs to take in the stunning views on your entertaining deck and pathway that leads to the boat dock. This truly is one of those homes you won’t want to pass up. MLS# G5021736 // $749,900.
Live the Lifestyle!
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THE TRUTH ABOUT ANNUITIES
ANNUITIES
April 1, 23, 28 - 10am April 2 - 2pm LAKE SUMTER LANDING™ April 21 - 2pm BROWNWOOD®
Learn about all types of Annuities, the good and not so good. Most importantly learn how the right Annuity can work for you!
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Kyler Newcomb Diana Johnson Carlos E. Colon
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Space limited, RSVP Today! 352-751-6622 TheVillagesInsurance.com
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THE TO-DO LIST What’s happening this month.
LOCAL TALENT Rob Nichols stays true to his musical origins.
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT Music at a mansion is a heavenly pairing.
ATTRACTIONS The Citrus Tower remains one of a kind.
HI, SOCIETY! See who is stepping out at events around town.
THE TO-DO LIST
apr. 2020
Many events in April have been canceled due to guidelines about crowds during the coronavirus pandemic. Here is the status of some of the top events and shows as of press time. Contact the venues for updates: BROWNWOOD PADDOCK SQUARE ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL
The 24th annual festival, scheduled for Easter weekend April 11-12, has been postponed. No makeup date was immediately announced. 813.962.0388. artfestival.com. EARTH DAY MOUNT DORA
This annual celebration of Earth on April 11 at Donnelly Park was canceled and will not be rescheduled. mountdoraenvironment.org.
LEESBURG BIKEFEST
The world’s largest three-day motorcycle and music festival was canceled and will return April 23-25, 2021, to downtown Leesburg. leesburgbikefest.com. MOUNT DORA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
The annual festival set for April 25-26 at Donnelly Park was canceled, but will return next blueberry season. mountdorablueberryfestival.com.
HEARTS FOR OUR HOSPITAL 5K/10K FUN RUN & WALK
The inaugural event planned for April 25 at The Villages Polo Field was canceled. No immediate decision was made on rescheduling. 352.751.8871. LAKE COUNTY FAIR
After initially pledging to press on, the Lake County Fair Association announced the cancellation of the 99th edition of the fair, planned for April 9-18 at the fairgrounds in Eustis. The fair will return in 2021.
SPRINGTIME FESTIVAL
The inaugural event scheduled for April 18 at Brown’s Country Market in Oxford was postponed, but organizers plan to pick a new date when appropriate. 352.615.4419. smgilbert79@gmail.com. U RUN U PICK BLUEBERRY 5K
This morning run scheduled for April 25 at Southern Hills Farm in Clermont was canceled. sommersports.com.
Facebook @lakecofair.
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apr.ON STAGE Enjoy quality entertainment on the many stages of Lake and Sumter counties.
4/1-12 @ various times CANCELED – “A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER” Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. 352.383.4616.
4/3 @ 7pm CANCELED – “BOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD” The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages. 352.751.7799.
4/4 @ 7:30pm CANCELED – “THE QUEEN’S CARTOONISTS” Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. Highway 27. 352.394.4800.
4/17-5/3 @ various times (RESCHEDULED FROM 4/10) “MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS” Bay Street Players, State Theatre, 109 N. Bay. St., Eustis. 352.357.7777.
4/24-26 @ 2pm and/or 7pm “THE ADDAMS FAMILY,” PRESENTED BY THE VILLAGES CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages. 352.751.7799.
4/25-26 @ 2pm and/or 8pm CANCELED – “THE LAST ROMANCE” Melon Patch Theatre, 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg. 352.787.3013.
5/8-31 @ various times (RESCHEDULED FROM APRIL) “TUCK EVERLASTING” Moonlight Players Theatre, 735 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont. 352.319.1116.
5/15-31 @ various times (RESCHEDULED FROM MARCH) “CABARET” Melon Patch Theatre, 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg. 352.787.3013.
6/5-7 @ various times (RESCHEDULED FROM APRIL) “NUNSENSE, A MUSICAL COMEDY” Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. Highway 27. 352.394.4800.
6/12-21 @ various times (RESCHEDULED FROM MARCH) “FARNDALE AVENUE’S MACBETH” Moonlight Players Theatre, 735 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont. 352.319.1116.
BOOK CLUB
REVIEW
‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ By Delia Owens. Romance and mystery surface in the marsh. STORY: DIANE DEAN
here the Crawdads Sing,” by Delia Owens, is a 2018 bestselling novel that many people have read, and it recently was the topic of discussion for the Bookworm Book Club in The Villages. The author says there are three parts to the story: romance, mystery and courtroom drama. A young girl, Kya, is left alone to fend for herself in a marsh with no modern conveniences and minimal food. Kya is abandoned by her family and ridiculed as she attempts to attend school. Yet she educates herself about nature and her environment to a level of a scientist or naturalist. She transfers that knowledge to her art and poetry. Later, as an adult, Kya is involved in the murder case of a former lover. The author is an admirer of Jane Goodall, whose detailed observations of nature are similar to the descriptions of the world around Kya. Delia also has a doctorate in animal social behavior ONGOI NG herself. A reader can visualize the North Carolina marsh and its
EV ENTS
residents by way of the artistic details of appearance and behavior of the animals. The birds, fireflies, praying mantises, water animals and, notably, the crawdads play a major role in the book. Kya’s behavior emulates animals—most importantly, the she-fox— more than humans. Sarah Reagan led the discussion of the book club members. Small groups considered questions about characters, predators, motivations, the significance of the color red and prejudice toward others who are different. Kya’s lack of socialization with others resulted in her having little empathy or warmth in her relationships. Abandonment seems to be the driving force in all she does, thus, her response is to stay away from people except to meet her basic needs. Most of the club members enjoyed the book and said they look forward to the movie version that actress Reese Witherspoon reportedly is going to produce. It is expected that the setting of the marsh, later called the swamp, will have a starring role in the visual presentation.
Events are subject to change and cancellation.
Ready to delve into this book?
This book can be found at amazon.com and goodreads.com
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Take your best shot and join us for our 1st Annual “Bourbon, BBQ and Bustin’ Clays” Lock and Load for a day of fun and sport as we set our sights on raising funds for the nursery at UF Health Leesburg Hospital! · Breakfast · BBQ Lunch · Bourbon Pull · Raffles · Prizes & Awards Registration & Breakfast 8:00 am Mandatory Safety Meeting 9:00 am Flight Kick Off 9:15 am Lunch & Awards 12:00 pm Team of Four: $600 Individual Shooter: $150
Range Sponsor: $4,000
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Ammo Sponsor: $2,000
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LOCAL TALENT
PEO PLE
Country with a twist Lake County singer often takes his talents to Nashville. STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
ountry artist Rob Nichols, who started performing professionally when he was about 22, thinks back to growing up and listening to his parents’ Elvis Presley 45s, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and gospel music. Those styles still influence his own music today at age 48. “I would be in my dad’s den holding his letter opener as my microphone, and that’s kind of, I guess, what got me into singing,” he says. “I love the traditional country, but it’s mixed with some rock ’n’ roll. I do a little bit of Elvis and some blues.” Born in Leesburg and raised in Groveland, Rob has split time between Lake County and Nashville since 1995. He’s currently back in Groveland with his family, though he often travels to Nashville for shows. Rob credits his performance skills to Renee Grant-Williams, a voice coach who gave him lessons in Nashville. Renee has also worked with big country artists like Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood.
