Style Magazine, March 2024

PERFORMANCE. IT’S WHAT WE’RE ABOUT.

At Advanced Orthopedics Institute we specialize in hips, knees, shoulders, ankles, wrists...and tennis players.

We’re national leaders in reverse shoulder replacements for those whose rotator cuffs are no longer functioning, performing more in a year than most surgeons perform in a lifetime. We also have a full range of non-invasive procedures to help relieve shoulder pain and improve function.

Return to the activities you enjoy most.

Liz had ImageLift, Laser, and filler treatments. Results are typical and do vary.

Kathy had ImageLift, Laser. Results are typical and do vary.

Katie had ImageLift, Laser, and filler treatments. Results are typical and do vary.

skin elasticity, we can observe the stigmata of old age: nasolabial and marionette lines, jowl formation, and a turkey gobbler neck.

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

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

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

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

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

More news, more often

Proudly covering your world online, in print, on TV.

e truly appreciate being your ultimate source of information for almost two decades.

To show our thanks for your ongoing support, we now provide daily updates of community happenings on our website, lakeandsumterstyle.com.

We’re absolutely thrilled that more than 100,000 of you visit our website every month for the latest news, sports and entertainment.

But we’re not resting on our laurels. We want to give you even more. And you can help us. If there’s something you’d like us to cover on the web, in the magazine or even on Style TV, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know.

This month, Style magazine celebrates the arrival of Spring with our annual Homes and Realtor issue, which showcases our area’s multi-million-dollar producers and shines a spotlight on Realtor of the Year.

But that’s just the beginning. This year, we’re delving deeper to make sense of the changing real estate market. Don’t miss the whys and wherefores of rising interest rates and slower sales as explained by Steven

McDonald, executive director of the Realtors Association of Lake & Sumter Counties. Our exclusive report delivers the inside scoop on what’s shaking in the world of real estate in Central Florida, and it’ll give you a peek into the future, too. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s bought or sold a home.

Speaking of musts, you absolutely must visit La Chona Taqueria, the new Mexican restaurant bringing serious heat in Tavares. Check out our review before you go so you’ll know what to order.

Ready to be inspired? Be sure to read our profile of Coach Danny Sams, a double lung transplant survivor who coached football at East Ridge High School. The other athletes you’ll meet in our Sports Hub will also have you cheering.

Finally, keep an eye — and your ears — out for Eva from the party band Blue Stone Circle. And looking ahead to our April issue, you won’t want to miss our look at local entertainers. Until next month,

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As experts in home care, Visiting Nurse Association of Florida strives to make you and your loved one feel comfortable and safe. We take pride in pairing our patients with the best clinicians to meet their unique needs and personalities.

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RETIRE IN STYLE

Whether it’s exceptional dining in our signature eateries, engaging events, or personalized care you’re seeking, our beautiful senior living community allows you to thrive.

This is HarborChase. Come celebrate with us.

FIRST PEOPLE COMMENTARY

PERSON OF INTEREST

Mark Schilling hits the ground running as head

SHOPPERS DELIGHT:

If you are shopping for a gift, clothing or just housewares, the Goodwill in Oxford is the best place to nd a bargain. Shoppers come from all over Lake and Sumter counties to browse this popular shopping destination. Donations are also accepted at the convenient drive-up drop-o . Open every day 10am-6pm, 11954 CR 105, Oxford.

A PROPER PINT: If you’ve ever been to Ireland, you’ve most likely stopped along the The River Li ey at St. James’s Gate in Dublin for a tour of the home of Guinness — the Guinness Storehouse. To relive that experience, you only need to travel to McCracken’s Irish Pub in downtown Leesburg. All the bartenders are certi ed in the Guinness pour and beer lines are carefully tended to, so the magic elixir reaches the glass with the perfect taste and pressure. Open seven days a week, 719 W. Main Street.

HIDDEN GEM:

Carter’s Country Store and Filling Station at the crossroads of Hwy. 44 and N. County

Road 470 is a one-stop shop for motorists and boaters. It also boasts some of Sumter County’s best sandwiches, featuring Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, in a deli tucked away in the back. The handmade choices are worth the stop seven days a week. Carter’s also serves breakfast 5-10am. Open seven days a week, 7018 CR 470, Lake Panaso kee.

BACKROADS BOUNTY:

drive to a peaceful and rewarding Lake County destination with a visit to Graham Farms! Owned and operated by the Graham family since 1918, Graham Farms o er u-pick fruits and a wide variety of produce to purchase with two locations—14803 Lake Yale Road, Umatilla and 18813 Bent Tree Road, Alltoona—open seasonally. Check for updates on Graham Farms by visiting facebook.com/Upickpeaches/ or https://www.grahamsupickfarms.com.

BOOZE AND BINGO: Looking for something fun to do on Monday night? Head to Sawgrass Grove for Boozy Bingo presented by Empire Trivia. Music from all genres and generations is played and you ll in a square if you can guess the artist. Markers and boards are provided and there’s no age restrictions or entry fee. 810 Marilee Place, The Villages.

SUDS AND STOGIES: If you’re a cigar a cionado, it can be di cult to nd a place to enjoy your stogie in public, indoors with your favorite libation. Look no further than Hemingway’s Wine Beer and Cigar Bar in Tavares. Hemingway’s only uses trusted products, and the sta is trained and educated to understand the nuances of your particular pu style. Brands include Cohiba, Macanudo and Gurkha. Open late, hours vary. Located at 126 W. Ruby Street, Tavares. For information call 352.508.9771.

UNPLUGGED: From tiki bars and sh camps to food truck pit stops and private parties, Sandra and Alex LeKid Acoustic Duo inspires audiences with their music and positivity, playing a wide variety of songs. You’ll have a hard time believing they are fully acoustic with only two in the band! Covered artists range from Janis Joplin and Dolly Parton to the Scorpions and Eminem. Book

ribbon cutting ceremony on January 4. The family-owned restaurant led by Julian and Alda Serjani serves authentic Italian cuisine, from classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering seafood and other Italian cravings prepared by Chef Julian and his team. Visit Amore at 608 S. Hwy. 27, Ste. 100 in Clermont. For more information, including hours and specials, visit www.amorec .com or call 352.227.2003.

GRAND ARRIVAL: The South Lake Chamber of Commerce welcomed Portillo’s to the South Lake community recently with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony at their new location at 1251 E. Hwy. 50, Clermont. Dozens of people in attendance treated their taste buds to Portillo’s Chicago-style street food, including hot dogs, Italian beef and sausage sandwiches, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, out of this world chocolate cake, chocolate cake shakes and much more. This 7,700-square-foot restaurant seats 170 guests and an additional 50 guests on their outdoor patio. For more information, including hours, visit www.portillos.com or call 352.230.3013.

TICKLE YOUR FUNNY BONE: Get ready for a comedy experience like no other as comedian Rob Little takes the stage with his infectious energy and unbeatable sense of humor! Rob’s perspective on life can be summed up in two words: “pure optimism.” He’ll be on stage and you’ll be in stitches starting at 8pm March 22 at the Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3700 S. Hwy. 27, Clermont.

Pastor to Pastor

Passing the torch and continuing to serve.

STORY: CYNTHIA MCFARLAND ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

—PASTOR MARK SCHILLING

I’M VERY EXCITED ABOUT TAKING THE HEAD PASTOR POSITION AT GOOD NEWS CHURCH. PASTOR JOHN AND THE CHURCH HAVE BUILT SOMETHING REALLY AWESOME. WE’RE JUST TRYING TO BUILD ON WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN BUILT.

Pastor John Blake

Pastor Mark Schilling

Pastor John Blake has always led with a servant’s heart.

After ministering in the greater Leesburg area for 36 years, he recently retired from his post as head pastor, but not from serving others.

The fth-generation Floridian, who is related to Presbyterian minister John Witherspoon (one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence), grew up in Winter Park, where he graduated high school in 1975.

At the University of Central Florida, John majored in music education and composition.

After graduating in 1979, he married Sandy McAlister. They are the proud parents of Josh, Brittany, John and Seth, and have four grandchildren.

John started as a teacher, and taught at Winter Park High School from 1978 to 1980. Then, in 1980, he signed with Heartland Records and traveled until 1983, performing Christian music at conferences and churches.

After John graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, he served as an associate pastor at New Life Presbyterian in Fruitland Park from 1987 to 2009 under senior pastor Bill Birdsall.

John, who coached Babe Ruth youth baseball for 15 years in Leesburg, says the kids loved his “sermons on the mound.”

In 2009, Pastor John founded the non-denominational Good News Church in Leesburg.

“We wanted a church that was casual, contemporary and Christcentered,” he says. “We try to keep the main thing, the main thing, which is the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are family-focused and think a church should look like a family – from babies to grandparents.”

For several years, the church met in the Opera House on Main Street, now home to Akers Media Group.

Since 2012, the church’s home has been o West Main Street in a building

on Executive Road that once served as a Boys & Girls Club. The congegration bought and renovated the building, primarily with volunteers.

During the pandemic, an anonymous donor paid o the church’s $250,000 mortgage, which was a huge blessing.

Good News Church, known for its live nativity, living Last Supper, and caroling at Christmas, will celebrate its 15th anniversary on September 20, 2024

At 66, Pastor John felt it was time to step down as head pastor. Music has always been a hallmark of his ministry and he plans to continue serving in church and prison ministries.

He feels the church is in good hands with his successor Pastor Mark Schilling.

“He reminds me of myself 24 years ago,” says Pastor John.

Good News Church’s mission statement has never changed: “Love God, love each other and love people who don’t know God yet.”

Pastor Mark Schilling loved visiting Central Florida with his family through the years, but he never imagined moving here from upstate New York.

Until last year.

After seminary at Portland Bible College, Mark pastored at Redeemer Church in Rome, New York, from 2003 to 2023. He also served on a volunteer basis as chaplain for the local re department.

He felt led to shepherd his own congregation for the next chapter of life.

His wife, Stephanie, and their three children were on board, so he worked with Shepherd Sta , a search rm that connects churches with ministry candidates.

“I wasn’t in a rush. I wanted to make sure the move we made was the best for our family and the church we were taking on,” explains Mark, 44.

“If we were going to make a major move, we wanted to do it in a climate conducive to ourishing, so we picked Florida.”

The Schilling family moved to Leesburg last fall. The passing of the torch from Pastor John took place on October 22, 2023, when Pastor Mark o cially became head pastor.

The Schilling family already felt familiar with the area, thanks to past vacations here.

“Coming from the North, I was shocked with how friendly people are in the South,” Mark says.

An avid runner, he enjoys spending time working out, reading and relaxing outdoors with the family. The Schillings attend Orlando Magic games whenever they can.

“I’m very excited about taking the head pastor position at Good News Church,” Mark says. “Pastor John and the church have built something really awesome. We’re just trying to build on what has already been built.”

Mark’s goal is to be very intentional in reaching those in their 20s and 30s. The church will be o ering small groups that appeal to young people, families and married couples.

Pastor Mark marvels at how the area has grown since the pandemic inspired more people to move here.

“Those folks are going to need a good church, so we hope to be that for them,” he says. “We’re really praying God helps our church to be diverse in every way. We want to be a good cross section of the culture of Lake County.”

EMMA BROOME

First Academy student inspires through faith, teaching and song.

INTERVIEWER: AMANDA VALDERRAMA ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

VITALSTATS

• Lives in Oxford

• Sophomore at First Academy Leesburg

I am leader of: at Heritage Christian Church in Fruitland Park. I typically sing lead roles in songs or play piano every week. I take part in planning what songs to sing and who will be singing them.

How I began singing: years ago, my family and I felt that God was calling us to move from Georgia to Florida. We had been living in Georgia for 12 years while serving for our church, and during that time, I always loved singing and worshiping. In seventh grade I had an opportunity to sing in a choir with my dad who is a pastor at our church, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

The challenges of singing:

When I was asked to sing the national anthem at a Villages High School volleyball game, I was very nervous. I ended up switching keys during my performance and I played it off and just went with the flow. It’s the hardest song I’ve ever sung. I once had to sing the anthem at five different sports games all in one day.

• Age: 15

• Singer at Heritage Christian Church in Fruitland Park

Heritage Christian Church’s nursery. We usually have two services a day and when I’m singing in one, I will then volunteer during the second service to look after the kids in the nursery. I look after first-through fifth-graders and newborns and toddlers.

I want to be a first-grade teacher after I graduate high school. I absolutely adore children and I love just being around them and seeing them grow. I plan to enroll in Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Georgia to pursue a BA in education with a

I love being in the kitchen a lot, cooking and baking. I work at Gourmet Today in Leesburg and I’m currently in training to cook in the kitchen

AMANDA

STORY: CINDY PETERSON ≈ PHOTOS: CINDY PETERSON & PROVIDED

Navigating Lake and Sumter’s booming real estate scene.

he local real estate market is experiencing a remarkable surge with soaring median sales gures, an increase in closings and a growing interest from prospective buyers.

To understand what’s going on, we turned to Steve McDonald, CEO of the REALTORS® Association of Lake and Sumter, for insight and a deeper understanding of what to look out for, whether you’re a buyer or a seller.

CURRENT MARKET TRENDS

The real estate market in Lake and Sumter counties is thriving, surpassing expectations set by previous years.

According to Steve, there has been a 26% increase in closed sales, a 21% increase in new listings and a 9% increase in average sale prices from 2022 to the end of 2023.

That’s nearly twice the 13.5% increase in home sales projected across the country by the National Association of REALTORS® for 2024.

“Our region has experienced a signi cant uptick in median sales, showcasing a thriving demand for properties in Lake and Sumter counties,” Steve says. “This surge is indicative of the area’s appeal and growing popularity among homebuyers.”

Currently, the region boasts a roughly three-month supply of inventory, making it a dynamic and competitive market for both buyers and sellers.

TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

For those taking their rst steps into the real estate market, Steve advises nding a knowledgeable Realtor® and lender to reduce anxiety. Potential buyers should be prepared to discuss their credit score, loans and nancial situation with a lender.

“A lender and a Realtor® can help you establish a healthy price range for your home search, process details and guide you to closing,” Steve says.

Managing expectations, saving for a down payment and working through the process with a Realtor® are also essential steps for rst-time homebuyers.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REALTOR®

Steve emphasizes that a Realtor® is bound by a Code of Ethics that requires they prioritize their clients’ best interests. Communication and attentiveness to homebuyers’ needs are vital in establishing a working relationship.

“Work with someone that listens to your needs and is knowledgeable about the market,” he says. “Look for a Realtor® that is a strong negotiator. Realtors® that have designations and certi cations behind their names demonstrate expertise, specialization and devotion to professional development.”

It is estimated that 75% of people would de nitely work with the same agent again or recommend their

Virtual Classes, Real Benefits

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation involve travel to facilities. But what we do at home can amplify treatment’s benefi ts and decrease its side effects.

A recent clinical trial shows that participants in virtual mind-body fi tness classes reported less fatigue, less depression, and fewer physical symptoms related to cancer treatment, compared to people who did not take the classes. They also were less likely to be hospitalized, and those who were hospitalized had shorter stays.

The study, done at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, tested a program called Integrative Medicine at Home (IM@Home). Delivered over Zoom, the program’s 20+ live classes included movement-based activities like yoga and meditation-based practices like mindfulness.

The researchers were surprised to learn that IM@ Home participants also had fewer visits to urgent care centers than people who did not participate.

This early-phase trial builds on past research, including one study in which yoga helped improve quality of life in men with prostate cancer, and another in which mindfulness meditation reduced depression in younger women with breast cancer.

The success of IM@Home shows that cancer patients can benefi t from classes delivered virtually. The research was inspired by constraints resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, when many facilities converted their programs to virtual formats.

RBOI offers virtual support groups and guided meditation sessions in addition to in-person meetings. Give us a call to learn more.

Groups for Women New to Treatment

RBOI’s two new Women’s Cancer Support groups invite those currently in cancer treatment or maintenance care, or who have recently completed care. We focus on making connections and encouraging each other in a supportive, positive environment.

The Lecanto group meets on the fi rst Thursday of each month from 2-3 PM at 522 N Lecanto Hwy. Wendy Hall, LCSW, facilitates. For more information call 352-527-0106 or email whall@rboi.com.

The Ocala group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 2-3 PM at 2020 SE 17th St. Amy Roberts, LCSW, facilitates. For more information call 352-732-0277 or email aroberts@rboi.com.

Please call ahead to confi rm attendance.

by the numbers

1 to 2

Turn computer and phone screens off 1-2 hours before bed for better sleep.

