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NOV’26 V.23
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CONTENTS 1 of 2
FEATURES
094
House Specials Every member of the Style staff brings something to the table in this collection of personal recipes. STORIES: STYLE STAFF
034 Goodness in Action
Discover extraordinary people, meaningful places and charitable events that give our community its heart and soul. STORIES: AKERS EDITORIAL
059 A Little Expert Advice Professionals from a variety of fields answer common questions with practical insight into the subjects they know best. SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
086
Fast Company
Tavares senior Ta’Mauri Collins finds his opening and makes every stride count toward an even bigger goal. STORY: CINDY PETERSON
NOV’26 V.23
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CONTENTS 2 of 2
DEPARTMENTS
first
024
021
THE HIT LIST 022 PERSON OF INTEREST 024 OUTSTANDING STUDENT 026
agenda
022
sports hub
070 082
081
FEMALE ATHLETE 082 MALE ATHLETE 084 SPORTS FEATURE 086
menu
074
069
TO-DO LIST 070 LOCAL TALENT 074 ATTRACTIONS 076
026
076
086
084
093
STYLE BITES THANKSGIVING 094
094 The Extraordinary Issue. NOVEMBER 2026
columns FROM THE PUBLISHER 014 FINAL THOUGHT 110
E ON TH R C OV E
LET’S
Dish Inside a federal prison, she’s helping people stories discover that their aren’t over yet. PG. 40
THE STYLE STAFF BRINGS PERSONAL RECIPES TO THE TABLE. PG. 94
Gone in a
110
012 / L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • N OV ' 2 6
Local hearts. Remarkable places. Lasting impact. PG. 34
FLASH
Ta’Mauri Collins gives defenders the slip. PG. 86
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Expert ASK THE
LOCAL PROFESSIONALS ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS WITH EXPERT INSIGHT. PG. 59
WILDLY
Adorable
Chase Sanctuary’s newest faces steal the show. PG. 76
Lake & Sumter Style
Village Edition
Design: Michael Gaulin Photo: Nicole Hamel On the Cover: Jenny Cote ExtraOrdinary People
Design: Shawnee Coppola Photo: Nicole Hamel On the Cover: Williams Orthopedic Institute
More than just a cruise FLIGHTS INCLUDED
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
INCLUDES A 13-NIGHT FULLY ESCORTED JAPAN RAIL TOUR
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AFTERNOON TEA WITH FORMER ROYAL BUTLER GRANT HARROLD
EXCLUSIVE EVENT TO IMAGINE CRUISING
Ancient Temples and Bullet Trains: An Immersive Japan Rail Tour with a Celebrity Voyage
Royal Butler Experience with Cunard’s Transatlantic Voyage & English Heritage Tour
26 Nights | March 2028
21 Nights | August 20, 2027
Your vacation includes: •
12-night all-inclusive cruise aboard Celebrity Solstice
•
13-night fully escorted Japan rail tour including Kyoto, Hiroshima & Mount Fuji
•
Four-star hotel stays
•
Bullet train journeys^
•
All flights, taxes & transfers
INSIDE
US$9,999pp+
OCEAN VIEW
US$10,499pp+
VERANDA
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US$12,499pp+
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Package duration includes overnight flights when applicable and is subject to change. ^Luggage transfer provided when travelling on Bullet Train to hotel. +Prices, duration and itinerary shown are based on the March 02, 2028 departure.
DISCOVER AUSTRALIA BY LAND & NEW ZEALAND BY SEA
Your vacation includes: •
14-night full-board transatlantic cruise aboard Queen Mary 2
•
7 nights in four-star hotels in Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon & London
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3 guided tours: the Roman Baths, Stratford-upon-Avon & Cambridge
•
1 exclusive afternoon tea with former royal butler Grant Harrold
•
All flights^, taxes & transfers
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OCEANVIEW
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BALCONY
US$7,999pp
GRILL SUITE
US$13,499pp
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^Outbound flight available at an additional cost.
INCLUDES ALL-INCLUSIVE 3-NIGHT INDIAN PACIFIC RAIL JOURNEY
FOUR DAYS SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH ANTARCTICA
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South America & Antarctica Voyage with Iguazu Falls, Machu Picchu & Rio de Janeiro
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33 Nights | January 16, 2028
Your vacation includes: •
15-night full-board cruise aboard Royal Princess®
•
3-night all-inclusive Indian Pacific Gold Service rail journey
•
6 nights in four-star hotels in Sydney & Perth
•
Off Train Experiences and short stops in Kalgoorlie, Nullarbor Plain and Broken Hill
•
INTERIOR
US$8,999pp
OBSTRUCTED BALCONY
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CLEARVIEW BALCONY
US$10,499pp
MINI-SUITE
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All flights, taxes & transfers
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AUS2242
Your vacation includes: •
17-night full-board Majestic Princess® cruise, with 4 days’ Antarctic scenic cruising
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10 nights in four-star hotels
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5 nights in five-star hotels
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4 escorted tours, including Iguazu Falls & Machu Picchu by Expedition Train
•
INSIDE
US$10,999pp
BALCONY
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AME2242
All flights, taxes & transfers
Package duration includes overnight flights when applicable and is subject to change. *Prices shown include discount and savings based on two passengers sharing, booking directly with Imagine Cruising.