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL “She taught me that you close your eyes and for that three minutes that you’re singing that song, you live that song,” he says. Rob usually is a “one-man show,” playing a Takamine Steve Wariner Edition guitar. But sometimes he brings his band along, like when he performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame, which is one of his most memorable experiences so far. “That one was really cool—just being able to hear your voice echo through Nashville,” he says. Rob performs mainly in the Southeast, particularly in Florida. He plays at sports bars, such as Graffiti Junktion in Clermont, along with outdoor locations and restaurants along the water, like Lilly’s on the Lake, also in Clermont. “In Lake County, I’ve been blessed because as much as I’ve played, they haven’t gotten tired of me yet,” he jokes. Rob says he’s most thankful to have his wife, Holly, and daughters Dallas and Caroline always supporting him. You can find Rob’s music and a schedule of his shows at facebook.com/robnicholsmusic.
Do you know talented people in the community?
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Send recommendations to victoria@akersmediagroup.com.
Meet some of our team. We have highly skilled clinicians dedicated to all aspects of managing your home care safely and effectively.
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L-R: Ashley Bailey, RN, ADON - Jackie Stanfield, RN, DON - Haley Smith, RN - Chrissy Nichols, COTA - Steve Van Dyke, DPT Shanitia Brown, LPN - Shayna Grunewald, CEO - Lory Baxley, Business Development - Jenny Stinson, PT - Renee Piryk, PTA - Kristin Coons, RN, Clinical Manager - Baylie Treves - Pam Balthaser, CNA - Ashley Tatum, LPTA - Cindy Bahoot, PTA
For more information about our services, staff and quality of care, contact us: 310 Market St., Leesburg, FL 34748 Phone: 352.315.0050 | Fax: 352.315.0059 HHA299992424
LAKE CENTRE HOME CARE
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT
EVENT
Vintage venue A new concert series is filling the halls of historic Howey Mansion with music once again. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI
Photo: Anthony Rao
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fter citrus land baron William Howey built a mansion in the mid-1920s, he often hosted musicians from around the country to entertain guests during parties. Now, nearly 100 years later, music lovers are rediscovering his Howeyin-the-Hills home as a performance venue through the Howey Mansion Music Series. “When we had a concert in there for the first time in December, it was like a dream come true,” says Arisa Kusumi Sullivan, executive and artistic director of the series. “The acoustics are amazing, and I can arguably say it’s probably the best or one of the best chamber music venues in Florida.” The series, which recently ended its first official season, was so successful that Arisa already is planning for next season. “It takes a little time to build a reputation, but as we keep going, I feel like we increasingly gain more and more patrons and I’m really very happy with how the first season has gone,” she says. “We’ve had some feedback, we did surveys, and we got overwhelmingly positive responses from everybody.” Arisa probably knew she had a hit on her hands as soon as she secured the venue, a 20-room Mediterranean Revival-style house that she describes as “absolutely gorgeous.” Her friend Brad Cowherd is one of the owners who restored the Howey Mansion to its former glory. “I was inspired by that because it’s a 1925 structure and I thought, oh, wow, it’s like the perfect venue for classical music because it’s got the big Great Hall and all the hardwood and the acoustics,” Arisa says. “I thought it would be amazing in there, and they just don’t make those kinds of rooms anymore.” Arisa, an international classical singer, sang “O, Holy Night” with the Quartet Rimmamici strings during the first chamber music concert in the Great Hall in December. The quartet was so popular that she plans to bring them back next
The Sovereign Brass Quintet
Arisa also season along hopes to establish with other a Music at the high-caliber Mansion children singers and groups. series consisting of The series also i c The i educational presentations included two Jazz on Quartet Rimmam Phot y by classical and jazz artists. the Lawn shows featuring o: Ben Ji raph menez Photog Expansion is dependent on the Suzy Park Quartet in donations and grants to the series, which October and Renderglow in March. The is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. But lawn concerts are designed to be casual, Arisa is excited about the future. family-friendly parties. “I had a dream for about 15 years to The 2019-2020 series finale, the do this,” she says. “I really wanted to one Brilliant Brass Chamber Music Concert day have a festival where I could invite by Sovereign Brass on April 16, was all of these people that I had become postponed over health concerns. But the friends with around the world to come concert is expected to be included in next and perform.” season’s lineup during the fall, Arisa says. The mansion’s history, which is rich Sovereign Brass is a quintet of horn The Quartet Rimmamici performs in and rooted in Florida lore, now has players that started performing together the Howey Mansion Great Hall. another chapter. in the 1990s in Central Florida. Members Photo: Ben Jimenez Photography include Kathy Thomas on French horn, her husband, Jeff Thomas, on trombone, Michael Fee and Tom Macklin on trumpets and Josh Parsons on tuba. All of them perform with major symphonies, HOLD ON TO YOUR BRASS including the Orlando Philharmonic. The Sovereign Brass concert scheduled for April 16 at the Howey Mansion, The musicians had been looking 1001 Citrus Ave., Howey-in-the-Hills, has been postponed until next season to forward to seeing the mansion and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. performing in the Great Hall for the Patrons are asked to hang on to their tickets, which will be honored next first time, but they will have to wait a season. For anyone choosing to purchase a 2020-2021 season subscription, little longer. there will be a special option exclusively for fans who have already prepaid the Sovereign Brass ticket. “It will be a very elegant place to play, Check howeymusicseries.org and your email for announcements in late and I’m sure that will make us feel very spring about the 2020-2021 season and subscription presales. special in the surroundings,” Kathy says.
Want to see your event in Social Spotlight? Contact us at least three months in advance and provide all the details to chris@akersmediagroup.com.
CHRIS GERBASI
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ATTRACTIONS
PL ACES
Orange appeal Visitors to Central Florida are still juiced about visiting the Citrus Tower in Clermont. STORY: JAMES COMBS
n a region where screaming roller coasters, killer whales and magical castles reign supreme, a roadside attraction in Clermont still stands tall. It’s 226 feet tall, to be exact. The Citrus Tower was opened in 1956 to pay homage to the area’s once-blossoming citrus industry. The monolithic structure is located at 141 N. U.S. Highway 27, where orderly rows of orange groves used to stretch as far as the eye could see. Tourists receive a bird’s-eye view of the landscape by taking an elevator ride to an observation deck and looking out into the vast horizon. On a recent morning, a visit to this historical attraction serves up a slice of Lake County’s agricultural history. I step through the tower’s double glass doors and into a spacious lobby. The lobby is home to Mountaineer Coffee, which serves roasted coffee and homemade pastries. I peek to my left and begin feeling nostalgic as I see an arcade room with some of my favorite childhood games: Pac-Man, Pole Position, air hockey and electronic basketball. Tempting, but I wasn’t here to shoot hoops; I was here for the famous view from the top. I step into the elevator and am immediately distracted. Neatly painted on the elevator door are some interesting factoids that intrigue me. • The Citrus Tower contains 5 million pounds of concrete. • The Citrus Tower contains 149,000 pounds of steel. • The tower is 543 feet above sea level and is equivalent to a 22-story building. • From the observation deck, visitors can see eight counties and more than 2,000 square miles.