Healthy Brain, Healthy Body

”Our brain does everything that’s important to our functioning,” says Wendy Hall, LCSW. Hall outlines five ways to maintain a healthy brain:

1. Be socially active, whether in person or remotely.

2. Stay mentally stimulated with activities like puzzles and reading, or with hobbies that involve hand-eye coordination, like knitting and woodworking.

111,174

Estimated deaths per year that could be prevented if US adults (aged 40 to 85 years or older) added 10 minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

1 in 9

Cases of depression that could be prevented if adults did 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

3. Get enough sleep, which benefits both our mood and our reasoning ability. The National Institutes of Health found that volunteers who slept 8 hours outperformed those who slept only 6 or 7 hours when it came to learning a task.

4. Stay well-nourished with healthy eating habits. Eva Selhub, MD, at Harvard Health writes, “[W]hat you eat directly affects the structure and function of your brain and, ultimately, your mood.”

5. Exercise is the most important way to maintain a healthy brain. “It can be daily walking,” Hall says. “Whatever we can start out with, whatever kind of exercise, is what we should do.”

20 and 3

Writing in a journal for as little as 20 minutes a month for 3 months can benefit physical and emotional health.

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home

The Villages 352.259.2200

Ocala 352.732.0277

Timber Ridge 352.861.2400

Inverness 352.726.3400

Lecanto 352.527.0106

RBOI.com

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Carolyn M. Maimone

Stacy Potter, PA

Flamingo Real Estate & Management

Bradley Werlin, II

Brock Wiley

Leesa Wales

Mark Doggett, II

Robbie Shoemaker

Roy Vaca

Ryan Hatcher

Florida Fine Homes Realty, LLC

Catherine Tarquini

Jenna Werner

Jill Buckley

Lori Purcell

Pamela Zahner

Florida First Realty Associates, LLC

Melody Ostrom

Michelle Ressler

Florida Homes Realty & Mtg.

Kristen Held

Florida Lifestyle Realty Group

Karen Riscinto

Florida Realty Investments

Bonnie Black

Donny Stokes

Joanna Oswalt

Kristi Quick

Leslie Strickland

Lily Boutros

Mary Kelly

Robyn Cavallaro

Florida Realty Marketplace

Jeri Anarumo

Fontana Realty West Ocala

Tina Teraskiewicz, PA

Fortune Realty of Clermont

Ranji Seepersaud, PA

Four Star Home Brokers, Inc.

Colleen A. Kramer

Jim Cote

Future Home Realty, Inc.

Julie Hall

Susan Moeller

Gallery 54 Realty, LLC

Cheryl Christ

GATAP Realty

Marisol Ortega

George Ann Lavender Properites

George Lavender

Glamor Realty

Melissa Conway

Grizzard Commercial

Real Estate

Daniel Tatro

Hancock Realty Group

Matthew Mobley

Harbor Hills Sales, Inc

Adam Rich Sean Rich

Harrison Real Property Group

Amanda Harrison

Kim Beisley

Hickory Hill Realty & Mgt, Inc.

Ryan Benaglio

Hoad Realty Group, LLC

John Hoad

Connie Mahan, Connie Mahan Real Estate Group

Robbie Shoemaker, Flamingo Real Estate & Management

Karen Riscinto, Florida Lifestyle Realty Group

Homerun Realty, LLC

Elizabeth Izquierdo

Lana Flodman

Homesmart

Angela Seelall

Nan Seelall, LLC

IM Realty

Ira Miller

Nina Ingram

Imperial Realty Central FL

Eneida Rosado Bernard

Gustavo Berrios Rosado

Jaime and Company

Real Estate

Jaime Bach

KRG

Ashton Thomas

Daniel Hoppach

Evan Trine

Melissa Paquette

Renee’ Strazzere

La Rosa Realty Horizons, LLC

Jess Beckford

Sabine Bayona, PA

Shelly Linder

Sonya Dumas

La Rosa Realty, LLC

Milton Thompson

Yanett Saborido

La Rosa Realty Winter Garden, LLC

Debra McGill

Millennia Realty Group, LLC

John Ardizone, Jr.

Mission Inn Real Estate, Inc.

Janet Pratt

Mobed Realty, P.A.

Ariya Mobed

Mo ett Real Estate

Crista Moffett

Monique Mcguire Realty, Inc

Monique McGuire

Morris Realty & Investments

Camie Kennedy

Jo Leen Howe

Joan Defoe

Kim Ducharme-Levensohn

Lena Morgan

Linda Engelbrecht

Sally Love

Sharon King

Vickie Iverson

Zachary Watson

Ocala Realty World, LLC

Kimberly McElroy, LLC

Yvonne Vance

Olympus Executive Realty, Inc.

Allen Mates

Andre Hernandez

Andrea Adams

Bryan Nelson

Carolina Valenzuela

Chad Williams

Eileen Patterson

Frank Dolney

Jackie Rogers

Pileggi Real Estate Group

Teresa Pileggi

Preferred RE Brokers III

Anamaria Marquez

Michael Huculak

Ron Sato

Shirley Guercio

VIV Cunningham, PA

Preferred Real Estate Brokers

Karen Arlick

Stephanie Williams

Premier Sothebys

International Realty

Dawn Giachetti

Property Finders Real Estate, Inc.

John Edwards Realty & Investment Properties, LLC

April Allain

Just A Farm Girl Realty, LLC

Susan Steinmetz

Keller Williams

Cornerstone RE

Debbie Brown

Debra Kline

Diane Smallwood

Karen Kamperman

Marguerite Garvey

Keller Williams Elite Partners III Realty

Adam Rodriguez

Anjelie Tirone

Ashlee Pringle

Brad Rosel

Brandie Mathison-Klein

Chad Clark

Cheryl Glover

Chris Chuck

Edward Lian

Jon Hernandez, LLC

Kyle Rattray

Lorie Gullian

Maria Wood

Matthew Yoder

Natthan Birkett

Regina Cruz

Richard Gullian, LLC

Steve Weinstein

Susan Halverson, PA

Tania Matthews

Tom McKnight

Whitney Saldana

Kellie & Co. Real Estate

Kellie Wheeler

Kelty Realty, LLC

John Kelty

Oscar Brea, PA Samuel Cruz, PA

Lake Real Estate Group

Alyssa Rodriguez

Brandi Stewart

Lakefront Living Realty Florida

Guy Shipley

Landmark Realty

Linda Bega

Legacy Real Estate Investment

Michelle Adkins-Maddy

List Now Realty, LLC

Matt Buttner

Loch Realty Group

Jana Schautz

Rob Crawford

LoKation

Steven Simpkins

LPT Realty

Jami Robinson

Jason Lee

Lucas Barbosa Santos

LPT Realty, LLC

Anna Beverly

Chris Feamster

Dustin Hansen

Hailey Franklin

Jason Urbanek

John Chiumento

Kathy Tucker

Kelly Monroe

Kevin Lanier

Thomas Tucker

Willy Sybert

Barry Blake

James Lloyd

Tom Tran

Maximillion Realty

Renee Licari

MEB Realty

Barbara Hemingway

Micki Blackburn Realty

Cindy Newman

Dale Odom

Patricia Daries

Lauren Fickett

Lena Williams

Lindsay Sanders

Lynn Haynes

Scott Strem

Theresa Morris

Theresa Morris, Morris Realty & Investments

Narrow Road Realty

Brad Verkaik

Leslie Verkaik

Neighborhood Professionals Realty Group

Kimberly Jones-Wilde

Sammi Brooks

NextHome

Arrowsmith Realty

Janine Arrowsmith

Natalie Arrowsmith

Tyler Adams

NextHome Orange

Blossom RE

Ana Germeroth

NextHome Orange

Premier Realty

Scott Hubbard

Tony Piccione

NextHome Sally Love

Real Estate

Carlos Fuentes, PA

Carol Julianelli

Caroline Fromkin

Charla Cody

Dave Monty

Donna Normington

Jayne Marvin

Jeannie Ulmer

Julie Nay Gordon

Kim Coffer

Kris DiLeva

Lee Harper

Jen Gotlewski

Jorge Mulet, Sr., PA

Josh Duclos

Kendall Vansant

Leonardo Vidal, PA

Lisa Haynes

Marc Davis

Maria Rodriguez

Marianne Buchanan

Mary Jane Easley

Michael Childs

Monica Velez, LLC

Nancy Pruitt, PA

Raisa Devore

Sharon Black

Tina McDonald

Tracy Summers

Optima One Realty, Inc.

Brian Martin

Caleb Cox

Drew Evans

Elsie Bertini

Haleigh Lane

Heather Walker

Janel Green

Kathy Entler

Lindsey Barker

Michael Termini

Stacie Romero

Tony Stanley

Troy Steadham

Orlando Homes & Investments

Noel Moenssens

Oxford Land Company

James Mariucci

Reginald Caruthers

PAL Realty

Aileen Indictor

Betty Fitch

Cary Fier

Debra Askew

Mary Jane Grimes

Thomas Grimes

Parrish Realty Group, Inc.

Michelle Parrish

Patterson Realty

Janice Patterson

Richard Patterson

Picket Fence Realty, LLC

Melissa Samar

Debbie Affatato

RE Florida Homes

Victoria Zook

RE/MAX Foxfire - Lady Lake

Donna Moody

Dottie Wise

Linda Sanfilippo, PA

Mika Garry

Robert Loiselle

Sharon Smith

RE/MAX FoxfireSummerfield

Cheryl Pecoraro

David Barstow

Jill Ruell

RE/MAX Freedom

April Couturier

Damon Lively

Jacob Pfaff

Jolene DeHond

Kimberly Volean

Maria Hatch

Robert Payne

Stephanie Ray

RE/MAX Premier Realty

Adriana Skoloda

Andy Key

Carla Boyd

Coach Torrance, II

Daniel Jacobs

Debbie Martin

Erica Jacobs

Faith Mileo

Gina Battaglia

Gina Johnson

Heather Hamilton

Holly A. Farley

Hope Wilson, PA

Jarene Mathias

Jennifer Spafford

Katy Kelly

Kerry Hanson

Kim Luxem

Mark Sevegny

Marty Goff

Nathan Piotrowski

Oliver Deffenbaugh

Rachel Rivera

Tammy Freilich

RE/MAX Premier Realty

Lady Lake

Bob Woodsford

Brad Salmons

Buddy Lewis

Jaime Bach, Jaime and Company Real Estate

Cindy Steinemann

Debbie Roberts

Deborah Woods

Diane Siefkas

Dori Furch

Gerrie Cosme Matias

Guy Williams

Guy Williams, Jr., LLC

Kevin Russell

Larry Quartararo, III

LD Black Bowers-Black

Lynn Bartlett

Martha Lewis

Mary Dyer

Matthew Roberts, LLC

Paul Carraway

Raquel Uribe

Robert Slutsky

Roland Stults

Tammy Stewart

Thomas Heller

Timothy Stewart

Victoria Vos

RE/MAX Realty Unlimited

Tammy Campbell

RE/MAX Titanium Group

Darlene Misciagno

Joe Cooper

Kaitlyn Garrett

Keith Packey

Maria Molina

Melissa Becorest

Patricia Bain

Rebekah Carr

Victor Core

Real Broker, LLC

Holly Hernandez

Real Living RE Solutions

William Kolb

RealTeam Realty, Inc.

Trish Leisner

Realty Executives

Gallery Properties

Enger Barnes

Realty Executives in The Villages

Alan Lauder

Amanda Fincher, LLC

Amy Lauder

Bob Berube

Candyce Gresham

Charmaine Adams

Cheri Probert

Cheryl Simmons

Cissie Smith

Debbie Schoonover

Donna Pattemore

Frances Pierce, PA

Gabriela Bryceland

Gail Damon

James Cooper

Jamie Rosier

Jana Raber

Jeff Dyer

Jenna Wood

Joseph Iaconis

Jude Hamilton

Kandis Buse

Karla Mason

Kathy Abruzzo

Katrina McNeely

Kristi Probert

Kristin Wendt

Lisa Esposito

Lissette Cartagena

Melissa Huennekens

Paige Booth

Patti Belton

Patti Goodson

Peggy Schaefer

Rick McKean

Riley Mills, Jr.

Samantha Christman

Scott Dunn

Shannon Sanford

Sheila Davis

Sherri Crider, PA

Steve Savage, PA

Sunny Parsons

Terri Edwards

Tim Davis

Wendy Vogt

Zachary Hale

Realty Professionals of FL, LLC

Harvey Rosenberg

Julie Clay

Richland Properties

Seth Richard

Right Realty Connection, Inc.

Bethany Burge Bosbous

Deepak Ramchandani

Joseph Bosbous

Robert Slack, LLC

Lydia Soelter

Paige Rosen

Randall Kain

Ron Espittia

Sid Benachenhou

Rock Springs Realty, LLC

Joel Bornstein

Sandy & Ray Realty, LLC

Ray DiTirro

Scates Realty & Investment Properties

Eileen Scates

Lisa Pownall

Sellstate Innovation Realty

April Stevenson

Sellstate Next Generation Real

Heather Cogar

Leighanne Neal

Sellstate Superior Realty

Diane Gatelein

Karey Team Yarborough

Keith Caulk

Tiffany Russoniello

Sennett Realty Group, Inc.

Timothy Sennett

Smith & Smith Realty, Inc.

Danny Smith

Danny Smith, Smith & Smith Realty, Inc.

St. Clair Realty Group, LLC

Tina St. Clair

Stake Your Land Realty, Inc.

Katina Hargrove

Sunshine Realty Group

Angie Taylor

Sunshine State Realty

Ashlee Mohammed

Dustin Dubie

Tadlock Realty

Jennifer Tadlock-Story

Terza Real Estate

Daffney Beauzil

Nathalie Visscher

Shelley Emery

The American Realty

Nancy Reynolds

The Bridlewood RE Co., LLC

Eric Gardner

Amerivest Realty

Danon Slinkard

Paul Wulf

Perrine Phipps-Dowling

Philip Dowling

Arrow Realty & Investments, Inc.

Rena MacPhee

Bassett Premier Realty, Inc.

Jim Swain

Beach Avenue Brokers

Lisa Rose

Beacon Real Estate & Assoc.

Gerri Rosenthal

Berkshire Hathaway

HS Florida

Jim McCallum

Billie Dahl

Darlene Clark

Dennis Smith

The Florida Property

Shop Sale

Elizabeth Fowler

Sarah Gholami

Touchstone Real Estate

Cindy Coldren

Dick Betts

Judith Brannon

Tree Frog Realty, LLC

Ben Champion

Tri Coast Realty, LLC

Noel Lawrence

Trinity Real Estate Sales, LLC

Bobby Orr

Terri Kuebbeler

Vangie Berry

Signature Realty

Angela Phillips

Michael Tart

Ryan Berry

Susan Tindel

Vantage Point Realty Co.

Tracie Ruffolo

Vintage Realty, Inc.

Bill Petruccelli

Visionary Properties, Inc.

Judy Blundell

Watson Realty Corp.

Catherine Guinto

Christine Tangusso

Denise Pierce

Jody Parks

Jonathan Faw

Larry Pierce

Linda Lake

Nancy McCloskey

Patti Pate

Summer Douglas

Jackie Stelling

Jamie Lynn Hane

Jeannette McIntosh

Shella Jean O’Brien

Terry Van Eman

Bill Webb Real Estate & Investments

William Webb

Black Tie Realty, Inc.

Luis Marquez

Blu Sea Dreams, LLC

Elizabeth Fox

Broker Associates Realty

Christie Stanley

Kimberly D’Ambrosio

Bryan Properties, Inc.

Paul Bryan, II

C. Michelle Harris.

Licensed Realtor

C. Michelle Harris

Watson Realty Corp., Realtors

Darryl Love

Kris Persaud

Michael Stich

Rhonda Moretti

We Can Do It Realty

Gigi Capria

Weichert Realtors

Hallmark Properties

Barbara Summers

Betty Hensinger

Julie Hall

Brandi Ferrone

Dawn Haggerty

Jean Tolentino

Jocelyn Pierre

Joey Feeser

Leslie Jarrard

Lonnel Dragus

Margaret Harrington

Nancy Haufe

Wheatley Realty Group

Alison Wheatley

Awilda Lopez

Brandon Smith

Dana Broadway

David Wilson

Denell Behan

Katelyn Raber

Kayla Long

Laura Monteleone

Matthew Wheatley

Worth Clark Realty

Andrea Bonivich

Bryant Day, Jr.