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For full terms and conditions please visit www.imaginecruising.com. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy in a cruise cabin or suite, and include airfare. All prices are shown in US Dollars and are subject to change.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
The Extraordinary in the Ordinary Celebrating everyday people making an extraordinary difference.
Kendra Akers Doug Akers OWNER/PUBLISHER kendra@akersmediagroup.com
PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com
DESIGN / PHOTOGRAPHY / EDITORIAL Michael Gaulin Cindy Peterson CREATIVE DIRECTOR michael@akersmediagroup.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR cindy@akersmediagroup.com
Shawnee Coppola Roxanne Batriz ART DIRECTOR shawnee@akersmediagroup.com
MANAGING EDITOR roxanne@akersmediagroup.com
Nicole Hamel Gina Horan
very November, one of my favorite issues of Style comes to life—our Extraordinary People issue. It's an opportunity to recognize individuals who make a difference in our communities, often without ever realizing just how remarkable they truly are. I've always believed that being extraordinary doesn't necessarily mean doing extraordinary things. Sometimes, it's simply doing ordinary things exceptionally well. Think about that for a moment. It's the teacher who doesn't just teach but inspires. The business owner who treats every customer like family. The volunteer who gives countless hours without expecting anything in return. The neighbor who shows up when someone needs a helping hand. The parent who quietly makes sacrifices every day to give their children a better life. These may seem like ordinary acts, but they become something truly special when they're done with extraordinary love, dedication and purpose. I think sometimes we think that greatness has to be measured by grand accomplishments, public recognition or the size of
our success. But I've come to realize that some of the most extraordinary people simply choose to do the right thing, give their very best and make life a little better for someone else. And that's what I love most about this issue. You'll meet individuals whose stories remind us that greatness comes in many forms. Some have overcome tremendous obstacles. Others have dedicated their lives to serving others. And some simply turned their everyday passions into something that has made a lasting impact. What they all share is a willingness to go beyond what's expected. As we enter this season of gratitude, I hope their stories inspire you to recognize the extraordinary people in your own life. Better yet, I hope they remind you of the extraordinary difference you can make in someone else's. You don’t have to do something big to change the world. You can make a difference by doing the little things exceptionally well.
FOOD & LIFESTYLE EDITOR gina@akersmediagroup.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Cynthia McFarland
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Gary Corsair
SALES / MARKETING Aubrey Akers Simmons ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE aubrey@akersmediagroup.com
ADMINISTRATION Emily Gaulin Taylor Browne DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES emily@akersmediagroup.com
OFFICE COORDINATOR taylor@akersmediagroup.com
DISTRIBUTION Frank Suarez DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Akers Media is a proud member of
Until next month,
Kendra
Have a story to tell? We’re always looking for stories about people who live and work in our area. Send suggestions to editorial@akersmediagroup.com.
014 / L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • N OV ' 2 6
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER nicole@akersmediagroup.com
Winner of 200+ Awards for Excellence Lake & Sumter Style. Published monthly by Akers Media, 120 E North Blvd, Suite 101, Leesburg, FL 34748 and 128 Orange Ave, Leesburg, FL 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2026 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media. *Stories published may be assisted using AI generated software.
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INTRODUCING THE
Chiropractic Center of Central Florida he Chiropractic Center of Central Florida is dedicated to helping patients move better, feel better, and remain active through every stage of life. The practice is overseen by Dr. Anthony Fahsholtz, Chiropractic Physician, a graduate of the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic, with more than a decade of clinical experience providing personalized, conservative chiropractic care. Dr. Fahsholtz is also a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified professional, with advanced training in identifying movement dysfunction, golfrelated injuries, rehabilitation needs, and physical limitations that may affect a golfer’s performance.
Whether the goal is improving your golf game, moving more comfortably through everyday life, or simply staying active doing the things you love, the Chiropractic Center of Central Florida is committed to helping patients improve mobility, manage pain, and maintain long-term function through natural, non-surgical approaches. Recognizing that every patient has different needs and goals, the practice offers a variety of treatment options that can be incorporated into individualized care plans, including: • Non-Surgical Neck and Spinal Decompression • Class IV Laser Therapy • Electrical Muscle Stimulation Therapy • Therapeutic Ultrasound • Variety of Chiropractic Adjustment Techniques
18 OF THE LAST 20 MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS W E R E W O N B Y P L AY E R S A D V I S E D B Y A T P I C E R T I F I E D E X P E R T.
Chiropractic Center of Central Florida 352.530.2018 | mycccfl.org 1400 N. US Hwy 441, Bldg. 952, Lady Lake
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FIRST
P EO PLE C O MM EN TA RY NEWS
PERSON OF INTEREST A little girl’s love for her Papa inspires Melissa Denham’s work helping families find their way through dementia.
