Style Magazine, September 2015

2015

September

Plus

MEDICOM Examine how the area’s health care community has grown into a worldclass medical hub

MOST WANTED The search is on for the area’s most eligible singles SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

HEALTH PRO’S Get to know your health care providers

RECOGNIZED AS TOP I N TH EI R FI ELD

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• Custom ED Treatments, 99% Effective • NeoGraft Hair Restoration without any scarring • Innovative Low Testosterone Treatments • Private Exam Rooms & Confidential Consultaions • Guaranteed & Immediate Results • Medical Weight Loss for Men • Non-Surgical Penile Enhancements

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1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but early detection saves lives. If you’re 40 or older, The American Cancer Society recommends you have an annual mammogram.

Regular screenings and early detection help to significantly improve survival rates, and are covered by most health plans.

Schedule your mammogram today.

(352) 253-3700

SEPTEMBER CHARITY SPOTLIGHT A minimum of 25 percent of the net income from Komen Central Florida supports the national Komen for the Cure Grant Program, up to 75 percent of the net income from Komen Central Florida stays in our local community to fund breast health education, breast cancer screening and treatment projects.

YOUR DRIVE CAN ALSO SUPPORT T H E F O L L O W I N G O R G A N I Z AT I O N S :

EVERY PLAZA DRIVE FOR CHARITY PARTICIPANT GETS TO CHOOSE WHICH OF SIX LOCAL CHARITIES WILL RECEIVE A $50 DONATION FROM PLAZA!

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Call 352.561.4943

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ince its humble beginnings, Santa Fe Surgery Center has developed a reputation for providing first-class surgical services in a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment. Because no more than two surgeries are ever performed simultaneously, the staff can devote more time and attention to patients and their families.

SERVICES INCLUDE • General surgery • Podiatric surgery • Minimally invasive neurosurgery • Laser cataract surgery • Corneal transplantation • Oculoplastic surgery • General ophthalmology • Interventional pain management

________

DOCTOR SPOTLIGHT DR. SEABORN M. HUNT III does a little bit of everything at Santa Fe Surgical Center — from basic and advanced lens implants to laser glaucoma surgery and eyelid malposition surgery. He has the latest technology at his fingertips, including the Alcon LenSx laser, which allows bladeless laser cataract surgery to be performed with pinpoint precision and perfectly clean cuts.

“Having procedures performed at Santa Fe Surgical Center is beneficial to patients,” he says. “Patients pay less and spend less time here than they would at a hospital, and the entire facility operates very efficiently.”

Dr. Hunt opened his Ocala-based opthalmology practice in 2001. He also serves as a surgical consultant and cataract surgeon with Lange Eye Care.

Beautiful Homes begin here.

8626 U.S. Hwy 441 • Leesburg, FL • 352.435.6131 Mon-Fri 9:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. • Sat 10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. • Sun 12:00p.m. – 5:00p.m. www.shopfamilyfurniture.com

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40 MEDICOM Welcome to Medicom, the elite medical community created by the exceptional health care offered in Lake and Sumter Counties. Like Silicon Valley, the technology hub of the nation, this area has received nationwide recognition as a health care hub. The Lake County motto is “Real Florida, real close,” the same could be said of health care services—Real health care, real close.

Orlando

STORY: JOHN SOTOMAYOR

Tampa

54 2015 TOP DOCS Castle Connolly, LTD. names 90 area physicians of some as the nations top doctors.

114 MOST WANTED Style magazine is in search of the area’s most ost eligible singles.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

34 ‘DRIVE’ FOR GREATNESS SS At DeLuca Toyota, innovative businessman Frank DeLuca provides a unique and fun-filled experience for or customers waiting on service or contemplating the purchase se of a vehicle.

Read about Frank DeLuca on page 34

65 HEALTH PROS Your guide to Lake and Sumter’s best in health care providers.

See more on the areas Top Doctors on page 54

On the cover

On the cover

DIRECTION: JAMIE EZRA MARK POST PRODUCTION: JOSH CLARK

DIRECTION: JAMIE EZRA MARK PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ MODEL: FRANK DELUCA OF DELUCA TOYOTA POST PRODUCTION: JOSH CLARK

LAKE&SUMTER EDITION

VILLAGE EDITION

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ents

See the recipe on page 135

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Departments 19 FROM THE PUBLISHER

23 FIRST THINGS FIRST 24 #TRENDING Miss USA trumped, ecotourism on the rise, going to the dogs, and more!

28 PERSON OF INTEREST It’s all about Carol Millwater, executive director of Lake County Medical Society and We Care of Lake County, Inc. 30 OUTSTANDING STUDENT Victoria Nicole Lopez, 2015 valedictorian of Adventure Christian Academy.

89 ON THE SCENE 90 THE TO-DO LIST The area is full of fun-filled events this month.

92 LOCAL TALENT The new phase of AJ In Evolution.

STORY: BROOKE ROBLES

93 IN CONCERT See which local bands are playing near you this month.

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94 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT The art of the festival The Clermont Art Festival, coming the weekend of Nov. 7-8, will feature a select group of artists this year.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

98 HI, SOCIETY! Highlights from Leesburg’s Gateway Grand Opening, a seminar on essential oils, a very special birthday party, and lots more…

106 OUT+ABOUT Cruising for cannibals.

The most recently noted case of cannibalism on Papua New Guinea apparently occurred in the 1970s when the practice was part of a traditional culture in which human flesh was referred to as “long pig.”

STORY: DR. MARK ROTHSCHILD

129 EATS! 130 QUICK BITES Bits and pieces of food in the news!

132 IN THE KITCHEN Dr. Lauren Britt, OB/GYN delivers great meals adding a pinch of this and a

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dash of that, along with secrets learned from her grandmother.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

136 FORK ON THE ROAD Meat’s on!

Texas Stockyards BBQ and The Magic Meat Boutique serve up succulent meats and delicious side dishes.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

140 SALUTE Olé! To spanish wines.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

142 DINING GUIDE Destinations of good taste.

152 FINAL THOUGHT Got insurance?

The need for health insurance.

STORY: JOHN SOTOMAYOR

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SPECIALIZING IN JOINT RECONSTRUCTION & SPORTS MEDICINE

► Exclusively uses muscle sparing techniques on ALL primary joint replacements

► Makoplasty/resurfacing same day surgery

► Perioperative pain control system consistently yields low pain control scores well above the national average

► Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair I’ve developed a proprietary approach to hip joint problems that involves an integrated combination of minimally invasive surgical procedures, pharmaceutical intervention and pain management. This results in faster healing times, fewer complications and less pain.

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@your service

hot off the press!

The latest editions of Lake and Sumter Style, Villages Style, Healthy Living, Lake Business Magazine and Welcome to Lake County visit our website and cast your nominations for

Hurry... Voting ends October 15

get yours.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Order a subscription of your favorite magazine to be delivered directly to your home for just $24. Each subscription includes 12 consecutive issues of Style or Healthy Living magazine. Choose both magazines for $36 per year. To order, call 352.787.4112, go to www.akersmediagroup.com or mail us at Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088 Leesburg, FL 34749.

Digitize your life.

Visit the Apple or Android app store today and download the Lake & Sumter Style or Healthy Living online magazine app for your mobile device. For the best in enhanced magazine entertainment, join us online for the media experience of a lifetime.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you are a seasonal resident or have moved, send your address change request to general@ akersmediagroup.com or mail us at: Subscriptions at Akers Media, P.O. Box 490088 Leesburg, FL 34749.

BACK ISSUES: Order by mail for cover price at $4.95+ sales tax and shipping.

To pick up a back issue from our office, please call 24 hours in advance.

Akers Media brought home 6 awards at the 2015 Florida Magazine Association’s Annual Conference, including Best Overall Magazine for Healthy Living!

ADVERTISING // BRANDING // DESIGN MEDIA // INTERACTIVE // PUBLIC RELATIONS // PROMOTIONS // AUDIO/VIDEO PRODUCTION

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From the publisher

Kendra Akers

STAYING HEALTHY

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF kendra@akersmediagroup.com

Doug Akers VICE PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com

Jamie Ezra Mark CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER jamie@akersmediagroup.com

Sabrina Ciceri ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER sabrina@akersmediagroup.com EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY

James Combs Steven J. Codraro STAFF WRITER CREATIVE DIRECTOR james@akersmediagroup.com steve@akersmediagroup.com

Leigh Neely Joe Deleon STAFF WRITER/COPY EDITOR SENIOR ART DIRECTOR leigh@akersmediagroup.com joe@akersmediagroup.com

John Sotomayor Josh Clark STAFF WRITER SENIOR DESIGNER john@akersmediagroup.com josh@akersmediagroup.com

Michelle Clark Michael Gaulin STAFF WRITER PRODUCTION DIRECTOR michelle@akersmediagroup.com michael@akersmediagroup.com

Fred Lopez Jamie Robinson PHOTOGRAPHER DIGITAL EDITOR fred@akersmediagroup.com jamie.robinson@akersmediagroup.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS // PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mary Ann DeSantis Fred Hilton Celia Jacobson Pat Jocelyn Katie Lewis

Kathy Porter Brooke Robles Dr. Mark Rothschild Ron Vandevander

SALES // MARKETING

Tim McRae Mike Stegall VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING SENIOR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE tim@akersmediagroup.com mike@akersmediagroup.com

Heidi Ressler David Coté ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE heidi@akersmediagroup.com david@akersmediagroup.com

Melanie Melvin Lynne Kelly DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE melanie@akerscreative.com lynne@akersmediagroup.com

Deb Matlock Aubrey Akers ACCOUNT COORDINATOR ACCOUNT COORDINATOR deb@akerscreative.com aubrey@akersmediagroup.com ADMINISTRATION

Samantha Kurk RECEPTIONIST samantha@akersmediagroup.com DISTRIBUTION

Scott Hegg DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

LAKE & SUMTER STYLE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF

There is no doubt people have become more perceptive and proactive when it comes to making health care choices for themselves. We no longer just accept information without doing some investigation of our own to make the right choices for receiving the best possible outcomes. Which is a good thing.

We noticed this trend several years back when we launched a listing of the area’s Five-Star Physicians in an edition of our sister publication, Healthy Living magazine. The issue was a huge hit. In fact, readers requested additional copies.

For this reason, we decided to take a deeper look into the health care available in Lake and Sumter Counties. This month, we share important information with you to show why it’s a blessing to live in this area, which by all rights could be considered the Health Care Hub of Florida.

Because Central Florida is home to the second largest retirement community in the nation, there has been an ever-increasing demand for superb health care services. The need for skilled physicians who specialize in orthopedics, cardiology, cancer treatment, women’s and men’s special health issues, and much more means residents of Lake and Sumter Counties have access to some of the nation’s finest health care providers.

In this issue, you will find 90 of the area’s Top Docs. Akers Media partnered with Castle Connolly, a national company based in New York City that focuses on helping consumers find the best health care providers in any geographical area. I personally investigated this company to ensure the physicians listed did not pay to be named a top doctor. Castle Connolly begins the process by taking referrals and nominations from the doctor’s peers, and then a physician goes through a rigorous series of reviews that include education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary history.

What if your physician’s name isn’t on the list? Don’t be alarmed, there are thousands of physicians in this area, and if yours is not named, it may simply mean the doctor hasn’t been nominated, or is in the midst of the review process.

For your convenience, this listing will bee available on our Style magazine website, www.lakeandsumterstyle.com, yle.com, for the entire year, and will be updated as physicians are e added.

We hope you enjoy this issue and find the he information we are providing of value.

Until next month,

FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

LEESBURG PARTNERSHIP

LEESBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LAKE EUSTIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUMTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AMERICAN ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION

TAVARES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SOUTH LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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WINNER OF AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style, September 2015. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 Fifth Street, Leesburg, Florida 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2015 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” and “Special Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.

Kendra Akers

Camelot Realty

Since

1998,

Coldwell

Banker

Camelot Realty has been meeting the real estate needs of Lake County residents. Under the ownership of Ray and Karen Levy, the company sets education for their agents as top priority to ensure their customers receive the highest level of service.

Coldwell Banker Camelot prides itself in thinking outside of the box and relies on a high-tech and hightouch approach to keep satisfied customers coming back.

352.735.1010 1898 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora, FL 32757 ColdwellBankerCamelot.com

First Things

f1rst #TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST OUTSTANDING STUDENT

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MILITARY MARVEL Marine widow donates her home to local vet.

See more on page 26.

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First things first // #trending Spotlighting the best of local people, places, and events

GOING TO THE DOGS The Friends of Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont host the first annual Poochapalooza, designed as a day of fun to honor man’s best friend on Sept 19, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Guests can visit vendors and exhibitors as well as take their canine companions on a short trail hike, designed for dogs of all abilities. All dogs must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash and up to date on all vaccinations. For more information, visit www.southlakechamber-fl.com.

Top-Cop Drama Though the city council of Webster voted T against granting the job to Interim 3-2 agains Chief Mark Newby amid rumors Police Ch he was gay, creating a tornado of controversy, the ssituation seems to have died down—for now. Newby recommended Steven G. Greenwood III to replace him as Gr chief of police, polic and Greenwood was acceptcontinues to work in the departed. Newby co deputy chief of police. Mayor Kelly ment as depu offered her support to Newby, Williams of had excellent credentials and stating he h improved the police department, parhas improve the evidence area, she said she ticularly in th with the resolution. “They are is satisfied w excellent job, working well togethdoing an exc improve the police department for er to impro the Webster,” she said. Meanwhile, th he City of W Newby has filed a lawsuit against the city.

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ECOTOURISM ON THE RISE Kn now wn to inclu lude d “see” an and “h heaar” activi v tiees,, tth his yea e r th the Flor Fl orid id da Bl B ac a k Bear ar & Wild Wi ldli life fe Con onse serrvation n Fest Fe s iv st ival all in Um Umat atil i la l willl inc wi clu lude de som me “do o” activitiees, suc u h uc ass: Fr Free e paddleboard d tou urs at Alexand der e Sp priings, a guide ed hike k on the Fl F or orid idaa Trai Tr aill at Clear le e rwa wate terr Lake ke, an and a gu guid i ed ride at Pa aislley y Wood ds Bike Trail. Al All he eld Oct. 10. Forr more i formation an in and d to o regi re gist ster er,, visiit ww er ww. w. umat um atilllaccham cham amber. ro orrg.

CASE CLOSED Assistant State Attorney Mark Simpson, supervisor M of the Public Interest Unit, concluded his investigation co of allegations of Sunshine Law violations by the Mount L Dora City Council. According D to Simpson, the allegations involved the five city council in members discussing a new m assistant city manager position as created specifi cally for Mark cr Reggentin, who was then the R city’s planning and developci ment director, outside a formal m city council meeting, was in vici olation of the Sunshine Law of ol Transparency.

Simpson further Tr states the allegation arose from st each city council member askea ing the same question to two in candidates up for city manager: ca Are you in favor of having an A assistant city manager?

The as fear was they colluded together fe to ask the question. After a thorough interview of everyone th involved, Simpson could not in prove a violation occurred. p

“Claimants get to speculate or assume,” said Simpson. “I cannot do that.” Simpson went on to say he found during his investigation that the creation of an assistant city manager position was discussed previously, so “the idea that it formulated or coalesced out of nothingness is not true.” According to Simpson, each council member said it also was brought up at the April 17 meeting, and members thought it was a good idea. Thus, a violation could not be proven without eyewitnesses of council members gathered in private. “I asked each one of the claimants if they had anybody who heard or overheard conversations take place or saw them together,” said Simpson. “All of the claimants responded no.”

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First things first // #trending Spotlighting the best of local people, places, and events

Welcome!

Terri L. Gordon, Realtor, joins the ERA Grizzard Real Estate team in Mount Dora.

MILITARY MARVEL

The popular Night Owl Caribbean Cuisine food truck has now opened as a restaurant. Owner Richard Wright opened Night Owl Caribbean Restaurant in Eustis, located at 929 Bay Street.

An 85-year-old marine widow and Eustis resident generously donated her home to an injured army veteran she had never met to show her gratitude for his service. Veteran Tommy Travis will receive the Purple Heart for a brain injury he suffered after a grenade hit his Humvee in Iraq, killing two of his friends. The story is featured on the Lifetime TV show, “Designing Spaces: Military Makeovers,” set to air in October. For Travis, his wife, and two daughters, the generosity of the mortgage-free home means an end to continuous relocations and a more stable life.

Landscaper Devin Dodd, who reportedly defrauded residents of The Villages out of more than $10,000, was caught. He allegedly took money up front and did not return to do the work.

Closed for two years, Harper’s Alley has reopened next to 1884 in Eustis. Harper’s Alley was known as the “Best of the Best Bar” in Lake County.

Owners Ken and Trish Hardy plan to reclaim the title with a hip, outdoor venue, 137 different microbrews, and live entertainment Thursdays Saturdays. Located at 24 E Magnolia Avenue.

Tavares Chamber of Commerce rolls out the red carpet for their ninth annual Business of the Year Gala at Lake Receptions, honoring local businesses and Chamber volunteers; Sept. 10, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Olivia’s in Eustis closed.

A sign says “Magnolia Café coming soon.” Speculation has circulated for some time to determine who the new owner is. We have confirmed it is one of the partners of One Flight Up, in Mount Dora.

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Catastrophy Averted Leesburg residents Ron and Dot Gilbert heard meowing coming from their garden.

Upon investigation, they found a kitten trapped in the fence. They freed it, but heard more cries. Unable to locate others, the Gilberts called Lake County Fire

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Rescue. Fire Rescue had to dismantle the fence to reach two more kittens trapped two feet underground, wedged inside a post anchored in cement. Firefighter Valerie Ligi not only rescued the kittens but also adopted one she named Pickles.

JAMES COMBS’ SEPTEMBER

THEHITLIST

_________________________________

1// A 22-YEAR-OLD LEESBURG man won $1 million on a scratch-off lottery ticket.

Hopefully the state won’t be cheap and agree to pay him $1 for the next million years.

2// A YOUNG MAN IN MAINE launched a firework off the top of his head and fatally injured himself. While this is certainly a tragic story, there’s no denying that he went out with a bang.

3// IN MISSOURI, A 60-POUND carp was found lying in a roadside ditch that connects to a lake. Let’s hope the person who spotted the fish won’t try to convince friends that he caught g it usingg a rod and reel. Talk about something smelling fishy.

MISS USA TRUMPED Ay Caramba! Viewership for Miss USA dropped a whopping 83 percent from last year. A mere 925,000 watched the 2015 Miss USA pageant on Reelz according to Nielsen, down from 5.56 million last year. NBC and Univision dropped the Miss Universe pageant after Donald Trump, a part owner of the pageant, made disparaging remarks about Mexican immigrants. Will more come crashing down as the real estate mogul’s house of cards begin the crumble in the wake of the faux pas? e

JJOSH TAKES ON: AAN ADMITTEDLY ASKEW POINT-OF-VIEW FROM THE MIND OF ILLUSTRATOR JOSH CLARK

4// A PENNSYLVANIA MAN was charged with trespassing, public drunkenness, and incident exposure after being caught drinking beer in a hog barn among pigs. You don’t reckon the little oinkers “squealed” on him, do you?

5// A FLORIDA MAN ENTERED a retail store, stuck a golf club down his pants, and fled the scene. Police arrested him later that day. No doubt, this troubled young man is on “par” to lead a troubled life.

6// ALL EMERGENCY SHELTERS in Lake County are pet-friendly. This was a doggone good idea by county officials and a purr-fect solution for pet owners.

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First things first // person of interest

LAST BOOK READ: Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline.

SOMETHING NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT ME: At 53, I ran a marathon. I was an avid runner at the time. Also, I hail from Louisiana, a small town called Houma, just outside New Orleans.

IN FIVE YEARS: I will still be working in Central Florida in the job I have. I love it here. This is where I belong.

PET PEEVE: People who won’t listen. Not to my advice. I mean, while having a conversation, they have to keep talking and they do not hear you. I enjoy conversations that go both ways.

I SPEND A LOT OF TIME: with friends, my children, and grandchildren. I have also been a member of a dragon boat team for the past four years. I am the drummer, keeping the beat for the 20-person team: We Be Dragon, sponsored by Ameriprice, in Tavares. I love it.

CAROLMILLWATER ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Lake County Medical Society is a membership organization of physicians. We Care of Lake County is the philanthropic arm of the Lake County Medical Society. It began 21 years ago in response to a need of services for uninsured adults, in particular specialty services. It operates as a referral service between clinics and volunteer specialists.

We Care also offers Emergency Room

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Diversion, providing services before the situation becomes critical, preventing the need for an expensive emergency room visit. Last year, the value of care was $4 million.

GUILTY PLEASURE: A nice Cabernet with good friends and conversation. My secret guilty pleasure is Mardi Gras.

A LOVE FOR LAKE: I enjoy visiting each lake in the county. I have a strong passion for the water. I am especially drawn to two particular lakes. I drive by Lake Dora almost daily. I also drive by Lake Elsie, in Tavares. My grandmothers’ names were Elsie and Dora.

PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT :Being married 45 years to the love of my life, John.

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

Executive Director of Lake County Medical Society and We Care of Lake County, Inc.

BIG GOALS: I have a very big goal for We Care. We are launching a new medical equipment reclamation program in September called We Share. The program accepts donations of major medical equipment, which is then made available to anyone in need. It is patterned after a program in West Palm, which is mentoring our local program. We Share will be a major benefit to the community.

We have already donated a wheelchair to a 92-year-old woman in need just last week.

FEE-FREE CHECKING ACCOUNTS GREAT DEPOSIT RATES LOW AUTO LOAN RATES BUSINESS ACCOUNTS AND SERVICES BETTER BANKING IS INSIGHT! Offices in Eustis, Leesburg, Clermont and Lady Lake 407.426.6000 • Toll-Free 888.843.8328 • INSIGHTCREDITUNION.COM

Federally Insured by NCUA

First things first // outstanding student Making the grade

FUN FACTS: NIKKI WAS THE Class of 2015 Valedictorian at Adventure Christian Academy. She currently holds a perfect GPA of 4.0, and she has been recognized for multiple Principal’s Awards and Honor roll achievements throughout her high school career.

Nikki is the eldest of six adopted children, as well as the only girl among her siblings.

Nikki can play the guitar, sing and play the piano. She performs music at her church, and she also participates in Pen Florida Youth Fine Arts.

TO MAINTAIN MY GRADES, I don’t follow any specific method. There are no routines or schedules. I just work very hard, and I try to keep in mind that my education should be a top priority.

MY MAIN SOURCE OF MOTIVATION has been my goal to obtain academic scholarships. By studying and earning good grades, I have been able to receive quite a few scholarships to put toward higher education.

I WAS INVOLVED IN 4-H, as well as youth group for my extra-curricular activities.

For 4H, I would show horses and livestock. I have also raised two steers, one of which I brought to show at the Lake County Fair. In my youth group, I am the co-leader of our band, which we call Life Youth band.

I DO LOOK UP TO MY TEACHERS, as well as my parents, my youth pastor, and my senior pastor as role models. These individuals have taught me to strive to do my best and to honor God in everything I do.

NICKNAME: NIKKI / AGE: 18 / GRADE: 12 SCHOOL: ADVENTURE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, TAVARES

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AFTER GRADUATION, I plan to attend LakeSumter State College for two years. I will then transfer to Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla., where I wish to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. My goal for the future is to become an NICU nurse.

IF I WERE TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS, I would tell them, “Try your best even when it gets hard. The work will pay off.”

STORY: CELIA JACOBSON PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

IN SCHOOL I prefer my math courses. I enjoy math because I like to solve problems. I have enjoyed classes with all of my teachers equally though, and I can’t choose just one as my favorite.

OFFERING ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE in LADY LAKE AND THE VILLAGES

• Spacious Apartment-Style Units • Restaurant Style Dining and Pub • Social Activities and Events Including Community Outings • Meticulous Housekeeping and Laundry Service • 24 Hour Nursing Services • Extended Congregate Care (ECC) License • On-Site Therapy Sevices • Transportation For Medical Appointments • Short Term, Furnished “Respite” Stay

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III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

‘DRIVE’ FOR GREATNESS At DeLuca Toyota, innovative businessman Frank DeLuca provides a unique and fun-filled experience for customers waiting on service or contemplating the purchase of a vehicle.

Imagine enjoying delicious lobster crab rolls prepared by professional and experienced chefs.

Afterward, you take a short walk to a salon, where you lie back and feel pampered while receiving a complementary manicure.