Candace Tulensru

Karen Santoriello

Kathy Workman

Kelsie Brennan

Lizzy Bell

Mel Burich

Michelle Zieth

Rae Pearson

Raena Ratcliff

Wanda Lund

Cam Realty & Property Management

Beth Atalay

Carlino Real Estate Group, Inc.

Jonathan Martin

Judith Kilgus

Katelyn VonHartman

Catherine Hanson

Real Estate

Tammy Langer

Central Florida Flat

Fee Realty

Kyle Lawrence

Century 21 Alton Clark

Barbara Smith

Betty Salas

Edward Whitman

Jack Tallevast

Century 21 Carioti

Tamara Taylor

Joseph “Joe” Bosbous, Right Realty Connection, Inc.

Champion Real Estate Group, Inc.

Jeffrey Kossin

Kandi Hardesty

Charles Rutenberg

Realty Orlando

Darlene Miller

Deborah Elliott

Jody Zeller

Laura Acevedo Nieves

Louise Janssen

Michael Palmer

Michael Zampini, Jr.

Coldwell Banker Realty

Rafael Gutierrez

Simon Ambrose

Coldwell Banker Stevens

Real Estate

Gary Herrero

Coldwell Banker

Tony Hubbard

April Kirkland

Casey Tosi

Erica Wood

Jean Nunn

Jessica Purvis

Paul Bills, Jr.

Scott Chevalier

Shaina Ellis

Coldwell Banker

Vanguard Edge

Becki Stauber

Bill Casey

Linda Kellerman-Rich

Wanda Baldwin

Coldwell Banker Vanguard Lifestyle Realty

Jim Cheesman

LeeAnn Hino

Ron Wallace

Compass Florida, LLC

April Sawicki

Maria Seymour

Connie Mahan

Real Estate Group

Beau Stevenson

Melanie Merritt

Samantha Scott

Corcoran Connect, LLC

Nancy Simpson Eccles

Dalton Wade, Inc.

Lameen Schand

Lincoln Loucks

Dana Realty Group, LLC

Dana Fassett

Dave Lowe Realty, Inc.

Ashley Lowe

Deanna Ricci

Janet Shatzer

Robert Tolvo

Robin Hill

Ronald Musselman

Susan Brooks

Deniz Realty Partners, LLC

Diana Kepley

Nikki Rittenberry, PA

Diamond Realty & Luxury Homes

Evette Bryant

Discover Florida Realty

Val Palmer

Donald J Lackey

Broker Realtor

Donald Lackey

Down Home Realty, LLLP

Kristen Pillar

Star Hallman

Empire Network Realty

Ana Velasquez

Cheron Butler

Connie Cox

Moises Alvelo

Sandy Gedeon

Encore Premier Realty, Inc.

Dani Roberts

Engel & Volkers

Amarjit Lahel

Celia Davis

Danielle Watson

Gloria Crist Ramirez

Janella Martina

Juli Onorata

Nayara Martins Goncalves

Trisha Browne

ERA American

Suncoast Realty

Christopher Smith

Jim Davis

ERA Grizzard Real Estate

Brooke Yox

Doug DuVarney

Krystina Dennen

Margaret Smith

Maria Head

Mona Jodray

Exit Realty Tri-County

Carolyn Tessada

David Seeley

Jaret Whitney

eXp Realty, LLC

Carol Felder

Dagma LeBlanc

Donald Maycott

Dorinda Torrance

Greg Nacke

Howard Payne

Kimberly Koch

Mike Greene

Rachael Segarra

Sara Barlow

Flamingo Real Estate & Management

Dale Ellis

Florida First Realty Associates, LLC

Timothy Cantrell

Florida Plus Realty, LLC

Renee Williams

Florida Premier Realty Associates, Inc.

Jessica Rush

Florida Realty Investments

Jarrett Bishop

Jearri Joann Bush, LLC

Lisa Saeger

Ruth Callaghan

Fontana Realty West Ocala

Mike Green, Jr.

Four Star Home Brokers, Inc.

Britney Herrera

Darlene Cutter

Linda Biggs

Garrison Realty Group, LLC

Jennifer Garrison

Gerald Anthony Dietrich

Gerald Dietrich

Glasbridge, LLC

Amanda Newton

Gottus Realty, Inc.

Darlene Gottus

Grizzard Commercial Real Estate

Amy Spivey

Hancock Realty Group

Mitchell Stiefel

Harrison Real Property Group

Ella St. Pierre

Mandy Bass

Rex Rutledge

Hickory Hill Realty & Management, Inc.

Lois Benaglio

Richard Trzaskoma

High Cotton Realty, LLC

Amy Dykes

Andrea Edgington

Ginger Mansour

Janet Gibbs

High Ridge Realty

LadyDi Novak

Highland Real Estate & Investments

Darryl Ladd

Hoad Realty Group, LLC

Lois McGinnis

Holly Curley Choice Realty, Inc.

Holly Curley

Home Wise Realty Group, Inc.

Wendy Paradise

Homecoming Realty Group, Inc.

Pam Taylor

Homerun Realty, LLC

Michael England

Homesmart

Maria Czarnecki

Horizon Homes Realty

Soraya Nosrati

Wendy Diaz, PA

Illustrated Properties, LLC

Rosemary Voigt

Janus International Realty

Wazir Mohammed

JMR Realty, Inc.

James Romeyn

John Roberts Realty

Cheryl Roberts

Julie Smith

Julie Smith

Keller Williams Classic

Karina Cepeda

Keller Williams

Cornerstone RE

Lynda McMahon

Paul Lemieux II, PA

Steve Haren

Keller Williams Elite

Partners III Realty

Cindy Hoagland

Erin Rosel

Gale Springer

Nicole Ceron

Nicole Vargas

Rosemary Siegler

Simona Brestowski

Thais Kloppers

KRG

Alexa Anderson

Kathy Simpson

Mark Johnson

Monika Leszko

Nyjuwon Hatcher

La Rosa Realty, LLC

Ana Allred

Bonnie Williams-Anderson

Paul Tangalan

La Rosa Realty

Winter Garden, LLC

Abel Cruz, Jr.

Jasmin Vargas

Lisbeth Recio

Lady Lake Realty

Anthony Powell

Lake County Home Team, Inc.

Sheryl Wilburth

Lake Real Estate Group

Chris Ramos-Rivera

Livwell Realty, Inc.

Kirstie O’Banner, PA

LoKation

Julie Daniels

Mike Byrne

Ryan Miller, LLC

LPT Realty

Elizabeth Delker

Jose Vega

Lee Bennett

Makenzi Berry

Monica Arias Martinez

Yvette Hoover

LPT Realty, LLC

Bonita Kosson

Carolynn Ern

Matthew Fenlon

Robin Cropp

Sierra Chapman

Luxe Properties

Jen Meece

Martha Rivera Ho man

Martha Hoffman

Maximum Realty Investments

Heather Earnest

McPherson Real Estate, LLC

Becki McPherson

Michael D. Weatherford

Michael Weatherford

Micki Blackburn Realty

Annie Ragar

Mont Rose Real Estate, LLC

Carolina Rosillo

Morris Realty & Investments

Craig Williams

Lakefront Living Realty Florida

Kevin Shipley

Kevin Shipley, Lakefront Living Realty Florida

Judd Dickerson, Morris Realty & Investments

Mosaic Services, LLC

Chris Cain

Mount Dora Golf and Lake Realty

John Welch

Move Florida Real Estate

William Schinagl

MVP Premier Realty, LLC

Michael Pogozelec

Neighborhood Professionals

Realty Group

Dawn Brooks

Neighborhoods.Com, LLC

Matthew Sienk

NextHome Orange

Premier Realty

Alyson Stegner

Michael Harris

NextHome Sally Love

Real Estate

Donna Pulliam

Jeffrey Inglehart

Jim Grider

Joy Wilson

Katherine Reeg

Lori Morgan, PA

Mary Kay Barrett

Nancy Britton

Priscilla Atkins-Bryant

Will Leahy

Number One Choice

Realty Corp.

Daulis Webb

Ocala Realty World, LLC

Gabriella Vance

Olsson Properties, Inc.

Avery Curry

Olympus Executive Realty, Inc.

Cheryl Hoage

Christine Newsome

David Fuentes

Dennis Hjorten

Donna Wall

Elaine Auston

Jan Peter LG Van de Bundt

Krish D’errico

Larry Hilton, Jr.

Lorena Fuentes

Marcus Correa, PA

Sinnia Calderon, LLC

Stephen Yohn

Wanda De Marchena

Optima One Realty, Inc.

Denise Rivera

Jasmine Ani Vila-Beltram

Mathew Decker

Michelle Pierce

Patti O’Malley

Vrex Isaac

Oxford Land Company

Alan Boone

Noah Miller

Robby Strickland

PAL Realty

Linda Grabusic

Marion DeAnnuntis

Sheryl Mowry-Miller

Palm Realty and Rentals, Inc.

Joshua Israel

Preferred RE Brokers III

Chris Walker, Sr.

Pamela Tarver, PA

Renee Goergen

Preferred Realty Management Group

Edye Holt

RE/MAX Foxfire - Lady Lake

Jenny Wang

John Walter

Tina Williams

RE/MAX Freedom

Clay Bass

RE/MAX Premier Realty

Brad Craycraft

Denise Beserock

Jack Boyd

Pamalla Craycraft

Peter Hettmann

Robert Spanks, Jr.

Sharon Wick, LLC

Wendy Lawner

RE/MAX Premier

Realty Lady Lake

Becky Rainwater

Ellie Hennessee

Joy Farenden

Marilyn Fletcher

Rick Ray

Rose Rupe

Thomas Oldenborg

RE/MAX Realty Unlimited

Michael Young

RE/MAX Titanium Group

Barry Summers

Bill McElhill

Joe Carlisle

Julia D’Arts

Kayla Milroy

Melissa Minner

Stephen Misciagno

Realty Executives in The Villages

Dena Anderman

Erika Watson

Eva Kennedy

Frank Melino

Jamie Noll

Jean Puckett

John Crabill

Lauren Arch

Nanette Elliott, PA

Pasquale Serafino

Sherry McCulloch

Realty Professionals of FL, LLC

Audrey Foisy

Robert Hughes

Trista Fouts

Vinnie Silber

Right Realty Connection, Inc.

Geoffrey Chernault

Greg Sizer

Humberto Salonia, PA

John Schubert

Success Home Sales, LLC

Brittany Poe

Sumter Realty

Evan Merritt

J.Y. Sizemore

Joel Merritt

Sunbelt Home Realty, Inc.

Tracy Foreman

Tadlock Realty

Michael Tadlock

Tangerine Land Company, LLC

Kennedy Donofrio

The Market Realty Group

Andy Whitaker

Craig O’Neill

Kenny Riehm

The Property Pros

Real Estate, Inc.

Laura Keith

Touchstone Real Estate

Addie Owens

Vickie Couture Real Estate Services, LLC

Vickie Couture

Vintage Realty, Inc.

Skye Smathers

Visionary Properties, Inc.

Mary Baker

Watson Realty Corp.

Lindsey Stoothoff

Watson Realty Corp., Realtors

Henry Lemons

Weichert Realtors

Hallmark Properties

Debby Barrett

Gina Cox

Linda Romine

Luis Hernandez

Martha Kaple

Mary Palerino

Matthew Ferland

Ramona Montgomery

Todd Short

Brian Carboy

Thomas Schell

Victor Singh

Wheatley Realty Group

Bradley Gruber

Brittany Eddy

Kevin Alex

Pam Howell

RE/MAX FoxfireSummerfield

Cade Wilson

Donna Mills-Martens

Real Broker, LLC

RLW Realty

June Stienstra

Rock Springs Realty, LLC

Kelli Crosby

Sellstate Superior Realty

Eileen Stilwell

Greg Kelly

Linda Sears

Marsella Fabre

Maureen Wilson, PLLC

Robert Kersch

Susan BeVille, PA

Willi Mitchell

Signature Best Florida Realty, LLC

Travis Realty Group

David Picciano

Trinity Real Estate Sales, LLC

Robin Boyd

Tropic Shores Realty, LLC

Marian Casteel

Mark Siegel

Ron Kearse

Tyre & Taylor Realty, Inc.

Donald Oliver

US Realty Hub, LLC

William Smith

William Smith, Jr.

Worth Clark Realty

Chris Day

Chuck Wilsey

Madison Waddell

Margaret Ingmire

Michael Simpson

Geoffrey Chernault, Right Realty Connection, Inc.

Melissa “Missy” Minner, RE/MAX Titanium Group

Addie Owens, Touchstone Real Estate

Brittany Eddy, Wheatley Realty Group

MEET THE Realtor®

These local real estate agents are all about passion, hustle, and staying committed. To them, there’s nothing better than making sure you have the best experience possible when buying or selling your home, from start to finish and beyond. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

BEAU STEVENSON

Connie Mahan Real Estate Group is celebrating their second Rookie of the Year achievement.

“I am so incredibly proud to announce that this year’s Rookie of the Year for the Lake and Sumter Counties Realtors Association is none other than our Beau Stevenson,” Connie says.

Freshly licensed in January 2023, Beau didn’t step foot into real estate until March of 2023, and it was all history from there. A third generation Sumter County native, Beau was no stranger to the area, the people, and how to do business. Owning his own business for almost a decade, Beau understands that although success and customer satisfaction may not always be easy, it’s simple.

“Clear communications, honest conversations, and a genuine care for what folks want are the foundation of my success,” Beau says. “People know I’m the guy. I’m the guy they call if they need things, and now I’m the guy they call in real estate.”

Connie Mahan, broker-owner and one of Beau’s biggest fans, says there was no doubt.

“I was 100% certain that Beau had all of the components necessary to be one of the best, and he has what it takes to be legendary,” she says. “He is ethical, creative, kind but rm, and most importantly, he understands this is a lifelong game, not a sprint. I’ve been a Beau fan since long before he became a Realtor.”

Incredibly active in his community, Beau was a vital part of the Bushnell

“Clear communications, honest conversations, and a genuine care for what folks want are the foundation of my success.”

Elementary PTO and most notably has been a pillar to the girls softball league for years. He is active in local fundraising and company-sponsored events and can be seen lending a hand almost anywhere.

Beau nds incredible support in his wife, Amanda Stevenson, his Gema (grandmother), and his two children, Parker and Waylon.

“I am shocked, blessed, emotional, and more driven than ever to do the best I can for my customers and my community

and am honored to carry this title forward,” Beau says.

As only the third Rookie of the Year to come out of the Sumter side of Lake and Sumter Counties Realtors Association, Beau is in great company. It’s notable to mention that his Broker, Connie Mahan, was the rst-ever Sumter County recipient of the association’s recognition in 2002. Be on the lookout for Beau Stevenson; it’s a name you can count on.

Way to go, Beau… Congratulations!

Rookie of the Year for the Lake and Sumter Counties Realtors Association

GAYLA QUEEN

Broker Associate; Luxury Home Specialist

Whether you’re selling or buying a luxury home, it’s vital to work with an agent who is well-versed in these special properties.

Florida native Gayla Queen knows her home state inside and out. Even better, her experience and knowledge of the luxury home market makes Gayla the one to call.

“Luxury properties often have unique features that require special attention and demonstration. I provide that service,” says Gayla, who has earned the title of Certi ed Luxury Home Marketing Specialist.

She has negotiated thousands of purchases with satis ed clients throughout Florida, from homes in resort communities to unique private listings across the state.

“Having served Florida residents and relocation clients with personal attention to their goals throughout my career has given me insight into the luxury home market,” she notes.

A broker associate with RE/MAX Premier Realty in The Villages, Gayla has been in the real estate business for 30-plus years.

She was a sportswear designer in Maimi’s bustling garment district before making real estate her career. The practiced eye and attention to detail that made her a success in the fashion world became a huge bene t to her real estate clients.

After working in the demanding real estate scenes of Miami and Tampa, she chose to make her home in The Villages. Now she brings her extensive experience to clients in Central Florida.

“My experience and knowledge of the luxury home market makes me the one to call.”

“RE/MAX Premier Realty in The Villages is the largest independent franchise in the tri-county area. RE/ MAX is nationally and internationally known as one of the top producers, which is why I wanted to work with them,” says Gayla.

She was recently awarded the designation of CRS, Certi ed Residential Specialist. Less than two percent of licensed agents with the National Association of REALTORS® achieve this designation.

The achievement recognizes Gayla’s dedication and personal

attention to meeting her clients’ goals, while adhering to the highest ethical standards in the real estate profession.