24
THE HIT LIST
SMASHING! Style’s Best of the Best winner for burgers is serving up smashed-to-order favorites behind Shamrock Lounge in Leesburg. Stoney Tony’s Smashed Burgers sets up Thursday-Saturday, weather permitting, with crispy-edged burgers that have earned plenty of local fans. Check the Stoney Tony’s Smashed Burgers Facebook page before heading over.
MO’ BETTER: Growing a mustache is only part of the story during “Movember,” the annual campaign that raises awareness for men’s health. The global movement held each year encourages conversations about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention while raising funds for research and support programs. This month, participants can sport a mustache, take on a fitness challenge or host a fundraiser. Since its start in 2003, Movember has funded hundreds of men’s health projects worldwide.
1120 W NORTH BLVD., LEESBURG
GET GROWING: Gardeners of all skill levels can grow fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers at Clarke Park’s community garden in Wildwood. Free garden plots are available by reservation to those interested in growing their own produce and meeting fellow gardeners. The park also features a basketball court, pavilion and open green space. 605 WILSON ST., WILDWOOD / 352.461.0134 / WILDWOOD-FL.GOV
MY FAIR LADY: Miss Lake County Fair Makenna Richey is 17 years old and a junior at The Villages High School. She plays the clarinet in her high school concert band and serves as the clarinet and flute section leader in the marching band. She also competes with Tri City Dance Twirlers throughout Florida. She enjoys scrapbooking, hanging out with friends, Friday night football games and getting a drink from Dunkin’. She hopes to attend the University of Central Florida and get a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
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CONTINUING LEGACY: Mayor Joe Wynkoop was honored by the Florida League of Cities (FLC) during a Sept. 8 council meeting in recognition of 20 years of dedicated service and commitment to the Town of Montverde and its residents. Eryn Alcorn presented Mayor Wynkoop with the John Land Years of Service Award on behalf of the FLC. According to town officials, Wynkoop has devoted his time, leadership and experience in serving and strengthening Montverde throughout his years of service.
QUEENS OF THE CROP: The Miss Leesburg Scholarship Program has introduced its newest group of queens for the 2026-27 year. Five local titleholders were crowned, as follows: Tiny Miss Leesburg Madison Aniello, Little Miss Leesburg Myrcella Ciceri, Junior Miss Leesburg Raegan Mallory, Teen Miss Leesburg Harper Richey and Miss Leesburg Callie Braun. The queens will represent their respective divisions at community events and activities throughout their reign while serving as ambassadors for the program and the Leesburg community. DECADES OF INSPIRATION: The Miss Leesburg Scholarship Program recently honored Linda Watts for four decades of dedication and service during a special Miss Leesburg Legacy Brunch. The gathering celebrated Watts’ 40-year commitment to the program and her influence on generations of young women who have been part of Miss Leesburg. Organizers credited her love, dedication and years of service with helping shape the program and creating a legacy that remains an important part of its history.
LAKE WHAT? Ever wonder how Lake Panasoffkee got its name? It comes from a Seminole/Muscogee term commonly translated as “valley of water,” a fitting description for an area shaped by lakes, springs and wetlands. During Native American Heritage Month, let’s remember the proud people who lived in the region long before modern settlement. Today, Lake “Pan” remains known for freshwater fishing and its surrounding protected wildlife habitat.
NEXT CHAPTER: Bear’s Beans and Bagels opened its second location in Mount Dora, featuring handcrafted drinks, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and plenty of personality along Hwy 441. Founded in Umatilla just three years ago, Bear’s grew from Bear’s family coffee roots and a shared love of hunting down great bagels. Today, Bear and Mel Crockett are building on their reputation while keeping their focus on customers, employees and community.
RISE AND SHINE: Sunsets may steal the spotlight in this region, but don’t overlook Central Florida’s spectacular sunrises. November’s cooler mornings and lower humidity often bring crisp skies and colorful reflections across the region’s lakes, making it a great time to catch daybreak. Grab a cup of coffee and head to Venetian Gardens in Leesburg, Gilbert Park in Mount Dora or Waterfront Park in Clermont. You might discover the morning show rivals the evening finale!
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PERSON OF INTEREST
PEO PLE
MELISSA DENHAM
Dementia care specialist turns personal experience into a mission of compassion, education and service.
VITAL STATS
STORY: GINA HORAN
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
• President, CEO, The Dementia Grove
• Certified dementia care specialist and educator
• More than 20 years in health care
• Founder, Silver Tree Project
Early lessons: My connection to dementia began as a little girl helping my Gramma care for my Papa, who lived with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. I didn’t understand why some days he knew me and others he didn’t, but I knew that helping him meant helping her. That experience stayed with me and eventually led me to the work I do today. The Grove: I founded The Dementia Grove to give families education, resources and individualized support throughout their journey. I want caregivers to have a place where they feel heard and can get guidance they can actually use. I don’t just want to teach families about dementia. I want to help them live through dementia.