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I scribble those facts in my notebook and, before I know it, the smooth elevator ride to the top is complete. The door opens. I step into a glass-enclosed observation deck and immediately experience a breathtaking view of Lake Minneola. My fear of heights be damned. I am too immersed in the beautiful landscape to even care. Helpful signs throughout the 360-degree observation deck inform me about what I can see in each direction. I grab binoculars and feast my eyes on popular natural and structural landmarks. To the west, I see the Clermont Chain of Lakes. Lake Apopka, the state’s largest spring-fed lake, and Sugarloaf Mountain, the highest point in peninsular Florida, are to the north. Gazing southward, I see Magic Kingdom’s famous castle and Epcot Center’s iconic Spaceship Earth. Orlando’s skyline can be seen to the east. After taking in the magnificent views, I walk over to the tower’s popular coin drop. I pull out a quarter, place it in a steel tube that runs the full height of the structure and press my ear against the tube. Seconds later … ka-ching! The coin hits a bell at the bottom and makes a chime sound. Before beginning my descent to the lobby, I take one last glance into the horizon, imagining what the view looked like 50 years ago compared to today. Directly beneath the tower is a landscape peppered with strip malls, large subdivisions, fast-food restaurants and office buildings. The endless acres of orange groves have been replaced by urban sprawl.
theme park destination, the popularity of the Citrus Tower waned, and ownership changed hands several times. Scott’s father, Greg Homan, purchased the tower in 1995. Scott grew up around the attraction and has fond childhood memories. One year, when his father held a Christmas party at the tower, Scott dressed as an elf and served as an elevator attendant for visitors going to the observation deck. Scott and his wife, Heather, took over ownership in 2019 with hopes of restoring the attraction’s appeal. The couple added a coffee shop in the lobby and seating and air-conditioning in the observation deck. In addition, guests can now pay a yearly $100 membership fee and have unlimited access to the top. “Those who purchase a membership can bring as many as four guests a day,” Scott says. “Some even use the observation deck as their office, so we added Wi-Fi to convenience them.”
TOURISTS STILL COME
The attraction was built as a tribute to Lake County’s famed citrus industry. There was a time when the county boasted 130,000 acres of groves and was the state’s second-largest citrus producer. When the Citrus Tower opened, giant theme parks had not yet found their way to Central Florida. In those days, tourists found thrills through roadside attractions featuring snake handlers, alligator wrestlers and swimming mermaids. The Citrus Tower was immediately a big hit. Each year, approximately half a million vacationers from around the country would stop in for amazing views and much more. In those days, the attraction also featured a gift shop and soda fountain, a restaurant and cocktail lounge, a glass-blowing studio, a candy-making factory and an exhibit where guests could see the entire handling process for fresh fruit. Visitors received free samples of fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice and loaded up bags of oranges to take back home. “The Citrus Tower brought many people to Clermont,” owner Scott Homan says. “There weren’t many things to do in this area at that time, so it was a very popular attraction.” Of course, major freezes in 1983 and 1989 dealt a serious blow to the citrus industry, wiping out the majority of groves. When Orlando became the country’s top
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ATTRACTIONS
Scott and Heather also are bringing back the popular light show on Nov. 27. The tower will be decorated with 50,000 lights that are synchronized to music. Scott hopes the upgrades will draw at least 1,500 monthly visitors, including those who visit the homes of Mickey Mouse and Shamu. He says his attraction can complement theme parks rather than compete against them. “We are the day-off attraction for people who are visiting Orlando theme parks,” he says. “After they’ve experienced the hustle and bustle of Disney World, they need a break. They can come here and see a piece of old Florida and relax while doing so.” And what’s the best time to come? “In the morning,” says Kasy Bradshaw, manager of Mountaineer Coffee. “I go to the top and see the moon is full and bright over Lake Minneola. Then I glance toward the east, where the sun is painting the sky orange. It’s an unforgettable view.” On clear days without humidity, guests can see parts of Lake, Sumter, Orange, Polk, Pasco, Hernando, Osceola and Seminole counties. The Citrus Tower may not have the glitz and glamour of a giant theme park, but one thing is undeniable. Staying power has helped it rise above many of Florida’s now defunct roadside attractions.
GOING UP!
In terms of height, how does the Citrus Tower compare to other iconic structures around the world?
191 feet
226 feet
LEANING TOWER OF PISA IN ITALY
FLORIDA CITRUS TOWER
“WE ARE THE DAY-OFF ATTRACTION FOR PEOPLE
A view from the observation deck
302 feet
591 feet
605 feet
1,025 feet
STATUE OF LIBERTY IN NEW YORK CITY
THE GHERKIN IN LONDON
SPACE NEEDLE IN SEATTLE
EIFFEL TOWER IN PARIS
WHO ARE VISITING ORLANDO THEME PARKS.”
—SCOTT HOMAN
IF YOU GO
OJ ORIGINALS
Here is a recipe from a booklet that was provided to visitors in the early days of the Citrus Tower: Citrus Tower, 141 N. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont
A L L - G O B R E A K FA S T S H A K E INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1
cup milk
1
cup Florida orange juice
1
cup corn flakes
Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until thoroughly mixed, about 1 minute. Serve immediately.
2
tablespoons of maple syrup or honey
Admission: $10 for adults; $9 for seniors; $6 for kids. Tours: 11am-3pm weekdays and Saturdays. More information: Visit citrustower.com or call 352.394.4061.
Looking for amusement outside of theme parks? If you know of an interesting local attraction, contact James Combs at james@akersmediagroup.com.
JAMES COMBS
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Janice and Michael Koerting, Tim and Lila Farley, Debby and David Blais
Brenda and Kevin Mulholland
Ralph and Elke Lengemann, Kevin and Brenda Mulholland, Dean and Teresa Simmons, Jonathan and Kristi Germeroth
Debbie Case, Kristal Delgiorno, Robin Reich, Chris Ross, Ashlei Wood, Krista Carroll
C E L E B R AT I N G L I F E @ ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
AdventHealth Waterman Foundation’s 11th annual Celebration of Life Gala was hosted Feb. 8 at Orlando Science Center to support cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services, a program that sees more than 12,000 patients a year. Lake County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Dan Miller was the special guest, sharing how cardiac rehab helped him get back on his feet after a lifethreatening heart event. The gala also featured entertainment by Vox Audio, a silent auction and dinner.