“I’m here to help both buyers and sellers meet their objectives,” says Gayla. “Sellers have an agenda and want to move on. Buyers have a checklist of their needs and want someone to help meet those needs. The best part of what I do is help people do just that.”

If it’s time to sell or you’ve decided to relocate, let Gayla Queen help you achieve your real estate goals.

SHARON BASSETT

Originally from Michigan, Sharon Bassett has proudly called Central Florida home since 1985. Her love for the Sunshine State fuels her passion for assisting home buyers in finding their perfect place to settle down here in Central Florida. With 28 years of experience as a licensed Florida real estate broker, Sharon is the proud owner/broker of Bassett Premier Realty, Inc. located in Weirsdale, specializing in residential and land sales.

“The U.S. Census highlights Florida as the fastestgrowing state since 1957, and Ocala, where I primarily conduct business, ranks among the top destinations for people relocating,” Sharon explains.

Referrals from satisfied clients, both within Florida and from out of state, consistently lead individuals to the doors of Bassett Premier Realty. While testimonials and positive online reviews may initially draw attention, it’s the personal interaction that transforms individuals into clients.

“I may sell real estate, but the most fulfilling aspect of my work is helping people. It’s all about listening attentively and demonstrating genuine care. I strive to create a comfortable environment where clients feel they can trust me to guide them toward fulfilling their needs,” she emphasizes.

Despite being a Multi-Million Dollar Producer, Sharon values kindness, honesty, and building connections above all else. Her experience as a residential contractor provides her with a unique perspective when working with clients.

“It’s crucial to grasp each person’s objectives, understand the challenges we may encounter, and devise strategies to overcome them,” Sharon notes.

She firmly believes in the importance of serving others. When clients visit her office, Sharon’s priority is to brighten their day and provide exceptional service tailored to their needs.

“Our words and interactions can either mend or shatter a heart. Respect, encouragement, and kindness should always prevail in our interactions,” she says.

Outside of work, Sharon enjoys gardening, which nurtures her inspiration, and finds joy in the company of her beloved “fur kids”—Finny, her Scottish Fold kitty, and Paris, her Papillon.

Whether you’re in the market to sell or buy, Sharon Bassett and her dedicated team stand ready to assist you.

“Being a real estate broker with experience in design and development, I understand the entire process to assist my buyers and sellers with every need and more.”

ZORAYDA GALLARDO

Born in Miami, Zorayda Gallardo has roots in both the Sunshine State and Nicaragua.

She was just 6 when her parents moved the family to their native Nicaragua.

“I lived there for 10 years and moved back to Florida when I was 16. I’ve been here ever since,” she says.

Those years in Central America were a powerful in uence. Her outgoing personality and passion for helping others made real estate the best career choice.

Today, Zorayda is the owner/broker of her own real estate business with o ces and teams of experienced agents in Leesburg and Managua, Nicaragua. Siga International Real Estate o ers residential, land, and investment properties.

A member of the National Association of REALTORS® since 2014, Zorayda has worked hard to earn multiple designations, including that of Certi ed International Properties Specialist (CIPS).

She routinely works with clients who want to buy properties outside the U.S. as investments.

The fact that Zorayda has dual citizenship and is bi-lingual gives her a de nite advantage when working with Central and South American clients.

Her Florida clients also appreciate that she speaks Spanish.

This increases their comfort level, especially when dealing with complex transactions.

“I like to inform clients and guide them to make the process easier so they

can accomplish their goals, whether that’s selling, buying their rst-time home, or investing in international properties,” says Zorayda.

For clients who are selling, Zorayda provides practical input on every aspect of the process, including realistic pricing to promote timely sales.

She is the current representative of Nicaragua for CILA Mujeres, an organization for women in real estate in South and Central America. CILA Mujeres works to connect global real estate institutions and empowers women in the industry by maximizing their opportunities.

“Sixty-six percent of all REALTORS® are female, up from 65 percent last

year,” says Zorayda, adding that meeting clients’ needs is the best part of her job.

Zorayda and her husband, Jose, are the proud parents of two children.

She nds real estate to be the ideal career, as she can positively impact her clients’ lives, as well as focus on her family.

Active in her community, she is a member of the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Global Council in Orlando.

Call today to learn how Zorayda Gallardo can make your real estate goals a reality.

MORRIS REALTY & INVESTMENTS

Beginning the process of purchasing or selling a property marks a signi cant milestone in your life. Whether you’re seeking a place to establish roots or making a strategic investment, it requires a reliable and skilled partner. That’s where Morris Realty & Investments excels. Having one of these highly esteemed Real Estate professionals on your side will ensure your success.

The Exceptional Team of Agents

At the helm of Morris Realty & Investments is Theresa Morris, the esteemed Broker/Owner whose unwavering dedication to real estate fuels the company’s purpose. Guided by

her leadership, Morris Realty is supported by a team of highly skilled agents who consistently produce multi-million dollar sales. Their collective success is evidenced by a prestigious clientele roster, showcasing their

steadfast commitment and exceptional service.

Theresa emphasizes, “We are propelled by our clients’ success.” She adds,

“Our aim is not merely to meet but to surpass expectations, guaranteeing each transaction is smooth and successful.”

“Success for our clients is our top priority”

ADDIE OWENS

Once you meet Addie Owens, it’s easy to understand why she was recently awarded State Mentor of the Year by the Women’s Council of Realtors®.

Addie is not content to settle for the status quo. Her goal in life is to make a di erence for good.

She’s done just that as CEO and principal broker of Touchstone Real Estate Group, Inc. (TREG), as an instructor, public speaker, and founder of Touchstone Community First Foundation.

With almost two decades of experience in real estate, Addie specializes in residential listings.

“Our mission at our company is help build legacies.”

TREG has a full slate of licensed agents ready to help buyers and sellers accomplish their goals.

“Our mission at the real estate brokerage is to help build a legacy,” says Addie, who has lived in the tri-county area for 25 years. “We get to help people realize equity in homes they’ve already purchased and build wealth. I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve helped many people build legacies in their homes and their communities.”

In 2019, she launched Touchstone Real Estate Schools, which helps educate fellow Realtors® across

the country. Addie’s in-depth understanding of the industry, her successful background in appraisals and her innate skills as an instructor and public speaker make her a dynamic communicator.

Dedicated to helping her community, Addie founded Touchstone Community First Foundation to provide monetary support for local non-pro t organizations that bene t youth programs and area residents whose housing has been impacted by disasters.

She serves in numerous volunteer positions and is actively involved in various community initiatives in Mount Dora and Central Florida.

Addie Owens is the one people call when they need help improving their lives. She’s determined to make a meaningful impact--whether it’s related to housing, education, or organizational development.

In 2020, she served as president of the Realtors® Association of Lake and Sumter Counties.

“Despite that treacherous year, we didn’t just keep the ship above water; we actually accelerated through that storm,” says Addie of the challenging rst year of the pandemic.

Addie is married with two adult children and is a proud Blue Star Mom.

Now she is running for Florida State House.

“I’ve got the heart of a servant and I believe we need more of that. When I go to Tallahassee, I’m not going by myself. I’m taking all of Lake County with me,” says Addie. “I’ll never forget where I came from.”

MARTHA RIDGWAY

With 22 years of real estate experience, Martha Ridgway is a distinguished realtor specializing in residential homes, particularly focusing on the Villages. Martha’s hands-on approach sets her apart, personally managing every aspect of the transaction to prioritize meaningful connections over a high volume of transactions.

Martha’s journey, from building ranch-style homes in Montana to becoming the trusted realtor in Central Florida, culminates in her favorite role – assisting the older generation. She nds solace in assisting seniors during pivotal life transitions. Acting as a guiding light amid crises and challenges, especially during emotional relocations due to sickness or loss, Martha emphasizes her commitment to being there for her customers.

“I get really involved with each transaction and with the people I’m working with, so I don’t necessarily work on a lot of transactions at once,” Martha says. “That way, if a customer of mine needs something, they are not having to go through di erent team members. They call me and talk with me. I take care of their transaction from start to nish.”

With Martha Ridgway, experience meets compassion, ensuring a seamless real estate journey for customers seeking personalized service.

Coldwell Banker: Vanguard Edge Realty 352.409.0079 / MarthasHomes60@gmail.com

NOVA FULLER

Nova Fuller is a highly accomplished real estate agent with a stellar track record in the industry. She has been named one of Forbes’ Top 500 Real Estate Agents in the U.S. for 2020 and 2021 and has been honored with the Five Star Real Estate Award nine times. Nova has also been recognized by the Orlando Sentinel as one of the top 1% realtors in the area and is consistently a multimillion-dollar producer.

With 20 years of experience in both residential and commercial properties, Nova has developed a deep understanding of various locations and possesses extensive market knowledge. This combination of expertise is invaluable to both buyers and sellers, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction.

Nova attributes her remarkable success to the trust she has built with her clients and the personalized attention she provides to each one. She takes pride in the referrals she receives, a testament to the exceptional service she delivers. Contact Nova Fuller today to experience the di erence of working with a true professional in the real estate industry.

Dave Lowe Realty, Inc 352.551.7359 / Nova@DaveLoweRealty.com / novafuller.com

A Star Realtor

HA RRISON REAL PROPERTY GROUP

Harrison Real Property Group Sets the Standard for Excellence in Central Florida Real Estate.

Harrison Real Property Group LLC, situated in downtown Tavares, stands as a beacon of excellence in the real estate industry.

Harrison Real Property Group is a prominent real estate agency based in downtown Tavares, specializing in residential, vacant land, rst time home buyers, relocation and waterfront properties.

With a focus on personalized service and expert knowledge of the local market, Harrison Real Property Group, which opened its doors as a brokerage in 2020, o ers comprehensive assistance to clients seeking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate. Their team of experienced agents is dedicated to guiding clients through every step of the real estate process, ensuring smooth transactions and client satisfaction. Harrison Real Property Group serves clients across Central Florida, including Lake, Sumter and Marion counties, leveraging their deep understanding of the area to help clients nd their perfect property.

Established by Amanda Harrison, Harrison Real Property Group stands as a cornerstone in the Central Florida real estate landscape. With a foundation built on integrity, professionalism, and success, the agency has become synonymous with excellence in the industry. Amanda’s vision

for Harrison Real Property Group was inspired by her deep-rooted connection to the region and her passion for helping others achieve their real estate dreams.

Each member of Harrison Real Property Group’s team brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, united by a common goal: to provide unparalleled service and expertise to clients across Central Florida. Each agent is committed to excellence and has a passion for serving the community. With that, Harrison Real Property Group continues to set the standard for real estate excellence in the region.

AMANDA HARRISON, the visionary founder of Harrison Real Property Group, brings over two decades of experience and a profound understanding of the Central Florida real estate market to the table. Specializing in residential, vacant land, and waterfront properties, Amanda’s dedication to client satisfaction and her background in foreclosures and probates have earned her a stellar reputation in the industry. She remains committed to providing personalized service, expert guidance, and unparalleled professionalism to every client and agent on her team. 407.741.3547 / amanda@harrisonrpg.com

Amanda Harrison

BROKER/OWNER/REALTOR®

Mandy Bass Kim Beisley

“Their team of experienced agents is dedicated to guiding clients through every step of the real estate process, ensuring smooth transactions and client satisfaction.”

MANDY BASS, with a career dating back to 2000, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Harrison Real Property Group. Specializing in residential properties, Mandy’s integrity and commitment to client satisfaction ensure she e ectively assists her clients in achieving their real estate goals with con dence.

352.636.3415 / mandy@harrisonrpg.com

KIM BEISLEY, a recent addition to Harrison Real Property Group, brings expertise in residential real estate and waterfront properties. With a keen understanding of Central Florida’s waterways and communities, Kim excels in matching clients with their ideal homes, ensuring they nd the perfect blend of comfort and lifestyle.

352.455.4403 / kim@harrisonrpg.com

ELLA ST. PIERRE boasts over two decades of experience in real estate, specializing in residential properties and rst-time buyers. Her thoroughness and dedication to her clients set her apart, ensuring each individual receives the tailored guidance needed to navigate their real estate journey successfully.

352.455.4259 / ella@harrisonrpg.com

REX RUTLEDGE, a seasoned agent with a career spanning since 2018, specializes in residential real estate, particularly in Lake County and surrounding areas. His extensive knowledge of the region, coupled with his passion and dedication, makes him a trusted advisor for clients navigating the complexities of the real estate market. Rex’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction shines through in every transaction.

352.242.8735 / rex@harrisonrpg.com

SHARONDA FELTON, another valuable member of the team, specializes in residential properties across Central Florida. With a focus on Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties, Sharonda’s passion for helping others achieve their homeownership dreams drives her dedication to providing personalized attention and expert advice to her clients.

352.460.6482 / sharonda@harrisonrpg.com

TRACI HARFORD, with a background in investment properties and a love for real estate, specializes in residential properties across Central Florida. Her commitment to client satisfaction and personalized service makes the real estate process smooth and successful for all her clients.

352.782.7595 / traci@harrisonrpg.com

Harrison

Ella

St. Pierre

Rex Rutledge

Sharonda Felton

Traci Harford

“We can honestly say that whilst we were somewhat reluctant to sign with Wiseman owing to the long lead time from contract signing to completion, the finished product was well worth the wait. The custom design is exactly what we asked for and we maintain that the craftsmanship of the pool, spa, equipment, pavers, screen enclosure, and summer kitchen are second to none.”

— TOM & LYNDA MURPHY

Wiseman Pools is a family-owned-and-operated, licensed residential and commercial swimming pool builder with an extensive portfolio of projects. From the small—fountains and in-ground spas. To the large—million dollar installations with multiple pools and spas. Our customers, large and small, demand a quality swimming pool for a fair price. And we deliver.

DON'T REPLACE — REJUVENATE!

ROOF REJUVENATION CAN BE A SOLUTION FOR HOMEOWNERS!

It’s no secret that our beautiful state is in an insurance predicament for homeowners. Insurance companies can require 10-year-old and older roofs to be replaced prior to their annual insurance renewal or homeowners may find themselves being dropped by their insurance companies and finding it difficult to obtain insurance without having a newer roof. We have found roofs in good condition with years of life left but the homeowners have been notified their roof may not be qualified for their annual renewal.

Eustis Roofing has found a solution to help save homeowners time and money by extending the life of their roof before having to fully replace it prematurely. ERC has partnered with industry professionals to be able to offer Roof Certifications and warranties on rejuvenating your roof to extend your roof life.

Homes Development

Real Estate Market

President’s Circle, Hall of Fame

Natalie Arrowsmith

Vickie Lingerfelt Loretta Maimone

Melissa “Missy” Conway

President’s Circle, Hall of Fame President’s Circle President’s Circle President’s Circle President’s Circle President’s Circle

Cynthia Shelton Addie Owens

Trish Leisner Kara Wisely Carolyn Maimone

Geoffrey Chernault

Investing

Housing

Sterling R

Sponsored by Realtor® Political Advocacy Committee

Market Closing

Melissa Samar

Bethany Burge Bosbous

Kim Cook

Elijah Jennings

Lisa Pownall

Jeannene Natale

Connie Mahan

Stacy Potter Kim Ducharme Levensohn

Mark Dyer

Robbie Shoemaker

Tyler Adams

Eileen Scates

Todd Abell

Julie Nay Gordon

Michelle Holcomb

Josh Lambert

Richard Gonzalez

Jeannette McIntosh

Vivienne Cunningham

Steve McDonald President’s Circle

Harmony of Home

Bridging indoor and outdoor living trends in 2024.

n the dynamic world of home design and renovation, the fusion of classic and modern elements continues to de ne the evolving concept of home — both indoor and outdoor.

Inside, ooring, kitchen cabinets and decor trends add layers of style and functionality to living spaces.

Outdoor trends are creating personalized, functional and visually stunning spaces that seamlessly integrate with natural surroundings. Light whites and earth tones dominate outdoor structural elements, allowing homeowners exibility for customization.

To learn more about the vivid, evolving landscape of interior and outdoor design, we turn to experts Susan Corsten, owner and interior designer/decorator for Susan Corsten Interiors, and Stan Hawley, lead designer for Artisan Outdoor Living.

Join us on a visual expedition through the trends shaping the homes of today and tomorrow, where each facet contributes to 2024’s best features for homes.

Blurring the Lines: Indoor/Outdoor Living

Susan says a prevailing home trend is blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Many residents, particularly those relocating from the north, seek a seamless merger of these environments.