For the assist: A dementia diagnosis does not define a person. They may not be able to play 18 holes of golf anymore, but maybe they can play nine. Keep calling, keep inviting them and keep showing up. Meet them where they are and help them continue doing the things that bring them joy. The giving season: I started Silver Tree Project after seeing seniors in long-term care who had no family or visitors. In 2025, our volunteers visited five facilities, sang Christmas carols for more than 150 people and gave each person a donated gift bag. No one should feel forgotten, especially during the holidays.
That simple gift: During our first year, I gave a woman a gift bag with a blanket, hat, scarf and other items. She hugged the blanket, started crying and
Know a person of interest? Tell us! Email your recommendation to gina@akersmediagroup.com.
024 / L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M • N OV ' 2 6
GINA HORAN
told me it was the best Christmas gift she had ever received. A blanket. I will never forget how much that simple gift meant to her.
Finding balance: I tell caregivers they have to take time for themselves and I try to follow that advice. My husband, Joe, and our boys are incredibly supportive. We spend our family time fishing and boating, and Joe and I enjoy watching the boys play sports. I can say without a doubt that this is what I’m supposed to be doing.
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OUTSTANDING STUDENT
PEO PLE
Ghevin Olmstead
From military moves to flight training, this Lake Minneola sophomore is turning every experience into momentum. STORY: CINDY PETERSON
VITAL STATS
• Age 15 • Born in Germany on Landstuhl Air Force Base • Brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt • Dual enrolled at LakeSumter State College • Clermont Youth City Council • Lake County 4-H Ambassador • Aviation Club
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
Greatest accomplishments: I am most proud of getting into LSSC as a dual-enrolled student because the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) is not easy. However, getting my blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu was a great feeling too. Being class president at Montverde and homecoming court comes in very close.
What being a military kid taught me: It has taught me a lot about myself, from being born in another country to moving schools, having to adapt to new environments and having my parents get deployed for months. It has taught me how to be more resilient and social.
My biggest challenge: Trying to balance everything that
goes on in my life and taking my grades more seriously. After I started writing down my activities and to-do lists, I also created a “not-to-do” list to remind myself not to procrastinate, not to write out answers and not to study for too long.
Someone I look up to: My mom has had the biggest influence on me because without her, I would be nowhere near where I am today. Future goals: Academically, I want to continue challenging myself, maintain all A’s and prepare for college. Personally, I want to become a better family member, improve my leadership skills and get my private pilot’s license before I go to college.
In my free time: I like to watch TV, especially The Flash and anime. I also like to do things with my friends and family like go to theme parks, ice skating, springs, camping and horseback riding.
Career goal: I want to become a commercial pilot. My whole life, I’ve loved traveling and I like driving unique machines, so now I’m obsessed with becoming an airline pilot.
My best advice: If you don’t know what you want to be in life, then do more things, join more clubs, talk to more people and find what makes you happy.
Know an outstanding student? Fill us in! Email your recommendations to cindy@akersmediagroup.com.
CINDY PETERSON
P A I N T O D AY. G O N E T O M O R R O W. At Ad v ance d Or t hop e d ics Ins ti tute we sp e cialize in hi ps , kne e s, shou ld e r s , ankle s, wr ist s...a nd golfe r s. We’re na ti o na l le ad e r s in re v e r s e shou ld e r re p lacements f or t hose whose rot at or cu ffs are no longe r f u nct ioni ng, p e r f or ming more in a ye ar t han mo s t su rge ons p e r f or m i n a lif e t ime . We also ha ve a fu ll r ange of n o ninv asiv e p roce d u res to he lp re lie v e shoul d er p ain and imp rov e f u nct ion. COME SEE US, WE’RE H E R E F O R Y O U.
ALFRED J. COOK, JR., MD
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1400 N US Hw y 441, Sui te 552, The Vi l l ag e s, FL 3215 9 phone 3 52.751.2862 | fax 855.420.1047 | goa oi.com
S
Zechariah Montera, CFP®
Renee Springstead, CPFA®
Thomas Fross
Casey O’Rourke, CPFA®
Patrick Fross, RICP®
5 Things You Need to Know Before You Retire After decades of guiding families through retirement in The Villages, the advisors at Fross & Fross Wealth Management share the decisions that matter most — and the mistakes that are hardest to undo. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
he day you retire, the financial rules change. Your paycheck stops, your savings become your income, and decisions you may only make once can affect the next 20 or 30 years. Building a nest egg got you to retirement, but knowing how to use it wisely can help determine what retirement looks like. That second job is harder than the first, and the mistakes cost more because there is less time to recover from them. For more than 20 years, our team has worked with families in The Villages and surrounding areas as
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they prepare for and live through retirement. That experience has given us a close-up view of the questions, opportunities and challenges retirees face. Today, Fross & Fross Wealth Management collectively serves $1.26 billion in brokerage and advisory assets through LPL Financial*, drawing on decades of experience helping individuals transition from wealth accumulation to retirement income planning. That focus has taught us something simple: Retirements that go well are rarely the ones with the biggest balances. They are the ones
where a few key decisions were made early and made well. Here are five of them. *Assets as of September 28, 2026.