You then venture up to the rooftop, where a putting green with artificial grass helps you improve your short game.

Once your putting is up to par, you hook your laptop up to a Wi-Fi workstation so you can answer a few business-related emails.

To unwind from all the excitement, you opt to relax on an ultra comfortable sofa while sipping complimentary coffee and donuts.

This sounds like something you might experience while vacationing at Disney World or staying at the Ritz Carlton.

In reality, all these amenities are offered at DeLuca Toyota, where owner Frank DeLuca has gone above and beyond to rev up the overall customer experience. Customers browsing for a new car or waiting on an oil change will be highly entertained inside the 79,400 square-foot facility, which opened January in Ocala. They’ll feel as though they’ve stepped aboard a luxurious cruise ship or entered a five-star resort.

“Richard Chitty, who is a retired Toyota/ Lexus executive, came to my facility a while

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back,” said Frank, who opened DeLuca Toyota 37 years ago.

“He has visited Toyota and Lexus dealerships throughout the world, and he told me that he has never seen a facility as nice as this one.”

Going full throttle When Frank made the decision to build a new facility, he wanted to create an experience for customers that would leave a memorable and lasting impression. To accomplish that, he realized the need to move well beyond a pot of coffee and box of donuts.

In an effort to make his vision become reality, Frank visited approximately 20 Toyota dealerships

spanning from Chicago to Miami.

“I took lots of pictures and notes during those visits. Then, I took the best ideas, the best floor plans, and the best colors and put everything together.”

All the hard work certainly paid dividends. The facility is brimming with beauty, featuring luxuries typically found in expensive hotels or restaurants. Customers who enter DeLuca Toyota can gaze skyward and see large, eye-catching photographs that beautifully capture Ocala—glassbottom boats gliding down Silver Springs, horses grazing in an open field, and Spanish moss dangling off ancient oak trees.

Beautiful tile flooring with shiny surfaces allow, customers to see the undercarriage of automobiles on display. Granite countertops found throughout the dealership add a touch of elegance. Glasswalled offices symbolize the DeLuca Toyota’s emphasis on openness and transparency.

Pet owners have the unique option of walking their furry friends in an outdoor, fenced-in area equipped with water dishes. There’s also a parts store that resembles a small boutique shop found inside airports. Customers can purchase wheel covers, car cleaners, gift mugs, sunglasses, greeting cards, jewelry, and candy.

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“There are always at least two cashiers so nobody has to wait in line,” Frank said.

The dealership is also home to the ever-popular Mr. D’s Café, where professional chefs Jim and Leslie DuPont serve up a delicious selection of breakfast and lunch items. The couple, who formerly owned a restaurant in Lake Tahoe for seven years, have developed quite a following, especially from residents of The Villages who show up on Fridays for fresh Maine lobster rolls.

Other popular items include Maryland crab cakes, grilled paninis, and chicken and dumplings.

“Food is my passion,” Leslie

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DELUCA MILESTONES • Frank DeLuca was a 2013 national nominee for “Time” magazine Dealer of the Year.

• National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation Ambassador in 2012.

• The dealership also received the Jim Moran Award of Excellence for Outstanding Performance.

• ”Service Above Self” award from the Ocala/Silver Springs Rotary Club in 2003-2004.

• DeLuca Toyota received the prestigious Toyota President’s Award five times running.

• Northwood University Dealer Education award in 2014.

• The dealership received the prestigious JD Power & Associates Certified Retailer Award in 2000.

• Past Dealer Council Representative for Southeast Toyota in 19841985, 1991-1994, 1997-1998, and 2012-2013.

• Past director of the Florida Auto Dealer Association from 1991-1995.

• March of Dimes “In Honor of Excellence Award” in 2011.

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

said. “I leave a notepad by my bed because ideas often come to me in the middle of the night. Jim specializes in seafood and I make eclectic food, so we complement each other very well.”

Frank also built the facility with employee comfort in mind. The service repair department is airconditioned and features 42 service bays, helping to maximize efficiency.

In addition, all mechanics have their own toolbox and computer.

Zooming to success It should come as no surprise that Frank’s dream facility came to fruition. After all, this is the same man who in 1978 opened a Toyota dealership during an era where

simply cannot do everything by yourself. We’ve also adapted with the times. When we first opened there were no computers. We hand-wrote every contract.”

It wasn’t long before his company began growing steadily each year, and Toyota became more of a household name in the automotive industry.

“The success that Toyota has experienced is amazing. I never had a crystal ball, nor am I some sort of forecaster. But today, Toyota sells more vehicles in the U.S. on a regular basis than it does in Japan. And who could’ve imagined that the Toyota Camry would become the bestselling car in America?”

While Toyota’s increasing

when it comes to supporting the local community. Throughout the years, he has donated to organizations such as the American Heart Association, helped raise more than $400,000 as honorary chairperson for the 2009 March for Babies, and donated seven homes for Habitat for Humanity.

He also donated $1 million for renovations of the Frank DeLuca Family Center YMCA. “I am blessed to be able to give back to the community. Without the generous support of the community, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.

Giving back is the right thing to do.”

One big family Frank’s eyes light up like a Christmas tree as he talks about his

care of employees, it’s an awesome feeling,” he said. “I have worked for four Toyota dealerships in my lifetime, and none of them remotely compare to this one. Mr. DeLuca has created an environment where everyone is happy. When you have happy employees, you’re sure to have happy customers.”

Laura Adams, who works in the parts department, is equally passionate about her role at the dealership. In fact, she has purchased five automobiles from DeLuca Toyota.

“The great thing about working here is the people. We all come from different cultures and have different lifestyles, but when we come here to work we communicate

“I am blessed to be able to give back to the community. Without the generous support of the community I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. Giving back is the right thing to do.”

— FRANK DELUCA

Americans were still enthralled with power-packed muscle cars.

Plus, Volkswagen was the largest import, and Toyotas were an unknown commodity.

None of that stopped Frank from opening DeLuca Toyota, which at the time was the only dealership located on S.R. 200 in Ocala.

“All the other dealerships were either downtown or on U.S. Hwy. 441,” Frank said. “We started with 18 employees, and the dealership was located on three acres of property. In the beginning I would work seven days a week and assume the duties of both a janitor and general manager. What’s important is that I surrounded myself with good people. You

popularity certainly helped DeLuca Toyota achieve success, Frank’s steadfast commitment to superior customer service is ultimately what separated his dealership from others.

“Seventy-eight percent of our customers are repeat customers, and we’ve been serving three generations of customers,” Frank said. “I try to personally thank each and every customer who purchases a car here. I have an open-door policy, and my salespeople know they can interrupt me if I’m in my office so I can thank the customer.

Customers are the most important part of a successful dealership, and we strive to treat each one like an honored guest in our home.”

Frank also has a generous heart

hardworking, dedicated group of 178 employees. Many have worked at the dealership for decades, creating a close-knit atmosphere and family-like work environment.

One of them is Vera Sandiford, fixed operations manager, who has been part of the DeLuca team for 36 years.

“I love working here because if anyone is ever experiencing a crisis we pull together and help each other out,” Vera said. “It’s like working together with brothers and sisters. We love one another.”

Shop foreman Ron Adams has worked at DeLuca Toyota since 1996. He echoes Vera’s sentiments.

“When upper management is taking care of business and taking

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

efficiently, help each other, and become a well-oiled machine. And at the end of the day, we all realize customers are the most important component to this company.”

Those words are music to Frank’s ears. While he is rightfully proud of the new state-of-the-art facility, he realizes that old-fashioned customer service is what will ultimately help his dealership continue operating at full speed. ________________________________

FOR MORE INFORMATION

DELUCA TOYOTA 1719 SW College Rd, Ocala 888.856.4542 delucatoyota.com

com

Welcome to Medicom, the elite medical community created by the exceptional health care offered in Lake and Sumter Counties. Like Silicon Valley, the technology hub of the nation, this area has received nationwide recognition as a health care hub. The Lake County motto is “Real Florida, real close,” the same could be said of health care services—Real health care, real close.

STORY: JOHN SOTOMAYOR

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Gainesville

Ocala

Orlando

Tampa

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The complexity of urban development often begins with a simple yet brilliant idea from a single person, and then grows through collaboration. In Lake County, the idea was to re-establish itself as a community committed to health and wellness. According to Dr. James Ray, an orthopedic surgeon currently with Nu Works who worked in the South Lake area since 1992, South Lake began its transition with the vision of two men—CEO of Orlando Health, John Kellermeier, and Vice President of Orlando Health, Shannon Elswick.

Both men shared the vision of establishing a wellness program in central Florida. Together, they came up with a concept for a sports training facility.

Meanwhile, South Lake Hospital, a community hospital established in 1947, prepared to build a new, larger facility in Clermont. Kellermeier and Elswick saw this as a great opportunity and invited South Lake Hospital to partner with Orlando Regional Healthcare System, now called Orlando Health, in 1995. Together, they collaborated with South Lake Hospital administration, physicians and USA Triathlon to establish the National Training Center, a world-class sports complex capable of training elite athletes—primarily triathletes, runners, cyclists, and swimmers. The National Training Center opened in 2001, on the South Lake Hospital campus in Clermont.

Almost simultaneously, to the north, developer Harold Schwartz bought large tracts of land in the northeast portion of Sumter County and southeast corner of Marion County to continue expansion of his holdings in the northwestern corner of Lake County.

Together with his son, H. Gary Morse, they envisioned a super-community for active seniors, having seen the success of other communities like Del Webb’s Sun City, offering even grander amenities and services to the residents of their previous development in the same location, Orange Blossom

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DID YOU KNOW? “Silicon Valley” became the nickname for Santa Clara Valley after writer Don Hoefler used it within the title of a series of articles for a weekly trade newspaper, Electronic News, published as “Silicon Valley in the USA” in 1971. Hoefler interviewed his friend, Ralph Vaerst, a local entrepreneur and the originator the phrase. Vaerst substituted the word “silicon,” the silicon chip being the major manufactured product in the area at the time.

Gardens. Morse officially changed the name of the enhanced development in 1992 to The Villages.

Incredibly, The Villages community population skyrocketed from 8,333 in 2000 to 51,442 in 2010. Since then, the community more than doubled in size. According to the U.S. Census, approximately 114,350 people now call The Villages home. A wave of medical businesses, both traditional and alternative, followed. The impact is evident. The Villages recently changed their slogan from “America’s Friendliest Hometown” to “America’s Healthiest Hometown.”

With heath care establishments developing in the north and south, Lake and Sumter Counties were in prime position to develop as a health care hub. We have seen this phenomenon happen before, and it dramatically altered the identity and financial significance of the area where it occurred.

Silicon Valley, in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay area, is home to the majority of the world’s major high-tech corporations and to thousands of tech startup companies.

Several factors came together so that Silicon Valley could become the tech hub it is today. Local universities, like Stanford and Berkeley provided the educated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) talent pool. Local industrial innovation attracted tech companies like Hewlett-Packard, Bell Telephone Laboratories, and Xerox PARC from 1955–1985. The semi-conductor and silicon transistor technology that followed attracted military interest and lucrative U.S. Department of Defense contracts. In the early 1970s, venture capitalists were attracted by the prospect of making millions in commercial use. Several venture capitalists beginning with Kleiner Parkins set up on Sand Hill Road. The availability of venture capital exploded in 1980, with the successful IPO of Apple Computer for $1.3 billion.

The Silicon Valley tech hub was born from the perfect blend of available educated workforce, local tech business industry, and an influx of available capital from government and private interests. A similar combination is blending in Lake and Sumter Counties to create a world-class health care hub.

Ours is a medical community. Welcome to Medicom.

HIGHWAY TO HEALTH Lake and Sumter Counties are at the center of four major cities and towns that are significant health care providers: Gainesville and Ocala to the north,

(Clockwise from top left): Florida Hospital Waterman; The Villages Regional Hospital; South Lake Hospital; and Leesburg Regional Medical Center.

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Orlando to the south, and Tampa to the west. The proximity contributes to the fundamental reasons why LakeSumter area is ideally positioned as a health care hub. They are close enough to provide information on the latest medical and health care advancements as well as talent, but still far enough that residents prefer closer services.

Lake-Sumter residents are essentially living on a corridor of health care opportunity and access.

U.S. Highway 441 passes directly and indirectly through all four hospitals in Lake County. From the north, it passes The Villages Regional Medical Center, plus rows of medical businesses that mushroomed off the highway around The Villages. As it passes through Leesburg, it connects with Dixie Avenue, which bypasses to Leesburg Regional Medical Center. Return to Highway 441, past Leesburg Animal Center and Lake Regional Urgent Care toward Tavares. Highway 441 passes right by Florida Hospital Waterman on 1000 Waterman Way. To reach South Florida Hospital in Clermont, turn off Highway 441 in Leesburg onto Highway 27 to Highway 50. The hospital is a mile and a half away.

With The Villages—America’s Healthiest Hometown—to the north, and South Lake Hospital with the National Training Center and LiveWell Fitness Center in Clermont—recently

rebranded to “The Choice of Champions”—to the south, it is fair to say geography had a big impact on the development of our medical community.

So does the environment. There are more than a thousand lakes in Lake County, which means the population is attracted to activities on the water.

Swimming, water-skiing, and paddleboarding are common. The Florida landscape lends itself to an active life-

style, such as hiking, biking, running, and golf.

“Geographically, there is a natural tendency to want to be physical, and that translated to the need for a health care program that would allow people that lifestyle,” said Kim Couch, Manager of Community Relations for South Lake Hospital.

Many of the hospitals and wellness centers are collaborating with

WHY I CHOSE TO PRACTICE IN LAKE/SUMTER: “Our Urgent Care Centers selected The Villages and Leesburg areas to provide services for an oversized population in need.”

— DR. GREGORY KRIVONYAK, Medical Director of Occupational Health Services, Central Florida Health Alliance servicing The Villages and Leesburg Regional Medical Centers

“I was an associate orthopedic surgeon, on my way to interview at the University of Florida, for a similar job. I chose to stay in Clermont because I was familiar with it, as I was an orthopedic resident at Orlando Regional in the early 80’s.”

— DR. JAMES M. RAY, Orthopedic Surgeon at Nu Works

SKYTOP VIEW REHABILITATION CENTER :H UHSDLU NQHHV UHSODFH KLSV DQG À[ URWDWRU FXIIV %XW ZKDW KDSSHQV DIWHU VXUJHU\ LV MXVW DV LPSRUWDQW South Lake Hospital now offers short-term rehabilitation with a focus on orthopedics.

With an elegant and soothing atmosphere featuring private patient rooms, a dedicated rehabilitation clinic and amenities including a restaurant-style kitchen and outdoor mobility garden, it’s no wonder SkyTop View Rehabilitation Center is becoming the obvious choice for physicians and patients alike.

VISIT

SOUTHLAKEHOSPITAL.COM/ORTHOPEDICS TO LEARN MORE.

SKYTOP VIEW REHABILITATION CENTER 2145 N. DON WICKHAM DRIVE CLERMONT, FL 34711 352.536.8787

local schools to build their talent base. Among them is South Florida Hospital.

“We partnered with Lake-Sumter State College and local Lake County schools this fall launching a health and wellness collegiate academy,” said Couch. Incoming high school freshman apply for the program, then enroll.

The program is focused on the health care field—science and technology.

“The goal is to mold our local talent to remain in our community when they graduate,” she added. Upon graduation, they have a high school degree and an associate’s degree in health and wellness.

According to Vicky Mansavage, a consultant for the Regenerative Medicine Institute in The Villages, Central Florida provides other incentives for advances in technology and medicine, particularly financial ones.

“We have better tax laws,” Mansavage said, adding that state tax is designed to lower health care cost. That makes Florida a less expensive place to start up a company.

Looking back on the ingredients for Santa Clara Valley in San Francisco to recreate itself as Silicon Valley: foundation, demand, talent pool, and financial incentives, it is easy to see how Lake-Sumter contains the essential components needed to transition as a health care hub. You have a health

WWHY I CHOSE TO PRACTICE IN LAKE/SUMTER: “I selected The Villages because I he many positive things about heard it, how fast it was growing. I realize these were outgoing, active ized pe people.

They were into health an wellness and open to trying and ne things.” new

“One of the main reasons was seeing how active and openminded they are in The Villages.

We thought it would be a perfect location to offer a clinic that specializes in well-being, not just pain management.”

— REBECCA JAMES, Owner of The Salt Room

— VICKY MANSAVAGE, Consultant for Regenerative Medicine Institute of The Villages

“We chose this area because people who move here are committed to maintaining their health and staying active. We have the ability to help them do that, in ways no one else can.”

— DR. BILL ROWLAND, Founder and CEO of E-Med (Energy Medical)

1585 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite B, The Villages tricountypodiatry.net // 352.259.1919 MEDICAL & SURGICAL TREATMENT OF: • Bunions and Hammertoes • Corns • Morton’s Neuromas • Ingrown Nails and Warts • Heel and Arch Pain • Thick, Painful Toenails • Foot Injuries • Diabetic & Geriatric Foot Care • Sports Medicine • Orthotics • Diabetic Shoes • Numbness/Tingling of Feet

FOOTC A R E F OR PE OPL E OF A L L AG E S W I T H AC T I V E LIFEST Y LES.

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conscious foundation, a population that demands it, the educated pool to execute it, and the financial incentives to nurture both startups and national attractions, like the National Training Center.

EVERYTHING RIGHT, HERE Residents can feel confident all their health care needs can be met here in Lake-Sumter. They run from the traditional to the alternative.

Each of the four hospitals offer specialties, for which they are internationally revered. The Villages Regional Hospital is affiliated with the worldrenowned Moffitt Cancer Center.

“It is a unique partnership with the Moffitt Cancer Center that adds that extra layer of confidence. Patients know we are making investments so they can receive the best care without having to leave their community,” said Frank Faust, administrative director of marketing and public relations, Central Florida Healthcare Alliance, which includes both The Villages and Leesburg Regional Medical Centers.

In addition, TVRH offers the stateof-the-art da Vinci Surgical System, an effective robotic minimally invasive alternative to open surgery and laparoscopy. Leesburg Regional Medical Center has the Primary Stroke Center and the Urgent Care Center.

BY THE NUMBERS NUMBER OF ER VISITS PER YEAR AT FLORIDA HOSPITAL WATERMAN:

60,000 NUMBER OF SQUARE FEET THAT MAKE UP THE NATIONAL FITNESS CENTER:

37,000 NUMBER OF LAKE-SUMTER EMS SATELLITE STATIONS:

22 93% 31% 78% 29%

ACCESS TO EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES IN LAKE COUNTY:

ADULT OBESITY IN LAKE COUNTY:

ACCESS TO EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES IN SUMTER COUNTY:

ADULT OBESITY IN SUMTER COUNTY:

[SOURCES: 2009 LAKE AND SUMTER COUNTIES: FLORIDA’S HEARTLAND, PUBLISHED BY LAKE-SUMTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE; COUNTYHEALTHRANKING.ORG]

Florida Hospital Waterman has the Cancer Institute, the Joint Replacement Center, and the Women and Children Center. “Our Cancer Institute has been one of the busiest in the region for quite some time,” said Steve Jenkins, director of marketing and communications. “We offer a full range of services based around oncology; we have been on the cutting-edge of some of the newest technology, and services available for cancer treatment.”

The program of particular note is the MAKOplasty robotic partial knee resurfacing, offered at the Joint Replacement Center, led by Dr. John Radnothy, a board certified orthopedic surgeon. The specialized implant offers a revolutionary FDA-approved method toward total knee replacement, retaining all of the original ligaments, thus the best option for long-lasting pain relief.

In addition to their world-class National Fitness Center and LiveWell Fitness Center, South Lake Hospital is revered for its Wound Care Center. The center introduced a pair of hyperbaric chambers that provide deep-dive oxygen therapy—the first of their kind in South Lake.

South Lake Hospital offers its own specialized robotic microsurgery, also utilizing the da Vinci Surgical System in what they call the PUR Clinic. In this case, for urology.

WHY I CHOSE TO PRACTICE IN LAKE/SUMTER:

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“The reasons we built the Regenerative Medicine Institute here in The Villages are a small but powerful population, and Baby Boomers are the prime candidates to benefit from regenerative therapy.”

“I chose to practice here because of the commitment from the hospital and community to provide the best medical care and technology and their commitment to health and wellness, not just locally, but nationally.”

— GREG MURPHY, Patient Relations, Regenerative Medicine Institute of The Villages

— DR. JAMIN BRAHMBHATT, Urologist at South Lake Hospital and Cofounder of Drive for Men’s Health.

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“We have one of the best robotic microsurgery programs for male infertility and chronic groin and testicular pain,” said Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt.

“Half of our patients come from outside the area. Because of that, we are sort of a medical tourism destination for the management of these chronic problems.”

Dr. Brahmbhatt commends South Lake Hospital for its innovative practices. “I was courted by several different hospitals, yet none offered what we were offered here. We are outof-the-box thinkers, and are experts in our fields in terms of robotic microsurgery.”

Lake and Sumter are also known for their noteworthy innovative alternative medicines. The Salt Room is a wellness spa that uses salt therapy for esoteric health. Owner Rebecca James had her own reasons to believe in the treatment and open her spa.

“I had a two-year-old son at the time who suffered from several respiratory problems,” James said. “He had severe allergies. They tried to put him on nebulizers, and other forms of medication. As a mother, I did not want them to do that because of the side effects.

He was so little.” Her business partner, Ashley, opened up her spa and advised James to bring her son. “I did, and he responded,” she said.

James found a spa expert who believed in the benefits of salt therapy, which originated in the salt mines in Estonia. She learned everything she needed to know about the therapy to open her business and selected The Villages because the people she encountered desired the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and were open to new and innovative ideas. Others found similar appeal throughout the county for their latest medical innovations.

Bill Rowland is the founder and CEO of E-Med (Energy Medicine). His team treated the elite of professional sports with electric medicine for over

LAKE-SUMTER HEALTH CARE FACTS: In 1992, Florida Hospital Waterman merged with Adventist Health System, joining a worldwide network of advanced technology and services.

South Lake Hospital is the second largest employer in South Lake County.

The Villages Regional Medical Center has one of the world’s first Ambient Light Catheter Labs and cutting-edge Telsa3 MRI. [SOURCE: 2009 LAKE AND SUMTER COUNTIES: FLORIDA’S HEARTLAND, PUBLISHED BY LAKE-SUMTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE]

Lake County is ranked the #16 county in Florida in Overall Health Sumter County is ranked the #7 county in Florida in Overall Health [SOURCE: COUNTYHEALTHRANKING.ORG]

30 years. The primary focus is to eliminate pain if nothing else works. That is done through electrical technology.

“Our whole body runs on electricity, and whenever there is personal pain, injury or disease, there is always an interruption of the electrical properties of the tissue,” said Rowland.

Machines analyze it and respond with the exact signal necessary to bring the tissue back to its normal condition.

In that normal condition, the body has an amazing ability to heal itself.

“We are now using this technology that was once reserved as a secret weapon in the backroom for professional sports teams—and introducing it to the general public,” Rowland said.

“Here in Clermont, amniotic fluid flow therapy is the next level of science in tissue and cellular technology that can help with the management of diseases,” said Dr. Ray. He recalled the case of a university soccer player with a meniscal tear documented with a MRI that was treated with amniotic fluid. The follow-up MRI demonstrated the healing of the tear. The radiologist who read the first MRI read the second and commented on the healing of the tear, but felt the patient must have had interim surgery.

“Needless to say mom and patient are happy,” said Dr. Ray. The Regenerative Medicine Institute also provides amniotic treatment regulated by the FDA for soft tissue defects and general pain for conditions such as tendinitis and epicondylitis. “It will not heal neurological disorders,” said Mansavage.

“There will always be instances where people will need specialists and leave their community to get a certain specialty,” said Faust. “But as our offerings grow, patients can fortunately stay home and not travel, which can be an added financial burden to those who do.”