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See all the photos for this event at lakeandsumterstyle.com/hisociety
Dean and Teresa Simmons, Jonathan and Kristi Germeroth
Leslie Matthews, Dan and Meagan Miller
E 'S WHER ?! M Y P IC
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Dina Simpson, Cat Reel, Rosanne Brandeburg, Cindi Falanga, Tracey Samples, and Lynne Winker
Rosemarie Rival, Regina Storeska, and Ginny Sommersdorf
Pat Rowan and Cindi Stewart
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Dr. Michelle Wood, Chris Wood, Addy Ramos-Krebs, and Larhann Rogers
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≈
“Breakfast in Red” was the theme of a Feb. 6 program at the Venetian Center in Leesburg, hosted by Leesburg Regional Medical Center in partnership with the American Heart Association and its Go Red for Women campaign. More than 330 people heard Dr. Michelle Wood, an obstetrician-gynecologist, give an informative presentation on women’s heart health and share ways to prevent cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of women.
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RETIREMENT SALE!
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Kathy, Dee, and Joanne Allison Braton Melanie Reed, Debbie Stefanucci, Gail Wonsetler_
Liz Rimer and Jane Ward Clara Cappas, Mary Finucane, Carol Holterhaus, Carol Lustan, Rose Martens, and Janice Pryons
Chris and Nicole McCain_
See all the photos for this event at lakeandsumterstyle.com/hisociety
Lisa Mills
W H AT ’ S I N C U P I D’ S C L O S E T ? @ FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
The Woman’s Club of Leesburg hosted a luncheon and fashion show with the theme, “What’s in Cupid’s Closet?” on Feb. 7 at the Eagles Club in Okahumpka. Club members modeled a variety of women’s casual to dressy attire from Fashion Labels in Leesburg. Ballroom dancers Chris and Nicole McCain, of Dancin’ Ballroom in Leesburg, provided entertainment, and the event benefited the Children’s Advocacy Center, the Humane Society of Leesburg and Leesburg firefighters.
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Richard Ritterpusch
E 'S WHER ?! M Y P IC
HI, SOCIETY!
Craig and Julie Moeller
Linda Ricketson, Phil Braun, Becky Greenfield, and Doug Wolfe
Jeanne and Roger Gerlach Peggy and Al Frisina
Andrew and Jennifer Souza Johnny Saxx
GALA FOR TVRH @ THE SAVANNAH CENTER
≈ PHOTOS: DOUGLAS TYLER
The Savannah Center in The Villages hosted the Hearts for Our Hospital Gala on Feb. 8. The festive event, which benefited The Villages Regional Hospital, featured a live and silent auction, dinner and a night of dancing and music provided by Johnny Wild and the Delights. For 2020, the hospital’s foundation aims to raise funds to take TVRH’s simulation training lab to the next level and expand the heart center, according to Diana Kupchak, the gala co-chair.
See all the photos for this event at lakeandsumterstyle.com/hisociety
Mike and Devin Mequio
E 'S WHER ?! M Y P IC
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The Kitchen Cafe Leesburg restaurant offers tasty food that’s prepared with love. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
hirley Boyd, Jennie Woods and Stephanie Clark are employees of UF Health Leesburg Hospital. The three friends often begin discussing possible lunch destinations around midmorning. Of course, the final decision is almost always the same. The Kitchen Café in downtown Leesburg is their go-to place. “We come here several times a week because the food is spectacular,” says Shirley, of Lady Lake. “It really doesn’t matter what you order because everything is so fresh and prepared with love. I tell everyone I know to come here.” Those words are gratifying to Ze’ Carter, who opened The Kitchen Café in November 2019 with her daughter, Joy. Ze’, who has spent the past 13 years as a private chef, is excited to share her cooking with the rest of the community. “I feel that we’ve brought something different to Leesburg’s dining scene,” says Ze’, a 1991 graduate of Tavares
High School. “There are a lot of fastfood options, but there are not many good food options. We believe in cooking from the soul—that’s what soul food is all about. We want every dish to be fresh and taste its best, and we can accommodate almost every diet.” She also wants customers to have a say in what they order, which is why there’s a “create-your-own-bowl” option on the menu. Customers can choose a base (brown rice, sweet potatoes, good rice or riced cauliflower), a vegetable (sautéed corn, black beans, trinity mix or honey carrots), a protein (citrus grilled chicken, personal meatloaf, herb-roasted chicken or bacon cheddar chicken) and a side sauce (spicy honey, balsamic, barbecue or creamy ginger). “You go to some restaurants and ask for a No. 12, and they tell you what a No. 12 is,” Ze’ says. “We’ve turned that insideout. We let customers tell us what they would like to eat.” Diners who go to The Kitchen Café for breakfast can order sweet potato hash, and other Southern inspired breakfast options. In addition, the lunch menu offers a variety of sandwiches served on
Yalaha Bakery bread, as well as homade soups and salads. Her restaurant also is the site of The Kitchen Cooking School, where classes are taught and participants taste class prepared dishes. “I demo a recipe and give them cooking tips,” Ze’ says. “Then we eat it. It’s like having a private chef without the costs of a private chef.” They also host boutique events such as baby showers and birthday parties for 50 or fewer guests.
712 W. Main St., Leesburg / 352.901.6537 / getcookingwithze.com / Open from 9am-2pm Tuesday-Saturday
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p.
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DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW FOR YOUR KITCHEN, GET THE SCOOP ON EATING OUT, AND TOAST THE WINE! | FOOD. DRINKS. REVIEWS.
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IN THE KITCHEN Chop House chef strives for perfection.
FORK ON THE ROAD Belle Glade C.C.’s menu is a gimme.
SPIRITS Lake Seneca Farms puts a twist on wines.
DINING GUIDE Our area restaurants appeal to all tastes.
IN THE KITCHEN
udging from the elegant ambience and classy décor of candlelit tables, white linens and cozy upholstered chairs at Chop House at Lake Sumter in The Villages, the head chef/ kitchen manager had a hunch the restaurant would become a great place for a romantic dinner for two or a fun party with friends. “I knew deep down when we opened the Chop House and I looked at our menu, I looked at our team and everybody who had something to do with it, I knew it was going to be a hit,” says Charles Stadmire, who oversees a staff of 20. “Guests love us. We are doing better than
RECIPE
HAIL TO THE CHEF Chop House’s Charles Stadmire is a hit with customers. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL
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≈ PHOTOS: DOUGLAS TYLER
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anyone expected and we plan to be here for a long, long time.” Before Chop House opened its doors in July 2019 at 1045 Old Camp Road, the building had housed Guy Fieri’s American Kitchen, Honest John’s and TGI Fridays. “Many people thought this spot was cursed because the previous businesses kept shutting down and couldn’t survive,” Charles says. “We own the spot and have made it home.” Charles worked in several restaurants, starting as a teen busing tables in the Miami area, before he became proficient in the kitchen cooking seafood, followed by gaining
management skills. He moved to Ocala in 2016 and later joined Fresh Made Kitchen, owned by Fred Karimipour, a Villages resident. FMK manages seven Villages restaurants, including Chop House. Charles opened Bluefin Grill & Bar in 2018 at Brownwood Paddock Square prior to moving to Chop House. “The best compliment is hearing overall praise about the service staff, the food, the ambience from walking in the door, the greetings, the management being friendly, the servers,” Charles says of Chop House. “I feel pretty blessed to be here.” He strives to make sure each plate leaves the kitchen looking beautiful—the
presentation of food is paramount. “People eat first with their eyes, and that is exactly why the food has to look awesome,” Charles says. “I’m always excited and wishing I could go out and see people’s reactions because when I put food out, I take pride and want to make sure it’s exactly the way the customer wants it.” The goal is to prepare aged steaks, seafood and other entrées to the customers’ delight. “We want to do what we can to make guests happy and bring them back in, even if it means cutting up a steak in small pieces,” the chef says. “Whatever a guest needs, we do the best we can. We do everything in our power
Let’s talk food The good stuff in Chop House’s cheese fondue: Charles says the popular cheese fondue is made with white wine, paprika, coarse kosher salt, shallots and dry mustard, all sautéed down before adding milk and heavy whipping cream, followed by cream cheese and shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese that is cooked slowly. “It’s very simple and the flavors come together so well. People love it,” he says.