1.
PLAN FOR A LONGER RETIREMENT THAN YO U E XPEC T
The biggest risk in retirement is not a bad year in the market. It is running out of money while you are still healthy enough to enjoy life.
reaches 90 are better than even. A plan built to “average” is, by design, a plan that fails for half the people who use it.
Average life expectancy is a poor planning number. A 65-year-old man can expect to live to about 84 and a woman to about 87, but those are midpoints: half of people live longer. For a married couple who are both 65, the odds that at least one of them
We plan to age 95 or beyond, and we plan for the surviving spouse, not just the couple. When one spouse passes, household income often drops (one Social Security check goes away, and some pensions shrink), while many expenses stay the same.
BEFORE YOU RETIRE: Look hard at any pension election. Choosing single-life versus joint-and-survivor is usually permanent, and it is one of the few retirement decisions you cannot undo.
2.
95+
The age we plan to, not “average” life expectancy
WHEN THE MARKET D R O P S M AT T E R S MORE THAN HOW MUCH
Two retirees can earn the same average return over 20 years and end up in very different places. The difference is timing. Losses in the first few years of retirement, while you are also withdrawing income, do far more damage than the same losses later. Advisors call this sequence-of-returns risk.
the S&P 500 lost roughly 57% of its value. Someone who retired at the peak and kept selling stocks to pay the bills was locking in losses at the worst possible moment. You cannot control when the next downturn comes. It will come. What you can control is whether it forces you to sell.
This is not theoretical. From October 2007 to March 2009,
~57%
S&P 500 decline, Oct 2007 - Mar 2009
BEFORE YOU RETIRE: Set aside several years of planned withdrawals in cash and high-quality short-term bonds, often built as an income ladder. That reserve pays the bills during a downturn so your stock holdings have time to recover. Agree in advance on what you will trim if markets fall, so the decision is made calmly and not in a panic.
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3.
TU RN YO U R S AV I N G S I N T O A P AY C H E C K
While you work, a paycheck shows up every two weeks. In retirement, you have to build that paycheck yourself, and the order you draw from each source matters. We start by separating needs from wants. Essential expenses such as housing, food, insurance and healthcare should be covered, as much as possible, by reliable lifetime income: Social Security, pensions and, where appropriate, annuities. The investment portfolio
then funds the travel, the golf, the grandkids’ visits and everything that makes retirement worth it. Social Security timing is one of the most valuable levers you have. For most people born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67, and each year you wait past that, up to age 70, permanently raises your benefit by 8%. For married couples, the higher earner’s decision also sets the surviving spouse’s benefit for life.
8% Yearly increase in Social Security for each year you wait past full retirement age, up to 70. BEFORE YOU RETIRE: Map every income source by year, from your last paycheck through age 95. Most people are surprised by the gaps, and by how much a single claiming decision changes the picture.
4.
FLORIDA HAS NO I N C O M E TA X . U N C L E SAM STILL DOES.
Moving to Florida removes state income tax, but for many retirees the largest tax bills of their lives are still ahead of them. Decades of savings in traditional IRAs and 401(k)s have never been taxed. Required minimum distributions begin at age 73 (75 for those born in 1960 or later), and they can push you into higher brackets whether you need the money or not. Higher income in retirement can also raise your Medicare premiums. Those
surcharges are based on your tax return from two years earlier, so a large IRA withdrawal or home sale today can show up as higher premiums later. The years between retiring and starting RMDs are often a window of unusually low income. Used well, that window can be a chance to convert some IRA money to a Roth at lower rates, which can reduce future RMDs and leave more tax-free money for a surviving spouse or children.
73 / 75 Age required minimum distributions begin. BEFORE YOU RETIRE: If you are moving here from a higher-tax state, make your Florida residency official. File a Declaration of Domicile, apply for homestead, and switch your driver’s license and voter registration. Some states audit former residents who still appear to have ties there.
5.
MEDICARE IS NOT FREE, AND IT DOES NOT COVER EVERYTHING
Fidelity’s 2026 estimate puts average lifetime healthcare costs for a 65-year-old retiree at $185,500, or roughly $371,000 for a couple, even with Medicare. That figure covers premiums, deductibles, copays and prescriptions. It does not include long-term care. Yet Fidelity also found that more than half of preretirees expect Medicare to cover all of their health expenses.
65 today will need some form of care at some point, and a private nursing home room has run close to $128,000 a year. Care at home or in assisted living can also add up quickly. If you plan to retire before 65, you also need a plan to cover the gap before Medicare begins, which can be one of the most expensive years of your life for health insurance.