LAKE OB-GYN ASSOCIATES OF MID-FLORIDA, LLC

Dr. Michelle Wood

Dr. Douglas Moffett

Dr. Alfred Moffett

Dr. Kaitlin Lee

Dr. Lauren Britt

We are accepting new patients. If you would like to schedule an appointment at either the Leesburg or Villages location, contact us at: LEESBURG 601 E Dixie Ave., Medical Plaza #401 Leesburg, FL 34748 // 352.787.1535

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THE VILLAGES 1400 US Hwy. 441 N, Bldg. #950 The Villages, FL 32159 // 352.259.5649

www.leesburgobgyn.com I lakeandsumter

.com

TREATING CANCER WITH EXPERT CARE

3509 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162 in the Southern Trace Plaza 352.391.1334

Dr. Herman Flink Radiation Oncologist Double Board-Certified in both Radiation Oncology and Radiology by The American Board of Radiology

Delivery not available in all areas. EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS® & Design and all other marks noted are trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. ©2013 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

InterCommunity Cancer Center has come together for coordinated cancer care at a single location in our Lady Lake, Florida, facility. Leading Radiation Oncologist Dr. Herman Flink, has cared for patients in the Leesburg community for several decades and will continue to provide cancer care at the Lady Lake location, just a few minutes from Leesburg.

Coming together at one location allows us to provide even more options for advanced technology to you, our patients.

InterCommunity Cancer Center will continue to provide evidence-based, radiation therapy treatment ensuring the use of best practice guidelines in our patients’ cancer treatment.

Together we can provide powerful outcomes for you.

Quality, Personalized Cancer Care In Our Community 922 Rolling Acres Road | Lady Lake, FL 32159 855.403.2519 www.icccvantage.com

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The Villages Facelift Specialist You Can Trust Surgical or Non-Surgical.

Don’t settle for less.

Results are typical and do vary.

Dr. Rich Castellano is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon as seen on:

Results are typical and do vary.

YOU’RE INVITED! LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE

Free ImageLift seminars are being held at the following locations in September and October. Meet the doctor and enjoy free food, books, *drawings and door prizes. *RAFFLE DRAWINGS AWARD FREE FILLER TREATMENTS, A $1200 VALUE!

FREE IMAGELIFT BOOK for first 20 callers!

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September 8th September 15th October 6th October 20th October 27th

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Dr. Castellano

THE VILLAGES // 8630 East County Road 466 877.346.2435 // www.IMAGELIFT.com

CHOOSING A DOCTOR IS A VERY PERSONAL DECISION. PEOPLE NO LONGER DEPEND ON THE WORD OF FRIENDS OR SIMPLY SELECT A NEIGHBORHOOD PHYSICIAN. WITH THE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION AND THE EMPHASIS ON QUALITY OF CARE, CHOOSING A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IS A KEY DECISION. THIS LIST INCLUDES THE 90 TOP DOCTORS IN THIS AREA WHO UNDERWENT AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THEIR EDUCATION, TRAINING, HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS, AND DISCIPLINARY HISTORY. Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is a healthcare research and information company founded in 1991 by a former medical college board chairman and president to help guide consumers to America’s top doctors and top hospitals. Castle Connolly’s established nomination survey, research, screening and selection process, under the direction of an MD, involves many hundreds of thousands of physicians as well as academic medical centers, specialty hospitals and regional and community hospitals all across the nation.

Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers follows a rigorous screening process to select top doctors on both the national and regional levels. Its online nominations process — located at www.castleconnolly.com/nominations — is open to all licensed physicians in America who are able to nominate physicians in any medical specialty and in any part of the country, as well as indicate whether the nominated physicians is, in their opinion, among the best in their region in their medical specialty or among the best in the nation in their medical specialty. Careful screening of doctors’ educational and professional experience is essential before final selection is made among those physicians most highly regarded by their peers. The result — we identify the top doctors in America and provide you, the consumer, with detailed information about their education, training and special expertise in our paperback guides, national and regional magazine “Top Doctors” features and online directories. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected and profiled as Castle Connolly Top Doctors. Physicians selected for inclusion in this magazine’s “Top Doctors” feature may also appear as Regional Top Doctors online at www.castleconnolly.com, or in a Castle Connolly Top Doctors® guide, such as America’s Top Doctors® or America’s Top Doctors® for Cancer.

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

JOHNSON, THOMAS L., II

RIEDERS, DANIEL E.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

Ocala Regional Medical Center West Marion Community Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Allergy & Asthma Care of Florida 1740 SE 18th St, Ste. 1002 Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.622.1126

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Heart Rhythm Associates 47 SW 17th St, Ste. A Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.620.2036

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Asthma & Allergy, Sinusitis SHEN, THOMAS J. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center 8245 County Rd 44, Leg A, Ste. 1 Leesburg, FL 34788 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.314.2929 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Asthma & Allergy, Immune Deficiency, Eczema, Urticaria STE.WART, GEORGE E., II HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center Ocala Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Allergy & Asthma Care of Florida 1740 SE 18th St, Ste. 1002 Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.622.1126 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Asthma & Allergy, Rhinitis, Immune Deficiency

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE COUTURIER, GEORG J.

LESMES, J. HENRY

ROTHSCHILD, MARK A.

ORAEDU, CHRISTIAN O.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER M

Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Heart of the Villages 1149 Main St The Villages, FL 32159 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.674.2080

Munroe Regional Medical Center Ocala Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

Cardiovascular Assocs of Lake County 1879 Nightingale Lane, Ste. C-1 Tavares, FL 32778 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.742.1171 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Coronary Artery Disease, Cholesterol/ Lipid Disorders, Cardiac Catheterization, Arrhythmias, Pacemakers, Atrial Fibrillation

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Heart of the Villages 1149 Main St The Villages, FL 32159 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.674.2080 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Echocardiography, Cardiac Imaging, Cardiac Stress Testing, Heart Disease HERMAN, ROBERT L. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

West Marion Community Hospital Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida 2111 SW 20th Place Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.622.4251

LONDON, JAMES F. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center Ocala Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Family Medical Center 2230 SW 19th Ave. Rd. Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.237.4133 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Non-Invasive Cardiology MIHYU, MARWAN M. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Florida Heart & Vascular Multi-Specialty Group 511 Medical Plaza Drive, Ste. 101 Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.728.6808

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Pacemakers, Non-Invasive Cardiology

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Cardiac Stress Testing, Cardiac Catheterization

PRIMARY ADDRESS

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Non-Invasive Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology, Echocardiography, Coronary Artery Disease

CHILD NEUROLOGY NWAUBANI, ARTHUR E.

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY BHATIA, MANOJ HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Surgical Consultants of Central Florida 1830 SE 18th Ave., Ste. 3 Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.690.6000 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Colon & Rectal Cancer & Surgery, Varicose Veins, Hemorrhoids, Diverticulitis

DERMATOLOGY

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Medical Imaging 801 E Dixie Ave., Ste. 104 Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.787.5858 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Musculoskeletal Imaging KELLER, CATHRINE E. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

ALLYN, DAVID L.

Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman South Lake Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER F

Child Neurology & Epilepsy Center 312 S Lake St. Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.431.3600

PRIMARY ADDRESS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Aesthetic Dermatology 210 N Highway 27, Ste. 1 Clermont, FL 34711 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.243.2544

Lake Medical Imaging 801 E Dixie Ave., Ste. 104 Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.787.5858

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders

Skin Cancer & Moles, Cosmetic Dermatology

PRIMARY ADDRESS

COLON & RECTAL SURGERY LANDMANN, DWIGHT D. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center Ocala Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Surgical Associates 1541 SW 1st Ave., Ste. 105 Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.622.8152

ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES & METABOLISM

POWELL, STE.VEN T. TITLE MD GENDER M

JACOB, SINDHU S. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

South Lake Hospital TITLE MD GENDER F

PRIMARY ADDRESS

2910 SE 3rd Ct, Ste. A Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.732.0339

PRIMARY ADDRESS

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Skin Cancer, Mohs Surgery, Acne & Rosacea

South Lake Endocrinology 2080 Oakley Seaver Drive, Ste. 110 Clermont, FL 34711 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.536.8644 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Colon & Rectal Cancer & Surgery, Anorectal Disorders

September 20 15

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ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES & METABOLISM MERSEY, JAMES H. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

The Villages Health Specialty Care Center 1400 US Highway 441 N, Ste. 810 The Villages, FL 32159 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.674.8700 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Diabetes,Thyroid Disorders,Hypertension

STABLER, JOHN BRENT

WHERE DOES THE OLD ADAGE, “AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY” COME FROM?

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

IT ORIGINATED IN WALES. A VARIATION FROM A PEMBROKESHIRE PROVERB AS PUBLISHED IN THE FEBRUARY 1866 EDITION OF NOTES AND QUERIES MAGAZINE, “EAT AN APPLE ON GOING TO BED, AND YOU’LL KEEP THE DOCTOR FROM EARNING HIS BREAD.” IT LATER EVOLVED IN THE 20TH CENTURY TO, “AN APPLE A DAY, NO DOCTOR TO PAY” THEN TO, “AN APPLE A DAY SENDS THE DOCTOR AWAY.” THE MODERN VERSION WAS FIRST RECORDED IN 1922.

PRIMARY ADDRESS

The Villages Health Belleview Care Center 5051 SE 110th St. Belleview, FL 34420 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.674.1730

ALBRIGHT, DAVID A. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center West Marion Community Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

2203 SE 3rd Ave. Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.622.2477 LARA, CARLOS E. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center West Marion Community Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

West Marion Family Practice 8599 SW Highway 200 Ocala, FL 34481 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.861.0043

VAN ELDIK, RICHARD B.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

FAVIS, WEENA CHUA

Ocala Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

The Villages Health Belleview Care Center 5051 SE 110th St. Belleview, FL 34420 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.674.1730 WAGNER, KURT B. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Primary Care Assocs 1749 David Walker Drive Tavares, FL 32778 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.742.1760

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Crohn’s, Endoscopy & Colonoscopy

Preventive Medicine

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Lake Prime Care 33041 Professional Drive, Ste. 101 Leesburg, FL 34788 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.365.1224

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY BITTL, JOHN A. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

CONTI, ANDREW HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Munroe Regional Med Center, Munroe Heart 125 SW 11th St. Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.351.7206 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Cardiac Catheterization, Angiography & Stent Placement, Coronary Artery Disease

PRIMARY ADDRESS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

The Villages Regional Hospital Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD/PhD GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Munroe Regional Med Center, Munroe Heart 125 SW 11th St Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.351.7206 Coronary Angioplasty/ Stents, Renal Artery Stenosis, Cardiac Catheterization LEW, DAVID C. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Florida Heart & Vascular Multi-Specialty Group 511 Medical Plaza Drive, Ste. 101 Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.728.6808 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Cardiac & Vascular Consultants 1050 Old Camp Rd, Ste. 270 The Villages, FL 32162 COUNTY Sumter PHONE 352.633.1966 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Peripheral Vascular Disease, Invasive Cardiology, Angiography & Ste.nt Placement

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY BERGER, MAURY B. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Peripheral Vascular Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Cardiac Catheterization

Florida Cancer Affiliates 433 SW 10th St Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.732.4032

SANTOIAN, EDWARD C.

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD/PhD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Munroe Regional Med Center, Munroe Heart 125 SW 11th St. Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.351.7206 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Peripheral Vascular Disease, Coronary Angioplasty/Ste.nts

Lung Cancer, Hematologic Malignancies CARTWRIGHT, THOMAS H. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Oncology Center 433 SW 10th St. Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.732.4032 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Gastrointestinal Cancer

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Nutrition, Endoscopy & Colonoscopy

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PRIMARY ADDRESS

1400 US Highway 441 N Bldg. 910, Ste. 912 The Villages, FL 32159 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.750.1277

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER F

Gastroenterology Associates Of Ocala 1901 SE 18th Ave., Ste. 400 Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.732.8905

PRIMARY ADDRESS

GABRIEL, NEHME

Gastroenterology & Nutrition Central FL 822 Perkins St. Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.315.4111

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UPADYA, SHRIKANTH

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

STEED, JAMES DAVID, JR.

PRIMARY ADDRESS

FAMILY MEDICINE

FELDMAN, ROBERT L.

.com

HUSSEIN, MAEN A. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

NWAKOBY, IZUCHUKWU E.

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Kidney Group 2980 SE 3rd Ct. Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.622.4231

Florida Cancer Specialists 110 North Blvd. E Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.323.8022

Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer

Kidney Disease-Chronic, Nephrotic Syndrome, Dialysis Care

NEPHROLOGY

VAGHELA, MAHESH K.

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

NEUROLOGY CHOUDHRY, MOHAMMAD A.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE SERAFINI, ANTON

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Neurology Institute of Central Florida 26218 US Highway 27, Ste. 105 Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.323.1758

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Medical Imaging 801 E Dixie Ave., Ste. 104 Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.787.5858

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

AHMED, ADNAN HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

South Lake Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Kidney & Hypertension Specialists of Central Florida 306 Mohawk Rd. Clermont, FL 34715 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.394.1361

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Kidney Group 2980 SE 3rd Ct. Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.622.4231 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Kidney Failure, Transplant Medicine-Kidney

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Hypertension, Kidney Disease-Chronic, Kidney Failure-Acute, Polycystic Kidney Disease

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY HILL, MICHAEL G.

Neuromuscular Disorders,Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY KERPSACK, JOSEPH T. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

IT TAKES AN INTERACTION OF

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DIFFERENT MUSCLES TO PRODUCE HUMAN SPEECH. SOURCE: HEALTH.ABC4.COM/ARTICLES/332/ 13-RANDOM-HEALTH-FACTS-YOU-NEVER-KNEW

South Lake Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

South Lake Obstetrics & Gynecology 1900 Don Wickham Drive, Ste. 120 Clermont, FL 34711 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.366.0381 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Menstrual Disorders, Endometriosis, Women’s Health

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

MENESES-TAYLOR, RUTH HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER F PRIMARY ADDRESS

Center for Disease of the Kidney & Hypertension 611 W Dixie Ave. Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.323.0044 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Hypertension,Diabetes, Kidney Disease-Chronic, Kidney Failure

MANN, RICHARD C., JR

Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

RUBIN, JAY J.

PRIMARY ADDRESS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Lake County Neurosurgical & Spinal Institute 704 Doctors Court, Ste. 101 Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.728.3252

Ocala Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Brain & Spinal Surgery

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

NeuroHealth 2685 SW 32nd Place, Ste. 100 Ocala, FL 34474 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.732.9643 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Neuromuscular Disorders, Pain-Chronic, Sleep Disorders

Ocala Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Gynecology Associates 1500 SE 17th St..

Bldg. 200 Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.351.0060 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Incontinence, Menopause Problems, Gynecology Only

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

WHERE DOES THE OLD ADAGE, “LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE” COME FROM?

OPHTHALMOLOGY

MOFFETT, ALFRED H., JR.

FISHMAN, CRAIG D.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Total Eye Care Center 640 S Lake St. Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.728.1717

Lake OB-GYN Associates of Mid-Florida 601 E Dixie Ave., Ste. 401 Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.787.1535 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Menopause Problems, Osteoporosis, Hormonal Disorders

PRIMARY ADDRESS

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma, Eyelid Surgery GOLDEY, STACIA H. TITLE MD GENDER F

PILLOW, STE.VEN E.

PRIMARY ADDRESS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Mid Florida Eye Center 17560 US Highway 441 Mount Dora, FL 32757 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.735.2020

Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Obstetrics & Gynecology 18450 US Highway 441 Mount Dora, FL 32757 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.383.4966

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Oculoplastic & Orbital Surgery, Cosmetic SurgeryEyes, Botox Therapy, Eyelid Surgery

THE OLD ADAGE IS ACTUALLY A PROVERB FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON, WHICH CONTENDS THAT LAUGHTER PRODUCES A CHEMICAL REACTION IN THE BODY THAT RELIEVES STRESS, THUS IMPROVING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH. THE BIBLE SAYS LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE, BUT NOT THE BEST. PROVERBS 17:22 “A MERRY HEART DOETH GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE: BUT A BROKEN SPIRIT DRIETH THE BONES.” ECCLESIASTES 7:3 “SORROW IS BETTER THAN LAUGHTER: FOR BY THE SADNESS OF THE COUNTENANCE THE HEART IS MADE BETTER.”

Uro-Gynecology, Laparoscopic Surgery, Pelvic Reconstruction, Menstrual Disorders

PRIMARY ADDRESS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

1804 Oakley Seaver Drive, Ste. B Clermont, FL 34711 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.243.8704

Lake Eye Associates 3310 Waterman Way Tavares, FL 32778 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.343.2020

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Cataract Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease/Retinopathy, Botox Therapy, Laser Surgery

Cornea & External Eye Disease, Cornea Transplant, Refractive Surgery

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

PENNACHIO, MICHAEL P. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Citrus Memorial Hospital TITLE MD/PhD GENDER M

Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Retina Specialty Institute 1400 US Highway 441, Ste. 532 The Villages, FL 32159 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.484.1171

Total Eye Care Center 640 S Lake St. Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.728.1717

Ocala Eye 3130 SW 32nd Ave. Ocala, FL 34474 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.622.5183

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Cataract Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease/Retinopathy

MORRIS, H. MICHAEL

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Eye 3130 SW 32nd Ave. Ocala, FL 34474 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.622.5183 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Glaucoma,Cataract Surgery, Anterior Segment Surgery

.com

Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER M

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

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HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

South Lake Hospital TITLE MD GENDER F

KAUSHAL, SHALESH

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

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WEHRLY, SCOTT R.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

WARREN, RICHARD C. TITLE MD GENDER M

Retina/Vitreous Surgery, Retinal Disorders-Inherited, Macular Disease/ Degeneration

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

TOPPINO, MAYSSA A.

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Oculoplastic Surgery, Eyelid Surgery, Laser Surgery

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

SHERIDAN, JEFFREY A. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Total Eye Care Center 640 S Lake St. Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.728.1717 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Cataract Surgery, Eyelid Surgery, Eyelid Cancer & Reconstruction

“DECLARE THE PAST, DIAGNOSE THE PRESENT, FORETELL THE FUTURE.” — HIPPOCRATES (REFERRED TO AS THE “FATHER OF WESTERN MEDICINE”)

ETHIER, DAVID B. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages Regional Hospital Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

The Villages Health Specialty Care Center 1400 US Highway 441 N, Ste. 810 The Villages, FL 32159 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.674.8731 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sports Medicine, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Hip & Knee Surgery LUCAS, DAVID H. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Sports Medicine Institute 2020 Oakley Seaver Drive Clermont, FL 34711 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.242.0404 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Hip & Knee Reconstruction

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A SHORT HISTORY OF MEDICINE ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY MESSIEH, MICHAEL S. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

South Lake Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

SAHAJPAL, DEENESH T. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Focus Orthopedics 841 Oakley Seaver Drive Clermont, FL 34711 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.243.6899

Munroe Regional Med Center 8550 NE 138th Lane, Bldg. 400 Lady Lake, FL 32159 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.751.1036

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Hip & Knee Replacement, Shoulder Replacement

Sports Medicine, Arthritis, Joint Replacement, Shoulder & Elbow Surgery

PRIMARY ADDRESS

MITCHELL, ISAAC L.

— AUTHOR UNKNOWN

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Tri County Orthopaedic Center 701 Medical Plaza Drive Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.326.8115 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sports Medicine, Arthroscopic Surgery

THOMAS, CLAUDIA L. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER F PRIMARY ADDRESS

Tri County Orthopaedic Center 701 Medical Plaza Drive Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.326.8115 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Orthopaedics - non surgical

OTOLARYNGOLOGY

“MAN MAY BE THE CAPTAIN OF HIS FATE, BUT HE IS ALSO THE VICTIM OF HIS BLOOD SUGAR.” — WILFRED G. OAKLEY (ENGLISH PHYSICIAN AND PIONEER OF DIABETES CLINICAL CARE)

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PEDIATRICS SHRINATH, MADHUKAR BAKER, MICHAEL C.

Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Florida Hosp Med Group Mount Dora Pediatrics 1502 N Donnelly St., Ste. 103 Mount Dora, FL 32757 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.383.0624

Sunshine Pediatrics of Ocala 1900 SW 20th Pl. Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.840.5437

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Preventive Medicine, Chronic Illness

Preventive Medicine, Special Health Care Needs, Developmental Disorders LOGAS, PAUL C. TITLE MD GENDER M Ocala Pediatrics 1500 SE 17th St, Building 600 Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.732.8955

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

MORSE, KENNETH H. TITLE MD GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery Assocs 601 E Dixie Ave. Leesburg Medical Plaza, Ste.. 901 Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.728.2404

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Pediatrics 1500 SE 17th St, Building 600 Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.732.8955

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Cosmetic SurgeryFace & Neck, Eyelid Surgery/Blepharoplasty, Rhinoplasty, Mohs Surgery

.com

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER M

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

MADONNA, DINO

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CLUNN, AMY E.

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Allergy

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION BOTNER, BRYAN K. TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Mulberry Integrative Medicine 910 Old Camp Rd., Ste. 164 The Villages, FL 32162 COUNTY Sumter PHONE 352.430.2720 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sports Injuries, Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain-Chronic

PSYCHIATRY

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER F PRIMARY ADDRESS

Southeastern Integrated Medical 3305 SW 34th Circle, Ste. 101 Ocala, FL 34474 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.732.3110 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

2000 B.C. – “HERE, EAT THIS ROOT.” 1000 B.C. – “THAT ROOT IS HEATHEN, SAY THIS PRAYER.” 1850 A.D. – “THAT PRAYER IS SUPERSTITION, DRINK THIS POTION.” 1940 A.D. – “THAT PILL IS INEFFECTIVE, TAKE THIS ANTIBIOTIC.” 2000 A.D. – “THAT ANTIBIOTIC IS ARTIFICIAL. HERE, EAT THIS ROOT.”

Pain-Back & Neck, Musculoskeletal Injuries PINNAMANENI, SRIDHAR HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Pain and Spine Centers of Florida 8136 Centralia Court, Ste. 103 Leesburg, FL 34788 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.787.7246 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Pain Management, PainInterventional Techniques, Musculoskeletal Disorders

PLASTIC SURGERY MARZEK, PETER A. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

1879 Nightingale Lane, Ste. A2 Tavares, FL 32778 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.742.0079 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Liposuction & Body Contouring, Breast Reconstruction & Augmentation

VALENTE, THOMAS J. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

LifeStream Behavioral Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

LifeStream Behavioral Center 2020 Tally Rd. Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 869.355.9394 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders

PULMONARY DISEASE ALBINO, JUAN A. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

The Village Sleep Lab & Breathing Center 1400 US Hwy. 441 N Bldg. 940, Ste. 942 The Villages, FL 32159 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.751.4955 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sleep Disorders/Apnea, Emphysema & Asthma

PULMONARY DISEASE MONTOYA, FRANK J. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Pulmonary Critical Care 1876 Nightingale Lane Tavares, FL 32778 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.742.4447 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sleep Disorders/Apnea

RADIATION ONCOLOGY FLINK, HERMAN M. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

InterCommunity Cancer Center 922 Rolling Acres Rd. Lady Lake, FL 32159 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.674.6300

STARK, KENNETH E. Florida Hospital Waterman Leesburg Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M Lake Rheumatology & Internal Medicine 1613 Banning Beach Rd. Tavares, FL 32778 COUNTY Lake 352.343.7735 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Lupus/SLE, Osteoporosis

SURGERY

JACOBSON, HAL M.

DEIORIO, ANTHONY V., JR.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

South Lake Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

Munroe Regional Medical Center Ocala Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

InterCommunity Cancer Institute 1920 Don Wickham Drive, Ste. 130 Clermont, FL 34711 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.243.9709 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Skin Cancer

UROLOGY

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Surgical Associates 1541 SW 1st Ave., Ste. 105 Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.622.8152

DERSCH, MARK W. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center Ocala Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Advanced Urology Specialists 1901 SE 18th Ave., Bldg. 300 Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.351.1313

KING, EDWARD D.

TAUB, HARVEY C.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Advanced Urology Specialists 1901 SE 18th Ave., Bldg. 300 Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.877.2880

Advanced Urology Specialists 1901 SE 18th Ave., Bldg. 300 Ocala FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.877.2880 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Robotic Surgery, Kidney Stones THOMPSON, J. DEREK HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

THE AVERAGE SNEEZE WILL SPREAD OVER

100,000 30 VIRUS CELLS UP TO

FEET.

West Marion Community Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Urology Health Team 3200 SW 34th Ave., Ste. 202 Ocala, FL 34474 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.237.6162 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Prostate Cancer, Kidney Stones, Incontinence

SOURCE: HEALTH.ABC4.COM/ARTICLES/332/13-RANDOM-HEALTH-FACTS-YOU-NEVER-KNEW

RHEUMATOLOGY LAFFERTY, THOMAS E. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center Ocala Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Southeastern Integrated Medical Arthritis Center 3304 SW 34th Circle, Ste. 103 Ocala, FL 34474 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.291.0245 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

GABRE-MADHIN, SEBLE Z.