“The weather and the lifestyle in Florida is de nitely a motivator, so there’s lots of interest in making outdoor and indoor spaces cohesive,” Susan says. “People want to have spaces for entertaining, and even for themselves, but the point is they want to have things e ortlessly ow from outside to inside.

“At this point when I’m picking interior colors, we’re also looking at the outside color of the house and how it relates to the inside. Sometimes it’s even the same color, so we just start to blur that line,” she adds.

Stan concurs.

“Making those outdoor spaces usable and like an extension of the inside is what people want. They want the inside and the outside to work together,” he says. “If someone has a style inside like traditional, contemporary, Mediterranean, Italian rustic, you name it, you could ow with it right to the outside.”

Additionally, Susan shares her experience with clients who yearn for a resort-style living experience in their homes by incorporating outdoor showers and other functional features that enhance a connection with nature.

“There’s an interest to be connected to the outside as much as possible,” she says.

Stan notes that the growing trend of turning outdoor spaces into captivating havens is driven by the desire

to create inviting spaces for relaxation, entertainment and meditation.

“At Artisan Outdoor living we basically specialize in turning boring spaces into beautiful spaces,” Stan says. “The trends that started through COVID that involved bringing entertainment spaces to homes’ outside spaces are continuing because people became used to spending more time at home.

“People are looking to pool seating areas, spaces for entertaining, whether it’s a group of 10 people, or 40 or 50 people. We have one house where the owners wanted space for an outdoor golf simulator. It’s going to be a covered space where they can actually golf, with space for dining, gathering and socializing. The nice thing is there’s options there for every budget and for every style preference.”

Stan agrees that the trending demand for outdoor showers and tubs is growing, but he’s also seeing people planning space for meditation, relaxation and yoga.

“It’s more of trying to create their own destination, almost like a staycation kind of a space,” Stan says.

Designing for Different Lifestyles: Lifestyles and Native Plants

When it comes to outdoor spaces, it’s all about personalization. Visually appealing gardens of native plants in e cient, low maintenance designs are gaining popularity.

Stan says many families want easy spaces that are easy to maintain for their active young children.

“They would not choose so many plants or a big garden, but maybe just mulch or grass,” Stan says.

And in The Villages, Villagers interested in an active lifestyle favor low maintenance gardens and outside spaces.

“Native plants have become very popular and are de nitely trending,” Stan says. “People are looking for plants that are already adapted to the climate and that they know will perform well, that don’t require a lot of care.”

Pools, Enclosures and Lighting: Enhancing the Outdoor Experience

Stan notes that there’s a diversity of pool preferences, from simple to comprehensive designs with water features and entertainment spaces. Durable and climate-appropriate materials, such as engineered wood for decking, are recommended to enhance outdoor spaces.

“Folks tend to stay pretty simple with pools, but the nicest thing now is that in lieu of a traditional pool install, which can go on for many months, there are plunge pools, a solid concrete pre-made pool than can be t into smaller spaces and that can be turned around in no time,” Stan says.

Still, many people want all the bells and whistles.

“We’re actually working with a client now that wanted an outdoor entertainment space for 40, 50 people dancing, a band to play pretty much everything, so we designed a cut-in pool with some ledges and it’s got the waterfalls, the re features and everything you can think of,” Stan says.

Additionally, pool enclosures and lanais provide expansive views and act as a barrier from mosquitos and other bugs and insects. Many structures feature retractable screens, comfortable seating, and innovative lighting to enhance the overall experience.

“It used to be that with lanais there were aluminum posts everywhere; it just sort of looked and felt like a cage,” Stan says. “But with newer screen choices now, you can have huge sections of lanai where all you have is just the screen, so your views are much nicer. You don’t have all the distractions of framing yet it’s still just as durable as the old style.”

Ira Solagratia Photography

Performance Fabrics and Simplified Decor: Comfort Inside and Out

Susan emphasizes that performance fabrics originally designed for outdoor use are now making their way indoors, particularly in kitchens and dining rooms. Why? Because they’re easy to clean and easier to keep dry.

“There are furniture manufacturers that historically have been just indoor furniture, but now they are doing outdoor furniture as well. Fabrics have come such a long way,” Susan says, explaining that people lean into furniture for performance fabric because it’s so versatile.

“Whatever the style; traditional, non-traditional, modern, classic, it’s outdoor fabric and ready to sit outside, but I’m using indoor/outdoor fabric inside too, like in the kitchen for barstools and in the dining room for sofas,” she says.

The new year also brings trends toward simpli ed décor. There’s a de nite shift towards fewer accessories and larger, more impactful items that embrace the concept of

“People, especially younger generations, don’t want as many tchotchkes (knickknacks) or lots of accessories; it’s just more to dust,” Susan says.

“People are going for simple, clutter free spaces with not too much stu , but instead, fewer, bigger and more impactful things.”

Colors: Embracing Warm Neutrals and Earth Tones

Popular color palettes are dominated by warm neutrals and earth tones inspired by the desire to bring the outdoors in — colors like warm beige or brown neutrals, greens and blues.

“They resonate with the natural elements of Florida’s landscape,” Susan says. “I think the national trend says brown is coming back and blues are still strong. We’ve seen blues for a while, but many variations are being named colors of the year.

Whatever the style; traditional, non-traditional, modern, classic, it’s outdoor fabric and ready to sit outside, but I’m using indoor/outdoor fabric inside too, like in the kitchen for barstools and in the dining room for sofas.

SUSAN CORSTEN

“Other popular colors are any earthy colors; not really gray, but gray beige going into warm neutrals and browns, which I think, again, really works here where we’re trying to blur the inside and outside. People are thinking about the blue skies, the greenery, the brown earth or palm tree trunk,” she adds.

According to Susan, people are looking for “simple, but comfortable.”

She says that white walls are not as inviting or as comfortable as warm, neutral colors.

Meanwhile, Stan says outside color choices have been trending light for a while.

“Light colors are always popular, especially here in Florida. Dark colors will fade much faster. And so, you’re going to have a lot more expense in having the house repainted more often when you choose darker colors for the body of the house,” Stan says. “We are seeing an increase in light whites and super light earth tone neutrals.

“That seems to be something that’s gained some popularity, and that’s probably part of the reason that it is easier to maintain over time. You don’t have all the fading issues with the paint so that makes it a little easier to get some extra life and value out of it,” he adds.

ask the e pert

Get the inside scoop on home perfection with Style’s expert lineup, your go-to for savvy advice and informed choices.

Expert: PHILIP MASTROSIMONE III Owner

of Mastropiece.

Leesburg 101 North Boulevard East 352.602.9209 / maxileadum.com

What are some good traits of a company that does custom home upgrades?

They will be referred by someone who has previously purchased their services. They will show up promptly and reply professionally. Questions will be asked that the homeowner didn’t think of or foresee because of expertise in their skill. Estimates and contracts will be written up to communicate what will be done and expected for the homeowners. Communication will be just as important, along with a quality nished product.

WHAT DOES CUSTOM MEAN WHEN IT COMES TO UPGRADING YOUR HOME?

There are di erent species of lumber, grades of plywood and an arrangement of hardware that make the di erence. The choice of brands and products for paints and sealants enhances the nal nish, making it smoother and more durable. Speci c measurements are not limited and designs are suited to t personal wants and needs. Imagination can thrive for a truly creative and unique result rather than settling for something standard.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND STARTING YOUR CUSTOM UPGRADE BUSINESS?

It all started with the idea of creating furniture with hidden gun compartments. Once I realized how hard it was to market such a specialized product, we began providing trim work services. As time went on, we started doing everything that touched our trim work from painting, ooring, cabinetry and entertainment centers to now being a one-stop shop. If there is something we don’t do, however, we have access to trusted people who can get it done.

IS IT MORE IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE A COMPANY THAT SUBCONTRACTS WORK OUT, OR HAS EMPLOYEES THAT DO THE WORK?

I believe the best way to maintain quality control is to do everything within the company. That way, you know exactly who is showing up to your home and you are dealing with the same company responsible for both communication and liability. I’ve also found that our workers get a deeper level of respect from homeowners, which makes for a better overall work environment and employees are covered by workman’s comp, which creates a safer liability if something were to happen.

Concealed Bookcase

W The Right Warranty Makes All the Difference

hen it comes to home repair and maintenance, a new roof is typically the greatest repair expense you’ll face. Anytime you’re spending thousands of dollars, it’s a huge reassurance to know you’re covered with a solid warranty.

Scott’s Roo ng proudly o ers a 50-year system Preferred Protection warranty on Owens Corning® Roo ng, which is one of the best warranties in the industry.

“This is a full system warranty, meaning it covers all Owens Corning® material installed on the roof, including underlayment, shingles, ridge cap, ventilation. Everything is covered up to 130-mph winds--even named storms. It also covers labor, installation, and disposal,” says Tyler Scott, sales manager at Scott’s Roo ng.

Also included is a 10-year workmanship warranty, so any issues caused by installation are also covered.

“Most manufacturer warranties only cover the shingles, not labor or other roo ng materials, and the pro-rating diminishes over time,” Tyler explains, adding that most manufacturers don’t hold the wind rating if it’s a named storm.

A third-generation family business, Scott’s Roo ng has been serving Central Florida for 51 years. Bob Scott started the company in 1973 and it’s now owned by his son Thomas Scott.

Expert: TYLER SCOTT Sales Lead/Supervisor

Scott’s Roo ng is a Florida-licensed roo ng contractor and is able to o er upgraded warranties because they are an Owens Corning platinum dealer.

“There have been big changes in shingle technology in the last 10 years and Owens Corning has stayed on the forefront of building technology,” says Tyler. “To be a platinum dealer, we have to be vetted by Owens Corning, have an outstanding rating with the Better Business Bureau, and pass third party inspection.”

Scott’s Roo ng even o ers one warranty above the Preferred. For just $400, the Platinum Preferred Warranty provides upgraded protection and increases the workmanship coverage from 10 to 25 years.

“It’s like an insurance policy for your insurance and can protect you from having to make a claim,” says Tyler.

Another massive bene t is that warranties are fully transferable within the rst 20 years, which is a big point if you’re thinking of selling your home.

Scott’s Roo ng specializes in residential and commercial re-roo ng, installing at least 400 roofs every year in Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties. The company is licensed, bonded, and fully insured.

Have questions or concerns about your existing roof? Call Scott’s Roo ng today. They’ll come out within days and provide a free inspection and written estimate.

Tavares 15049 Old US Hwy 441 352.343.7788 / Tscottroofing.com

Expert: JIM R. SAFFORD President of Suter Air Conditioning, Inc.

Leesburg

108 Thomas Ave suterac.com / info@suterac.com

Lake 352.787.9550

Sumter 352.748.3344

Why is it important to keep up with the maintenance of your air conditioner and how often should it be looked at?

It’s crucial to keep up with your air conditioner’s maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the unit. We recommend maintenance at least once a year, though twice a year is ideal. Regular maintenance keeps the system operating at peak e ciency. Think of it like changing the oil in your car. Neglecting it can lead to air ow issues, ine ciency, and even warranty issues since most manufacturer warranties require annual maintenance to remain valid. Ultimately, maintaining your air conditioner ensures it runs smoothly and e ciently, saving you from costly repairs down the road.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO REPLACE YOUR A/C UNIT?

Deciding when to replace your air conditioner can be tricky, but there are key indicators to watch for. Typically, the lifespan of an AC unit is around 10 years, though with proper maintenance, it can last longer. However, e ciency declines over time, especially after the 10-year mark. If your unit is requiring frequent repairs or if the cost of repairs outweighs the cost of replacement, it’s time to consider investing in a new unit. Additionally, advancements in technology make newer models more energy-e cient, potentially saving you money in the long run. Ultimately, the decision to replace your air conditioner should be based on factors like e ciency, repair costs and the unit’s overall performance.

PROUD TO BE PROVIDING AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING SERVICES TO MOST OF LAKE AND SUMTER COUNTIES:

• Air Conditioning

• Heating

• Indoor Air Quality

• Financing

• Maintenance Plan

What steps can homeowners take before pool construction?

A

sparkling backyard pool is the perfect place to entertain, relax and exercise. It’s a big decision to put in a pool, so you want to choose the right builder.

Since 2007, many satis ed Central Florida homeowners have turned to Wiseman Pools.

“We’re a true custom builder so the pools we build are speci c to your needs and your property. We like to pride ourselves that at the end of the project, it’s time well spent, and money well invested,” says company owner Shawn Wiseman.

Shawn o ers helpful advice for homeowners, as there are steps you can take to help the process go smoothly before any dirt is moved.

You probably have ideas in mind, but as they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Shawn encourages homeowners to spend time on the Internet. Gather photos and make a list of speci c design features and nishes you like.

For example, do you want a spa/pool combination?

Shawn says about half of their customers choose this option.

Maybe you want a unique feature like a spillway or waterfall. Do you prefer a concrete deck or paver deck?

Take a realistic look at your property and where you want the pool. Shawn says many people don’t consider the access to their backyard.

Even when the company uses smaller equipment for building the pool, access is still important. Also, it’s considerate to let your next-door neighbors know pool construction will be happening.

If nancing is required, take steps to put this in place.

“Many people take out a home equity loan or a third-party loan. You can have a good idea of what you qualify for ahead of time,” says Shawn.

Pool equipment has seen great improvements over the last decade. In addition to LED lighting and variable speed pumps, smart control systems allow you to wirelessly control the pump and lighting from your phone.

If you can dream it, we can build it. - Shawn

Wiseman Pools is a licensed residential and commercial pool builder with an extensive portfolio.

Whether you’re looking for an in-ground spa or a large pool with dramatic features, Wiseman Pools can make it happen. The family-owned and operated local company makes customer service and support a priority.

Call today and schedule a visit to make your pool dreams a reality.

Expert: SHAWN WISEMAN

Owner of Wiseman Pools

Leesburg 1517 W Main St. 352.431.3766 / wisemanpools.com

We want to do everything we can so our clients can get to know us better and we get to know them better. The better we know one another, the stronger the relationships.

o say we live in uncertain times is an understatement.

A presidential election year coming on the heels of a global pandemic makes for interesting times indeed.

We’ve already seen how dramatically the status quo can change. Just look back to March 2020 when the pandemic led to worldwide shutdowns.

For those close to retirement or already in that phase of life, the challenge of how to manage investments may be weighing heavily.

If you nd yourself questioning what comes next and how to proceed nancially, you’re not alone.

The quest to nd nancial advice that puts the client rst is what leads many people to Cebert Wealth, one of the largest Ameriprise franchises in Florida.

Since Private Wealth Advisor Dale Cebert started his private wealth advisory practice in 1998, Cebert Wealth has grown to have clients in 49 states served by nine nancial advisors and 13 support sta with two o ces in The Villages.

Dale attributes this growth to their service-oriented, proactive approach, which sets Cebert Wealth apart from other nancial advisory practices.

When times are uncertain, knowledge is power. Putting that knowledge in their clients’ hands is crucial, which is why Cebert Wealth o ers Economic Updates twice every week, both online via WEBEX and in-person at their Villages’ o ce locations.

Wednesday evening events include a Happy Hour prior to the update. Thursday morning updates welcome attendees with co ee and donuts, or champagne brunches, depending on the occasion.

Having two updates each week allows clients convenient options for participation.chosen to begin working with Cebert Wealth. A business is certainly doing something right when its growing client base comes from referrals and word-of-mouth rather than public advertising.

PANDEMIC INSPIRATION

At the beginning of the pandemic, nancial advisors had no way of knowing the rami cations of the situation because the world economy had never been shut down like that previously.

Those unsettling rst weeks of the pandemic saw a 36 percent decrease in portfolios.

The Private Wealth Advisors at Cebert Wealth were on guard and acted

defensively on behalf of their clients. They took practical action to minimize downturn and reduce exposure when no one was sure how the scenario would unfold.

They were also watching and ready to redeploy when the markets had stabilized su ciently, and the risk-reward made sense.

“We can make changes in portfolios tactically and quickly when the environment calls for it,” says Dale.

The weekly Economic Updates routine began during the early stages of the pandemic when Dale realized clients needed reassurance because so much was up in the air.

Prior to that, updates were held quarterly and in person.

“When the pandemic hit in March 2020 and we were no longer able to invite clients into the o ce, we immediately realized this was an important time to be in contact with them,” recalls Dale.

This reassured clients as to how closely their advisors were monitoring the situation, and it con rmed that there was accountability.