Long-term care is the larger unknown. Most people turning
BEFORE YOU RETIRE: Budget for healthcare as its own line item that grows faster than inflation. Decide how you would pay for long-term care, whether through insurance, a dedicated reserve, or home equity, before you need it.
$185,500 Fidelity’s 2026 estimate of one retiree’s lifetime healthcare costs, not including long-term care.
Retirement Is a Plan - NOT a Date None of these five decisions stands alone. When you claim Social Security it affects your taxes. Your taxes affect your Medicare premiums. How you invest your reserve determines whether a downturn is an inconvenience or a crisis. The value of a good plan is in how the pieces fit together. If you are within 10 years of retirement, act now. Don’t wait until you draw your last paycheck.
5 QUESTIONS TO ASK ANY ADVISOR BEFORE YOU HIRE THEM 1. How many of your clients are already retired? 2. How will you turn my savings into monthly income, and what happens to that income in a bad market? 3. How are you paid? On a fee basis or through commissions? 4. How do you coordinate taxes, Social Security and Medicare with my investments? 5. Who at your firm will I actually talk to, and how often?
Schedule a Complimentary Retirement Review. Fross & Fross Wealth Management Lake Sumter Landing | Brownwood Paddock Square The Villages, Florida 352-205-7800 | frossandfross.com
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Fross & Fross Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not offer tax or legal advice or services. This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index that cannot be invested into directly. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
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Is Lung Cancer Screening Right for You? PA I D
PROM OT IO N A L
F E AT U R E
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ow-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening can reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20% compared to standard chest X-rays, by detecting tumors at early stages when they are more likely to be curable. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends lung cancer screening for anyone age 50 to 80 who has smoked for 20 pack years or more, and who currently smokes or has quit within the past 15 years. A pack year is equal to smoking 20 cigarettes (1 pack) a day each year. A pack year is different from a calendar year. Smoking a pack a day for 20 years equals 20 pack years, but so does smoking two packs a day for 10 years. Lung cancer screening is approved by Medicare to age 77, is covered by most insurance, and is for people in good health who do not have symptoms of the disease. Talk to your doctor if you think you are eligible for testing.
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How is Lung Cancer Treated with Radiation? Radiation may be used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and lung carcinoid tumors. It is usually delivered from outside the body, but sometimes radioactive pellets are placed internally to shrink NSCLC tumors. Radiation can be the main treatment if a tumor can’t be removed because of its size or location, or if a person doesn’t want or isn’t healthy enough for surgery. It can also be used, sometimes with chemotherapy, to shrink a tumor before surgery or to remove small tumors that surgery might have missed. Radiation can also relieve pain, bleeding, trouble swallowing, cough, or other problems in cases of advanced lung cancer. Call us to learn more about radiation treatment options.
Quitters can be Winners
Smoking is the single most important risk factor for lung cancer. Tobacco Free Florida provides free tools and services to help you become smoke-free. Go to TobaccoFreeFlorida.com or call 850-245-4144. For more resources, go to Smokefree. gov or call 877-44U-QUIT. You can find more quit lines at the American Lung Association (800-LUNGUSA) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (800-QUIT-NOW). RBOI can also help. Wendy Hall, LCSW, is certified in tobacco cessation. Our counseling services are available to the community at no charge. Give us a call.
by the numbers
1 in 5
Cancer deaths from lung cancer in the U.S. (more than deaths from colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined)
229,410 Estimated lung cancer diagnoses in U.S. adults in 2026
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers these resources to help veterans quit tobacco: · The VA national Quitline at 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-7848838) connects callers with a tobacco cessation counselor for free telephone counseling in English or Spanish. · SmokefreeVET delivers text message tips and support to your cellphone, even if you use smokeless tobacco. Text VET to 47848 (or VETesp to 47848 for Spanish) or visit smokefree. gov/VET. · Other resources include the Stay Quit Coach (https://mobile.va.gov/ app/stay-quit-coach), Quit Tobacco (https://mentalhealth.va.gov/quittobacco/), and Veterans Smoke Free (https://veterans.smokefree.gov/) websites. The VA also makes lung cancer screening accessible to eligible veterans at no cost, with no copay. Visit cancer.va.gov to learn more.
4.1%
Annual decrease in lung cancer death rates in the U.S. from 2015–2024
Non-Smokers are also at Risk
Invisible, odorless, and tasteless, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. The Florida Department of Health provides free radon test kits. Call 800-543-8279 or fill out an order form at http:// www.floridahealth.gov/ environmental-health/radon/ Outreach/testkitrequest.html.
Help for Veterans
about
7,700
Veterans diagnosed with lung cancer every year at the VA
RBOI’s support services are available to the community free of charge, from before diagnosis through treatment and afterward, regardless of where you are being treated. Give us a call.
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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Throughout Lake and Sumter counties, inspiration can be found in unexpected places. From individuals making a lasting difference to destinations worth discovering and events that bring us together, these are the stories that capture the spirit of where we live. Every community has a story, but it’s the extraordinary people, remarkable places and unforgettable events that make ours truly special.
PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL, ANTHONY RAO & PROVIDED STORIES: CINDY PETERSON, ROXANNE BATRIZ & GINA HORAN
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P E O P L E
P L A C E S
E V E N T S
PEOPLE
TimTotten
A U G . 2 2 , 1 9 7 5 – M AY 1 1 , 2 0 2 6
T
imothy Brian Totten could take an idea that sounded impossible and somehow turn it into something that brought an entire community together. For years, Tim poured his creativity, energy and heart into Lake County, becoming known as a connector, storyteller, mentor and champion for causes that made a difference in the lives of others. One of his most recognizable projects was the Amazing Race for Charity, which transformed fundraising into a community-wide experience. Instead of asking nonprofits to hold countless small fundraisers on their own, Tim envisioned an event where organizations worked together and shared the proceeds. Over the years, the race raised nearly $300,000 for local charities before Tim turned it over to the City of Eustis to continue the event. Most recently, they renamed it the Tim Totten Amazing Race for Charity. Tim brought that same big-picture thinking to TEDxEustis, helping bring the internationally recognized TEDx platform to a small Central Florida community. For years, Tim worked behind the scenes coaching speakers, developing ideas and helping people find the confidence to share their stories. Longtime friend and collaborator Byron Faudie says Tim had a simple
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approach when someone brought him a challenge. “Tim would always just say yes and then figure it out later,” Byron says. “Then figure out how to make it great.” Tim repeatedly displayed that attitude. When COVID-19 stripped Lake County seniors of traditional graduation celebrations in 2020, Tim organized a project to create and donate banners recognizing every public high school senior in the county — more than 3,000 students and roughly $75,000 worth of banners. He also created the Lake County Mask Creators group to help connect volunteers making masks with frontline workers who needed them. His community work extended to programs honoring veterans, mentoring others and countless projects that often began with someone simply asking him for help. Outside those efforts, Tim had a lifelong passion for architect Frank Lloyd Wright. What began as a childhood fascination grew into decades of study, travel, tours and talks that allowed him to share Wright’s architecture with others. Those closest to Tim say his real gift was not simply creating projects. It was bringing people together. “Tim really brought out the best in everyone,” Byron says.
“He would always take the time to teach. He would always take the time to collaborate.” Tim died May 11 at age 50 after heart complications and a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a community filled with people, programs and ideas made stronger because he chose to say yes.
PEOPLE
BrentFrazier B
rent Frazier has led one of the most significant academic turnarounds in Lake County during six years as Umatilla High School principal. Umatilla ranked at the bottom among the county’s public high schools five years ago. Since then, the school has improved its state accountability score by more than 300 points to a total of 682 — a mark Frazier says is the highest ever recorded by a Lake County high school. His leadership has also earned state and national recognition. Frazier was named Florida’s Principal of the Year in 2023 and Florida Principal of the Year in 2024 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Frazier is quick to credit the teachers and staff around him. “When I hire teachers, I don’t just offer them a job,” he says. “I offer them a chance to make an impact.” That focus on impact extends beyond academics. Frazier says a school’s responsibility is to prepare students for life after graduation with a plan, work experience and skills to succeed. During his tenure, Umatilla increased participation in Cambridge AICE courses, grew industry certification opportunities and added an engineering pathway focused on aerospace, civil and mechanical engineering. That focus on impact continues to drive him as he and his dedicated staff prepare students not just to graduate, but to leave Umatilla ready for what comes next.
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PEOPLE
HaleyWilliams
S
ixteen-year-old Haley Williams knows what she wants to do with her life: help children facing the disease she fought herself. Haley was 13 when she was diagnosed with highrisk acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The diagnosis meant hospital stays, treatment and stepping away from the parts of life that made her feel most like herself. “I would say, for me, the hardest part was having to quit dance and not seeing all my friends at school,” Haley says. “And also losing my hair.” She found comfort from the doctors and nurses at UF Health Shands Hospital, whom she came to see as family. She is also appreciative of the support of her biological family, especially her sister, who often left school and went straight to the hospital
to visit on many days. That meant the world to Haley. Haley is now in remission and back to dancing contemporary, jazz and ballet. But she has not left the cancer community behind. Instead, the Trinity Catholic High School junior is using her story to raise awareness, support research and encourage other young patients. As a member of the Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon miracle family, Haley visits high schools and colleges to share her experience and inspire students to raise money. She and her friend Isabella also organized a volleyball tournament that generated $1,500 for Children’s Miracle Network. Earlier this year, Haley joined Sister Hazel lead singer Ken Block onstage for a Lyrics for Life fundraiser. Block created the nonprofit after losing his younger brother to the type of cancer Haley had. Money raised supports childhood cancer research, including work at UF Health Shands. For Haley, giving back is about more than fundraising. She makes herself available to talk when doctors or families reach out to her about a newly diagnosed teen struggling with treatment. Her experience allows her to offer something meaningful: understanding from someone who battled cancer and won. After college, Haley hopes to become a nurse practitioner specializing in hematology-oncology. She also plans to remain involved with Dance Marathon, possibly serving as a team captain in college. Her hard-earned message to others fighting cancer is simple: “I would just say fight as hard as you can,” Haley says. “There is truly always a light at the end of the tunnel and that’s what you have to focus on.”