YOUNG JAMES W., III

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Florida Hosp Med Group Center for Advanced Surgery 3350 Waterman Way Tavares, FL 32778 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.742.2223 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sentinel Node Surgery, Hernia, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Gastrointestinal Surgery

CHANG, PAIROJ S. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Vines Hospital of Ocala TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Medical Imaging 801 E Dixie Ave., Ste. 104 Leesburg, FL 34748 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.787.5858

VASCULAR SURGERY HODDINOTT, KEVIN M. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center TITLE MD GENDER M PRIMARY ADDRESS

Munroe Regional Med Center 1511 SW 1st Ave., Ste. 200 Ocala, FL 34471 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.368.1661 SPECIAL EXPERTISE

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER F

VASCULAR & INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

GORDON, CAROLE L.

SHER, ANDREW B.

Florida Hospital Waterman TITLE MD GENDER M

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER F

Leesburg Regional Medical Center The Villages Regional Hospital TITLE MD GENDER M

Urology Associates of Lake County 801 Northshore Drive Eustis, FL 32726 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.357.6786

PRIMARY ADDRESS

PRIMARY ADDRESS

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Advanced Urology Specialists 616 N Palmetto St. Leesburg, FL 34478 COUNTY Lake PHONE 352.877.2888

Advanced Urology Specialists 616 N Palmetto St. Leesburg, FL 34478 COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.877.2888

Prostate Cancer, Erectile Dysfunction, Vasectomy

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Urology-Female, Incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair

Minimally Invasive Surgery, Prostate Cancer

Obesity/Bariatric Surgery

([SHULHQFH

9105 South US Hwy 441 • Leesburg, FL • 352-360-7150 • www.JenkinsVolkswagen.com

&XVWRPHU 'ULYHQ

$

yellow beetle. That’s all she wanted. Joann Snyder thought it was time to retire her 14-year-old Volkswagen Beetle last year and chose Leesburg Volkswagen to make her new purchase. “I came here, because that’s all I wanted, nothing else but another yellow beetle,” she said.

And that’s just what she chose.

Joann purchased .SERR 7R]HIV a 2013 Beetle from Leesburg Volkswagen.

She said her purchase process was easier than she thought. “It ran very smooth, very easy, not time consuming,” she continued. “I highly recommend them to come buy your car.”

Leesburg Volkswagen’s 18,500 square foot state-of-the-art showroom opened in 2012 on Hwy 441 in Leesburg. They have consistently ranked as the number one volume dealer in central Florida throughout 2015. “We are proud of the results we are offering to our customers,” said Chris Layton, General Manager of Leesburg Volkswagen. “With a great, reputable brand like Volkswagen,

in CNN Money on the history of the Beetle, “The (new) Beetle is not h i n g l i ke t h e original. The newest models are much safer, and have an inline fourcylinder engine powering the front wheels.” He continues, “The New Beetle is based on the same principles of the original. It’s small and fun and continues to be one of Volkswagen’s most popular models.”

The Leesburg Volkswagen lot and showroom are full of iconic vehicles like the Beetle. “It makes an easy sell for us when customers like Mrs. Snyder know exactly what they want,” said Chris. “The rest of the experience is up to us.”

“The day I came to pick up my car, I didn’t have anyone here to help me celebrate it,” said Joann. “When I arrived, it had lots of yellow balloons all over it. It was very exciting.” Those added special touches are the kinds of things that set Leesburg Volkswagen apart from other dealerships. “The customer

([FHOOHQFH success for us comes naturally.”

The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker.

Volkswagen of America, founded in 1955, sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, and Touareg vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers.

The internationally, beloved rear-engine Beetle was manufactured by Volkswagen from 1938 to 2003. It was redesigned and re-released in September 2011. According to John Coughlin’s article

service here is unbelievable, just fantastic,” said Joann.

“Everyone is so friendly.

I would never buy a car anywhere but here.”

Leesburg Volkswagen is a part of Jenkins Auto Group, based 40 miles north in Ocala.

The Group started with one dealership 17 years ago and has matured into an automotive empire with four dealerships in Ocala, three in Leesburg, one in Brunswick, Ga. and two III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

body shops. However, even with growth, many of the faces have stayed the same.

All of the general managers at each location worked for the president and CEO, Tom Formanek, when he was a general manager, including Chris Layton.

The Jenkins Auto Group as a whole is committed to giving back to the communities where they operate.

The Teachers of the Year for Lake County received a new 2015 Volkswagen Jetta last year. The three-year leased vehicle is a sponsorship through the Educational Foundation of Lake County and will continue for years to come. The Group also provides oil change and detail coupons for fundraisers like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake & Sumter Counties Black & White Ball.

Speaking of routine service maintenance, Joann continues to have her car serviced at Leesburg Volkswagen, too. “The service people are wonderful- very efficient.”

And when she sees her shiny yellow car coming out of the service drive she exclaims, “That’s ‘Buttercup.’ I love it.”

We do, too, Joann. We do, too.

good nutrition makes healthy families

WIC provides the following at no cost: Healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support and referrals to health care, immunizations, and community services.

Call WIC today!

Wo m e n | I n f a n t s | C h i l d r e n

English: 352.771.5559 // Spanish: 352.394.3464 ext. 3002 USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

2015healthpros Selecting the right doctor is an important decision. One of the most critical decisions you will ever make. With so many options, it can seem like a daunting task. The 2015 Health Pros guide is designed to help you get through a difficult time, made simple. Categorized by Profile, Practice and Procedure, the Health Pros guide is an easy-to-use directory devised to assist your selection from some of the best healthcare providers in their field.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE September 20 15

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DR. ANUDH K. JAIN

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pecialists at Florida Hospital Waterman Cancer Institute are dedicated to making their patients’ journey from cancer diagnosis to survivorship as harmonious as possible.

Anudh Jain, M.D. is the newest Radiation Oncologist Specialist on staff, having joined the Cancer Institute team in June. Born and raised in the New York/New Jersey area, Dr. Jain earned his medical degree from New York Medical College, Valhalla, N.Y. He completed his radiation oncology residency at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. A board-certified radiation oncologist, Dr. Jain has a special interest in prostate, breast, and skin cancers.

The Cancer Institute provides a Cancer Care Navigator Program and Social Services Program to work closely with physicians to provide you with comprehensive medical, organizational, and emotional support.

The Cancer Care Navigator Program consists of two highly skilled, registered nurse navigators to guide you through your entire treatment and recovery process—from prediagnosis to completion, including any treatments by physicians outside of Florida Hospital Waterman.

The Social Services Program consists of a licensed oncology social worker who assists patients and their families with the emotional and practical challenges that often occur with a cancer diagnosis.

“I think having the navigators and social worker provide a benefit because the patients have a constant person from the beginning to the end of treatment,” said Dr. Jain. “The patient may see a number of different doctors for different treatments, which can be very confusing.”

Dr. Jain affirms it helps to link everything together.

“Our support services benefit the patients from a psychological standpoint and from a medical standpoint, because they get everything done faster, so there are no delays,” said Dr. Jain. “If those delays extend out, it could compromise their care and outcome. It is important to manage treatment in a timely manner.”

FLORIDA HOSPITAL WATERMAN CANCER INSTITUTE 4000 Waterman Way Tavares, FL 32778 352.253.3600

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JAMES W. YOUNG, III, M.D.

D

r. Young, a urologist in Lake County since 1982, is recognized as one of the leading experts in the United States in Prostiva RF Therapy, an in-office procedure for the treatment of men with BPH (enlarged prostates). The procedure allows men to stop taking medications for their prostate issues without undergoing major surgery.

That distinction placed him on the prominent Top Docs list,

by Castle Connelly, for the past five years, consecutively.

Greg Fluet, CEO of Urologix, Inc., the worldwide manufacturer and distributor of Prostiva RF therapy said, “Dr. Young is one of the pioneers and current leaders of in-office BPH therapy, particularly with the Prostiva RF Therapy system … and has been a consistent and committed champion. For that, I have significant respect and admiration.”

Dr. Young has done more Prostiva procedures than any other urologist in the Unites States, if not the world. Last year, he performed almost 400 Prostiva procedures, which would account for approximately 5 percent of the 8,000 performed world-wide. The success rate has been phenomenal.

“I recommend that anyone interested in the success rate check my profile at healthgrades.com and vitals.com.

In particular, read the narrative reviews of vitals.com,” he suggested. “I have over 100 positive reviews and no negative reviews, on either site.” It is rare for a doctor to have that many positive reviews with no negative reviews.

According to Dr. Young, urologists from all over Central Florida refer patients to him for Prostiva Therapy rather than perform it themselves because, “as they told me they informed their [referred] patients, ‘why should I be doing this when the number one guy in the country is in Eustis and Lady Lake?’”

Dr. Young is happily married to Kristen Beall Young, Miss Florida in the Miss America pageant in 1995, and Miss Florida for the Miss USA pageant in 2000. They have a beautiful, two-year-old daughter, Grace.

PHYSICIANS FOR ACCOUNTABLE CARE UROLOGY DIVISION ProstateEvaluation.com

The Prostate Center 920 Rolling Acres Road, Suite 201 Lady Lake, FL 32159 352.751.4990 801 Northshore Drive Eustis, FL 32726 352.357.6786

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DR. DENIS M. DIAZ

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he care of children involves establishing two relationships for the pediatrician. Not only is it necessary to have rapport with the child, gaining the trust of the parents is essential.

“Parents need to find a pediatrician they’re comfortable with,” Dr. Diaz said. “Every patient needs to feel at ease when you go to a doctor. Our office focuses on patient satisfaction, We want our families to know we are the right fit for them.”

Dr. Diaz sees himself as a partner in the child’s health care. He understands that the families that face more sensitive issues with their children need a unique brand of care.

“My job is to be a counselor, a teacher, and to treat disease. It’s not my job to pass judgement on parenting skills or try to pass on my parenting values, unless there is a safety issue,” he said.

PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES OF LAKE COUNTY 1765 David Walker Dr. Tavares, FL 32778 352.343.3330 LakeCountyPediatrics.com Online Scheduling Available

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DR. ANIELKA R. RODRIGUEZ

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ave you ever wished your whole family could have one doctor? Dr. Anielka Rodriguez is a family physician that treats patients ages 2 and up. “The foundation of family care is the personal doctor/patient relationship focused on integrated medicine, addressing a patient’s physical, mental and social health to prevent the development of disease,” Dr. Rodriguez said.

Whether patients come in for a sick visit or an annual physical, Dr. Rodriguez takes the time necessary to make them feel heard. “When our patients come to our office, they are never going to feel rushed,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “It’s not an inand-out kind of doctor’s visit. We ensure patients have plenty of time with doctors to discuss whatever issues they have.” Should a patient’s medical issues require referral to a specialist, Dr. Rodriguez works collaboratively with the extended team to ensure that the patient receives the most comprehensive care possible.

At Lake Primary Care Associates, appointments can be made by phone or online. Same-day appointments are often available. Dr. Rodriguez is fluent in English and Spanish.

LAKE PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATES 1101 S. Eustis St., Eustis, FL 32778 352.589.4111 LakePrimaryCareAssoc.com

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DR. SEBLE “SEBBY” GABRE-MADHIN

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eneral surgery involves dealing with a variety of medical procedures and diseases. Dr. Seble GabreMadhin, affectionately called Dr. Sebby, understands the fear often associated with a diagnosis requiring surgery.

She and her staff strive to keep patients at ease.

“One of the things that gives me the greatest pleasure is knowing I can help cancer patients, and knowing I’ll be a part of their long-term, continuing care,” Dr. Sebby said. “I work closely with the Tumor Board at Florida Hospital Waterman.

We have a conference call once a week and create a plan with multiple specialists to be sure we’re all working from the same page as we treat the patient.”

With specialized care like surgery, a patient chooses their caregiver, something Dr. Sebby is keenly aware of.

“Living and working in the community where my patients live is very important to me,” Dr. Sebby said. “I think it’s an honor to take care of them. To know someone trusts you with their surgical care is humbling. They’re giving you control.

Gaining this trust is a privilege I don’t take lightly. That care is the most important thing at the moment.”

To help her patients make the right choices, Dr. Sebby’s website provides links from their online resources page. If her examination turns up certain conditions, she may recommend further diagnosis before doing treatment, or offering surgical options. Her goal is that patients know everything they need to know about their diagnosis. She understands that knowledge of options and benefits of surgical care gives patients peace of mind. In addition, the convenience of her office at Florida Hospital Medical Group means care goes smoothly from diagnosis to post-operative healing.

In addition to her care of patients, Dr. Sebby is chief of surgery at Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares. Boardcertified and Harvard-trained, her practice provides care for patients of all ages. Her specialties include breast cancer procedures, thyroid surgeries, skin cancer, and symptomatic varicose vein treatment. She also offers minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery options for colon disease, hernia and gallbladder, meaning patients have quicker recovery.

“I strive to provide excellent and compassionate care and address every patient’s needs,” Dr. Sebby said. “Providing an individualized plan for each patient’s care is vital.”

CENTER FOR ADVANCED SURGERY 3350 Waterman Way, Tavares, FL 32778 352.742.2223 CenterforAdvSurgery.com

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DR. JEFFREY GLOVER n July, Dr. Jeffrey Glover became president of the Leesburg Sunset Rotary Club. At each weekly meeting, he’ll lead members in reciting the organization’s fourway test, which guides Rotary members in their personal and professional lives.

I

1) 2) 3) 4)

Is it the truth?

Is it fair to all concerned?

Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

These are the same principles he applies to his practice, Glover Chiropractic. Since opening the practice in November 2012, he has developed a reputation as a kind, determined, caring, and knowledgeable doctor.

“I make sure each patient is treated fairly, and all the treatment decisions I make are based on honesty,” he said. “For me, it is very important that all patients receive good service and a great price. I develop relationships with patients, and they ultimately become my extended family.”

Of course, actions speak louder than words. Dr. Glover recently provided free treatments for an economically disadvantaged child with scoliosis. In less than three months, he helped decrease the curve in the child’s spine.

“It was very rewarding to keep him out of surgery,” Dr. Glover said. “With surgery, he would have had rods placed in his spine and became very immobile.”

Heartwarming stories such as these provide a glimpse into Dr. Glover’s big heart. And that’s why he is excited to serve as president of the Leesburg Sunset Rotary Club. Each year during Christmas, club members adopt 25 Leesburg families, purchase gifts for the children, and provide a week’s worth of food for the entire family.

“They say charity begins at home. I grew up in Leesburg and that’s where my heart is. I’m truly blessed to have the opportunity to make people healthier through my chiropractic clinic and enrich the lives of less fortunate people through my service in Rotary.”

GLOVER CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC 312 N. 14th St. Leesburg, FL 34748 352.787.9995 gloverchiro.com

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DOUGLAS MOFFETT, MD, FACOG

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r. Douglas Moffett, at Lake OB/GYN Associates of Mid-Florida, believes the most important part of the doctor/patient relationship is the ability to communicate properly. “I think this is especially true with what I do. It’s awkward for many people, and being comfortable enough to know you can share anything is essential. Often women have to share things they wouldn’t share with other physicians. I think that’s a unique part of our practice.”

Lake OB/GYN Associates of Mid-Florida takes pride in the exceptional care they provide for women. “I enjoy the privilege of taking care of the women and children in our community, the babies we deliver,” he said. “We take care of anything to do with women’s health, beginning at childbearing age through menopause.”

A native of Central Florida, Dr. Moffett returned to this area to practice with his father after training at the University of Miami. He served as chairman for the OB-GYN Department of Leesburg Regional Medical Center several times and recently was asked to serve as future president of the prestigious South Atlantic Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This group includes distinguished members who are editors of top journals in the field, department chairs for prominent schools like Duke University, and one very special lifetime achievement award winner, Dr. Alfred Moffett, his father.

The doctors at Lake OB/GYN Associates incorporate the latest technology and procedures into their practice.

Dr. Moffett is pleased to have introduced SottoPelle® to his patients.

“As you get older, energy wanes, and this hormone therapy can increase energy, strengthen muscle tone, and increase libido,” Dr. Moffett says.

Dr. Moffett is on the board of the Children’s Advocacy Center. He and his wife Crista have been married more than 20 years have three children, Alexis, Makenzie, and Chase.

LAKE OB/GYN ASSOCIATES OF MID-FLORIDA Leesburg: 352.787.1535 The Villages: 352.259.5649 leesburgobgyn.com

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MIKE RICHARDS, PA-C, MPAS Mike Richards is a member of the American College of Phlebology and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. He works as a phlebologist—one who studies the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of veins—at the ICE Vein Care centers in The Villages and in Tavares. He and his associate and partner, Tom Tran with ICE Vein Care, see patients every day whose problems could have at least been mitigated if not completely avoided through simple awareness. “Certain things we do on a daily basis can lead to long-term issues. Something as simple as wearing high heels can cause damage over time to vein valves and lead to venous insufficiency, varicose veins and worse. The opposite is also true. Patients who are aware, who have proactive habits and recognize potential problems early, almost always have better outcomes.” He is proud and excited to be a contributing professional of the ICE Vein Care family.

“What’s important with ICE Vein Care is that we are able to assess and treat all of a patient’s limb issues at one location.

Arterial problems such as PAD, venous reflux that can lead to leg ulcers, wounds that just won’t heal. ICE Vein Care has it all under one roof, along with close ties to other specialties within the ICE family like cardiology and internal medicine.

Even nutrition consultation, which can be critical to healing and a positive long-term result.”

Mike Richards is a physician’s assistant specializing in Vein Care at ICE Vein Care in The Villages at Lake Sumter Landing.

Laurel Manor, and in Tavares.

ICE 1050 Old Camp Road The Villages, FL 32162 352.854.0681 OTHER LOCATIONS: Ocala, Tavares, Summerfield, Williston and The Villages

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ABBAS ALI MD, FACC

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r. Abbas Ali brings an impressive history of accomplishment and career highlights to ICE that adds immeasurably to the capabilities and reputation of the practice. Dr. Ali’s interest in medicine got its start when his grandfather had a heart attack when Abbas was a very impressionable 12-year-old. Fast-forward to medical school at the prestigious Ghandi Medical School in India, where he consistently earned top honors in every one of his classes.

Post-graduate training at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit (internship, residency and fellowship) prepared him for extensive practice experience, both in Michigan and Florida.

Dr. Ali’s contributions to the Florida medical community began in 2002, when he took a cardiology post in Winter Park. His accomplishments extend well beyond the practice realm and into the highly competitive publishing world as well, authoring numerous peer-reviewed publications and upwards of 30 abstracts presented. Dr. Ali has even branched out beyond medicine. “I always wanted to be an engineer and so I have a M.S. in clinical research design and statistics from the University of Michigan,” he says.

Dr. Ali specializes as an ICE cardiologist out of the ICE Summerfield and Ocala offices, where he also lends his considerable skills as an interventional cardiologist in the cath lab.

ICE 10435 SE 170th Place Summerfield, FL 34491 352.854.0681 OTHER LOCATIONS: Ocala, Tavares, Summerfield, Williston and The Villages

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JULIO UGARTE, MD “It is such a privilege to partner with a patient. To help guide them toward better health and work with them to ease their disease.” That unique humility and marked respect for his patients is what makes Dr. Ugarte a very special primary care physician. It all started at the College of Medicine at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where he earned his medical degree in 1981. Next came residency at Florida Hospital Orlando. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice and a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Ugarte’s career truly began at the Park Care Health Center in Orlando, where he practiced until 1993. He then moved his practice to the Summerfield and Villages area.

Today, his patients number more than 3,000 and the key to his success most certainly lies in the way he approaches treatment.

“The constant increases in health care costs and chronic illness have shown me we need to incorporate a more functional approach to patient care. I try to better address the root care of illness and allow the body to heal itself.

We employ a flexible approach that incorporates traditional western as well as functioning alternatives in care.” It’s an approach his patients certainly seem to appreciate. “I listen to my patients, try to find the underlying cause of their symptoms and use whatever course of treatment is necessary to help them. We offer various treatments— nutritional analysis, food intolerance, advanced lipid testing, even genetic testing—to optimize patient care and ultimately get a therapeutic response.”

Dr. Ugarte is an ICE Primary Care physician at the Villages—Laurel Manor and in Ocala.

ICE 1950 Laurel Manor Dr., Bldg 240 The Villages, FL 32162 352.854.0681 OTHER LOCATIONS: Ocala, Tavares, Summerfield, Williston and The Villages

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TOM TRAN, PA-C, MPAAS

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om Tran is a member of the American College of Phlebology as well as a critical part of the successful team establishing ICE Vein Care as a superior Florida resource. Tran brings a unique and lauded background to bear on the special challenges associated with venous disorders. He worked his way through college and went on to become a registered nurse in the ICU at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. He accepted positions with several emergency departments throughout Florida. Tom capitalized on his interest in venous health by inventing a medical device—the Transcatheter Extractor—and started his own company to sell his device throughout the US. “I often removed a patient’s catheter through surgery,” Tran says, “This device allows for less downtime for the patient and takes them out of the operating room and into the doctor’s office.” He was awarded Physician Assistant of the Year for the State of Florida in 2007 and appeared in numerous articles throughout the nation. Today, Tom Tran lends his talents to ICE Vein Care in The Villages with business partner Mike Richards, a certified physician assistant. He is actively involved as a Board of Trustees member of the Physician Assistant Foundation, and an adjunct instructor at NOVA University Physician Assistant Program.

Tom Tran is a physician’s assistant specializing in Vein Care at ICE Vein Care in The Villages at Lake Sumter Landing, Laurel Manor, and in Tavares.

ICE 1050 Old Camp Road The Villages, FL 32162 352.854.0681 OTHER LOCATIONS: Ocala, Tavares, Summerfield, Williston and The Villages

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GEORGE GILBERT, MD

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eorge W. Gilbert, M.D. put off his pursuit of a medical degree for 10 years while he worked construction in Florida. “I was a roofer in the Florida heat, but I’d always been interested in medicine as a career. The company I worked for knew that and was behind me 100 percent.

I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for their support.”

Dr. Gilbert began realizing his dream in medical school at the American University of the Caribbean. However, his dream was interrupted by an active volcano on the island of Montserrat. “Half an inch of ash covered the campus.” He relocated to St. Martin where Hurricane Luis, a Category 4 hurricane, devastated the island with sustained winds of 140 miles per hour. “I took my daily shower from a hose.” He finally finished up his studies in Belize. “I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything.” Dr. Gilbert topped off his world experience with 17 months of clinical training in Ireland, before coming back to the United States and the Aultman Family Practice in Canton, Ohio, for his residency. Today, after several stints at practices in Florida— from Venice to Gainesville to Belleview—Dr. Gilbert brings his unique, down-to-earth perspective to ICE as a physician specializing in Primary Care. “I relate to my patients. They can talk to me like I’m the guy who paints your house. A lot of them tell me, ‘You’re just not my doctor, you’re somebody I can talk to.’ I’m proud of that.” Dr. Gilbert sees his patients as family.

“I imagine they’re a family member. They’ve come to me for help and I treat them exactly the way I’d want my mother or my wife to be treated.”

Dr. Gilbert is an ICE Primary Care physician at Summerfield.

ICE 10435 SE 170th Place Summerfield, FL 34491 352.854.0681 OTHER LOCATIONS: Ocala, Tavares, Summerfield, Williston and The Villages

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CLARISSA ABRANTES, MD

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r. Clarissa Abrantes went to medical school at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, the oldest Catholic university in the Philippines. After graduation, she completed her residency in internal medicine at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Her next move was to Florida, where she spent three years in a local practice before she was tapped in December 2010 to take over the helm of ICE’s Primary Care office in Mulberry for the late Dr. Guillermo Avecilla.

“I have a wonderful team,” she says. “They go above and beyond expectations to ensure the quality of care patients receive is top-notch. It’s important for us doctors to be good communicators. I am very conscious of explaining things in a clear, concise way so my patients understand what I am saying. I do my best to be attentive, taking the time to listen to their concerns and answer their questions. I want patients to feel comfortable and open up. I don’t just treat the disease; I treat the patient as a whole.”

Dr. Abrantes is an ICE Internal Medicine physician at the Villages—Laurel Manor and in Summerfield.