“It’s one thing to tell someone something one-on-one and another to have an open session where people can ask whatever question they want,” he says. “The fact that we’re willing to take

open questions in front of everybody shows we have the degree of con dence that we’re doing the right things for our clients. It shows accountably on our end that we can explain what’s going on and why we’re doing it.”

Realizing how bene cial this was to clients, Cebert Wealth made it a point to continue their Economic Updates twice weekly, at 6:30pm on Wednesdays and 10:30am on Thursdays.

“In person we’ll have anywhere from 20 to 60 people, but online we have 75 to 150 households tuning in. A lot of our clients don’t live in The Villages area and can’t come in person, so this allows people to tune in no matter where they’re located,” says Dale.

“In my career I’ve never known another rm or advisory team that does weekly updates. When I talk to advisors at other rms, there are those who do periodic updates, but I’ve never seen anybody do them twice a week,” he notes.

The Cebert Wealth team gets together twice a month to monitor portfolio performance and holdings.

“I remind my team regularly that anything we do we need to be able to explain to our clients why we sold or bought and how the adjustments we made make sense,” adds Dale. “We need to be able to tell them what we think about what’s happening in the market.”

In one regard, the Economic Updates are an excellent educational format. But beyond that, they o er both the advisory team and clients an opportunity to enhance and build on their relationships.

“We want to do everything we can so our clients can get to know us better and we get to know them better. The better we know one another, the stronger the relationships,” says Dale. “We try to make people feel like part of our extended family because that’s how we feel about them.”

LOOKING AHEAD

In the nancial world, change typically presents opportunities to make advantageous moves for gain or defensive moves to mitigate downside risk.

Looking at this current year, it’s impossible to know exactly what lies ahead. To put it mildly, we’re in unprecedented times.

“The market is at near all-time highs. Clearly, the economy is doing well at the moment, but we expect it to slow,” observes Dale. “Any type of monetary policy designed to bring in ation down to the Fed’s 2 percent target is likely to bring about a recession.”

He explains that the reason there hasn’t been a recession yet is because the U.S. government borrowed $2 trillion last year to maintain the economy.

“There are consequences to that kind of borrowing.

Debt and de cits matter. The increasing debt and the budget de cit will eventually become an issue. We think it’s only a matter of time before they start having an impact. We’re in essence borrowing from the future and there will be consequences,” says Dale.

Now add to that the current geopolitical issues.

The wars between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas, and potentially with China and Taiwan are all ash points that could impact markets and risk tolerance. These are potential black swan events that could have signi cant impact.

Mix in the upcoming presidential election and we’re looking at perhaps the most unprecedented times ever.

“The range of potential outcomes that could unfold in this election is probably the most uncertain in history,” says Dale.

“How this will unfold, there’s no way anyone could say. It could have a major impact on the stock market, economy, and social stability. How people feel a ects how they spend money and how businesses hire. Clearly, we have the potential for a lot of instability,” he notes.

Such unique times make it all the more important

that whoever is helping to manage your money has the ability to act tactically and make changes quickly with your best interests in mind.

PROACTIVE APPROACH

Cebert Wealth has clients across the country who are living on their savings and investments.

It’s a given that those clients want to make the most they can with the least amount of risk and pay the least amount of taxes.

With that in mind, Dale follows Waren Bu et’s rules on investing. Rule #1: Don’t lose money. Rule #2: Always refer to Rule #1.

“We say this knowing it’s impossible to eliminate all uctuation, but we make it a priority to minimize signi cant downside,” says Dale.

As he explains, “Money is not the most important thing, but it does help take care of the things that are most important.”

“Our managed account clients have given us the authority to take action on their behalf to help protect what they’ve

entrusted us with,” he says. “By working with a team that is constantly educating and updating them and has proven to act decisively to help protect them against uncertainty, this gives them greater peace of mind. They don’t have to be glued to the news to see how things might impact them. They can take that trip, play golf, and plan activities with their grandkids.”

Consistent communication with clients assures them that the advisors at Cebert Wealth are closely monitoring the nancial landscape.

“At the end of the day, what we’re really trying to help clients achieve is peace of mind when they lay their head on the pillow at night,” says Dale.

Those clients can know that they’ve put their trust in an advisory team that has earned the responsibility of managing their portfolios by staying alert to be

proactive

DISCOVER FOR YOURSELF

Dale invites anyone who hasn’t worked with their team before to visit the Cebert Wealth website and click on the link for an upcoming event.

“You might nd the messaging and information we’re conveying to be more bene cial and informative than what you’re getting presently,” he says. “I encourage anyone who’s considering us to manage their assets to tune in to an online event rst.”

If you’re local, you can also attend an in-person event.

Once you have a good feel for how the team operates, you will likely nd yourself joining the many satis ed clients who trust Cebert Wealth strategize and help protect their investments.

TRUST US

Since August 1989, United Southern Bank Trust & Asset Management Department has been a trusted partner to individuals and business owners throughout our community. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team understands that with financial success comes responsibilities and challenges. We have been helping successful individuals, their businesses, and their families meet such challenges for over 30 years by offering Fiduciary Investment and Asset Management services, including Trust, Estate Settlement, Asset Custody, Bill Paying, IRA, and Investment Management services. We are committed to protecting our clients’ legacy, family, and wealth.

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Selecting a trustee can be a difficult task. That trustee will be responsible for executing your estate plan, protecting your wealth, and preserving your family legacy. Trust the experts at USB!

Leesburg High’s anti-bullying mission aims for the moon.

STORY: CINDY PETERSON PHOTOS: CINDY PETERSON & PROVIDED

which partners with the local Rotary Club to raise awareness about bullying and foster a culture of kindness and inclusivity within the school.

This will be the students’ second attempt to the moon.

“We’ve been working on this for a long time and we can’t wait until this capsule will be on the moon,” Interact Club Advisor John Bell says. “We’ve been on Mount Everest and Antarctica, but now the moon is in our sights.”

The rst mission was aborted hours after the Peregrine Lander launched by NASA experienced a fuel

Rocketing toward a BULLY

leak on its way to space in January.

Although there was a celebration when the Peregrine made it halfway, the goal of putting Leesburg High School on the moon remains.

“We are trying to reach students,” John says. “Each year, the Interact Club comes up with projects, and the moon project is one that they really wanted to do because no one else has ever done it.”

interaction and service projects really help with the support against bullying.”

The idea originated with Dave van de Velde, a resident of The Villages who has made a name for himself in the vodka industry. Dave got involved because he wanted to leave an inspiring legacy.

Style is going to the moon!

The club runs campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness and encourage pledges to stand against bullying.

In one initiative, Interact placed anti-bullying pledge banners in the cafeteria. Students were invited to participate in the moon capsule project by pledging to befriend someone and not to bully.

Another initiative put kids together into accountability groups against bullying. Pictures of the group and their pledge will be included on the drive going to the moon.

Last year, the group had nearly 700 students pledge, and that number keeps rising.

“This is such an amazing and inspiring club,” Interact president Dabeca Adhikary says. “We have built such a strong bond together and all the

“I am very concerned about bullying in school,” Dave says. “Kids should know that there are opportunities… You can make it, but you have to work for it. I’m now 83 years old, and that’s what I want to leave behind.”

This article will be included in the capsule going to the moon in November. If you would like to be a part of the project, send your information and photos to rotaryonthemoon@gmail.com.

Dave connected with John, who is also the SkillsUSA advisor. The project took o from there.

“What can we do to make a di erence?” John asks. “I was tortured as a child because of bullying. As a little kid, I was given a wedgie so bad I ended up in the hospital. I was locked in a locker for two days after a wrestling practice by football players. And now I watch my special-needs son, and he doesn’t even know they’re making fun of him. We have to reach the kids to end this.”

The club’s approach has proven itself over the past few years

“We took a business look at the bullying problem,” Dave says. “Everybody in education goes after the bad kids. We said don’t even talk to the bad kids. Leave them alone. Support the good kids. If you don’t do anything, then any kid in school is subject to bullying, right? Until you start getting kids to say, ‘Stop it.’”

Throughout school hallways, it’s common to see students wearing anti-bullying buttons.

“Fights in this school are a tenth of what they were even seven years ago,” John says. “Principal (Mike) Randolph has been a big part of that as well. This project really is making a di erence.”

Principal Michael Randolph and Dave van de Velde

Pats Sales of Leesburg

AGENDA

EVENTS TRAVEL

LOCAL TALENT

Evita Santana, the vocal powerhouse behind Blue Stone Circle, uplifts audiences with the

Team Green

Celebrate the Irish with a weekend of live music, food, drinks and fun at the Shamrockin’ Fest - BBQ & Beer Festival. Activities include a cornhole tournament, pipes and drums and a championship BBQ competition. Dress in green and cheer on your favorite pitmaster!

Downtown Leesburg / shamrockinfest.com Firefighter Charity of Florida

MAR

mar.

Enjoy a day with friends while listening to live blues and tasting award-winning wines amongst the groves at the Blues Festival Winery.

10934 S. Hwy. 475, Oxford / 352.748.0449

mar. ON STAGE

TRADITION! 3/18-20

Enjoy a retelling of the classic “Fiddler on the Roof” featuring memorable music like “Tradition,” “Matchmaker” and “If I Were a Rich Man.” Experience the villagers of fictional Anatevka as they try to maintain their way of life in a changing world.

The Savannah Center 1545 North Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages / 352.753.3229

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

IT’S PRONOUNCED “FRONKENSTEEN” 3/22-4/7, Weekends

The Melon Patch Players present “Young Frankenstein, the Musical.”

Right in time for the 50th anniversary of the classic Mel Brooks movie comes a hilarious musical version and crazy retelling of Dr. Frankenstein’s grandson’s monster!

The Melon Patch Theatre 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg / 352.787.3013

MAR 23

FESTIVAL

Family Fun

Celebrate Fruitland Park Day with a small-town BBQ cook-off, local food trucks, vendors, bounce houses, photo booths, laser tag, skeeball and a parade.

Fruitland Park Community Center / 352.360.6734

mar.JAMS

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

3/6 @ 7pm

THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS

The Sharon, The Villages

3/7 @ 4pm & 7pm

THE BEACH BOYS

The Sharon, The Villages

3/8 @ 7pm

THREE REDNECK TENORS

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

3/9 @ 7pm

HERMAN’S HERMITS

Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont

3/10 @ 7pm

THE HIT MEN

The Sharon, The Villages

3/11-12 @ 7pm

HOTEL CALIFORNIA A TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

3/12 @ 4 & 7pm

THE MODERN GENTLEMEN

The Savannah Center, The Villages

3/14 @ 7pm

STEP AFRIKA

The Sharon, The Villages

3/14 @ 7pm

ROSSANO GALLANTE

The Savannah Center, The Villages

3/15-16 @ 7pm

MIKE MASSE´ AND JEFF HALL

Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont

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

&

Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749

ONGOING EVENTS

3/16 @ 2:30 & 7pm

THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

Events are subject to change and cancellation.

3/18 @ 7pm

THE VILLAGES

PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

The Sharon, The Villages

3/21 @ 7pm

FLORIDA LAKES

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lake County, Eustis

3/22 @ 4 & 7pm

THE BRONX WANDERERS

The Savannah Center, The Villages

3/23 @ 2:30 & 7pm

BEE GEES GOLD

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

3/23 @ 7pm

DAVE MASON’S TRAFFIC JAM

The Savannah Center, The Villages

3/25 @ 7pm

THE DOO WOP PROJECT

The Sharon, The Villages

3/27 @ 7pm

HARMONY IN BLOOM

The Howey Mansion, Howey-in-the-Hills

3/28 @ 6pm

BAD MOON RISING

Whispering Oaks, Oxford

3/29 @ 7pm

GOOD FRIDAY

GOSPEL CONCERT

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale

Harmony in music and humanity

Area vocalist impacts lives of many through music and social advocacy.

STORY: AMANDA VALDERRAMA ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

ost nights Evita Santana keeps the energy alive by performing at one of The Villages town squares. A vocalist for the band Blue Stone Circle since 2004, her passion to perform is fueled by nding a connection with patrons of all ages that attend their shows.

She enjoys making people laugh and thrives on stage by not taking herself too seriously.

“Humor is an essential part of what the band does, and we like to have fun with our crowd,” says Evita, a resident of Seminole County.

Growing up in Silver Springs Shores, Evita began performing for her local church at a very young age. Both of her parents were singers, and she continued her singing all the way throughout high school, eventually earning a music scholarship to college. She then obtained a degree in social work at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee.

Currently, Evita performs with her band several times throughout the year in The Villages and the Margaritaville Resorts in Kissimmee. By day, she is an intake and placement advocate for Hands of Mercy Everywhere, a residential

Do you know of a talented person in our community?

Email their story to editorial@akersmediagroup.com.

AMANDA VALDERRAMA

MONSTER MASH AND SPLASH

@ TAVARES ≈ PHOTOS: ANTHONY RAO

The 5th annual Rocktoberfest & Monster Splash Seaplane Fly-In on October 14, 2023 featured pilots and both aviation and amphibious aircraft. Spectators enjoyed the fan-favorite pumpkin drop along with seaplane ying competitions and pilot/spectator photo opps. As the sun went down, the stage lit-up with popular Florida-based bands Hypersona, The Ries Brothers and headliner Sister Hazel. Costume-wearing kiddos were treated to pumpkin decorating and plane tours by pilots.

Allan and Bambi Darcey and Brooks the dog

Cheri Moan

Cherryl and Sarah McCullough and Joe Schairer

County Commissioner Kirby Smith, H.T. Morgan and Kristy Firmin

Tom and Vara Vail

Nand Panchal and Zack

T.J. Lawrence and Audra Montgomery

Thomas Martin, Zack Barclay and Denzel Jones

Alex and Megan Dacek and Aslan the dog

ROOTIN’ BOOTIN’ GALA

@ EUSTIS ≈ PHOTOS: ANTHONY RAO

The 4th annual Boots, Buckles & Badges Gala kicked o on Oct. 27, 2023 at the Lake County Fairgrounds. The bene t for the Lake County Sheri ’s O ce was a sellout and raised more than $138,000. In attendance were law enforcement o cers and their families, including Sheri Peyton C. Grinnell. Nashville-based musician Macey Mac was there, too, and she and her band, Slickwood, performed. Presenting sponsors included Ernie Morris, Brown & Brown Insurance and Carter’s Ace Hardware of Mount Dora.

Sean Vance and Kane Minor

Ricardo Lopez and Alma Moore Seth and Rhonda Pincus

Alisha Wegner and Jenna Minor

Sarah and Josh Kendrick Tiffany and Jason Mauriel

Ron and Cindi Falanga, Angie Smith and Josh Gonzales

Bruce Duncan, Brad Webber and Rich Kelley

Marc Robertz-Schwartz and Nancy Schwartz

Judah Parisoe, Rikki Parisoe and Wendy Jordan

Jason and Maureen Short

SAVORING SUCCESS

@ CLERMONT ≈ PHOTOS: ROXANNE BROWN

The South Lake Chamber of Commerce’s 12th annual Taste of South Lake and Business Expo, presented by AdventHealth and Clermont Lake Dental Care, took place Nov. 2 at Clermont’s Waterfront Park. The sold-out event’s 1,200 guests met with local business vendors, sampled food and drinks from more than 35 restaurants, voted for their favorites and enjoyed live music by Rob Nichols and Mark Houghton. Winners for 2023 were: Clermont Oyster Bar for People’s Choice, Table Top Catering for Best Appetizer, Guru Restaurant for Best Entrée, Sun Creek Brewery for Best Alcoholic Beverage, Amore Restaurant for Best Food and Beverage Booth Presentation, Nothing Bundt Cakes for Best Dessert, Reggae Café for Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage and OCR Roo ng for Best Business Booth Presentation.

Amanda Witherspoon-Walsh and Kalen Bray Jeff and Jillian Powell

Anthony Sabatini and Guru Chef/Owner Uday Kadam

Tony and Joyce Valente

Casey , Benjamin and Jason and Emily Baruch Lyndzie Ryon and Monica Castro

Benita and Sterling Reed

Daniel and Jessica Whitehouse and Melissa and Earl McCoy

Kayla Benjamin, Elijah Jennings, Alisha Kissee Garcia, Josh Lambert, Steve McDonald Heather New and Jennifer Stills

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After making 4 purchases over the last 10 years at my former dealership, I became concerned about their dwindling enthusiasm to retain me as a 50-year GM customer. And so, I traveled to Plaza Cadillac to attempt a new relationship. The sta at Plaza Cadillac was just the ticket. Personable, customer-focused, and accommodating; a pleasure to work with. All were active listeners and did not turn our stay into a marathon visit. No hard sell here—just a pleasant and rewarding experience, with none of the (usual) remorse on the way home in our new XT4. The Mark of Excellence.