Pork and fig sandwich for lunch: “We take pork tenderloin that we cut down to breast medallions,” Charles says. “For the sandwich, we put the pork on the grill,
season it with our steak seasoning and with Chop House’s signature fig jus reduction.” The popular sandwich is served with caramelized onions, Bibb lettuce and tomato on a grilled brioche bun.
The secret sauce: Chop House makes its own bearnaise sauce, starting with a hollandaise sauce cooked over medium-high heat; then add 2 tablespoons of fresh, chopped tarragon. “Tarragon gives the sauce that extra fresh flavor,” Charles says. Chop House serves its bearnaise on several dishes, including the seared scallops appetizer, salmon, petite filet and lobster.
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IN THE KITCHEN
Chef chat I stay thin by: Just walking around Chop House kitchen all day, averaging about two miles a day.
What I watch on TV: Food shows on Food Network like “Chopped” and “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” I wouldn’t want to be on “Chopped,” but I do get ideas.
Favorite way to unwind: Kick back
Foodie at heart: I think
on the couch, enjoy TV and a glass of wine. Caymus wine is really good, and I’m not even a wine drinker.
about food a lot. I think about meatloaf, ham, yams, collard greens, cornbread—the comfort foods, Southern, home-cooked meals. My mom and my grandmother were the cooks when I was growing up. My mom still cooks to this day when I go down to Miami.
If my mom came to Chop House: I would serve her
My life as a dad: I have three kids, Charles, 8; Chad, 7; Chase, 4, in the Miami area. They like it when I cook. They always want chicken tenders. I’m a boy dad.
short ribs or maybe our salmon bearnaise, which is really good and popular.
Chocolate chip, oatmeal, white chocolate macadamia, and you’ve got to have cookies with a tall glass of milk.
My guilty pleasure:
Foods I don’t like:
My first word was “cookie,” and ever since then, me and cookies cannot split up. I could have cookies every day: four, five or six and I like so many kinds.
Delicacies like snails, oysters, they’re too slimy. And I’ve never cared for pudding or Jell-O. I’m more of a texture guy. I like meat. Steak, chicken.
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On my drive home from work: I drive in silence, literally thinking about the day, processing everything. I analyze myself every day to see how I can be better every day. I am the hardest critic on myself. I just always think I want to be better. How can I do better on everything? Because if you don’t, then what are you working for?
Future goal: I want to continue to grow and hopefully open more restaurants.
Diners say: The best comment is hearing it was “a 100 percent, all-around wonderful experience at Chop House.”
to make sure a guest leaves the door happy and comes back. Even if we can’t please everybody, we hope to get a second chance.” Charles is pleased Chop House already has its share of regulars. “Seeing return customers makes me happy. It means the product you’re putting out is worthy, good quality, and people really enjoy it on top of the atmosphere,” he says. “This is a place to have a great, nice dinner and enjoy being with your family, friends, and have a nice bottle of wine.” Chop House’s braised lamb shank is a favorite of many diners, along with house specialties such as chateaubriand, pork
medallions and slow-braised short ribs. The chef’s personal favorite is the roasted half-chicken. “It’s tender, marinated, crispy on the outside and the meat falls off the bone. It comes with our fig reduction, and it’s to die for,” he says. The restaurant serves a lot of salmon and healthy foods, too. “People are very healthconscious, and we try to accommodate those with food allergies and in making dishes without salt,” Charles says. “We definitely go out of our way to try to accommodate people. We just want to take care of people, that is our main goal.” Cheyenne McGowan, a server and hostess at
Chop House, says the chef pays attention to people’s dietary needs. “My whole family has allergies, and he is just amazing with people and an amazing chef. He’s kind, caring, understanding,” Cheyenne says. “He’s not like most chefs. He’s not impatient. He’s a great chef and works with us really well.” Dealing with the business side and the personal side of working with employees is “the finest balance,” Charles says. He’ll ask employees about how they and their families are doing.
“People appreciate that,” he says. “I take care of them and they take care of me. We’re like a little family. The best part of working here is the people and the camaraderie.” Charles spends about 50 to 65 hours a week at Chop House. “I put in enough hours to make sure everything gets taken care of. I work until my job is done. I really enjoy the hustle and bustle, the fast pace. It’s a fun, great ride,” he says. “I really enjoy making people happy and putting a smile on their face. Food tends to make people happy.”
Chop House at Lake Sumter IF YOU GO
1045 Old Camp Road, The Villages 352.750.6000 Hours: 11am-9pm Sunday-Thursday; 11am10pm Friday-Saturday
Hey, readers! Do you have favorite recipes or know a chef we should profile? Tell me about it! Email me at theresa@akersmediagroup.com.