ICE 1950 Laurel Manor Dr., Bldg 240 The Villages, FL 32162 352.854.0681 10435 SE 170th Place Summerfield, FL 34491 OTHER LOCATIONS: Ocala, Tavares, Summerfield, Williston and The Villages

puticeonit.com

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practice

ADVANCED GASTROENTEROLOGY & SURGERY ASSOCIATES

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top-notch team is essential for the care patients expect. So is an A-game strategy that offers the latest in available services. That is why Advanced Gastroenterology, who has provided effective services in Lake County for more than 20 years, is delighted to add Tri Huynh, D.O., a world-class gastroenterologist, to their exemplary team.

He joins Lily Tran, M.D. and Garth George, M.D., now in their tenth and fourth year at Advanced Gastroenterology, respectively.

Dr. Huynh received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his fellowship in gastroenterology at Largo Medical Center, a teaching hospital associated with The VA Bay Pines Medical Health System.

Each team member brings valuable skill sets to the practice. Dr. Huynh adds advanced expertise with acid reflux problems.

“When a patient has acid reflux, over time Barrett’s Esophagus may effect the lining, which is premalignant,” explained Dr. Huynh. “We have the latest cauterization procedure known as the HALO therapy, and

it’s highly effective – about 98 percent.”

This year, new medications became available in Hepatitis C treatment with similar results, increasing the cure rate from 50-60% only a few years ago, to 97 percent.

“Many people are simply unaware of the available procedures,” said Huynh, “my goal is to bring them awareness that these ailments are treatable and can be eradicated, provided with the best possible care.”

The Baby Boomer generation – those born between 1945 to 1965 – are particularly at risk.

“We don’t just screen patients who are symptomatic with liver enzyme elevation anymore,” said Huynh. “We discovered that more people have Hep C than previously thought.” Untreated, Hep C can progress to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, or liver cancer, with high fatality rates.

“These conditions are preventable and now, nearly 100 percent curable,” said Dr. Huynh. “We are here to help.”

ADVANCED GASTROENTEROLOGY & SURGERY ASSOCIATES Leesburg | Lady Lake | Clermont 352.323.8868 agsaflorida.com

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FLORIDA HOSPITAL WATERMAN ACCREDITED CHEST PAIN CENTER

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lorida Hospital Waterman is now the first and only hospital in north Lake County to earn Chest Pain Center with PCI Accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC). SCPC is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the reduction of the mortality rate of heart attack patients and sets the standard for chest pain treatment.

“This accreditation is a reflection of the professional excellence and teamwork of the physicians and team here at Florida Hospital Waterman,” said Richard Pearce, MBA, BSN, Director of Critical Care and Emergency Services, Florida Hospital Waterman.

Chest Pain Center Accreditation means Florida Hospital Waterman is among 12 percent of hospitals nationwide that demonstrated expertise in cardiac patient care.

“This has tremendous impact and value for the community,” said Sanjay Pattani, M.D., Chairman of the Emergency Room at Florida Hospital Waterman.

“Cardiovascular disease has the highest mortality rate in the US population. For that reason, our ability to provide

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extensive care in the short time frame necessary when the patient needs it is very valuable.”

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States, with 600,000 people dying from heart disease every year. More than five million Americans visit hospitals every year with chest pain.

A number of different problems could be the cause of chest pain. What Florida Hospital Waterman has done over the past year and with Chest Pain Accreditation is form processes to help take care of any patient complaint.

“We are always available when you need us. When seconds matter, we can take care of you, no matter what the issue,” said Dr. Pattani. “We have coordinated the care so that we are able to provide the right care to the patient at the right time, and now through our processes, at the right cost.”

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(L–R) Mamie Rogers, MD, FACOG; Joel Hallam, DO; Marilyn Mayne, DO, FACOOG

practice

LAKE WELLNESS FOR WOMEN OB/GYN

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omen know it’s important to take an active role in their personal health care, especially issues specifically related to obstetrics and gynecology.

The physicians at Lake Wellness for Women OB/GYN are dedicated to providing the best care by forming a partnership with each patient that ensures their needs are met in a caring and timely manner.

“We want our office to be the premier OB/GYN location where patients can get the treatment they need and the care they deserve,” Dr. Hallam said.

Lake Wellness for Women OB/GYN includes 3 physicians: Marilyn Mayne, D.O., FACOOG, Mamie Rogers, M.D., FACOG, and M. Joel Hallam, D.O. By keeping current with the latest developments in obstetrics and gynecology, these experienced physicians deliver new therapies and diagnostics to ensure that area women receive the care they need. Developing trusting relationships with patients is a vital part of patient care for these doctors, and they truly understand the significance of this.

“We take time to get to know our patients and families so we may gain an understanding of your lifestyle, family history, and other critical factors important in providing

quality health care and meeting our patients’ needs,” Dr. Hallam said.

Your health begins with YOU, this is why it is very important to take the necessary steps to ensure you practice a healthy lifestyle. One way the doctors help you achieve this goal is by providing resources and information in the field of women’s health, so you can stay up to date on the latest medical breakthroughs and know about local events related to women’s health issues.

“It is our mission to provide the highest quality obstetrical and gynecology care available in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere,” Dr. Hallam said. “Our friendly staff helps guide our patients through every step of care.”

LAKE WELLNESS FOR WOMEN OB/GYN 3340 Waterman Way Tavares, FL 32778 352.589.6005 LWWObGyn.com

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RADIOLOGY SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA

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arly detection is the best defense against today’s most deadly diseases.

Nobody understands this better than the radiologists and specialists at Florida Hospital Waterman and Florida Hospital Waterman Center for Medical Imaging (CMI), which have provided state-of-the-art imaging services for Lake County patients for more than 20 years.

Now, patients at both the hospital and CMI have access to even more consistent, high-quality services to patients thanks to a partnership formed when Medical Imaging Professionals merged with Radiology Specialists of Florida (RSF) in May 2015. RSF features a team of more than 90 board-certified radiologists who have specialized training in body imaging, interventional radiology, neuroradiology, pediatric imaging, women’s imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, and nuclear medicine.

As a result, Florida Hospital Waterman and CMI can offer patients and referring doctors around-the-clock coverage, reduced turnaround times, and increased access to subspecialty radiology services.

“We’ll have an opportunity to work with even more colleagues who have the most recent and up-to-date training,” said Dr. Fred Wittenstein, a radiologist since 1984 who was one of the founding members of Medical Imaging Professionals. “We’ll also be able to provide faster service and turnaround times for the hospital.

We’re very excited about our partnership with Radiology Specialists of Florida because they’ve set a high standard of improving quality and efficiency of care in the region. Without question, the partnership will bring an increased level of service and quality of care to the practice, patients, and institutions we serve.”

Florida Hospital Waterman and CMI utilize some of the most advanced diagnostics tools, including PET/CT, MRI, 4D ultrasound, digital x-ray and a DEXA scanner to measure bone density.

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ADVANCED UROLOGY SPECIALISTS

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dvanced Urology Specialists has one simple mission: to offer innovative, high-quality urologic care close to home.

“I’m really proud to be a part of a group of physicians who believe in providing the same, sometimes better, level of care that can be found at universities and places like Mayo Clinic,” says Dr. Richard Roach, who joined the practice last November.

“This is great for our patients because it means they can receive the quality of care they need and deserve without having to visit a big city. Instead, we can do that … right here.”

Established in 2009, Advanced Urology Specialists was the groundbreaking result of five leading urology practices merging to form a shared vision for a new kind of urological care.

“Separately, we had worked together very cordially for years,” explains Dr. Andrew Sher, one of the founding partners.

“But we decided to combine our talents to offer a more complete continuum of innovative and integrated care. As a group, we play to each other’s strengths and that allows us to be quicker and more efficient.”

With a reputation as the region’s most trusted resource for specialized care of male and female urological conditions, Advanced Urology Specialists employs a team approach when addressing anything from urinary incontinence to erectile dysfunction to prostate cancer.

Each urologist is a specialist trained in the latest techniques for treatment of various urologic problems with emphasis on minimally invasive procedures.

“For example, at a small practice one physician may be an expert in one treatment but not in another,” say Dr. Sher. “Because we are such a large group, we can make all treatment options available.”

“There isn’t an area we don’t treat,” adds Dr. Saumil Karavadia. “We can help you achieve what you’re looking for as a patient because we have a very high level of expertise within our group.”

ADVANCED UROLOGY SPECIALISTS Locations in Lake, Sumter, Citrus and Marion counties 352.350.8272 AdvancedUrologists.com

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CARDIOVASCULAR ASSOCIATES OF LAKE COUNTY

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ardiovascular Associates of Lake County has made strides to become one of the premier providers of cardiac care in Lake County and in Central Florida.

Founded by Dr. J. Henry Lesmes in 1992, the practice bears a legacy of innovation, longevity, and consistency that patients value.

“As one of the oldest private cardiology practices in the region, our group has stood as a pillar in the medical community for more than 20 years,” says Dr. Samuel Goss, an invasive cardiologist with Cardiovascular Associates.

The practice’s team of board-certified physicians uses state-of-the-art methods to diagnose a wide range of cardiac and vascular diseases. The practice also brings cutting-edge services to its patients. Cardiovascular Associates brought the first electrophysiology (EP) physician to the area, Dr. Miguel Bryce. Dr. Lesmes was the first physician to perform a trans esophageal echocardiogram (TEE) at Florida Hospital Waterman.

Dr. Alejandro Caballero-Lopez, interventional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Associates, was one of Lake County’s first physicians to perform peripheral interventions, aortic aneurism repairs, carotid stenting, and pacemaker

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placements. And in 2011, Cardiovascular Associates brought the first cardiac PET to Lake County.

The outstanding team can provide comprehensive care for any heart and vascular condition and also maintains privileges at several area hospitals.

Individually, the highly trained cardiologists of Cardiovascular Associates possess unique capabilities that keep them on the cutting edge of advanced heart medicine.

Collectively, they maintain a strong sense of camaraderie that assists in giving patients a full continuum of care.

“We have a team approach,” Dr. Goss says. “We strive to provide a relaxing, friendly, and inviting office environment so our patients always feel comfortable.”

Strong partnerships, gracious professionalism, innovative technology and service with compassion are just a few of Cardiovascular Associates’ core standards. Over the years, these standards have helped make Cardiovascular Associates the place where employees want to work, physicians want to practice, and patients want to receive cardiac care.

CARDIOVASCULAR ASSOCIATES OF LAKE COUNTY 1879 Nightingale Lane, Suite A-1 and C-1, Tavares • 352.742.1171 LRMC Medical Plaza, 705 Doctors Court, Leesburg • 352.323.5700 CVALakeCounty.com

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THE SALT ROOM

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ust breathe…

For those who suffer respiratory ailments, like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), just breathing isn’t always easy. However, Rebecca James, who owns The Salt Room in The Villages, believes there’s a way to make it easier.

Rebecca went through the trauma of respiratory ailments with her son Reilly, who at the age of two was already on prescription meds and a nebulizer. Thanks to salt therapy at The Salt Room in Orlando, he was soon on the road to a healthier life.

Seeing the benefits for her son, Rebecca decided to launch her own business in The Villages. “It’s great seeing clients’ lives change…just like my son’s did,” says Rebecca.

“My clients range from allergy to COPD sufferers, to people who just want to improve their immune system and have some ‘downtime,’ or time to relax,” Rebecca said. “With improved lung functions, many of my clients can more fully enjoy all the advantages of living and playing here.”

Salt therapy has been around for ages and is a proven therapeutic treatment for many lung ailments. Early salt miners had low rates of lung disease and healthy skin, such health was linked to their work in the salt mines.

The Salt Room in The Villages replicates those drug-free conditions, offering you the opportunity to relax and breathe easy while improving your health, without drugs. Clients lounge in street clothes and spend 45 minutes in rooms coated with Bahamian Sea Salt, while pulverized pharmaceutical salt is blown in a dry aerosol. Since cell phones are not permitted, it’s a chance to unplug and rejuvenate.

According to Rebecca, “Everything we do is geared toward improving clients’ overall health. We’re happiest when we hear them tell us that they’re able to play golf again, exercise, and enjoy an improved lifestyle. That’s what we’re all about.”

THE SALT ROOM AT THE VILLAGES 480 North Highway 27/441 Lady Lake, FL 32159 352.750.9909 saltroomvillages.com

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201 5 h e al thp ro (L–R) JASON GERBOC, DO; REGINA GUZZI, PA-C; MICHAEL FOUNTAIN, DO, FACOS

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UROLOGY SPECIALISTS OF LAKE COUNTY

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r. Jason Gerboc, Dr. Michael W. Fountain, Regina Guzzi, P.A., and the staff of Urology Specialists of Lake County seek to provide the highest quality of care for their patients. With a combination of specialized training and evidence-based treatment, they ensure patients not only get better, but also are completely satisfied with the level of care received.

“Our goal is always that the patient’s condition improves and they feel better,” Dr. Gerboc said. “When I’m listening to symptoms and complaints, I want to get to the heart of the matter so I can make an accurate diagnosis.”

Many urological problems often go untreated because people find them embarrassing or difficult to discuss with a doctor. Dr. Gerboc and Dr. Fountain understand the need for compassionate dialogue where health issues are concerned. The practice focuses on treating problems such as enlarged prostate, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction. There is no need to have discomfort or pain when the treatment is often available on site, using stateof-the-art technology and equipment.

“We want to be sure patients get treatment in a timely manner. We have immediate availability, sometimes

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same-day office appointments. Certainly we can see patients within a quick turnover,” Dr. Gerboc said. “We have a great office, clean environment, friendly staff, convenient location, state-of-the-art equipment. Our staff is caring and concerned, always eager to meet our patients’ expectation.”

Urology is a constantly changing specialty, but the staff of Urology Specialists of Lake County are always prepared to provide compassionate care combined with cutting-edge treatment.

UROLOGY SPECIALISTS OF LAKE COUNTY 1210 Waterman Way Tavares, FL 32778 352.343.2364 LakeCountyUrology.com

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THE VILLAGES REGIONAL HOSPITAL CARDIAC SERVICES

I Addy Ramos-Krebs, RN, BSN (left) and Ted Williams, Jr. (right) lead the Cardiac Services team at The Villages Regional Hospital.

t’s the middle of the night and a Villages resident is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. There’s a call to 9-1-1.This sets into motion a series of events that ends in a life-saving procedure, performed in a state-ofthe-art cardiac catheterization (cath) lab at The Villages Regional Hospital (TVRH).

The American Heart Association (AHA) says every year almost 250,000 people in the U.S. experience STEMI (ST segment elevation myocardial infarction); caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart. The time it takes to get a patient having chest pains to the Emergency Room (ER), until the time an invasive procedure is begun (referred to as “door-to-device” time) in the cath lab should be 90 minutes or less, according to the national standard. TVRH works to ensure patients’ treatment consistently meets or exceeds this standard. As a result, TVRH received the Mission: Lifeline® Bronze Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the AHA for treating patients suffering severe heart attacks.

“It takes a team of talented physicians and hospital clinicians to achieve these superb outcomes. We’re proud of our cardiac services team and the high quality care they provide. We want the community to be aware their hospital offers top-of-the-line cardiovascular services,” says Addy Ramos-Krebs, R.N., B.S.N., Director of Invasive and Non-Invasive Cardiology for TVRH. Ted Williams, Jr., Administrative Director of Cardiovascular and Diagnostic Imaging Services for Central Florida Health Alliance (parent company of TVRH), points out this level of care begins with a chain reaction that functions as smoothly as a well-oiled machine. “Collaboration between local emergency response partners, ER physicians, and staff, along with cardiologists, cath lab staff, and communications team is key,” said Williams. “All this work goes on behind the scenes.

I am proud to say our fastest door-to-device time to date is 21 minutes. Our average door-to-device time is 65 minutes, well below the national standard.”

“We have an outstanding team here at TVRH,” adds RamosKrebs. “Patients can rest assured their heart is in good hands when they arrive here. We have an unwavering commitment to our mission of improving the health and quality of life of the people and communities we serve.”

THE VILLAGES REGIONAL HOSPTIAL 1451 El Camino Real The Villages, FL 32159 352.751.8000 TheVillagesRegionalHospital.org

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On the

scene THE TO-DO LIST LOCAL TALENT SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT HI, SOCIETY! OUT + ABOUT

BOW-WOW WOW! Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer at

Poochapalooza!

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On the scene // the to-do list

SEPTEMB B To have an event considered for the calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 45 days in advance of event to: calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749

SEPTEMBER 4

FIRST FRIDAY FAMILY FOOD TRUCK NIGHT Clermont hosts the horde every first Friday of the month, with 11 of the area’s gourmet food trucks making their way to City Hall Park. There will be live music and new truck options each month, a brilliant solution for taste-bud boredom. Food trucks start serving at 5:30 p.m..

Irish Joe will be playing from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.. 685 W. Montrose Street, Clermont. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 352.394.4081.

SEPTEMBER 8

SEPTEMBER 19

POOCHAPALOOZA Every dog has his day, that day is Poochapalooza! This first annual festival is all about canines and their caregivers. Pooches and their humans can peruse exhibits, vendors, and take part in doggy activities. You and your furry friend will also have access to the hiking trails of Lake Louisa State Park. The Friends of Lake Louisa State Park do ask that all canine visitors be on a six-foot leash or shorter, all vaccinations must be up to date, and that you clean up after your pooch. 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 7305 US Highway 27, Clermont.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 352.394.3969.

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STORYTELLERS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA The Windsor Rose Tea Room and Restaurant of Mount Dora wants you to experience the magic of storytelling. Have lunch, tea, and an open ear. Each month, a professional storyteller will take you on a journey to other worlds.

Reservations are not needed, but suggested. This month enjoy the storytelling styles of Louise O’Leary. 2 p.m., 142 West 4th Avenue, Mount Dora. FOR IMFORMATION, CALL 352.735.2551.

SEPTEMBER 10

TAVARES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR GALA The Tavares Chamber of Commerce will be rolling out the red carpet and pulling out all the stops for the ninth annual Business of the Year Gala. This anticipated event will celebrate

“the best-of-the-best” in Central Lake. Attendees will “dress to impress” and can expect to be treated like a star. From a paparazzi-friended entrance—all cameras are on you—to a fivestar dining experience, courtesy of Lake Receptions. Stars begin arriving at 5:30 p.m. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 352.343.2531.

SEPTEMBER 12

LEESBURG FOOD TRUCK-N-FLICK NIGHT Bring a folding chair and an appetite! Food trucks will, once again, converge on the Leesburg Towne Square. Music and a free movie make the night complete.

5-9:30 p.m., 510 W. Main Street, Leesburg. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 352.365.0053.

SEPTEMBER 24

A TASTE OF SIMPLY SUMTER FOOD FESTIVAL We want you to love local! Come taste what Sumter County has been cooking up. Venders from local restaurants and businesses will be there to greet you with wonderful selections of food and beverages. Find a new favorite, and support local commerce. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Sumter Place in The Villages, 1550 Killingsworth Way, Wildwood. FOR IMFORMATION, CALL 352.793.3099.

SEPTEMBER 26

MISS LEESBURG SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT With almost three decades

PHOTOS: Shutterstock.com

EVENTS

B BER of engaging students in community service, the Miss Leesburg Scholarship Pageant returns to Leesburg High School Auditorium for its 29th year. Up to $10,000 in scholarship will be awarded. Deadline for registration is Sept. 21. Come support Leesburg’s legacy and eligible young women from Leesburg, Fruitland Park, Lady Lake, and The Villages, 6 p.m., 1401 Yellow Jacket Way, Leesburg. FOR IM-

MUSIC+THEATRE SEPTEMBER 4

MUSIC ON MONTROSE Where can we forget all our troubles, forget all our cares?

Downtown! Clermont continues its free downtown concert series at City Hall Park. Three full hours of music from 6 - 9 p.m.. So go downtown! Things will be great when you’re downtown, 685 W. Montrose, Clermont. FOR INFOR-

FORMATION, CALL 352.326.4217.

MATION, CALL 352.394.4081.

SEPTEMBER 27

SEPTEMBER 4

WILDLIFE BIKE RIDE Have bike, will ride? Join this two-wheeled adventure embarking from The Pasture Reserve in Groveland. This free event will get your heart pumping, encountering local wildlife as you pedal through the trails.

Bring your 10-speed and some natural curiosity, 9-11 a.m., 5144 Lake Erie Road, Groveland.

MUSIC IN SUNSET PARK There is music in the air! Mount Dora is kicking off Labor Day weekend with free music. The Shakedown will be rocking the park from 6-8 p.m., 230 West 4th Avenue, Mount Dora. FOR

FOR IMFORMATION, CALL LAKE COUNTY PARKS & TRAILS AT 352.253.4950.

INFORMATION, CALL 352.383.2165.

SEPTEMBER 11

PLAY ON! In this play about a play, things may get a little out of hand.

It is a comedy that puts “The show must go on” to the test.

SEPTEMBER 28

Texas Hold ‘Em at Knights of Columbus Been practicing your poker face?

The moment of truth has arrived.

Try your hand every first and third Thursday with Texas Hold ‘Em. 7 p.m., St. Lawrence Social Hall, 301 E. Dade Avenue, Bushnell. For information, call 352.569.5318

Suspend reality for a couple hours, and join The Melon Patch Players for their opening night at 8 p.m. Adults $18, students $9. The show will run for three weeks at The Melon Patch Theater, 311 N 13th Street, Leesburg. FOR MORE TIMES & DATES, CALL 352.787.3013.

Las Vegas, the tribute pays homage to the comedic genius of one of entertainment’s funniest vaudeville legends. Tickets are $15-$25. The laughs begin at 7 p.m., Mount Dora Community Center Theatre, 520 N. Baker Street. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 352.735.7183.

SEPTEMBER 24

ARTS+EXHIBITS SEPTEMBER 11

MOUNT DORA ART STROLL Wanderlust? Every second Friday downtown Mount Dora comes alive for the Art Stroll. Music, food, and art fill the streets and shops. Come wander! Soak up some of beautiful Mount Dora.

Local artists and performers make the city shine 6-8 p.m.

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE From page-turner to seat grabber, this Agatha Christie Classic comes to life with mystery and intrigue. A group of people, each harboring a dirty secret, find themselves confined to an island. But this is no holiday.

Death visits a member of the group and then another and another and… Can you solve the mystery? You’re invited to Sonnentag Theatre at The IceHouse for a thrilling opening night, 8 p.m. 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. Show runs until October. FOR INFORMATION &

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 352.383.0880.

TICKETS, CALL 353.383.3133.

FORMATION, CALL 352.383.8593.

SEPTEMBER 13

RENNINGER’S GUITARS AND CARS The coolest swap meet for miles.

Cruise on over to enjoy a car show and live music. You may find a new treasure or a new home for an old one. You can buy, sell, or swap your music equipment, cars, and car parts.

Entry is $2, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m..

Renninger’s Antique Center, 20651 US Hwy. 441. FOR IN-

SEPTEMBER 19

REMEMBERING RED A little of Las Vegas is coming to the Mount Dora Community Center Theatre, with “Remembering Red: A Tribute to Red Skelton.”

Still counted as the longest running show at the Westin in

SEPTEMBER 19

Starlight Ballroom and Dance Center 31st Anniversary Celebration Cha-cha on over to Starlight Ballroom in Leesburg as they celebrate 31 dazzling years of dance in Leesburg with live music, hors d’oeuvres by Embers, and of course, the finest ballroom dancing. The night’s proceeds will benefit the Leesburg Center for the Arts. The fun starts at 6 p.m. and ticket prices range from “Sponsor” to “Patron.” For information & tickets, call 352.326.3833

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LOCAL TALENT

THE NEW PHASE OF

AJ IN EVOLUTION STORY: BROOKE ROBLES PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

AJ in Evolution (AKA AJ Fritscher) wasn’t always the rock star he is now.

As a child, he was picked on by the bigger kids while growing up. He spent his adolescent years in a small town in Louisiana.

“The coolest memory I have of them was when they took me to ShowBiz Pizza to see the animatronic band,” AJ said. “Most rock stars begin playing music because they want to be like

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Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton, but not this boy. Yep, the animatronic band, Rock-afire Explosion, got me.” AJ says.

“Don’t let this fool you, though, because the musicians behind the curtain were the real deal.”

It was there AJ’s obsession for rock music began to emerge.

“I used to have to sneak rock records like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin into the house,” he said. “I would have to

buy two records — one like Paul Simon to hide the ones my grandparents did not approve of, like Alice Cooper and Pink Floyd.”