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CASON CHERRY

First

Academy-Leesburg graduate’s winning game plan crafted through competitive spirit, family influence and commitment to community.

≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

“So that’s where I get my competitive spirit from,” Cason says. “We always push one another still to this day to give 110%. If it’s one thing I have learned from my brother Bryce it’s if you do something, do it the right way.”

Bryce not only showed Cason how to play, but how to push through mental barriers to win.

“Attitude is everything,” Cason says. “If you show up to practice or a game in a bad mood, that mindset a ects the team. You have to push through whatever it is and give it your all even if you know it’s not your best. That motto has helped me countless times in my life so far.”

When not playing sports, Cason enjoys volunteering. He recently moved an elderly lady out of her old home and into a new one. He also peer-tutors students at FA–Leesburg and helps transport things around the school and his church when needed. That’s the kind of person Cason Cherry is— caring and motivated. And when you watch him play, no matter what sport it is, it’s clear he’s pouring his heart and soul into it.

His motivation? Family: His mom, Timmi, his dad, John, and of course, his brother, Bryce.

In his free time, Cason enjoys shing, hunting and hanging out with friends and family. Cason says he’s thankful to God, all his coaches and his friends and family for believing in him and making him the person he is today.

Know a talented student athlete? Fill us in! Email your recommendations to kyle@akersmediagroup.com.

CHEYENNE THOMAS

Tavares High School freshman runner is a rising star.

PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

her high school coaches Brendan Curl and Charisa Watson.

Still, she doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges that come with being a young runner, citing mental blocks as the most signi cant hurdle.

“If I am running and I start walking I realize I won’t get the results I desire so it’s about pushing through and not stopping,” she says. “When you feel your body getting tired you have to push through and when you do that it’s

Her advice to other young runners is “to nd a balance between running

“Train as much as you can but enjoy family and other activities as much as possible. Only focusing on running can wear you down so I try and nd a happy medium in between,” Cheyenne adds.

Outside of running, Cheyenne enjoys spending time with her older sister Arabelle, a senior at Tavares High. She also credits her biggest fans, her mother, Carol, and father, Joe, for always cheering her on and helping her to succeed.

Her role model, Matthew Raucci, a former Tavares runner now competing with Clemson University, inspires her to reach for similar heights.

“I see what he was capable of and he is so inspirational to me coming from Lake County and running for an NCAA Division 1 program,” Cheyenne says. “It makes me want to reach for the

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COACH’S COUR GE

STORY: KYLE COPPOLA ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL & PROVIDED

Danny Sams’ inspirational journey through double lung transplant.

t was the day he was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis and told he only had three to ve years to live.

Learning that he needed a new pair of lungs to survive began a journey that unfolded into a tale of resilience, faith and the transformative power of organ donation.

The diagnosis came during a routine check-up for Danny, who was in his second decade of coaching after playing on one of the greatest football teams in Brevard County history — the 1972 state champion Merritt Island Mustangs that went 13-0.

The revelation of a debilitating lung disease was shouldered solely by Danny and his wife, Kim, for several months before he reluctantly revealed his condition to others. Onlookers were shocked. Danny didn’t appear ill while he continued coaching. No one realized the coach was involved in a daily battle for breath.

A NEW OPPORTUNITY

One of Danny’s closest friends during this challenging time was South Lake High School interim head coach Donnie Birch eld. The two had coached together for years and enjoyed a decade-long friendship. Their bond grew stronger after Donnie accepted the head coaching position at East Ridge High School in Clermont and o ered Danny a coaching position even though he knew his friend had Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Danny, determined to ght and help Donnie, accepted the o er. He ended up using an oxygen tank during practices and games as his health declined, but he never stopped coaching and fought to stay on the sidelines as long as possible.

PREPPING FOR SURGERY

Danny continued coaching as his double lung transplant loomed, but he still had to lose 50 lbs. to be eligible for the surgery.

With determination to bring his weight down from 240 lbs. to 189, he started a daily routine of walking on a treadmill in his non-air-conditioned garage, wearing layers to induce sweat. This grueling exercise routine, which resulted in slow but steady weight loss, brought him closer to the target weight within a year.

doctors know what they are doing. I was determined to make the weight needed for the surgery,” Danny says.

THE CALL

January 31, 2023 marked a turning point. A call from a nurse at UF Health brought the news Danny had been waiting for — a donor match had been found.

Urged to get to Gainesville immediately, Danny and Kim faced a mixture of anticipation and fear. The surgery, scheduled for 11½ hours, was a collaborative e ort involving surgeons to harvest the organs of the donor.

Before the surgery, Danny acknowledged the sacri ce of the anonymous donor and vowed to live every day in his honor.

Danny’s trust in God, coupled with the support of his family and friends, saw him through preoperative anxiety.

“I cannot put into words the thoughts going through my head before the surgery knowing I was going to be given a new set of lungs but that someone had to die for that opportunity,” Danny says. “I cannot possibly begin to put it into words.”

Danny’s anxiety lessened somewhat as the UF medical team prepared to operate.

“As they wheeled me into the operating room it looked like something out of Star Trek,” Danny recalls.

“It looked like I was on a spaceship with all the incredible equipment they have in there. Seeing all of this, I felt a lot better knowing I was in the hands of the best professionals in the world.”

Photos of coach leaning provided by Logan Deon Troutman, Storyline Legacy Film Company

RECOVERY AND REHABILITATION

Waking up in the ICU after the extensive surgery, Danny found himself surrounded by life-supporting machines. The road to recovery, which involved relearning how to walk and regaining strength, was daunting. The team at UF Health Shands Hospital played a crucial role in his rehabilitation. They assisted him by gradually increasing his walking distances.

Despite the challenges, Danny expressed gratitude for the incredible

unwavering support of Kim, who stood by him through every step of the journey.

On March 1, 2023, Danny achieved a signi cant milestone when he walked out of UF Shands under his own power with his new lungs, a testament to his resilience and the success of the transplant.

A month later, on April 10, he made a triumphant return to the East Ridge High School football eld, where he was greeted with applause and a warm embrace by Coach Donnie Birch eld.

Re ecting on the journey, Danny

on the license. Bryce asked his father what that meant.

“‘You remember Coach Sams? Both of his new lungs came from an organ donor,’” Donnie replied.

That was all it took for Bryce to choose to be an organ donor. Other teammates followed suit.

CURRENT LEGACY

Today Danny is gradually winding down his full-on coaching career.

He intends to continue coaching as a motivational speaker but his days of the grueling football schedule are in the past.

“If my story can change just one person’s life, then I have done my job,” Danny says.

His story, brought to light by Donnie’s wife, Cassandra, serves as an enduring testament to the power of determination, community support and the life-changing impact of organ donation.

The journey is ongoing and as Coach Danny Sams looks towards the future with continued courage, he remains forever grateful to the team at UF Health who provided him with the gift of life.

“I want to express the importance of people becoming organ donors. I had my life saved by one. I can’t think of a better gift to the world than heroes like that,” Danny concludes.

Coach Danny, wife Kim and their pup Zeke

Photos of coach, wife and pup provided by Logan Deon Troutman, Storyline Legacy Film Company

At MID-FLORIDA SURGICAL ASSOCIATES, we are committed to providing the MOST ADVANCED, compassionate, WHOLE-PERSON SURGICAL and medical care that has helped thousands of Central Floridians live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

MEET THE SURGEON

JASON A. BOARDMAN, MD

Dr. Boardman enjoys playing golf, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Mary Beth Lewis Boardman, MD; and their two children.

To learn more about Dr. Boardman, please visit our website at midfloridasurgical.com

After completing his surgical training, Jason A. Boardman, M.D. served four years in the U.S. Army, garnering multiple military honors. He joined Mid-Florida Surgical in 2010, specializing in robotics and minimally invasive procedures, with an emphasis on breast and colon oncology. Dr. Boardman is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and he has been recognized as “One of America’s Top Surgeons.”

BE SURE TO WATCH THE

Hosted by: Marc Robertz-Schwartz

Red Apples Media production support provided by:

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MENU

FOOD DRINKS REVIEWS

IN THE KITCHEN Unwind and enjoy scrumptious dishes, tasty cocktails and beers on tap at McCracken’s Irish Pub in Historic Downtown Leesburg.

shepherd’s pie, you just want a great burger, and we are happy to provide that option.”

Popular Irish-inspired entrees include sh and chips, shepherd’s pie and the corned beef and cabbage slaw sandwich. Classics include a BLT, pot roast dinner, loaded mac and cheese and a handsmashed quarter-pound patty melt on rye.

There is one dish, however, that outsells them all.

“Hands down, the shepherd’s fries are the most popular with our crowd,” Melissa says. “It’s a shareable plate of thick-cut fries with shepherd’s pie mix, beer cheese, housemade Guinness glaze, sour cream and parsley, which everyone loves.”

For the late-night crowd, a limited menu includes fried calamari, bu alo fries and their signature pint of Shamrock Bacon, served in a Guinness glass.

No matter what time of day you visit McCracken’s, you’ll nd a culture of serviceoriented people, yummy food and community.

“We have created a home away from home here in Leesburg, and we love that we are a part of people’s everyday lives,” says Melissa.

AWARDS

Best appetizer: Fish Dip

Taste of Lake 2022

Best entrée: Shepherd’s Pie

Taste of Lake 2023

People’s Choice award for National French Fry Day 2023: Shepherd’s Fries

IRISH CHARM COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS :

12 oz. highball filled with ice

1.5 oz. Absolut

1/2 oz. St. Germain

1/2 oz. lavender syrup

6 oz. ginger beer

DIRECTIONS:

Serve over ice with a lemon peel garnish.

WHISKEY BURGER

INGREDIENTS :

6 oz. beef patty seasoned with salt and pepper

1 slice white cheddar

2 slices of bacon

2 oz. brown sugar caramelized red onions

1 oz. special whiskey BBQ sauce

1 slice of Romaine lettuce

1 sliced tomato

2 oz. French’s crispy onions

1 pub bun

To build the burger, top the bottom toasted pub bun with romaine lettuce, a tomato slice and the burger patty with bacon and cheese. Top the patty with brown sugar caramelized onions then French’s crispy onions and finish with McCracken’s special whisky BBQ sauce. Add pickle spear and your choice of sides — the most popular at McCracken’s is French fries fried in 100% soybean oil and dusted with fine ground salt, grated parmesan and chopped parsley.

McCracken’s other sides include cole slaw, applesauce, peas & carrots, green beans, mashed potatoes, broccoli or boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake

Photo of drink provided by McCracken's

INGREDIENTS :

5 oz. chicken breast, marinated in Italian seasonings and salt

4 oz. mashed potatoes (Yukon gold potatoes, heavy whipping cream, butter, salt and pepper to taste)

2 oz. brown sugar caramelized onions

2 oz. peas

2 oz. carrots

2 oz. balsamic Guinness glaze

2 oz. candied bacon

1 oz. fresh chiffonade of sage

DIRECTIONS :

IF YOU GO

Ever wonder what it takes to feed thousands of people for a special event or festival? Melissa and Patrick shared their 2023 Saint Patrick’s Day shopping list with STYLE. They will most likely have to double it for this year’s three-day Shamrockin’ Fest, coming to Leesburg March 15-16.

200 lbs. of corned beef

100 lbs. of beer cheese soup

96 quarts of cream

42 lbs. of butter

2 cases of carrots

1 case of peas

30 cases of fries

170 lbs. of beef

34 lbs. of lamb

63 heads of cabbage

100 lbs. of onions

5 batches of Guinness glaze

12 gallons of sour cream

12 gallons of tartar sauce

15 dozen eggs

30 cases of cod

Too many kegs of Guinness to count!

Cook the marinated chicken breast on flat-top until done. the center of an oval plate, place the Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, then sauté the peas and carrots and place them around the mashed potatoes, creating a moat of buttery goodness. Place the chicken on top of the potatoes, add caramelized onions and a fresh chiffonade of sage, then drizzle with swirls of balsamic Guinness glaze. Top with candied bacon. spring mix

MCCRACKEN’S

IRISH PUB

719 W. Main St., Leesburg

352.460.0659

Open 7 days a week at 11am www.McCrackensPub.com

DIRECTIONS:

On an oval plate, assemble ingredients. Start with a bed of spring mix, then put a 5 oz. scoop of smoked fish dip on the mix. Press the pepper bacon jam into the dip to create a divot so the jam doesn’t fall down the sides. Next to the dip on the plate, put the pickled jalapeños and pair with 12 crunchy pita chips for dipping.

Hey, readers! Do you have favorite recipes or know a chef we should profile? Comment on this article or send story ideas to gina@akersmediagroup.com.

GINA HORAN

Patrick Kelley and Melissa McCracken

A heartfelt legacy

Taqueria La Chona in Tavares marries authentic Mexican food and giving.

STORY: AMANDA VALDERRAMA ≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL

Ricardo Banales

restaurant hosts an annual fundraiser to give Thanksgiving meals to migrants and those facing

Thanksgiving. If you donate the cost of a taco to the restaurant, Taqueria La Chona will match it, and donate a taco, too.

“My dad was always the type of person that would help everyone,”

says the owners’ daughter Jessica Banales. “If he could, he would.”

Taqueria La Chona o ers a variety of made from scratch tacos, tostadas, burritos and quesadillas. It’s located in the Dora Canal Plaza Shopping Center and opened on September 30, 2023.

While looking for locations for their restaurant, the Nolascos, who relocated to Sorrento from Jalisco, Mexico, came across their space in Tavares. The family noticed that there wasn’t really a place in the area that served the type of Mexican cuisine they knew and loved. According to Jessica, her mother wanted to create a

menu with more authentic dishes, less Tex-Mex style.

Unfortunately, Ricardo passed away during the early stages of renovating the building, leaving lots of work to do.

But in a short time, the family came together and nished what was started in honor of Ricardo. He was the one who knew the most about the restaurant business, so this was a challenge for Rosario and her two daughters, Jessica and Vanessa Banales. Still, they rose to the occasion.

“It was my dad’s dream to open a restaurant. He wanted this, so we decided to continue moving forward

with it,” says Jessica. “We had to open it ourselves not fully knowing the business just yet.”

Today, Rosario runs the restaurant’s day-to-day operations. Jessica helps with bookkeeping and Vanessa assists with marketing. Both women ll in as servers at the restaurant when extra help is needed.

During a recent visit with my friend William Santiago, I really appreciated the laid back, quaint atmosphere. The interior is casual with a touch of festive, simplistic décor. The paneled walls and chair cushions are a calming shade of olive green that stands out among the wood tables. A few high-top seats line the windows next to the front entrance. A whiteboard near the cooler displays server tickets showing how many tacos have been donated.

My favorite touches are the woven sombreros that hang as light xtures and the tiny cactus salt and pepper shakers. Several wooden frames of vintage Mexican artwork hang among the walls of the restaurant.

The waitress kindly informed us to sit wherever we would like before she went to grab us a basket of homemade tortilla chips and salsa.

You can tell by the crunch of the chips that they were made fresh in house. The salted chips balanced nicely with the avorful spices in the salsa.

I ordered three of the carne asada tacos with rice and beans and Will ordered three carnitas tacos.

Glancing around, I observed a few steady groups of customers. You can tell this is a popular spot catering to small groups looking for a quick bite. As I looked around the restaurant, I had the feeling that this was the type of place to grab a fast lunch if you’re in a time crunch.

“I would think of our location like an upscale food truck, you come in if you only have 20 minutes and we make something quick for you to grab and enjoy,” Jessica says.

The tacos arrived quickly, and we were ready to indulge in a esta of avors. The yellow rice was cooked

with just the right texture. Ditto for the refried beans. All the ingredients tasted freshly made. I drizzled some green salsa verde over top to really enhance the avors of diced pieces of steak. They were topped with chopped onions and cilantro to tie it all together. Each sip of my favorite agua fresca, orange Jarritos, was a perfect parallel taste that complemented the savory tacos.

I often crave something sweet after a meal so I had to check out the dessert freezer display next to the register. The restaurant o ers several di erent avors of paletas (popsicles) and nieves (ice cream scoops.) I went with two scoops of butter pecan ice cream, and it did not disappoint. The smoothness of the vanilla ice cream and the buttery pecans had the perfect amount of sweetness.