THERESA CAMPBELL
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FORK ON THE ROAD
REVIEWS
The leader in the clubhouse Belle Glade Country Club has a swingin’ menu and sights. STORY: CHRIS GERBASI
he question of whether golfers prefer Belle Glade Country Club’s championship course or its first-rate restaurant has a gray-area answer. “It depends on the day,”
≈ PHOTOS: DOUGLAS TYLER
Villagers Harold Skaggs and Chuck Skoug say almost simultaneously after a round of golf. Indeed, on this day, Harold advised not to ask about his golf game. The restaurant would win out, as both players looked forward to joining their Tuesday league group for lunch on the patio. They enjoy the food and environment, whether they’re dining with their golfing partners or their marriage partners. Belle Glade, open for about five years, continues The
Villages’ long tradition of fine dining at country clubs throughout the community. Fresh Made Kitchen is the parent company of the restaurants at Belle Glade, Orange Blossom Hills, Evans Prairie and Bonifay country clubs, as well as Chop House at Lake Sumter, Bluefin Grill & Bar and Scooples Ice Cream Parlor. Naturally, golfers make up about 80 percent of Belle Glade’s lunch crowd, general manager Brian Smith says. But a non-golfing group of three interlopers was
allowed to play through one day recently. The lunch menu is filled with tempting choices, so the decisions came down to process of elimination. For example, a sandwich called “The Hoosier” might have been difficult to digest for the Michigan and Kentucky basketball fans in the group. Instead, the Kentuckian chose the Kentucky Bourbon pork sliders, a generous portion of slow-roasted pulled pork with coleslaw and barbecue sauce, but not enough of a Bourbon
flavor to make anybody tipsy. Excellent steak fries and a side of chili rounded out the downhome meal. For a touch of the Caribbean, the Cuban sandwich consisted of tender ham, pork and salami complemented by Swiss cheese and pickles and pressed between a moist but flaky bun. A side of onion soup also was very good. The chicken rollatini was superb. The juicy, roasted chicken breast was stuffed with salami and oozing mozzarella, and topped with crumbled blue cheese that had a bite. The sides included creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and mini corn on the cobs with big flavor. Argentinian beef empanada appetizers—spicy but not too spicy—were made with chopped beef and green olives in crisp pastry shells, topped with demi-glace and garnished with beet mousse, two words you don’t hear together every day. Curiously, the mousse seemed to have a faint taste of alcohol … distilled beets? The interesting lunch menu also includes salmon bigarade, Nay’s deviled eggs, build-a-burger and strawberry avocado salad. The meal was enhanced by the spectacular view of the well-manicured golf course. The Belle Glade staff is partial, but they say the large patio offers the best views and sunsets in The Villages. Inside, the restaurant has an “Old Florida” style with rustic wood finishes, nature artwork and a bar for the “19th hole.”
On the course, Belle Glade Country Club has three 9-hole layouts and a short-game practice area. The Tequesta nine includes a picturesque par-5 that wraps around water and features The Villages’ only island green, according to the course website. The Seminole nine features elevated views, and the Calusa nine takes golfers around a beautiful nature preserve. Six sets of tees make Belle Glade enjoyable for golfers of all abilities. Of course, customers don’t have to play golf before dining. Harold says Belle Glade is popular even on non-golfing days. “Four of us eat out every Wednesday night, and this is a go-to place,” he says.
Dinner specialties, all moderately priced, include Angus filet mignon, citrusmango snapper and roasted pork medallions. The restaurant emphasizes quality ingredients in everything from sauces to desserts, and also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options. Tee times are elusive for Brian, who loves golf
but is too busy as general manager to play. Instead, Brian and manager Steve Wajda focus on serving their guests, many of whom are regulars known by name. The familiar clientele, fine food, quality course and relaxed atmosphere make Belle Glade Country Club a worthwhile trip whether you’re wielding a golf club or a fork.
IF YOU GO
Belle Glade Country Club 446 Moyer Loop, The Villages 352.205.8208 // bellegladerestaurant.com Hours: 11am-9pm Monday-Friday, 8am-9pm Saturday-Sunday
Can you golf and eat at the same time? Tell us about a great restaurant by emailing chris@akersmediagroup.com.
CHRIS GERBASI
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SPIRITS
DRINK
Twisted vines Lake Seneca Farms has an orchard full of fruits to make unique wines for any taste. STORY: VICTORIA SCHLABIG
im Besuden got into hobby wine about seven years ago, when he and his wife, Jane, moved from Orlando to Mount Dora. They eventually had the idea to buy some property where they could grow grapes to make their own wine, and soon came across Lake Seneca Farms in Eustis. “It was abandoned, overgrown, the grass was really high and the house was dilapidated, and we fell in love with it, of course,” Tim says. “So, we planted our first grapevine and then renovated.” The couple first renovated the house and then started planting other fruits, and soon their
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wines were winning gold medals in international competitions, and they were getting requests from people who wanted to purchase their wines. The high demand and the popularity among their friends encouraged the Besudens to finally get licensed in summer 2019, and they went from amateur to professional winemakers. In their “experimental orchard,” as Tim calls it, the couple grow elderberries, mulberries, peaches, plums, nectarines, blackberries and muscadine grapes, as well as a few others, though they’re not all used for wine. They also create seasonal wines like passionfruit in the summer and pumpkin in the fall, which Jane says is “like Thanksgiving in a glass.” They use grapes from California to make more traditional wines such as cabernet sauvignon, rosé and chardonnay.
“SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT TRADITIONAL WINE DRINKERS. THEY LIKE TO EXPERIMENT AND EXPERIENCE NEW WINE. SO, WE TRY TO MEET ALL TASTES.” — TIM BESUDEN
“The wines that we make, I try to make them more like traditional wine style but taking the regular wines and kind of putting a twist on it. And that’s
G E T R E A DY ! Twisted Farmhouse will soon offer new wines including pear, lemon and serena cherry once the plants start producing enough fruit to do so.
the actual name of our brand of wine, Twisted Farmhouse,” Tim says. While the range of Twisted Farmhouse wines has a scale of dry to sweet, they are all still on the sweeter side when compared with traditional dry wines. I enjoyed the Harvest Red Cabernet Sauvignon and the rosé, which both fell under the “dry” category. The sweeter Harvest Red Muscadine also had a nice, natural grape flavor and tasted almost like grape juice, as opposed to the aged flavor you get from a non-muscadine grape wine. The sweetest wines were the mulberry, elderberry and the banana-raisin, which likely will give you a toothache similar to the one you had as a kid the day after Halloween. Tim and Jane know that not everyone is a fan of muscadine wine,
so they try to add a twist to that wine as well as the others. “Some people are not traditional wine drinkers. They like to experiment and experience new wine. So, we try to meet all tastes,” Tim says. They currently make their wines in six-gallon batches but already are planning on expanding in the near future once they have more fruit available. When you go to Lake Seneca Farms for a wine tasting, Jane will give you a paper listing the wines from sweet to dry, and you can rate each wine you taste on a scale of 1-5. Then if you decide to attend one of the winemaking classes, you’ll know which wine you may want to make. During a winemaking class, you’ll make a six-gallon batch of wine (about 30 bottles) using the winery’s equipment as Tim helps you through the process. Once it’s aged a few weeks and is ready for bottling, Tim and Jane will help you create personalized labels. A lot of people choose to serve the wine they made at their weddings or hand out smaller bottles to their guests as party favors, Jane says. There’s more to the story of how the name “Twisted Farmhouse” came to be, so make sure you ask about it when you visit.
Tim and Jane Besuden
IF YOU GO
LAKE SENECCA FARMS Lake Seneca Farms, 36047 E. Lake Seneca Road, Eustis // 352.589.6100 Hours: Second Saturday of every month or by appointment; events schedule on Facebook. lakesenecafarms@gmail.com, lakesenecafarms.com, facebook.com/ lakesenecafarms.