He learned to play the trumpet and piano, and when he was 13, the family moved to Florida, where he played keyboard in a band.

“In ninth grade, I took piano classes to avoid PE and got really good,” he said.

He didn’t pick up a guitar until he was 16, and that led to his first venture into songwriting.

“It was a girl,” he says. “I really liked her and wanted to impress her, and I think I did.”

After finishing school, AJ got a “real” job and started his family.

“I really slowed down on my music during that time and didn’t start up again until the recession in 2008, after losing my job,” he said. “My wife at the time pushed me to focus on my music, and since I needed to support my family, that’s what I did.”

In 2009, AJ started Evo Fab Records with his partner Michael Fabrizio and released his first album, “A Work in Progress.” Since then, AJ in Evolution has released three albums. His most recent, “Barebones,” is a raw sounding acoustic record with very few effects, produced by Marc Sirdoreus. “Lackadaisical,” with the catchy hook “Hey Ho,” is a fresh infusion of classic rock and modern rock.

When asked where he gets the inspiration for his songs, AJ says, “I write from experience and let my music speak for itself.”

Currently working on a bluesy project filled with pop culture elements, AJ in Evolution’s next album is in its beginning phases. If you check out the tune “Say Hello to San Francisco” on YouTube, you will hear the pop-culture lyrics such as, “They got Starbucks and Apollo, bikes you can rent on the street,” complete with a standard blues progression. For more information on AJ in Evolution, visit ajinevolution.bandcamp.com.

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7:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

9 p.m.

9 p.m.

Jeff Whitfield Defenders of Daisies Stone Wagon Stone Wagon Jeff Whitfield Mickey Gilley Shadow Cabinet The Verdict The Verdict Da Boys Defenders of Daisies Jeff Whitfield Blue Stone Circle Blue Earth Andy Wahlberg Blue Earth Defenders of Daisies Jeff Whitfield Swamp Juice Swamp Juice Defenders of Daisies Jeff Whitfield Charlie Daniels Band Charlie Daniels band Defenders of Daisies Boggy Creek Boggy Creek

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares The Sharon, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares The Sharon, The Villages The Sharon, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg

Bands subject to change… Email inconcert@akersmediagroup.com to submit an event for In Concert. Submissions must be received by the ninth of the month prior to month of the event (example: September 9 for October issue).

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On the scene // social spotlight Where you want to be

THE ART OF THE

FESTIVAL STORY: LEIGH NEELY

T

he Clermont Art Festival, coming the weekend of Nov. 7-8, will feature a select group of artists this year.

Taking its cue from the city’s new motto, “Clermont— Choice of Champions,” the event is being billed as a “Champions for the Arts” program and is open to the public with free admission.

“This is the first year we’re going to be more exclusive in our selection of artist by limiting the number to fifty juried artists,” said Larry Oskins, a volunteer with Marketing Solutions.

“Their entrants will be judged by a jury of professional artists as we’re looking for work that is unique and refined.”

Set amid the distinctive shops in the historic business district of Clermont, the festival features as many as 100 vendors. The Clermont Farmer’s Market, with its 60 vendors, arrives Sunday and will be adjacent to the festival. A special KidZone, staffed by schoolteachers, will give kids a chance to produce their

own works. Artwork done by area children in grades one through 12 will be displayed.

“I feel it’s really important for the city of Clermont to recognize and promote the talent we have here as well as from around the country,” Larry said. “The Clermont Art Festival is a prestigious event that continues to draw people to our area.”

A minimum of $3,000 in cash prizes is up for grabs under five distinct categories of work. These include Fine Art 2D, Fine Art 3D, Photography, Jewelry and Fine Crafts. There also will be an overall “Best of Show” winner, who will be the featured artist for the 2016 Clermont Arts Festival. Past win-

ners of this coveted prize include Gesa Barton, of Eustis; Bill Bernoir, of Groveland; Pet Percy, of Clermont; and Brandy Renee, of Winter Park.

Benjamin Peterson (left), of Tampa, won “Best of Show” in 2015 and is this year’s featured artist. Samples of his work can be viewed on the Facebook page of Natural Elements Art-Yard Sculpture and Wall Décor.

With their unique configurations and designs, the sculptures reflect the quality of fine art represented at the Clermont Art Festival. The whimsical metal designs of fish, dragonflies, butterflies and a variety of original pieces are among the most popular in yard and home décor.

Ron Smart, executive director of Clermont Downtown Partnership, says the goal of the art festival, besides introducing fine art to the area, is to showcase the beauty of historic downtown Clermont.. Shops and restaurants are conveniently located near the festival to offer great food and shopping during the event.

“We anticipate more than 6,000 people will visit, and not only will we have a variety of notable artists from Florida, we’re expecting entrants from Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Tennessee and North Carolina,” Ron said. “We are selecting only juried artists this year to narrow the competition to one division, which means it’s better for the artists and prospective buyers.”

Ron did extensive research to find information on previous festivals. “I think in 1985 there may have been as many as 20,000 people who came to the area called Waterfront Park, and all that changed with the damage done by the citrus freezes. We’re building this event more every year, to reflect how it was.”

Visitors will have easy access to view and purchase artwork. They can also talk personally with individual artists.

“As you know, there is not as much exposure to the arts as there once was.

We are especially interested in reaching young people to show the value of creative expression,” Ron said. “The KidZone will be staffed by teachers from elementary school to high school from local public and private schools.

Children will be able to do hands-on arts and crafts.”

The two-day event will feature bands on the main stage as well as street performers, mimes, and other entertainers.

Sponsorship, donor and purchase award opportunities are still available, including the coveted title sponsor role held by Royal Oak Homes in 2014. If you’re more interested in volunteering as an individual, contact the Clermont Downtown Partnership at Info@ClermontDowntownPartnership.com or call 405.204.0829.

This unique festival will take place in historic downtown Clermont, adjacent to the shores of Lake Minneola and the midway marker on the Florida Coast-to-Coast Bicycle Trail in South Lake County, just 20 miles west of Orlando.

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From (L-R) Nicole Silberstein, Charles Smith, Gregory Prevatt and Michael Monteith

Attention to Your Financial Details… means working toward your goal of living the lifestyle you have always envisioned. Knowing you have the resources in place to enjoy the next stage of your life is important in achieving those goals. Perhaps you want to master a new language, or travel to

see family. Moving financial worry away from the front of your mind can put big concerns to rest.

With discretionary portfolio models and planning tools we can build a plan based on your risk tolerance. As portfolio managers, we manage your portfolio on a daily basis, guiding your objectives from developing a health care strategy to helping you attend to estate planning needs.

You’ve spent your working years building a legacy.

Now let’s work to build the next phase of your life.

Knowing you have a financial advisor who can walk that path with you may mean the difference between living, and enjoying, your retirement. Protect what you want for today, and what you need for tomorrow.

Charles H. Smith, Sr. CWS® Senior Vice President Portfolio Management Director Wealth Advisor charlie.smith@morganstanley.com

Gregory Prevatt, CLTC, CFP® First Vice President Portfolio Management Director Financial Advisor gregory.prevatt@morganstanley.com

Michael Monteith Financial Planning Specialist Portfolio Manager Financial Advisor michael.monteith@morganstanley.com

Nicole Silberstein

The Smith Prevatt Monteith Group at Morgan Stanley 832 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages, FL 32162

Client Service Associate nicole.silberstein@morganstanley.com

352.751.7845 • Toll free 800.447.6036

morganstanleyfa.com/smithprevattmonteith Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates. This material is intended only for clients and prospective clients of the Portfolio Management program. It has been prepared solely for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument, or to participate in any trading strategy. The individuals mentioned as the Portfolio Management Team are Financial Advisors with Morgan Stanley participating in the Morgan Stanley Portfolio Management program. The Portfolio Management program is an investment advisory program in which the client’s Financial Advisor invests the client’s assets on a discretionary basis in a range of securities. The Portfolio Management program is described in the applicable Morgan Stanley ADV Part 2, available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV or from your Financial Advisor. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and Federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the US. © 2015. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC CRC 1091404 01/15

On the scene // Hi, society!

GATEWAY GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING 98

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The Gateway to downtown Leesburg was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony well represented by local officials, dignitaries, business owners and community leaders. Leesburg Partnership’s President, Joe Shipes stated “the Partnership is extremely pleased and excited that the project is complete, a long time coming after years of planning and dedication.” He also thanked the merchants and businesses that endured the inconvenience of construction and hoped they were equally as pleased. Shipes expressed his assurance that the Streetscape will lead to bigger and better things for Leesburg and the downtown business corridor, which is already experiencing a tremendous increase in traffic since the opening of the Gateway. Shipes gave credit to Public Works Director DC Mauldin for an exceptional job.

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On the scene // Hi, society!

SEEING IS BELIEVING Local residents and businesspeople gathered at the Tavares Pavilion on Lake Dora to celebrate New Vision for Independence’s 10th anniversary. The event was free to the public and featured a cash bar and dessert. The organization serves residents in Lake and Sumter counties who suffer from blindness and low vision.

MICHELE GIANCOLA, RENEE MILOTA, PATTY WIGHTMAN, AND MICHAEL TEDDER

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

ELLEN JORDAN, KATHY HAVILAND, AND CINDY BROWN

SUE KELLY AND LEAH CONNER

JENNIFER AND HARRISON SLATER JILL AND ASHLEY BAKER

ESTHER HARTZ GLORIA AND THOMAS BULLOCK

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On the scene // Hi, society!

OIL…IT’S ESSENTIAL VITALITY WELLNESS & AESTHETICS STAFF

PHOTOS: AUBREY AKERS

Local residents and businesspeople gathered at the Tavares Pavilion on Lake Dora to celebrate New Vision for Independence’s 10th anniversary. The event was free to the public and featured a cash bar and dessert. The organization serves residents in Lake and Sumter counties who suffer from blindness and low vision.

ANNIE SCHAPIRO AND SANDY BOCK DONNA LAWSON AND FRANKIE CALDWELL

CRICKET AND SHANNON BEVERLY SMEBY

MARTHA VALO AND JOYCE STONE JOAN AND ROSIE MARIE

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Serving the area for over 20 years!

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On the scene // Hi, society!

GIVING IT A WHIRL The Educational Foundation of Lake County held its annual Stepping Out for Education event, a local version of Dancing with the Stars. Local celebrities showcased their newfound ballroom dance skills by twirling and sidestepping with professional dancers. Prior to the event, they spent 20 hours learning ballroom dances such as the fox trot, rumba, and swing.

ART AND NANCY OLIVER WITH TIFFANY AND BOB BONE LYNNE AND WADE WINKER

CARMAN CULLEN-BATT, DOUG MAJOR, AND MARIAH DELGADO EDDIE RIVERA, SHARON NOBLES, SHEILA WEST-SPURRIER AND RICARDO ROJAS AND LYNNE KELLEY

CHAD, RENEÉ, AND MARISSA CAMPBELL

YADI NIEVES AND FELIX BETANCOURT

TIFFANY GAY AND JO’EL BARTLEY

BOBBY RHODES, LORA COSTANTINI, AND JULIO VALLE

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On the scene // out+about A travel companion for points near and far

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: CRUISING FOR CANNIBALS STORY+PHOTOS: DR. MARK ROTHSCHILD

I

t was an early spring day in 2011 when my traveling companion, Cliff, contacted me about making plans for our next trip abroad.

After poring over multiple magazine articles and travel publications, I came across a video published by “National Geographic” entitled, “Eating with Cannibals.” In this documentary, Piers Gibbon ventured deep into the rainforests of Papua New Guinea in search of the Biami Tribe. His mission was to obtain information about clan members who ate human flesh.

Shortly thereafter, we made reservations to fly to the Oceanian country in the

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South Pacific between Australia and Indonesia.

The most recently noted case of cannibalism on the island occurred in the 1970s, the practice was part of a traditional culture in which human flesh was referred to as “long pig.” Cult members ate brains raw and made soup out of the penises of victims who practiced “Saguma,” or sorcery.

What we found when we landed in Port Moseby was one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. With approximately 6.3 million inhabitants, there are an estimated 848 traditional societies speaking as many different languages. As this island has very little infrastructure, we flew to each of our destinations by small, private planes and landed in fields with no runways.

Our first stop was to see the Hela people in the province of Tari in the southern highlands. Here we encountered men with headdresses made from feathers of pigeons, birds of paradise, parrots and other exotic birds.

The Huli men did a spirit dance in the Wabia Village. We discovered their descendants had lived in this region for a thousand years, but weren’t discovered

by Europeans until 1935 during the Strickland-Purari patrol, conducted by Jack Hides and James O’Malley.

We then entered the Women’s Village in Lirako. We encountered a woman transporting her baby with an attachment on her head. We came across three women, one with her face painted white signifying she was mourning the death of her husband. It turns out that during the past decade on the island, hundreds of men, women and children accused of witchcraft or sorcery were tortured publicly and murdered, leaving loved ones behind. Such was the case with this woman.

One of my favorite stops was at Poroipa Akau, or the Wig School. The Huli comprise the largest ethnic group in the Highlands, numbering between 300,000 to 400,000 people. The men wear decorative, woven wigs adorned with bundles

protected their turf from an onslaught by aggressors from a village several miles away.

Some of what we saw was shocking.

Seeing a 17-year-old boy who received burns on his back and chest during an initiation ceremony that was a rite of

of multicolored feathers during celebratory festivals called “sing-sings.”

The wigs are made by a clan known as the Huli Wigmen and are produced at a Wig School isolated from the rest of the community. We met the Wig School Master, who was wearing a finished wig in all of its regalia. He took us to see the group of students living at the school for 18 months while growing their hair.

These men slept sideways with their necks on a log, so their hair remained undisturbed while it grew. When it reaches the proper length, it is shaved off so a wig can be woven with it.

We completed our tour of Tari with a trip to the Horo Village, where we met the “Big Man.” He was the village elder, draped in a beautiful, purple sari. He was in the process of making a fire by rubbing two pieces of string together.

He then lit his pipe, a sight clearly worth photographing.

The next day, we took off in a sixseat, single-engine plane and headed to Karawari. As I gripped the sides of my seat with all my strength and held my breath, the pilot cleared a mountain peak and quickly descended into a valley. Quite by design, the plane landed in a field and came to a halt after ascending the side of a hill. This ride

certainly was not for the faint of heart!

We loaded our luggage onto a shuttle boat and headed down the Karawari River, making stops at little villages along the way. Our first encounter was with a mother and son in the process of chopping up a sago palm as to extract pulp. A group of women then mixed boiling water with the extract to make a pudding to which they added vegetables. This is a staple of the diet of these families; they eat it twice daily.

Down the river, we came to the Tanganimbit Village, where the Konbrop Tribe resides. We enjoyed watching native warriors doing a victory dance in the Spirit House; they successfully had

passage left an indelible memory.

Time was up. Cliff and I took the long plane ride home with a deeper appreciation for creature comforts like refrigeration, electric lighting and automobiles. We didn’t see any cannibals on this trip, and I have to admit, I was happy I didn’t end up as an entrée for a tribesman.

ABOUT THE WRITER Dr. Mark Rothschild is a cardiologist at Heart of The Villages in Spanish Springs. He is also a photographer and photojournalist. His travels are documented on his website: markrothschildphoto.com.

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Make it memorable.

The 1889 Opera House offers history and 3,500 square feet of spacious style for events ranging from seminars to weddings.

Holiday Parties • Life Celebrations • Speaker Events Business Socials • Conferences/Seminars • Weddings 108 5TH STREET, LEESBURG 352.787.6806 | OPERAHOUSEEVENTS.COM

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER CREMATION? Oftentimes loved ones clearly relay their desire to be cremated; unfortunately many never consider what will happen to their cremated remains when they are returned to their loved ones.

Quite often family members wrestle with what to do because this important discussion of what to do after the cremation has never taken place. Many times spouses choose to take the urn home with them. Sometimes spouses struggle with scattering cremated remains because their grief compels them to “hold on” and not to “let go”.

(There are also many laws and ordinances prohibiting scattering cremated remains on public grounds and waterways.) Another common issue many families encounter occurs years later when a loved one’s urn has been taken home.

Quite often the spouse or family member entrusted with the care of the urn may pass away and then families struggle with what to do with two urns.

Unfortunately our staff members at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Leesburg and Lakeside Memory Gardens in Eustis are confronted

with these types of issues quite regularly. Many are not aware that our cemeteries offer many affordable options that provide a safe and permanent place that will allow families to place a loved one’s cremated remains. A Personal Columbarium such as the one pictured can be designed to accommodate single or double urns and slightly larger versions can provide alternatives for larger families. Our Columbariums are available in a large variety of styles and granite color options, and one of the most important features is that they are transportable if the need should arise due to relocation.

If you have not had a conversation concerning “After the Cremation” please explore this

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topic with your loved one(s). The Columbarium discussed is one of dozens of options for cremation that we offer at our cemeteries. We offer financing options and have options for every budget. Call or stop by today and let us help you find a personal cremation option that fits your needs and desires. ________________________________

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Check out our latest video: What Makes us Different

At ICE we bel ive primary care is your first line of defense for your husband’s office full of sniffling, sneezing co-workers. Our primary care physicians are there for everything from regular check-ups and treating common ailments, to promoting wellness programs like weight loss or smoking cessation.

We’re also excellent at heading off illnessià before they have a chance to take hold…Becky brought Ted in on Friday and they both got a flu shot. Ted made it through the week without a single sniffle.

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Locations OCALA, TAVARES, SUMMERFIELD, WILLISTON AND THE VILLAGES For more information, call 352.854.0681

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Most Wanted Help us find the area’s most eligible s ngles!

Still reeling from last season’s Bachelorette?

Need more? Stop the moping and waiting, Style has a worthy distraction.

STORY: MICHELLE CLARK

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hile decisions have been made, some hearts have been bruised — mainly your own poor lacerated one due to Kaitlyn’s emotional whiplash — and ABC takes their break from “The Bachelor(ette),” things are kicking up at Style; we are looking for Lake and Sumter Counties’ Most Eligible Person among the community’s very own bachelors and bachelorettes. And the best part is you get first and final say. The rose is in your hands.

Whatever happened to the days where we pushed our unwedded guys and gals, scared and flinching, into the spotlight? Come on, we’re southern after all! We can’t be so far removed from cotillions and county balls. True, we usually had the kindly conniving motive of putting their “singledom” behind them, but what’s the harm of continuing to celebrate these eligible men and women of quality?

At Style, we want to recognize these individuals for their wonderful accomplishments and shining characters, not as products on the market, but as worthy representation of our communities. It doesn’t hurt to be a little boastful, especially when we have so many doing good for our area, and so many hometown heroes doing us proud in larger arenas as well. Let’s call those persons out.

What is Style looking for? Your friends, your neighbors. Your son, your Sister. Any man or woman who

Nominations accepted through October 15th at lakeandsumterstyle.com Enter today!

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is, well… single. Yes, “all the single ladies,” and you “solitary men,” it’s time to step into the spotlight. We can’t guarantee you a 15 percent increase in suitors, but we would like to make an offer of the community’s recognition.

A potential candidate calls Lake or Sumter home and has something about them, or many somethings, that makes them standout; whether he’s sweeter than stolen honey, or she’s bright as a new penny.

We will be taking nominations for our first Most Eligible Person through

October 15. To nominate someone for this honor, all you have to do is mosey on over to the Style website, lakeandsumterstyle.com, and drop a line. The names of the top 20 contenders, 10 bachelors and 10 bachelorettes, will then be published to the website.

But the fun doesn’t end there; on November 11, you’ll get to meet the top 20 at a Singles Mingle hosted by Akers Media, right in our home at the Leesburg Opera House. Expect good old southern hospitality and a room full of swoon worthy ladies and gentlemen.

Once you’ve met them all, you can make your decision. Casting your ballot for your favorite bachelor/bachelorette will increase their chances. Ballots will be combined with the online voting, and a Most Eligible Person will be named.

So what’s it worth to you? Well it’s not all vanity and appeasing your southern momma. It actually pays! The winner of our Most Eligible Person honor will receive a weekend stay at Mission Inn, the home of two renowned golf courses and the Marbella Spa, as well as $500. That’s right, 500 smackeroos, you can take that southern momma to dinner.

The winner will also grace the December cover of Style. Victory is sweet, isn’t it? But so is second place, and 10th. The top 19 finalists will not be left out; they will be featured in the issue as well. And all you need to be is single? Sounds like a real nice set up.

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” se.”

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Renaissance Faire TWO WEEKENDS Nov 6-7-8 and Nov 14-15 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Lake Idamere-Tavares, FL State Road 19 and C.R. 448, Tavares, FL 32778 At Gate: $15 adult $10 child Follow the weekly saga of Lord Edward facebook.com/ladyofthelakesrenfaire Education Day: November 6 - 9:00-3:00 $5 at gate 352.326.1265 Senior Day (over 62): November 8 - $7 at gate Group Sales for 15 or more: cullen-battc@lake.k12.fl.us SAVE MONEY! ORDER ADVANCE TICKETS ONLINE AT WWW.LAKERENFAIRE.COM 352.326.1265

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“Men no longer need to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older,” says Dr. James Young, a down-toearth urologist with 33 years of experience in treating men with prostate problems in Lake County. Although the cause of these symptoms is most likely an enlarging prostate (BPH), a normal part of the aging process in men, treatment options are more numerous and less invasive than those offered to our fathers and grandfathers.

Years ago there were two options for treating an enlarged prostate: surgical excision via an open operation (knife) or much more commonly by performing a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), commonly referred to as a “roto-rooter” by patients and physicians. Both required hospitalization as well as major anesthesia and could be fraught with complications such as bleeding, infection, loss of bladder control and even death.

“In my career I have performed over 3,000 TURPs; however, I no longer perform any,” says Dr. Young. “There are presently too many excellent alternatives to consider a hospital operation for the vast majority of patients with BPH.” “When I see a new patient I perform a physical examination and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” he says. “Next, I describe to the patient what’s normal and then explain what is abnormal with him.

Lastly, I teach him his treatment options.

If I’ve done a good job of teaching, he will select the correct option for himself.”

While prescribing medications for BPH can be done by primary care physicians, only urologists are trained to thoroughly

evaluate the bladder and prostate (including ruling out prostate cancer), as well as providing extremely effective minimally invasive, office-based therapies as alternatives to lifelong medical therapy.

One such option is Prostiva-RF Therapy, a procedure performed by Dr. Young in his office under local anesthesia that usually takes less than 30 minutes. Prostiva utilizes low level radio frequency energy to ablate (destroy) the obstructing component of the enlarged prostate. “I am very happy with the results I have achieved for my patients using Prostiva-RF Therapy,” says Dr. Young, who has successfully treated more than 2,400 patients with this procedure.

“Medtronic is a $13 billion-a-year, publicly traded corporation that perfected the technology for Prostiva and produces the necessary hardware. Recently, Medtronic produced an educational DVD for international distribution to inform patients and physicians worldwide regarding the benefits of Prostiva therapy. Seven of the eight patients featured on the DVD are my patients. I am very proud Medtronic selected my practice to feature the benefits of Prostiva-RF Therapy. However it is sort of a bad news/good news thing. The bad news is neither my patients nor myself received a penny for our participation. The good news is Medtronic gave us all the DVD’s we want, so if anyone wants one all he needs to do is drop by my office at 801 Northshore Drive in Eustis, and we will give him one!”

And with an office staff with nearly as much experience as the doctor, (many have worked with Dr. Young more than 20 years) III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

you don’t spend a great deal of time waiting to see him. “We pride ourselves in being timely in seeing our patients. We respect our patient’s time as much as we do our own,” adds Dr. Young. “Patients appreciate this; many of our patients tell me I have the best office staff on the planet. I consider that a huge compliment.”

So if you are getting up at night and can’t get back to sleep because you are thinking about what may be wrong with you, it’s time to check in with Dr. Young and have him check you out.

“Many men accept frequent bladder urges as part of aging. And while it is part of the aging process, it’s not like death and taxes. There is something you can do about it,” he says.

JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D. Board Certified Urologist Practicing in Lake County for over 33 years with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

For more information, contact

PHYSICIANS FOR ACCOUNTABLE CARE 920 Rolling Acres Road, Suite 201 Lady Lake, FL 32159

352.751.4990 801 Northshore Drive, Eustis, FL 32726

352.357.6786

ProstateEvaluation.com

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

The American Cancer Society Presents

The th Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball Of Lake, Sumter And Marion Counties

Saturday, October th  : p.m. – : p.m.