Will and I both agreed that our tacos were very lling and truly hit the spot. The portions are a decent amount for a very fair price.

This was an experience that I would recommend when craving a Mexican dish with sensational taste.

YOU

TAQUERIA LA CHONA

528 S Duncan Dr., Tavares

352.508.5443

facebook.com/taqueria-la-chona

Hours: Open Mon-Fri, 11am-8pm Sat-Sun, 10am-8pm

Available for dine-in or takeout.

Let’s do lunch or dinner!

Tell us about a great restaurant by emailing editorial@akersmediagroup.com.

Co-owner Rosario Nolasco

AMANDA VALDERRAMA

Late Co-Owner Ricardo Banales

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Leesburg military social club provides a home away from home for bartending vet.

STORY: GINA HORAN ≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL

eople join the armed forces for many reasons — a call to serve their country, a desire to begin a military career or for the bene ts and travel.

For Charli Wainscott, bartender at The Warehouse Social Club & Eatery in Leesburg, the decision was less than fully planned out.

“One day during our senior year my girlfriends and I didn’t feel like attending class, so we got an excused absence by going to the local Navy recruiting o ce and taking the ASVAB,” she recalls.

The trio took the test — the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery — and Charli ended up enlisting in the United States Navy.

Now a 45-year-old mother of two sons, at age 18, Charli left Pennsylvania and headed to Whidbey Island near Tacoma, Washington. She served four years as a yeoman third class at the electronic attack weapons station where they taught pilots how to y the EA-6B Prowler aircraft.

“I worked in administration and my duties included typing up tness reports, answering phones and setting up travel for o cers,” Charli says.

She earned the Navy Achievement Medal early-on, an achievement she is proud of.

“I have no regrets,” Charli says. “Those were the best four years of my life.”

Charli was honorably discharged in July of 2001 and began cocktail waitressing at a local casino but soon realized that the petty clashes between co-workers was not for her.

“My boss asked me if I wanted to bartend instead and that’s how I got my start,” she says.

Charli has worked as a bartender ever since, mostly in and around Leesburg. In 2021, she landed at The Warehouse, a nonpro t members-only bar and restaurant social club that supports military and rst responders.

“I love bartending here because of the great sta and the support we give to vets and rst responders,” she says.

Charli openly admits she battles depression and says that tending bar helps get her out of the house and socialize.

As a part-time brand ambassador for Fuzzy Zoeller’s Ultra Premium Vodka, she attends golf tournaments and visits country clubs, doling out schwag and creating a fun atmosphere for Fuzzy Zoeller fans.

“Every day is di erent,” says Charli, “and that helps me stay positive and keeps me going.”

Visit Charli behind the bar, 10:30am to 6:30pm Tuesday through Friday.

Left: Charli Wainscott

Right: Raechel Galvin

eats

From classic diners and lakeside restaurants to fine dining and everything in between, Lake and Sumter counties’ culinary scene is booming. Your favorite meal is sure to be served with a side of hospitality. You can find a copy of Lake & Sumter Style at all listed dining locations!

BUSHNELL

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 2586 W. CR 48

352.568.7000

Darrell’s Diner

2237 W. CR 48

352.444.2318

CLERMONT

Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro

4300 S. US Hwy. 27

352.243.8988

Ay Jalisco 580 Hwy. 50

352.243.1360

Cheeser’s Palace Café 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431

Crooked Spoon

Gastropub

200 Citrus Tower Blvd.

352.404.7808

Gator’s Dockside

1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.242.1825

Goomba’s Pizzeria

2395 S. Hwy. 27

352.989.4403

Green Mountain Pizza 303 Hwy. 50

352.432.3380

Guru Restaurant

2400 S. Hwy. 27 Ste. 101 352.241.9884

OakWood Smokehouse & Grill

230 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.394.0036

Robata Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar

1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688

Sarah’s Greek Cuisine & More 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Ste. 305 352.404.8031

Yummis Frozen Yogurt and Cafe 650 8th St. 352.243.4529

EUSTIS

Gators Dockside 15241 US Hwy. 441 352.357.1255

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

Taki’s Pizza House 1600 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022

The Tro 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939

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

FRUITLAND PARK

Stavro’s 3223 US Hwy. 441 352.315.0028

The Rose Plantation 200 Rose Ave. 352.805.4340

GROVELAND

Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. SR 33 352.429.2997

Barrels & Boards 7965 SR 50 A500 352.557.5007

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS

JB Boondocks Bar & Grill

704 S. Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600

Mission Inn’s

La Hacienda Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.3910

Mission Inn’s Nicker’s Clubhouse Restaurant 10400 CR 48 352.324.2718

LADY LAKE

Bamboo Bistro

700 Hwy. 441 352.750.9998

El Ranchito 1 Lagrande Blvd. 352.750.3335

Gators Dockside

1004 Main St. 352.430.1377

Harbor Hills Country Club

6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000

Latin Flavors

Bar & Grill

13769 US 441 352.561.4002

Marco’s Pizza 13721 US Hwy. 441 352.775.1500

OakWood Smokehouse & Grill

860 S. Hwy. 27/441 352.751.5640

Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 US Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630

LEESBURG

Brooklyn’s Pizzeria 27405 US Hwy. 27 352.728.2020

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

Donut King 708 S. 14th St. 352.805.4888

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

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

Ichiban Bu et 10301 Hwy. 441 352.728.6669

Kawachi Sushi & Bar 10601 US Hwy. 441, Ste. C12 352.431.3449

La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 Citrus Blvd. 352.323.1444

Luna Azul 1341 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174

Mammoth Oak Brewing Company 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.326.0100

McCracken’s Irish Pub 719 W. Main St. 352.460.0659

Mystic Ice Cream 314 W. Main St. 352.812.1366

Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616

OakWood Smokehouse & Grill 27745 US Hwy. 27 352.435.4633

Prime 3 on Main 610 W Main St 352.314.0015

Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093

Sipping Grounds

Leesburg 201 W. Main St. 352.435.7749

Ski Beach 21 Dozier Cir. 352.973.0793

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

The Co ee Snob 1101 W. North Blvd. 352.460.4570

The Old Time Diner 1350 W. North Blvd. 352.805.4250

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

Wolfy’s 918 N. 14th St. 352.787.6777 MOUNTORA

MOUNT DORA

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

Fiesta Grande 421 N. Baker St. 352.385.3540

Magical Meat Boutique 322 N. Alexander St. 352.729.6911

Ski Beach Bar and Grill

Ski Beach Bar and Grill in Leesburg is the perfect pick for when you feel the urge to break free from the daily grind. There you’ll discover epic views of Lake Harris. The lakefront restaurant features outdoor seating and a tiki bar where you can sip on “Gator Juice” or enjoy a Monkey Island cocktail while gazing upon Monkey Island itself. The menu incorporates a Florisiana® flair that includes staples and signature dishes like spinach and crab dip or Ybor City Gumbo. Entrees include Cajun sweet fried chicken, fresh grilled mahi and fan-favorite shrimp and grits. Finish your meal with a slice of tangy orange cake or scrumptious bread pudding. Friendly service rounds out the experience and makes Ski Beach the perfect escape any day of the week.

21 Dozier Cir., Leesburg / 352.973.0793 / www.skibeachleesburg.com

Vincent’s Italian Restaurant

5914 Orange Blossom Trl. 352.735.4578

OXFORD

Pho Saigon 11717 US 301 352.492.9423 TAVARES

TAVARES

Bella Nona Pizzeria

280 Silverado St. 352.508.9370

BTW (Burgers, Tacos & Wa es)

115 E. Main St. 352.508.9287

Fish Camp Lake Eustis

901 Lake Shore Blvd. 352.742.4400

Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137

Puddle Jumpers 111 W. Ruby St. 352.508.5862

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

THE VILLAGES

Cody’s Roadhouse Brownwood 3731 Meggison Rd. 352.430.2926

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

Haagen-Dazs

Ice Cream

1001 Lake Shore Dr. 352.751.0261

Legacy Restaurant 17135 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1475

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

NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgewood Ln. 352.750.1994

Peachwave 249 Colony Blvd. 352.750.2238

Peterbrooke Chocolatier 1087 Canal St. 352.391.5877

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

Roberto’s Ristorante Pizzeria 2468 Burnsed Blvd. 352.626.1059

Sakura 265 Colony Blvd. 352.205.7393

TooJays Brownwood 2835 Brownwood Blvd. 352.350.2122

TooJays Lake Sumter Landing 1129 Canal St. 352.430.0410

VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887

UMATILLA

The Mason Jar 37534 SR 19 352.589.2535

WILDWOOD

Napolinos 9811 US-301 352.399.6825TT

Brooklyn’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

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

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

El Ranchito Mexican Cuban Restaurant

911 W. NORTH BLVD., LEESBURG | 352.460.0123 ELRANCHITOMEXICANCUBAN.COM

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

Guru Restaurant

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

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

Mon, Wed, Thu

11:00am – 8:00pm

Friday 11:00am – 9:00pm

Saturday 12:00pm – 9:00pm

Sunday 12:00pm – 8:00pm

Closed Tuesday

Sun – Sat

11:00am – 10:00pm

Follow us on Facebook for daily specials and entertainment!

Visit our Villages location!

El Ranchito Restaurant

1 La Grande Blvd, The Villages 352.750.3335

Mon – Sat 11:30am – 10:00pm

Sunday 11:30am – 7:00pm

La Palma Mexican Grill

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

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

BWWAAAK!

It’s five o’clock somewhere!

Prime 3 on Main Steakhouse

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LEESBURG, 610 W MAIN ST, LEESBURG 352.314.0015 | PRIME3STEAKHOUSE.COM

The dream and concept of three lifelong physicians, Prime 3 on Main is a confluence of American, Asian, and Latin influences in one world-class restaurant. Prime meats, prime rib, skirt steak, and seafood are our specialties. Our filet with black cherry port wine reduction sauce, or the Grouper Fromage, is unique and found nowhere else. Our Casa de Rosado Churrasco is a personal family recipe. Homemade Creme Brûlée and ice cream will complement your meal. Recently given the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine as among the world’s top wine and food restaurants, Prime 3 on Main has an extensive wine list and caters to small and large groups.

Rodello’s Italian Restaurant

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

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

Open Daily

11:00am – 9:00pm

Lunch Specials

11:00am – 3:00pm

Margarita

Mondays!

Enjoy $5 margaritas all day every Monday.

Mon – Sat

11:00am – 9:00pm

Closed Sundays

Lunch 11:00am – 3:00pm

No Reservations Needed

Dinner 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Reservations Required

Ask us about our Wine Pairing Event Dinners!

Open Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm

2835 BROWNWOOD BLVD., THE VILLAGES | 352.350.2122

TOOJAYS.COM

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

Expert Cardiac Care | Compassionate Sta | Customized Treatment

Villages Cardiology Institute never misses a beat when it comes to your heart health. We specialize in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology with leading-edge heart care and management, testing, and treatment for:

• Heart Failure

• Abnormal Heart Rhythms

• Diseased Heart Valves

•

• High Cholesterol

•

prescribing delight

n the heart of downtown Leesburg, Prime 3 on Main, an upscale steakhouse that opened its doors in September 2022, stands as a culinary masterpiece owned by local doctors Dave Sustarsic and Jose Rosado.

The pair, with over 45 years of experience in cardiovascular care, seamlessly transitioned from their roles as cardiologists—where they continue to save lives—to embracing an additional mission of tantalizing taste buds as restaurateurs.

The vision behind Prime 3 was to create a haven with a 'Cheers' attitude, a place where patrons could relish great food, exquisite wine, and an overall good time. Nestled in the former Bloom's Baking House, the restaurant o ers a diverse menu in uenced by the doctors' American and Spanish (Latin) backgrounds. Dr. Rosado, a WSET Level 3 Sommelier, curates an extensive wine list catering to both novice and master enthusiasts, complementing the fusion of avors in each dish.

“We've dedicated a lot of time and e ort to developing a great menu, hiring an excellent sta , and maintaining a high level of service,”

says Dr. Sustarsic. “Making people happy is one of our passions.”

With that said, Prime 3 is not merely a dining establishment; it's an experience. Live music and wine dinners add an extra layer to the enchanting atmosphere, which includes a beautifully gold-tiled ceiling, exposed brick, and elegant, warmly lit chandeliers.

The restaurant's commitment, as expressed by Dr. Rosado, is “to be the prime destination for Lake, Sumter, and Central Florida foodies.”

Prime 3 o ers an exquisite menu with options ranging from blackened mahi mahi, bruschetta chicken, shrimp tempura, chicken caesar wrap, and tasty tacos to grouper fromage, prime cut ribeye, chicken parmigiana, duroc pork chop, specialty burgers and much more. The doctors, actively involved in menu creation, ensured that each dish met their high standards. The restaurant's reputation is bolstered by exceptional service and a vast selection of more than 100 red and white wines, earning it an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.

Dr. Rosado, a connoisseur himself, recommends wine pairings such as Napa Valley’s Triology with red meat,

with sh, and Pinot Grigio with salads. His words of wisdom echo through Prime 3, where the delicate balance between food and wine is revered.

“You don’t want food to overwhelm the wine, but you also don’t want wine to overwhelm the food,” Dr. Rosado says. “It’s all about nding that perfect balance.”

To ensure an amazing dining experience, Prime 3 recommends advanced reservations to experience their dining establishment, where every detail is meticulously crafted to delight your senses.

Historic Downtown Leesburg

610 W Main St, Leesburg 352.314.0015 | Prime3Steakhouse.com

Hours: Mon-Sat

Lunch: 11am-3pm (No Reservations Needed)

Dinner: 3-9pm (Reservations Encouraged)

Cardiologists-turnedrestaurateurs craft an unforgettable dining experience in Leesburg

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Earl B. and Sophie H. Shaw

Mount Dora High School

Cindy Bellamy MAGAZINE

How does my garden grow?

The idea of growing my own vegetables intrigues me . . . and this year I’m doing it.

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN

ast year, after writing a story that featured Clermont’s Community Garden, I was inspired by the prospect of cultivating my own vegetables, herbs and owers.

As I listened to the woman in charge talk about the bene ts of a community garden and as she showed me around, I fell in love with its serene atmosphere and the idea behind it. The garden boxes were mostly empty at that time, but in my head, I pictured myself watering the plants and then standing there with buckets lled with the fruits of my labor as butter ies and birds ew all around me.

Despite knowing deep down inside that my thumbs have never been green, I was taken by the thought, and for just $31 per year to plant in the community garden, I gured, “What the heck?”

I invested in gardening soil and got about 10 huge bags for just under $100. Then, on Mother’s Day 2023, when my kids asked me what I wanted to do, I asked for help getting the (very heavy) soil into my bed and ready for planting. Though horri ed, they came through.

After a couple of weeks of watering dirt, I planted a sweet pepper plant a friend gave me between a cholesterol spinach plant and a few grape tomato (vining) plants. I also added some decorative stones, a gnome and two tiny fairy statuettes next to a mini mailbox for good luck and thought, “Easy peasy; I got this!”

Wrong!

The pepper plant simply vanished into the soil following a heavy rain. And even though I harvested beautiful tiny tomatoes that I proudly posted pictures of on Facebook, watering the garden in Florida’s summer heat and humidity got the best of me.

Then I met Linda, a Clermont community gardener who invited me to join a text group she and a handful of others started to help one another tend to their beds. When it came time to renew my garden rental for 2024, however, I decided to let it go… that is, until Linda encouraged me not to give up.

I have since paid another $31 and dropped seeds for green beans, peas, peppers, summer squash, lettuce, wild owers and colorful zinnias. I hope to become the envy of gardeners everywhere. Aside from that fantasy, I at least hope to make my community garden text buddies proud by helping keep their plantings alive, like they’ve so graciously done for me.

I can only hope that good gardening vibes nd me and that my thumbs turn as green as the salad I am determined to make fresh from one of my harvests!

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

GROWTH

ROXANNE

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN

the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce?

• Unparalleled community support

• The Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce is a strong advocate for business.

• Numerous networking opportunities

• You will receive recognition in the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s “At a Glance” weekly e-newsletter.

• Members are listed on our website and have the opportunity to advertise to reach more than 25,000 visitors a year.

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• A listing and other opportunities on our Navigate The Burg mobile app

• Visibility and Credibility in the community.

• Various Membership Levels allow choices to get the best benefits for your business.

If you would like to come visit, breakfast is on us at our next chamber member meeting.

Contact Joa@leesburgchamber.com

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