Know of a unique place to get drinks in Lake or Sumter counties? Send your ideas to victoria@akersmediagroup.com. VICTORIA SCHLABIG
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DINING GUIDE
dine
OUT Whatever your favorite dish, you can find a great place that serves it in this area. Check out what's nearby or take a little drive to a new place! Denotes locations where you can find Lake & Sumter Style
A S TAT U L A Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 ASTOR Blackwater Inn Williams Landing 55716 Front St. 352.759.3802 Castaways Restaurant 23525 US SR 40 352.759.2213 Sparky’s Place Restaurant 24646 SR 40 352.759.3551 William’s Landing 55716 Front St. 352.759.2802 BUSHNELL Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 Hong Kong Restaurant 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-8888 Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582
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TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877
Friar Tuck 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd. 352.404.6818
CLERMONT
G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd. 352.243.8900
801 City Grille 801 Montrose St. 352.394.6911 Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 Calabria Ristorante 13900 CR 455 407.656.5144 Cheeser’s Palace Café 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 Clermont Brewing Co. 750 W Desoto 321.430.2337 Corelli Italian Restaurant 1042 E. Hwy. 50 352.989.5924 Devenney’s Irish Pub 16909 High Grove Blvd. 352.432.3925 El Cerro Restaurant 811 W. Hwy. 50 352.241.9884
Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 Guru Restaurant 2400 S. Hwy. 27 352.241.9884 Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd. 352.243.1118 Lilly’s on the Lake 846 W. Osceola St. 352.708.6565 Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 Robata Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 Root and Branch Bistro and Bar 1200 Seaver Dr. 352.708.4529 Sanctuary Ridge Bar & Grille 2601 Diamond Club Road 352.243.0411
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Sarah’s Greek Cuisine & More 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Ste. 305 352.404.8031 The Crooked Spoon Gastropub 200 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.404.4808 Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 Uncle Kenny’s BBQ 157 Hwy. 27 352.394.1225 EUSTIS Combat Café 1602 N. Hwy. 19 352.483.0250 Haystax Restaurant 15439 Hwy. 441 352.489.0510 Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.359.0027 Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404
LaCabana Mexican Bar and Grill 2060 S. Bay St. 352.357.4600 Nalan Sultan Mediterranean Grill 1 N. Eustis St. 352.357.4444 NightOwl Caribbean Restaurant 929 S. Bay St. 352.589.0256 Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. CR 44 352.589.9100 Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 Tillie’s Tavern & Grill 31 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.602.7929 Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 F RU I T L A N D PA R K Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575 ibar-be-que Express 3170 Hwy. 27 352.315.4227 Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.728.0006 NY Deli N Diner 3325 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.365.0051 Rae Rae’s Restaurant 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.323.1595 Stavro’s 3223 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.0028
The Rose Plantation 200 Rose Ave., Fruitland Park 352.805.4340
Brick & Barrel 209 W. Main St. 352.431.3069
G R OV E L A N D
Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377
Coyote Rojo 214 W. Broad St. 352.557.8999 Ikaho Sushi Japanese 7965 SR 50, #900 352.557.8988 James Barbeque 262 W. Orange St. 352.557.4050 Lil Anthony’s Pizza 7965 SR 50 352.429.7499 Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. SR 33 352.429.2997 H OW EY- I N THE -HILLS JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600 La Hacienda Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3910 Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.2718 L A DY L A K E Bamboo Bistro 700 Hwy. 441 352.750.9998 El Ranchito 1 Lagrande Blvd. 352.750.3335 Lady Lake Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. 514 Hwy. 441 352.614.9000 LEESBURG Blooms 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004
Cafe Ola 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089
Chesapeake Bay Grill 4467 Arlington Ridge Blvd. 352.315.0066 Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 Dance’s BBQ 1707 South Street 352.801.8885 Frank’s Place 201 N. 1st St. 352.323.1989 Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 CR 44 352.365.2177 God Café 300 W. Main St. 352.801.7447 Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room 311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739 HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 Ichiban Buffet 10301 Hwy. 441 352.728.6669 Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 Citrus Blvd. 352.323.1444 Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 CR 473 352.343.4663 Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 Main Street Cantina 205 W. Main St. 352.435.7279 Mrs. T’s Place, Southern Restaurant 305 Pine St. 352.431.3217 Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616
Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd. 352.728.0788 Papa Pineapples 314 W. Main St. 352.801.7097 Pine Street Bar-B-Que 408 Pine St. 352.728.1293 Plantation Oaks Restaurant 4720 Plantation Blvd. 352.530.2680 Ramshackle Café 1317 N. 14th St. 352.365.6565 Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093
MASCOTTE Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd. 352.429.2093 MINNEOLA Jack’s Barbecue 100 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.2673 Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 Minneola Grill 117 W. Washington St. 352.394.2555 Napoli’s Pizzeria 556 Hwy. 27 352.243.7500
J.K. Thai & Sushi 116 E. 5th Ave. 352.385.5470 Let’s Do a Maine Lobster Roll 426 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.3702 Magical Meat Boutique 112 W. Third Ave. 352.729.6911 Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 Olive Branch MediterraneanItalian Grille 115 W. 3rd St. 352.729.6734 One Flight Up Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Ste. 100 352.758.9818
San Jose Mexican 1337 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174
The Surf Bar and Grill 650 N. Hwy. 27 202.527.0100
Sip Restaurant and Wine Bar 707 W. Main St. 352.435.7840
Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232
Stokes Seafood Market and More 719 W. Main St. 352.787.3474
MOUNT DORA
Sully’s Smokehouse 10820 CR 44 352.483.7427
Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668
Shiva Indian Restaurant 140A W. 5th Ave. 352.735.4555
Takis Pizza Restaurant 1205 N. 14th St. 352.787.2344
Barnwood Country Kitchen & Smokehouse 3725 W. Old US Hwy 441 352.630.4903
Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433
Pint Sized Pub 110 S. 5th St. 352.460.0383 The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 The Kitchen Cooking School 712 W. Main St. 352.901.6537
1921 Mount Dora 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.385.1921
Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 Café Gianni 425 N. Alexander St. 352.735.3327
The Mojo Grill & Catering Co. 9925 US-441 352.787.0494
Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426
The Old Time Diner 1350 W. North Blvd. 352.805.4250
Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000
Turners 114 S. 5th St. 352.530.2274 Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989
Frog & Monkey English Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352. 383.1936
Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777
Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444
Pisces Rising 239 W. 4th Ave. 352.385.2669 PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092
Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 The Bavarian Haus 433 N. Alexander St. 352.735.8387 The Country Club 1900 Country Club Blvd. 352.735.2263
Lisa’s Kountry Cafe 23911 CR 46 352.735.3380 TAVA R E S Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 Fish Camp Lake Eustis 901 Lake Shore Blvd. 352.742.4400 Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137 Kalua Hale Beach Bar 181 S. Joanna Ave. 352.609.5910 Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 CR 448 352.343.6823 O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 Palm Gardens Restaurant 1661 Palm Garden St. 352.431.3217 Puddle Jumpers 111 W Ruby St. 352.508.5862 Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.7744 The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585