The Polo Club •  Buena Vista Blvd • The Villages, FL 

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Live & Silent Auction ~ Retrolicious Cuisine Costume Contest ~ DJ ~ Dancing ~ Entertainment To reserve your tickets or for more information, call: 352.315.7527 or 352.315.7509 All proceeds benefit LifeStream’s Children & Family Services

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Follow your heart

We are accepting new patients into the practice.

352.674.2080 1149 Main Street, The Villages

eats QUICK BITES IN THE KITCHEN FORK ON THE ROAD SALUTE DINING GUIDE

FINGER LICKIN’ GOOD Cooking up a good ol’ Southern meal with Dr. Laura Britt.

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EATS // QUICK BITES Bits and Bites of Food in the News

As the World Churns

POLLY’S PANTRY ROYAL TEAROOM What do high teas, tiaras and a heavy dollop of comic relief have in common? That would be British-born Tricia Bennett. Tricia and her husband John own and operate Polly’s Pantry Royal Tearoom in downtown Wildwood. The old-style British tearoom has an intimate ambience reminiscent of grandma’s parlor. Tempting items in the traditional menu include cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, scones, quiche and homemade shepherd’s pie and are handed out as often as Tricia’s unique sense of humor.

However, special events like the Little Treasures Tea for children (that’s where the tiaras come in) make Polly’s Pantry stand out from the crowd.

The kind-hearted Brit prides herself on serving up something else that’s not on the menu.

“If you give people love, they’re going to o come back,” she said. “You have to serve the food up with ladles of love.”

Polly’s Pantry is located at 819 S Main Street in Wildwood and is open Monday – Saturday ay from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Reservations are highly ghly recommended for regular lunch service and nd specialty teas/events. For more information visit their website at www.hopeinyourheart.com and d click on “The Tea Room,” or call 352.330.4002.

Ice cream is a still a favorite summer treat—and not a bad dessert any time of year, especially with warm pie or cobbler. It’s estimated that on any given day, 87 percent of Americans have ice cream in their home freezers. Local ice cream shops say the hazy days of summer keep them busy as folks enjoy a cold delicacy that once was reserved for high society.

According to Bob Borkoski, owner of Ollie’s Frozen Custard at Spanish Springs Plaza in Lady Lake, vanilla is still his best-selling custard. “Of course we use it in many of our other dishes, like banana splits, not just cones, but it is the most requested.”

Tamira Myers, manager at Haagen-Dazs at Lake Sumter Landing, says their most requested flavor is butter pecan. They prepare an average of 250 cones a day along with almost as many dishes in cups.

Kiaha Bills-McCoy at Ritter’s Frozen Custard in Clermont concurs that vanilla is the customer favorite in their shop for the 30 or so waffle cones they fix daily.

July is National Ice Cream Month, but it appears anytime is a good time for an ice cream cone!

FUN FACTS • The ice cream cone was introduced at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.

• The average American eats 20 quarts of ice cream annually.

• Vanilla tops the ice cream market at 33 percent with chocolate coming in second at 19 percent.

SEPTEMBER 10 NER DAY IS NATIONAL TV DINNER Though there is still debate about who inventedd the frozen dinner, there’s no doubt it was C.A. Swanson & Sons’’ savvy marketing and decision to sell it for $.98 that brought their version rsion to the forefront.

The first TV dinner (named for its TV shape) was a Thanksgiving meal—turkey with cornbread dressing, frozenn peas, and sweet potatoes. Swanson’s Hungry Man dinners didn’t n’t hit freezers until 1973.

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“TASTE OF LAKE” SECOND HELPING Take a stroll through some of Sumter County’s favorite eateries at the Fifth Annual Taste of Simply Sumter Food and Spirits Festival. “For the first time, we’ll be golf-cart accessible,” said Jessica Kelly from the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce. “Last year’s event had 20 vendors, and this year, our goal is 40.

The good news is we’re in a larger location than we’ve had in the past.” The event takes place Place in The Villages at Sumter Plac Killingsworth Way, just at 1550 Killings off Highway 466-A 46 near Buena Vista Boulevard, Boulevard from 5-8 p.m.

Sept. 24. In addition Thursday, Sept to a variety of uunique dishes Sumter County prepared by Su there will be wine restaurants, the and beer tastings. tastin Visitors also will vote for fo the winner of Award.” the “Taster’s Choice C Admission is $20 $ and includes the tastings, entertainment, en and a Chinese auction with prizes valued aat $50 or more. vendor For info about reserving r space, go to sumterchamber. su org. There is no charge to be a vendor at this event.

Restaurateur Gina Garcia Buell has a full plate. Her show, “Taste of Lake,” debuted in May and the six episodes proved so popular, the second series is going now.

This kind of success is not surprising given the wealth of knowledge she inherited from her legendary family.

Her great-grandfather, Manuel Garcia, was a part-time owner of the famed Columbia Restaurant in Tampa’s historic Cuban district, Ybor City, and her highly regarded father, Manuel Garcia III, founded fine-dining favorites Pebbles, Harvey’s, and Manuel’s in Orlando, which is a fourdiamond establishment.

Gina and her husband Mike continued the family legacy with three restaurants of their own in The Villages.

City Fire American Oven and Bar restaurants is in Brownwood Paddock Square and Lake Sumter Landing, and the newly opened Honest John’s Whiskey and Provisions occupies the former TGI Fridays at Lake Sumter Landing.

Her weekly 30-minute show features the county’s diverse dining options.

The new season kicks off with visit to The Winery. Watch “Taste of Lake” anytime at tasteoflake.us. For more program information, visit lakefronttv.com.

TASTY TAPAS Tavares Chamber of Commerce introduces Tapas Tuesdays! Not to be confused with Topless Tuesdays (which doesn’t exist, so please keep your shirts on), Tapas Tuesdays premiered August 25th and will continue on the last Tuesday of every month. Similar to a pub crawl, the event includes a passport, which to be stamped at each participating restaurant or store during this gathering.

Looking for great places to eat in Leesburg? Check out LeesburgEats. com to get not only information about restaurants and menus, but also a coupon for 15 percent off your meal. Originally set up to bring visitors downtown, the site is now going to be available for all restaurants in the Leesburg area. At LeesburgEats.com, you’ll find links to the restaurant’s Facebook page to find specials. If you’d like more information about the website, contact The Leesburg Partnership at 352.365.0053

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OF SOUTHERN STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

Dr. Lauren Britt is one of those cooks who adds a pinch of this, and a dash of that, while creating delicious meals for family and friends. It’s probably because she learned most of her cooking techniques standing beside her grandmother in the kitchen of her family’s farm in Luverne, Ala. She fondly recalled, “We were shipped off as slave labor every summer, and a lot of the things I cook, she taught me how.” In addition to helping with work on the farm, Lauren picked black berries and made black berry jam.

The little girl who used to cook with grandmother fulfilled her dream to become a doctor, and she now works with Lake OB/GYN Associates of Mid-Florida. Though medical school and training took her away from her beloved Southern roots, with her fried chicken, she was always able to bring some of home to wherever she lived.

“My grandmother was a phenomenal cook. My grandfather was in the air force, and they lived several different places, so she had a lot of flair to her cooking as well,” Lauren said. “I like Southern food, it’s back to my roots. I went to the University of Alabama for undergrad studies, attended West Virginia for medical school and trained in Toledo, Ohio, for my residency.

I needed some good old soul food when I was so far away from home. It helped when I got homesick. I would make a whole bunch of fried chicken and have all my friends over to eat it because, otherwise, I would drown in chicken.”

Though her grandmother passed away this past Easter, her grandfather still lives on the farm. She readily admits, the little things touch her the most when it comes to her family.

“My mom always made oatmeal on Sundays with fresh bread.

It was the steel-cut oats that you have to cook for an hour and a half for it to taste good,” Lauren shared. “You can truly taste the difference in that and the instant oatmeal.” That family meal is one of her favorite memories.

She also recalls some wonderful meals from family reunions held in an old school building not far from her grandparents’

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home. Her grandfather attended school there from first grade through high school. “It has huge vaulted ceilings and the original wood floors. The appliances look like they were from the 50s, but still worked magically,” Lauren said. “The first time I had my husband meet my family, I took him to a family reunion. It was sink or swim for him.”

Andrew, Lauren’s husband, is from South Dakota. So, he not only was introduced to lots of new dishes, he experienced a brand new culture. “He loved the food and he loved the culture” of a family reunion, Southern style.

“My husband’s favorite food is Mexican Lasagna, which is easy to make. It has a lot of ingredients, but it’s easy. It has tortillas instead of the noodles, and you do a meat sauce with enchilada sauce as opposed to the red sauce,” Lauren said. “I don’t make my homemade enchilada sauce anymore since I have Hank, but it’s still good.” Hank is the couple’s son.

Lauren said “controlled chaos” is the best way to describe her cooking process. “I tend to make a lot when I’m cooking so I can freeze it, and then I can take it out and cook it when I need it.”

The biggest trick to use when cooking, according to Lauren’s grandmother, is “a big pan of soapy water.” She laughed and said, “The sink is half full of soapy water, and I just throw all the dishes in that and keep going. I taught my husband how to cook in medical school, and he is one of those that lets everything pile up as he goes. I told him at least he could put it in one spot to soak.”

She has already begun teaching the next generation of her family her grandmother’s cooking secrets. She keeps Hank, her 10-month-old son, close with a front sling and lets him help mix the foods she’s making. He recently got his first lesson in making homemade French toast. The Decatur, Ala., native hopes her son will enjoy cooking as much as she does.

Like most Southern cooks, Lauren says her cast-iron skillet is one of the essentials in her kitchen. She uses it for frying chicken, crisp bacon, and baking corn bread. “One of my favorite

“I did a lot of cooking growing up, so my biggest downfall is that I cook large portions.

I’m incapable of cooking just for one.”

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EATS // in the kitchen Out of the frying pan and onto the page.

meals is fried chicken with my grandmother’s potato salad. I like chunky potato salad, and I make it with green onions, dill pickles, a little mustard, and lots of Duke’s mayonnaise. Duke’s is important. I love it. Then I put boiled eggs on top. The trick with potato salad is you basically cook the potatoes in sea water, so you don’t have to add salt after you cook them.”

Her grandmother’s recipes are among Lauren’s greatest treasures. “She didn’t really use a lot of cookbooks; the recipes were mostly just passed down. Again, it’s the little things that get you.

I came across her cobbler recipe written in her handwriting, and I just burst into tears,” Lauren said. “She had beautiful handwriting.

It was back when cursive writing was an art form, and everything wasn’t typed out like it is now.”

Since Lauren enjoys preparing lots of food, naturally, she loves hosting dinner parties.

When Andrew’s family came down from South Dakota for a visit recently, the two of them prepared a famous meal from the Deep South.

“We had a low-country boil. It was the first one we’ve done down here where we can get everything fresh.

We got the blue crab from Bubba’s (Bubba’s Crab and Seafood in Leesburg), and it was wonderful,” Lauren said.

“You get so spoiled having fresh seafood. I really like sushi. We used to get it in Ohio, and it was good, but down here, it’s so much better. I don’t think I could go back.”

It’s obvious Lauren’s love of cooking comes from the heart, and it’s easy to picture the little girl in the farmhouse kitchen, learning a love of Southern cooking from her beloved grandmother.

PERFECT PEACH COBBLER INGREDIENTS 6-7 medium ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced approx. 1/3 inch thick 1 c. self-rising flour 1 c. sugar 1 c. buttermilk Pinch of cinnamon Pinch of nutmeg Pinch of salt 1 T. cornstarch 1 T. fresh lemon juice ¼ c. honey DIRECTIONS • Peel peaches and cut into 1/3inch slices. Place in bowl with 1 cup sugar and stir until combined.

• Let sit for an hour, stirring occasionally until sliced peaches

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release their juices, or can stir and leave in fridge overnight.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Add dash of cinnamon and nutmeg; stir in lemon juice and cornstarch.

• Melt butter in 9”x13” pan.

• In separate bowl combine flour, remaining sugar, milk (or buttermilk) vanilla, and dash of cinnamon. Mix well.

• Add peaches and juice to warm butter in pan. Pour flour mixture over peaches evenly. Drizzle honey over top and add sprinkle of cinnamon. Swirl with butter knife for design.

• Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

FRIED CHICKEN Whole 4 lb. chicken cut into 8 pieces. I recommend using a Dutch oven instead of a sauté pan. Preheat oven to 400 degrees when ready to cook.

INGREDIENTS 1¼ c. buttermilk 1 T. plus 1 tsp. salt Dash of hot sauce 3 tsp. ground black pepper 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. paprika 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 4 lb. chicken bone-in, skin on 2 c. unbleached all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1¾ c. peanut oil

LAUREN’S COOKING TIPS • “We live in Palermo Park so we walk to the Farmer’s Market. I put puppy backpacks on our two Great Pyrenees, Waylon and Ollie, and they carry the produce home. Fresh is always better.”

• “You never go wrong with greens. I love collards.”

• “I never cook bacon in a microwave. I cook it my cast-iron skillet. You never go wrong with breakfast.”

• “I cook with butter.

Margarine will never show up at my house.”

INSTRUCTIONS • Whisk a c. of buttermilk, salt, hot sauce, and a teaspoon of black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne together in a bowl.

• Add chicken pieces and turn to coat.

• Cover and refrigerate entire mixture for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

• Adjust an oven rack to middle position and heat the oven to 400 degrees.

• Whisk flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and remaining black pepper, 3/4 tsp. garlic powder, 3/4 tsp. paprika, and cayenne together in large bowl.

• Add remaining ¼ c. buttermilk to flour mixture and combine with fingers until small clumps form.

• Take one piece of chicken at a time and dredge the chicken pieces in flour mixture, pressing mixture onto piece to form thick, even coating.

• Place on large platter.

• Heat 2 cups oil in an 11-inch Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 375 degrees. You can use a candy thermometer or heat approximately 5 minutes.

• Place chicken pieces in the pan, skin side down, and cook approximately 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

• Flip chicken pieces and cook on second side 2-4 minutes.

• Transfer chicken to wire rack on rimmed baking sheet.

• Place chicken in oven and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 160 degrees for breasts and 175 degrees for thighs and legs, approximately 15-20 minutes.

• Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.

CHUNKY POTATO SALAD INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. red potatoes Kosher dill pickles, cubed 1 bunch green onions, sliced 1 ½ c. Duke’s Mayonnaise (I think Duke’s is the best.)

1 squirt yellow mustard Salt to taste Ground black pepper to taste • Mix all ingredients and let chill before serving.

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EATS // fork on THE Road Tasty insights and observations

’s ore t i edhoic c

TEXAS STOCKYARDS There’s nothing one-star about this Lone Star barbeque!

STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

I kept expecting my server to say, “Hello, Pilgrim,” when I sat down to eat at Texas Stockyards. John

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Wayne was in many of the cowboy pictures decorating the walls of the restaurant’s dining room. I seriously

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doubt the younger crowd would enjoy these pictures as much as I did. I fear they may not even know Wayne,

who was the epitome of the American cowboy. The back wall has a sepia mural with scenes from an old stockyard.

Though there’s a television behind the bar, it was playing old western movies both times I was in the restaurant.

Owners Amanda and Donald Rapp recently closed their Belleview location, but the Lady Lake restaurant is going strong. Their belief has always been, “The food speaks for itself.” They say their number-one ingredient is patience because they cook the meat with indirect smoke and heat for a long time at a low temperature. According to their website, diners should look for the “reddish red ring that naturally develops around the edge of the meat from the smoke during the cooking process.”

The first thing that greeted me was the wonderful aroma of smoked meat that permeated the air. If you’re hungry when you walk in, your stomach will be growling by the time you’re seated.

I went at lunchtime and was told to find a seat wherever I liked. The casual, relaxed atmosphere was enhanced by the light chatter around the room. I heard the men behind me discussing how good the smoked turkey was, but I picked the special of the day—a pulled pork sandwich and one side— when it came time to order.

Robert, my server, assured me everything prepared in the Texas Stockyards kitchen was homemade, including the sauces. Though I tasted the mustard and spicy barbecue sauces, I found I liked

the original sweet sauce the best. It put me in the mind of a tangy South Carolina sauce.

My soft drink came in a quart jar, which meant there were no worries about refills. My sandwich was piled high and the bun was soft and fresh. I had no thought of dessert when I finished because I was stuffed. The meat was tender and juicy, and the smoky flavor was definitely enhanced by the sweet, rich sauce.

The Texas Stockyards is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the portions are generous enough to ensure you won’t go home

hungry. my husband and I enjoyed the 2 for $22 pork ribs meal for dinner. While I had the twice-baked potato casserole and collard greens with my ribs, my husband enjoyed garlic green beans and fried okra. Of course, we shared, and everything did have that down-home Southern flavor. The ribs were so tender all we had to do was pick up the bone and the meat fell away. We had enough left for my husband to take for his lunch the next day. Once again, we had no room for dessert, though they offer cobblers, banana pudding, and pecan pie.

BRITISH SENSATION 4 FORKS

(OUT OF POSSIBLE 5) 360 S. Hwy. 441, Lady Lake, FL 32159 352.750.5227 Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Website: texasstockyards.wix.com Phone for reservations or large groups.

FORK REPORT: Casual dining. $$ // Seated: immediately // Wait for meal: less than 15 minutes APPETIZERS: • Homemade Texas Egg Rolls w/your choice of sauce • Baja Crab Cakes w/lemon dill sauce SALADS: • Chuckwagon Salad – lettuce mix, cucumber, red onions, grape tomatoes, cheese, croutons, and a boiled egg with your choice of meat on the side.

ENTREES: • Chopped or sliced brisket • Pork & Beef Sausage • Pork & Beef Jalapeno Sausage • Sweet & Wet Ribs • Dry & Spicy Ribs • Pulled Pork • Smoked turkey, chicken, and sugar-cured ham HOW FORK ON THE ROAD WORKS Our reviewers are objective and unbiased. This is not a paid feature. Our reviewer makes two unannounced visits, and we pay for our meals.

Magical Meat Boutique offers an authentic U.K. dining experience.

STORY: JOHN SOTOMAYOR PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

The first thing I noticed upon entering the Magical Meat Boutique was a vacationing English family who appeared to have been there for a while. When the patriarch approached me, I discovered the family had been there every day of their Mount Dora visit.

That’s how I knew this U.K. carvery style gastro pub stood out.

“This pub was snatched right out of London and dropped onto Mount Dora,” he said. He was not far off the mark.

The owners, Phil and

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EATS // fork on THE Road Tasty insights and observations

lamb. The chef carves your meat then you help yourself to your choice of sides: vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings.

Wash the meal down with a traditional English ale, served extra cold thanks to their glycol-chilling taps.

Kate Barnard, greet their guests and graciously share the fascinating backstory when asked about the name, which is often.

Phil comes from a long lineage of butchers dating back to the 1500s. In 1967, Phil’s father opened a butcher shop in Camden Town, in NW London, which he decorated in mod psychedelic colors and named the Magical Meat Boutique. Unlike any butcher shops anywhere, it attracted celebrity clientele, becoming famous in its own right.

Phil decided to introduce the MMB to America and chose Mount Dora. Having

MAGICAL MEAT BOUTIQUE 112 W 3rd Avenue, Mount Dora 352.729.6911 magicalmeatboutique.com Sunday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – midnight Friday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 2 a.m.

celebrated its anniversary in July of this year, the carvery gastro pub—fine dining cuisine served in a comfortable, pub atmosphere—is a runaway hit.

People are drawn not only by its chic London vibe, but by its authenticity, which begins with the food. Start with a popular appetizer in Scotland and the UK: The Scotch egg, wrapped in sausage, breaded and fried.

All food is imported daily from England, so it is fresh, not frozen.

“Many places serve fish and chips, but use frozen

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battered fish and fries,” said Phil. “In England, you would never find a place that serves frozen fries.”

The 12-ounce fish is served with hand-cut fries and mushy peas, which are dried marrowfat peas, not grown in the states, only England.

The carvery style restaurant is a popular concept in England. Traditionally a semi buffet, diners select their choice of meat: turkey, pork, ham, or

FROM THE BAR: Beer and wine only.

A wide selection of authentic English beers, including Hobgoblin from Oxfordshire, Skull Splitter from Scotland, and Crabbie’s Spiced Orange Ginger Beer.

DESIGN: MMB has eclectic London décor with open kitchen and a wallsized mural of a Tube station in Camden Town. The mural is popular for photos.

FAVORITE MENU ITEMS: Bangers and mash mixed with English cheddar, smothered in onion gravy. The lamb shank, braised in marmalade and raisins.

ENTERTAINMENT: During weekends, musicians perform in the patio.

On Friday nights: British Invasion karaoke. On Saturday night: Saturday Night Fever, a disco-themed karaoke.

EXTRAS: MMB also sells English candy bars and Walkers Crisps with distinct English flavors, like pickled onion.

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Complete your meal with a traditional dessert, like Spotted Dick and Custard, a popular pudding containing dried fruit. Or try the Dark Chocolate Guinness Cake with Bailey’s cream cheese icing and chocolate ganache.

The traditional English breakfast is also popular.

Don’t ask for English muffins, they are crumpets here. It’s interesting to note there are no English muffins in England.

Come with a big appetite. The Full Monty contains 13 items.

People enjoy the longer hours. It is the only place downtown where you can get food after 9 p.m. Cheerful merriment occurs all day and night.

Events by Miss Daisy’s Let us plan your event!

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Miss Daisy’s Flowers & Gifts

““Whatever Wh YYour Occasion, Let Miss Daisy’s Make It Special!”

1024 W. Main Street Leesburg, FL

352.787.6806

www.MissDaisysFlowers.c om

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EATS // saluté A worldly look at wine

TO SPANISH WINES In September 1565, Spanish settlers arrived on Florida’s eastern shores bringing their most treasured product: wine.

Exactly 450 years later, Spanish wines continue their popularity in the New World and are the fastest growing segment of the American wine market.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

When Spanish explorer Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés arrived in the area now called St. Augustine, with him were 800 colonists who settled the New World for Spain. They carried survival provisions, and historians are certain those first settlers carried along plenty of Spanish wine.

For more than 4,000 years, Spain cultivated grapes to make wines that even the Romans desired and exported throughout their Empire.

Today, Spanish varietals remain the most popular wines in Europe because of their taste and affordability. Spain actually surpasses Italy and France as the world’s top wine exporter.

Surprisingly, the majority of the country’s wine goes to France, according to wine expert, Timmer Brown, who founded Catalunyawine.com.

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SOURCES: “Wines from Spain: Far from Ordinary Wine Guide,” published by Trade Commission of Spain, 2005. Timmer Brown, founder, Catalunyawine.com.

Spain grows more than 400 grape varieties, but the most widely planted are airén, a white wine grape used mostly for brandy and simple white wines; tempranillo, a favorite among Americans; and garnacha, known as Grenache in other parts of the world, although it originated in Spain. Buying a good Spanish wine can get tricky because the country’s 78 wine regions produce wines of varying quality.

Only two regions—Rioja and Priorat—met the stringent requirements for the Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOC) designation, which signifies the highest quality. For two centuries, vineyards in Rioja were the benchmark for Spanish wines. The region’s mainstay grape is tempranillo, but the oxidative red wines may not be to everyone’s taste. Priorat, near the Mediterranean Coast, has created Spain’s most expensive wines, primarily blends using garnacha grapes.

Other regions produced some excellent wines as well, but do not receive the attention drawn by Rioja and Priorat. After all, it was the Spanish wine from the Terra Alta region, near Barcelona, that was considered the muse for artist Pablo Picasso.

Personally, I found the wines from La Mancha more than acceptable, especially from Bodegas Real, a winery in the picturesque region of CastillaLa-Mancha. The wines were intense, well structured, and easy to drink, especially the winery’s flagship product, a Vega Ibor Tempranillo.

*

78 The number of Spain’s wine regions

that produce wines of varying quality.

* Over

400 varieties of grapes are also grown in this country.

*

“A lot of Spanish wines are coming from the regions of Alicante and Tora,” says Heather Hitson, wine consultant for ABC Fine Wines in Lady Lake. “People are often surprised at how good they are.”

Like Priorat, the region of Alicante is on the Mediterranean Coast, and talented winemakers are beginning to create balanced wines from grapes grown in hot, sandy vineyards. Toro, located in the Duero River Valley, is exploding onto the wine scene with its elegant and well-structured wines that are priced affordably.