T H E V I L L AG E S Amerikano’s Grill 998 Del Mar Dr. 352.633.8027 Belle Glade Country Club 446 Moyer Loop 352.205.8208 Bravo Pizza 1080 Lake Sumter Landing 352.430.2394 Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 City Fire Brownwood & Paddock Square 352.561.2078
Whale’s Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old U.S. Hwy 441 352.385.1500 SORRENTO Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 CR 437 352.383.8882
Margarita Republic 1102 Main St. 352.753.4600 Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd. 352.753.3824
Greg’s Haystax 526 Umatilla Blvd. 352.669.1555 Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 SR 19 352.669.3922
The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535
Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.750.4499
W I L DWO O D
Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400
Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393
Giovanni’s 3439 Wedgewood Lane 352.751.6674
Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630
Hemingway’s at Havana Country Club 2484 Odell Circle 352.430.3200
Gator’s 9 N. Central Ave. 352.669.6969
Orange Blossom Country Club 1542 Water Tower Circle 352.751.4501
Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9939
Habaneros Mexican Grill 3551 Wedgewood Ln. 352.633.2080
Fish & Chix 100 N. Central Ave. 352.669.7145
Shanghai 531 N. Central Ave. 352.669.2004
Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evan’s Prairie Trail 352.750.2225
Glenview County Club 3914 Glenview Rd. 352.753.0077
U M AT I L L A
NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994
RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930
The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 Tilted Grill & Bar 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855
Legacy Restaurant Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475
The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 Tierra Del Sol Country Club 806 San Marino Dr. 352.753.8005 VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887
China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 Continental Country Club 50 Continental Blvd. 352.748.3293 Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.461.0577 O’Shucks! Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 YA L A H A Yalaha Bakery 8210 CR 48 352.324.3366
GOOD GRUB THIS MONTH'S EDITOR'S PICK
The Mason Jar If you’re in the mood for authentic Southern cooking, satisfy your cravings at the Mason Jar. Try the fried chicken or pork chops with mashed potatoes and gravy, black-eyed peas, candied yams, cornbread and buttermilk biscuits. Don’t forget dessert. The peach cobbler has a golden-brown crust that soaks up the flavorful peach nectars and vanilla ice cream. Wash it all down with real Southern sweet tea served in—what else?—Mason jars. 37534 State Road 19, Umatilla / 352.589.2535
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DINING GUIDE
The Kitchen Café 352.901.6537 | 712 W. MAIN ST., LEESBURG GETCOOKINGWITHZE.COM
Open 9am-2pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Culinary creativity comes alive at The Kitchen Café, tucked away inside the Southern Gardens Mall in Downtown Leesburg. The “create-your-own-bowl” option allows diners to choose a base product such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, good rice and riced cauliflower. From there, pick your choice of veggies, and a plant or animal based protein options like citrus grilled, herb roasted chicken, or personal meatloaf. Other menu items include thier made from scratch soups, chicken salad, and flavorful breakfast items like sweet potato hash, and a breakfast sandwich made with homestyle yeast rolls. Partnering with local food purveyors bring “fresh” back to the table.
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.
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Subway
Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food.
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
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Open 4pm-9pm Wednesday through Sunday.
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Full Gluten-Free Menu
Fr h Seafood IS JUST A SHORT
R I D E A W AY !
B R U N C H S E R V E D S AT U R D AY & S U N D AY 1 0 : 0 0 A M - 2 : 3 0 P M
PICKU P AVAIL ABL E, CALL T O ORDE R!
LO C AT E D AT B R O W N W O O D ® S Q UA R E
2 7 38 B ROW N WOOD B LVD. TH E VILLAGES , FL 3 2163 l (3 52) 57 1-53 44 l WWW.BLU EFI NG R I L L B AR .CO M M O N - TH UR S 11 AM - 10P M l FRI 11AM - 11PM l SAT 10 AM - 11PM l S U N 10 AM - 1 0PM
DINING GUIDE
Open Daily 8am-7pm
Yalaha Bakery 352.324.3366 | 8210 STATE ROAD 48, YALAHA The family owned German Bakery since 1995, is an award-winning Bakery that offers to customers high-quality German products made with the highest culinary standards. Fine European pastries and breads are made with organic flours, chocolates, and spices, butter, and imported European ingredients. Take home tortes, tarts, and wonderful pretzels, but before you go home, enjoy something from our delicious deli menu. We serve breakfast from 8-11am and lunch and dinner are served 11am-7pm. Enjoy German specialties like Nurnberger breakfast, Hunterschnitzel with Spätzle, Bratwurst, Reuben, Quiche, typical German soups, and maybe Semelknoedel (bread dumplings with mushroom sauce) for lunch or dinner. We offer a fine selection of German beers and wines. Whatever time of day, you’ll find something you love at Yalaha Bakery.
A German Bakery Like No Other!
On the weekends you can come and enjoy various events and music concerts on Saturdays and Sundays at our Beer Garden. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter or via our website www.yalahabakery.com
Would you like to see your restaurant in our dining section? CALL US AT 352.787.4112
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FINAL THOUGHT
Stressbuster I’m finding ‘feel-good’ endorphins and a healthier me in ways I never imagined. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL
xtra work assignments from new projects were coming in (great for the company), yet it was causing a little anxiety, stress and self-talk concerns among me and my writing peers. The negative jabber rambling in my head: “It’s impossible! There’s not enough time! How are we going to juggle this with our other deadlines?” Ugh. After a deep sigh, my more positive inner voice, resembling a cheerleader, took over: “You can do it!” Of course, I am part of a great editorial team that rises to tasks. In everyday life and in all situations, challenges we think of as problems do get conquered. However, one thing I’ve noticed that is different in my life these days is I’m learning to handle stress better. Maybe it’s because I’ve already gone through exhausting years of raising children, experienced the death of a spouse and survived (barely) 40 years as a newspaper reporter—the days
of covering gruesome fatalities and long council meetings and hearing “I need that story in 15 minutes!” The aftermath of those stressful times led to me being 50 pounds overweight from mindlessly eating junk food for comfort, not sleeping well and binge-watching TV. Becoming healthier has been happening naturally in my life, thank goodness. My job at Akers Media is less stressful than the newspaper world, and the magazine’s more upbeat editorial content is a great influence, too. Since the company was a sponsor at the Mistletoe Trot 5K and 10K last December, I embarked on my first 5K (mostly walking/jogging), which inspired me to participate in the February 5K Love Run in Fruitland Park and a one-mile Walk for the Poor in Eustis, where I had fun pushing my mom, 88, (the oldest participant) in a wheelchair around Lake Gracie. I’m carrying over my 2019 New Year’s resolution to take time to embrace activities I find enjoyable, including early-morning gym workouts at Planet Fitness in Eustis (the old me would have said, “No way, that’s exercise!”) followed by many nights after work dancing off stress and getting those “feel-good” endorphins at Dancin’ Ballroom in Leesburg. Since starting lessons last June, dancing the cha cha, waltz, swing and other steps has become my favorite stress-reducer, improving my mood, overall health and quality of sleep. Finally, by golly, at 62, I think I’ve found my groove.
Hey, readers! Do you have a favorite place to chill out in Lake and Sumter counties? Tell me, via email, at theresa@akersmediagroup.com.
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THERESA CAMPBELL
COLD, ALLERGY & SINUS
NASAL RELIEF
Judith Milstead, MD
J. Samuel Moak, III MD
Dino Madonna, MD
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