If you are still unsure which Spanish wine to buy, you can sample hundreds of them at the 4th Annual Spanish Wine Festival in St. Augustine, Sept. 9-12.

“St. Augustine’s Spanish Wine Festival is an opportunity to connect with our founders through a product that is as good today, as it was when the early Spanish explorers came to America. Wine defies space and time,” says Charlie Seraphin, festival president.

“The festival and all its events are designed to make St. Augustine the ‘Spanish Wine Capital of America’.”

Local wine merchants recommend their favorite Spanish wines Joyce Huey, Owner Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe, Leesburg An organic wine that is night harvested, Lobetia Tempranillo is one of La Mancha’s most popular wines. Aged in oak barrels, this complex wine exhibits flavors of cherry, clove, and plum. Huey also recommends the Bubbles by Lobetia, a sparkling wine that is made with chardonnay grapes.

Her favorite: Lobetia Tempranillo 2014 (about $13) Heather Hitson, Wine Consultant ABC Fine Wine and Spirits, Lady Lake Monastrell is a native Spanish grape known in the rest of the world as Mourvèdre. This 100 percent certified organic wine is full-bodied and similar to a cabernet. Produced in Spain’s Alicante region, EKO Monastrell has aromas of deep red fruit, with touch of vanilla and mocha. Hitson also recommends Marina Alta Bianco 2014, a dry white from Alicante, that pairs well with seafood and sells for about $11.

Her favorite: EKO Monastrell 2012 (about $12)

ABOUT THE WRITER Living in Italy was the catalyst for Mary Ann DeSantis to understand more about wine, and she now enjoys sharing what she’s learned. Since 2010, Saluté has covered topics for oenophiles of all levels — from novice wine drinkers to experienced connoisseurs. The column received a 2014 Florida Magazine Association Silver Award for Best Department and a 2012 Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Award for Commentary.

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining Charley’s Grilled Subs 421 N West St. 352.568.1186 $

Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 $$

Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 $

Cheeser’s Palace 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 $

Coyote Rojo 2082 W. CR 48 352.569.0302 $$ Critic’s Choice 8032 CR 476B, 352.568.0008 $ Hong Kong Restaurants 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-888 $$ Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 $ Market Street Gardens 311 N. Market St. 352.568.0100 $$ Mia Plaza Pizzeria 6092 CR 609 352.793.4418 $

Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 $

Astor Sparky’s Place 24646 State Road 40 352.759.3551 $$ Sterling Restaurant & Lounge 23525 State Road 40 352.759.3833 $$

Bushnell Angelotti’s Pizza 920 N Main St. 352.569.0446 $ Beef O’Bradys 2586 W. CR 48 352.568.7000 $

IN YOUR CITY

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q 2684 W. CR 48 352.569.0200 $ TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877 $$ Waffle House 2571 W CR 48 352.793.5656 $ Waller’s Restaurant 138 Bushnell Plaza 352.793.2592 $ Whistle Stop Café 311 N. Market St. 352.568.7667 $$

Clermont Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 $$$

Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214 $$ G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd.

352.243.8900 $$$ Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 $$ Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd.

352.242.1910 $$$ Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 $ Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 $$ Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 $$ Rusty Fox 649 12th St. 352.394.3333 $$ Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club Restaurant 2601 Diamond Club Dr. 352.243.0411 $$ Spiro’s Pizza 1203 W. Hwy. 50 352.394.5538 $$ Sugar Mama’s Bake Shoppe 648 Eighth St. 352.241.9738 $$ Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 $$

$: $5 – $14 $$: $15 – $24 $$$: $25 – $40 $$$$: $40+

Eustis 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 $$ Barnwood BBQ 50 W. Orange Ave. 352.630.4903 $$ Cafe Gianni 119 N. Bay St. 352.589.1402 $$ Dam Smoker Barbeque 36721 County Road 19A 352.357.6555 $$ Double Take Pizza 403 N. Grove St. 352.343.0990 $$ El Korita Mexican Restaurant 256 W. Ardice Ave. 352.483.0355 $ Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.357.0027 $ Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 $$$ King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 $$ La Mandarina Mexican Restaurant 1401 Orange Ave. 352.357.2487 $$

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

Fruitland Park Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575 $ Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 Fruitland Park 352.728.0006 $$

Groveland

Kid’s Menu

Lady Lake Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 $$$ Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 $$ Texas Stockyard BBQ 360 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.750.5229 $$

Leesburg Bloom’s Café 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 $$ Cousin Vinnie’s 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 $

Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 $$

Mission Inn Resort & Club’s Nickers 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$

Takis Pizza Restaurant 1324 W. North Blvd.

352.787.2344 $$ The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 $$ The Latin Cafe 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 $$

Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989 $$$$

Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 $$

Mascotte

Howey-inthe-Hills

Mission Inn Resort & Club’s El Conquistador 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$

Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 $$

Dandy’s Sandwhich Co. 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 $

HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 $

Rhythms Bar & Restaurant 12 S. Bay St. 720.318.5492 $

San Juan Mexican Restaurant 1341 S. 14th St. 352.787.7575 $$

Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 $$

Habaneros 3 Mexican Restaurant 10601 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.1777 $$

JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd.

352.324.3600 $$

Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd.

352.728.0788 $$

Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 $$

Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. State Road 33 352.429.2997 $$$

Olivia’s Coffee House & Bistro 113 N. Bay St. 352.357.1887 $

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 $ Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 $ Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 $$ Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd.

352.323.1616 $$

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 $$ Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232 $$

Mount Dora Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 $

CONTINUED

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

1884 RESTAURANT AND BAR OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: 11A.M.–12A.M. // LUNCH, DINNER, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 12 EAST MAGNOLIA AVENUE, EUSTIS // 1.800.856.1884 // WWW.1884RESTAURANTANDBAR.COM Located in the historic Ferran’s building in downtown Eustis, 1884 Restaurant and Bar is a must for all to discover. The restaurant, which is open from 11am to Midnight 7 days a week, has everything from Boar’s Head wraps and pressed sandwiches at lunch to hand-cut filets and the signature double-bone, two-inch thick pork chop at dinner.

With more than 10,000 square feet, 1884 can accommodate an intimate dinner for two to a private event in one of the 3 semi private rooms.

Diners can also enjoy the full-service bar while ordering custom craft cocktails and eight rotating beers on tap. “Wine Down Wednesday” features $4 house wines. By using the most local and fresh ingredients, the chefs and bartenders will amaze you with their talent.

Dinner and daily specials begining at 5 pm with happy hour from 4:30 - 6:30. No doubt, there’s something for everyone at 1884. This restaurant has won in 4 categories for the 2015 Lake and Sumter Style’s Hot list: Best server - Shelly Jaggers, Best bartender - Chelsea harkness, Best Cocktail, and Best Girls Night out. They were also named as Open Table’s Restaurant of the Month.

Call 1.800.856.1884 to reserve your table or book your party now. Join the email list at www.1884restaurantandbar.com to be the first to know of all specials, entertainers and events.

BARNWOOD BBQ AND COUNTRY KITCHEN 50 W. ORANGE AVE., EUSTIS. // 352.630.4903 // WWW.BARNWOODBBQ.COM Mouth-watering barbecue. A family-like atmosphere. Old-fashioned service. Those are three qualities that patrons of Barnwood BBQ and Country Kitchen in Eustis experience upon each visit. Owners Dan and Elaine Backhaus have discovered that the recipe behind delicious barbecue is cooking meats low and slow over smoldering wood. That method has served them well, both for their restaurant and food truck business. Diners can also purchase Barnwood’s delicious, award-winning barbecue sauces and special seasonings. Popular breakfast items include a ham-and-cheese omelet, smoked sausage omelet, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and a variety of breakfast combinations. The restaurant’s equally delicious lunch items include a three-rib sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, beef brisket platter, smoked country sausage platter, mushroom Swiss burger, and grilled Reuben sandwich. Burgers, soups, and salads are also available. Be sure to top off your meal with one of Barnwood’s popular desserts, which include fruit cobbler and dark-chocolate brownies.

HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 7A.M. TO 3P.M. LOCATION: 50 W. ORANGE AVE. IN EUSTIS. CONTACT: 352.630.4903 OR VISIT WWW.BARNWOODBBQ.COM.

COUSIN VINNIE’S FAMILY SPORTS RESTAURANT OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK: 11A.M.–9P.M. // FOOD, SPIRITS, MUSIC, SPORTS 10700 U.S. HWY. 441, LEESBURG // 352.253.2442 // WWW.CVINNIES.COM Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Lake Square Mall. Owner “Cousin” Vinnie Vittoria and his family have created a unique atmosphere by combining a sports bar with a family restaurant. As soon as you walk into Vinnie’s you will immediately notice why they are famous for outstanding comfort food and service! They also have been voted BEST WINGS in Lake County 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Additional menu items offered are killer ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing ribeye cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, fresh homemade salads, chicken strips that totally melt in your mouth, 16 awesome appetizers and their signature deep fried Ice Cream and Snickers Bars! Every Monday is “Texas Hold’em” from 6–10p.m. Tuesday night is “Family Night” from 4–8p.m. when kids 12-and-under eat free.

Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” when the fun starts at 6:30p.m. with prizes given to the top 3 teams.

Thursday night is “Karaoke Night” where everyone is a star! There is no better place on the weekends to see who hoists the trophy or takes home the checkered flag. Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, free Wi-Fi, great music and an enthusiastic staff, ready to exceed your expectations. Vinnie’s has been open almost seven years, if you have never been there… it is absolutely time for you to check it out!

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 $$$

Operation Deep Freeze Custard 140A West 5 Avenue 352.735.8269 $

Blackbear Smokehouse 18750 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.2327 $$

Palm Tree Grille 351 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.1936 $$

Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 $

Pisces Rising 239 W. Fourth Ave. 352.385.2669 $$$

Cecile’s French Corner 237 W. Fourth Ave. 352.383.7100 $$

PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092 $

Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 $

Saucy Spoon Catering & Bistro 427 S. Highland St. 352.383.1050 $$$

Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 $$

Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 $

Cupcake Delights 122 E. 4th Ave. 352.383.2200 $

Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 $

Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 $

The Frog and Monkey Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.1936 $$

Incredible Edible Cakes 4295 W. Old Hwy. 441, Suite 2 352.223.3581 $ Ivory’s Take Out 1325 N. Grandview St. 352.735.6797 $ Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 $ Lisa’s Kitchen 3201 N. Hwy. 19A 352.383.9338 $$ Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 $ One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Suite 100 352.758.9818 $

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IN YOUR CITY

Whales Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.385.1500 $$ Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 $$

Sorrento Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 County Rd. 437 352.383.8882 $ Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 $$ Lisa’s Country Cafe 23911 State Road 46 352.735.3380 $

Summerfield Francesco’s Italian Ristorante and Stone Fire Pizza 16770 South U.S. Hwy. 441 352.693.2008 $$

Tavares

The Garden Gate Tea Room 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2158 $$

Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 $$

The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 $$$

Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 $$

The Health Basket of Mount Dora 18834 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.735.1166 $$

Casa Mia Cafe 505 W Main St 352.742.9940 $ Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.508.5137 $$

$: $5 – $14 $$: $15 – $24 $$$: $25 – $40 $$$$: $40+

O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 $$

Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 $$

Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 $$

Kid’s Menu

Outback Steakhouse 710 N. Hwy 441 352.430.2590 $$

Buddy’s BBQ 1210 N. Main St. 352.330.0338 $$

China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 $

Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.391.9939 $$

China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 $

Sinbad’s of Lake County 1050 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.6669 $$

City Fire Brownwood Paddock Square 352.561.2078 $$

RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 $$

Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.7744 $

Olive Garden 3680 Wedgewood Ln. 352.259.0304 $$

Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9938 $$

The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 $$

Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 $$

Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 $$

Zac’s Pressed for Time Cafe 110 S. New Hampshire Ave. 352.253.4663 $

Umatilla Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 State Road 19 352.669.3922 $ The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 $$

The Villages Bob Evans 2199 Parr Dr. 352.259.1224 $ Bonefish Grill 3580 Wedgewood Ln. 352.674.9292 $$

Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 $$ Glenview Champions Country Club 3194 Glenview Rd 352.753.0077 $$ Hemingway’s at Havana 2484 Odell Circle 352.753.1475 $$$ Las Tapas Brownwood Paddock Square 352.399.5516 $$ The Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd.

352.753.1475 $$$

Scooples 2718 Brownwood Blvd 352.750.6263 $ Square One Burgers & Bar 2542 Burnsed Blvd.

352.689.2191 $$ Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 $$ TooJay’s 1129 Canal St. 352.430.0410 $ Toscani’s Deli and Pizzeria 8760 SE Mulberry Ln. 352.693.2237 $$ VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 $$

Bonifay Country Club 1033 Pinellas Place 352.205.7455 $$

The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 $$

Wildwood

Village Coffee Pot 425 Donnelly St. 352.383.3334 $

Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 $$

Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 $$

Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd.

352.753.3824 $$

Aztec’s Mexican Restaurant 348 Shopping Center Dr. 352.748.2250 $

Wasabi Buffet 16700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.7016 $$

Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 $

Carrabba’s 650 U.S. Hwy. 441 N 352.430.1304 $$

NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 $$

Beef O’ Bradys 840 S. Main St. 352.689.0048 $

The Windsor Rose English Tea Room 142 W. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2551 $$

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Beer, Wine or Cocktails

Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 $$ Dickey’s Barbeque Pit 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.4288 $$ Mel’s Island Café 901 Industrial Dr. 352.748.4105 $$ O’Shucks!

Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 $$ Polly’s Pantry 819 S. Main St. 352.330.4002 $$ Rita’s Oyster Bar 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.399.2987 $$ T Weston’s Smokehouse 1210 N. Main St. 352.748.9378 $$ Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 $$ Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 $$

Yalaha Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366 $$

EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

THE GOBLIN MARKET RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 331-B DONNELLY STREET (REAR ALLEY), MOUNT DORA 352.735.0059 // WWW.GOBLINMARKETRESTAURANT.COM Nestled on a back alley in downtown Mount Dora, the Goblin Market Restaurant has been charming locals and tourists alike since 1996. The restaurant, housed in a renovated warehouse, features three intimate, book-lined dining rooms and a full-service lounge furnished in soothing, muted tones with tasteful modern art. The private, tree-shaded courtyard and garden patio are open year-round for al fresco dining. Low lighting and “new age” music add the finishing touches to the restaurant’s casual elegance. Owners Vince and Janis Guzinski embrace a simple philosophy of offering the highest-quality products, served in a unique and romantic atmosphere by a personable and attentive staff.

The Goblin Market’s wine list and menu represent a refreshing mix of ideas from its culinary team. The diversified origins and background of each member ensure exciting menu offerings and nightly selections.

HOURS OF OPERATION: LUNCH: TUESDAY–SATURDAY 11A.M.–3:00P.M. DINNER: TUESDAY–THURSDAY 5–9P.M., FRIDAY–SATURDAY 5–10P.M., SUNDAY 11A.M.–3:30P.M.

JOIN US FOR OUR NEW “LIGHTER FARE” DINNER MENU, GOURMET SOUPS, SALADS, AND SANDWICHES. TUESDAY– THURSDAY FROM 3–9P.M. (REGULAR DINNER MENU ALSO AVAILABLE).

RHYTHMS 12 SOUTH BAY STREET, EUSTIS 352.308.8367 // WWW.RYTHMSBAREUSTIS.COM RHYTHMS ….where fun dining, cold drinks and great entertainment meet! Rhythms is the place in Lake County to meet old and new friends over a cold drink and a great meal. The friendly staff is top notch, serving smiles along with your order. Enjoy a beautiful open air environment while feasting on a perfectly prepared meal at a price that won’t break the bank! Or simply enjoy a perfectly mixed drink from our full bar. After dinner the night is not over because the night life takes over at Rhythms!

Move to the sounds of the best live dance/party bands and tribute bands in Florida! Take advantage of the biggest dance floor in Lake County and party as the cool night turns into a fever hot party and the energy never stops! Reserve a space for your own private party!

HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–WEDNESDAY THURSDAY–SATURDAY SUNDAY

4P.M.–11P.M. 4P.M.–12:30A.M. 12P.M.–8P.M.

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

LADY LAKE // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 EUSTIS // 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 MOUNT DORA // 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 LEESBURG // 2013 Citrus Blvd. // 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 // 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 // 352.314.8847 THE VILLAGES // 1580 Bella Cruz Drive // 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane // 352.750.9991 1070 Lake Sumter Landing Drive // 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd. // 352.391.1657 WILDWOOD // 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800 HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–SATURDAY SUNDAY

10A.M.–10P.M. 10A.M.–9P.M.

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ALL CUED UP For Kathy Van Dingstee, few things tickle her taste buds like barbecue. Fortunately, she doesn’t have to drive far to find meat that oozes with flavor and is fall-offthe-bone tender.

Kathy is a regular visitor of Barnwood BBQ and Country Kitchen in Eustis. In fact, the seventh-grade teacher at Spring Creek Charter School has ordered everything on the menu.

“I’m a big fan of pulled pork, but I have to say that their brisket is out of this world,” she said. “The black beans and rice are delicious, too.”

She first became a fan of

Barnwood when she saw the company’s food truck at various local events. Kathy was elated when she learned that owners Dan and Elaine Backhaus were going to expand their food truck business and open a restaurant in July 2014.

“I was in the parking lot one hour before the restaurant opened that day,” she said. “I’m proud to say that I was Barnwood’s first customer. My preacher tried to take that spot from me, but I arm wrestled him for it and won!”

Rolling along Like Kathy, other customers

are frequent visitors to Barnwood because of the restaurant’s quality food, superb service and family-like atmosphere. It also is a popular meeting place for church groups, law enforcement officers, retirees and businesspeople.

All seem to agree that Barnwood is the place to come for those passionate about finger-licking barbecue. Last March, longtime barbecue judge Delores Mann rated the meats of several area restaurants for a barbecue competition featured in Lake and Sumter Style magazine. Delores, who was trained by the Kansas

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

City Barbecue Society and the Florida Barbecue Association, gave Barnwood top scores in the categories of “Best Judged Chicken,” “Best Judged Ribs,” “Best Judged Pork,” “Best Judged Brisket,” and “Best Judged Overall.”

The restaurant also received third place in the category of “Best Pork.”

Dan says there is nothing magical to being a successful pitmaster. He prefers the old-fashioned method,

cooking his meats low and slow over smoldering wood. “Whether it’s ribs, sausage, chicken or potatoes, everything we make goes in here,” said Dan, pointing to a smoker that Elaine purchased for him as a Valentine’s Day present in 2003. “We use all natural wood and never use propane like many other barbeque restaurants.”

That philosophy has served him well not only at the restaurant but also his increasingly popular food truck business. Dan typically drives the truck to events in Leesburg and Orlando and far away as Palm Coast and Jacksonville. In fact, he was recently hired to feed 500 hospital employees in Palm Coast. He also provides corporate lunches to two companies in Lake Mary.

When he’s not on the road, Dan parks the food truck under a covered awning behind the restaurant.

The truck is equipped with a deep fryer, refrigerator, sinks and two smokers—one that holds 180 pounds of meat and another that holds 160 pounds of meat.

“Our food truck business has really taken off,” he said. “People love our barbecue because we cook it the old way. If you stick to the basics, then you’re going to come out with a good product.”

“We use all natural wood and never use propane like many other barbeque restaurants.”

High on the hog Dan, a 1979 graduate of the Disney World Culinary Program, spent several years operating his father’s restaurant in downtown Orlando in the 1980s. He then worked as a materials manager of T.G. Lee for 27 years.

In 2004, he began competing in barbecue competitions. He fondly remembers his first competition at the Lakeland Pigfest, where he and Elaine finished in fourth place among 54 professional teams. A pitmaster was born.

From there, Dan and Elaine

began traveling to special events, festivals and farmer’s markets throughout Central Florida to sell their homemade sauces and seasonings. They later purchased a food truck and began selling barbecue. To say their meats were a hit would be an understatement.

“People really liked our food and automatically assumed we had a restaurant,” Elaine said. “They would approach us and ask where our restaurant is located. So we took a leap of faith and opened a restaurant in Eustis.”

That obviously proved to be a good decision, as local barbecue aficionados are thrilled about Barnwood BBQ and Country Kitchen.

Likewise, Elaine feels blessed to meet so many wonderful people in Lake County. “It’s family here,” she said. “All our children have worked in the food truck, and our granddaughters help wipe down tables. When people walk in here we want them to feel like they’re at a friend’s house.”

Barnwood serves both breakfast and lunch and is open Monday through Friday from 7a.m. to 3p.m.

The restaurant also sells Dan and Elaine’s special seasonings, which include Hickory Hollow Hog Rub, Key Lime Seafood, Deep South Garlic, Mesquite and many others. Diners can also purchase homemade gluten-free barbecue sauce, as well as gift baskets.

And because Dan and Elaine are beekeepers, they sell homemade jars of honey and beeswax candles at the restaurant. ________________________________

FOR MORE INFORMATION

BARNWOOD BBQ AND COUNTRY KITCHEN 352.630.4903 50 W. Orange Ave., Eustis www.barnwoodbbq.com.

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

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Actual Patient: Lower Face and Neck Lift

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Final thought // John Sotomayor

GOT INSURANCE? I recently joined Style magazine as a staff writer and I could not be happier.

Grateful is more accurate.

So are relieved and fortunate. Anyone trying to make it as a writer knows the struggle. Especially if you work freelance.

Unless you married a fulltime breadwinner, came into a hefty inheritance, or won the lottery, you try to get by on the basics. Since I’ve done none of these, I was back to the basics. One thing many employed people take for granted is medical insurance. I did without it, and now that I can buy medical insurance again, I look forward to shopping for services. Like that endoscopy I have been putting off but could really use.

I was one of the many in my demographic—healthy male 30’s to 40’s—who rolled the dice on health care. For years, I waited for the crosswalk and looking both ways anyway, even though I had the light. I avoided dangerous machinery, like weed cutters and nail guns. I did id my best to live an injuryy- and infection-free existence. ce.

Yet despite my neurotic efforts, bad luck caught up with me.

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One day, I felt intolerable abdomen pain. I was at a photo-shoot—mine. In a complete role reversal, I was the subject of the story.

I put on a brave face for the cameras, and then begged for death. My friends opted to take me to the ER, where I birthed a 9 mm kidney stone. I survived, but the bill nearly killed me, setting me back almost $7,000.

My streak of bad luck with my health gambling continued. A month later, I bit down and heard a snap.

It stung, but I dealt with it.

The pain eventually ended, but was replaced by a nasty secretion. I knew I couldn’t put off going to the dentist any longer.

He called it pulpa necrosis. I called it zombie tooth.

It was dead and infected, d, and a danger to the surrounding teeth so—zombie o—zombie tooth. It required ired extraction and since it was a front tooth,, an implant. That set me back another $4,000. But that was just the beginning.

The other front tooth went next. Then right rear molar. That made three zombie teeth within a year and a half. I hope it was the last. Cause of death for each zombie tooth was fracture followed by bacterial invasion.

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When I was 16, my dentist told me I had receding gums, and it would cause problems in 30 years. He wasn’t kidding! And surprisingly accurate.

Take care of your gums, not only your teeth. Brush, floss and pray. This required my third implant. The first two depleted my savings.

The third put me in debt.

The procedure is still ongoing. Each implant requires almost a year due to stages of healing: bone replacement (6 months), implant nt (4 months), followed d by crowns. Insurance ce would have covered it, or at least d softened the blown. I know from experience.

Before I switched to a career in media, I worked in the legal field. I devoted the bulk of my waking hours— my youth, actually—tucked away in a law library or my 6’ x 6’ cubicle prepping trial binders for unappreciative litigation lawyers at high-powered New York City law firms. My efforts were rewarded with an occasional “good job, Joe” (my name is John), a decent salary and benefits, including health care.

I remember when I fi rst got it. I went nuts. I got prescription lenses, an old scar repaired, and even got a benign lipoma (fatty tumor) removed. I was only 20-something then. I’ve racked up lots ots of mileage since then,, long overdue for an complete tune up. Maybe aybe I’ll even get that funny yellow toenail ail looked at and that prostate rostate exam my doctor keeps yammering about.

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ARE SAGGING, PUFFY LIDS IMPACTING YOUR VISION AND APPEARANCE? If so, come learn about cosmetic blepharoplasty from Board-certified Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Shelby Terpstra, DO. Blepharoplasty is a safe, effective surgery that can correct an array of eyelid disorders, including sagging, out-turning lids and puffiness. With one procedure, you’ll not only see better, but look more alert, rested and refreshed.

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