PEOPLE
Chris & Helen
EBAUGH
C
hris and Helen Ebaugh, married 69 years (an extraordinary feat on its own), have spent nearly seven decades building a life defined by service, resilience and care for others. The high school sweethearts married Sept. 7, 1957, two days after Helen graduated from nursing school. Chris was serving in the Army at the beginning of a military career that would take the couple around the world and move their family 35 times. Chris served two tours in Vietnam, worked at the Pentagon, commanded a battalion and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1981. Along the way, he earned a master’s degree and attended law school at night, and passed the Georgia Bar. After
leaving the military, he worked for Martin Marietta, later Lockheed Martin, for 14 years. Helen built her own record of service as a registered nurse and devoted military wife. She taught Red Cross first aid and CPR classes, led a candy striper program with about 80 young volunteers and served at military hospitals in Virginia, Georgia and Hawaii. Both are now 90, living in Clermont’s Heritage Hills community, and remaining active. Chris walks each morning, and the couple still dances, cruises and enjoys a full social calendar. Helen teaches bridge, coordinates a 20-member bridge club and plays mah-jongg and bunco. She also helped organize the community’s
Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs for four years. Most notably, she continues caring for neighbors who are sick or returning home from the hospital, often bringing them her famous homemade chicken noodle soup and biscuits. “I like to take care of everybody,” Helen says. “That’s just me.” For the Ebaughs, longevity is about more than staying busy. “We really care about each other and about other people, plus we do for other people, not just for ourselves,” Helen says. “I think this is why we’ve lived so long.”
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PEOPLE
JennyCote J
enny Cote never imagined her career would lead to federal prison, but looking back, she can see signs of the path she would eventually take. Jenny remembers little about the monuments, White House or government buildings during a family trip to Washington, D.C. when she was 8. What stayed with her were homeless people. She begged her parents to give food or money to every person they passed and they obliged. “My heart for people is, and has always been, what matters most to me,” Jenny says. Today, Jenny serves in the Religious Services Department as complex mentor coordinator at Federal Correctional Complex Coleman, where she facilitates and teaches faith-based classes. Working with an incarcerated population has shaped the way Jenny views her role and the people she serves. “I am not the judge, nor am I the jury,” she says. “I am simply an imperfect being whom God saw a glimpse of goodness in, goodness meant to be passed along to a population of human beings that are all too often forgotten by society.” Jenny teaches about hope, faith and the belief that a person’s circumstances do not eliminate the possibility of purpose or transformation. While others may see prison only as a place of confinement, Jenny sees a mission field and an opportunity to reach people who may have lost hope. “My goal has always been simple: to change and transform mindsets,” she says. “Seeing a life shift from absolute hopelessness to divine purpose is exactly why I do this work.”
PEOPLE
Patricia “Trish”
N
Kry
eighborhood Center of South Lake CEO Patricia “Trish” Kry sees food as more than a way to feed people; she sees it as a tool for building a healthier population, one household at a time. Trish joined the organization 10 years ago and quickly recognized a connection between the children experiencing food insecurity in local schools and the families seeking help at the center. When the organization moved into a new facility, she saw an opportunity to rethink what a food pantry could provide from her eyes as a community health nurse. “As a nurse, I couldn’t see giving out food that wasn’t nutritious,” says Trish. Using refrigerated trucks allowed the center to collect fresh produce, frozen meats and other perishables from area grocers. Today, 75-80% of the food it
distributes meets nutritional standards. And the center is certified as a nutritious food pantry, a distinction few pantries nationwide can claim. Choice is equally important. Instead of receiving a box of predetermined food, families select items they will actually eat, including fresh produce. The center also teaches families how to prepare nutritious foods using ingredients they may not be familiar with. “Just because you have food insecurity doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have nutrition,” Trish says. The results extend far beyond the pantry. In 2025, the center distributed more than 1.6 million pounds of food and provided more than 119,000 meals to children during school breaks. The Neighborhood Center’s approach is being studied nationwide as a pilot model for organizations hoping to replicate that success. Trish is preparing to expand that work. A new facility is planned for Groveland. “This is my community,” Trish says. “These are my neighbors. I want everyone to be healthy. I want the teachers who care for my kids and first responders and others to be happy and healthy.” “When we all are doing well, that lifts up everybody.”
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PEOPLE
KathyGlover K
athy Glover spent about 15 years as a paralegal in construction litigation and medical malpractice at firms in Kansas and California before establishing an independent practice. Her work representing major engineering firms even took her overseas. Then she moved to Florida and found a position unlike anything she had done before. For more than nine years, Kathy, with help from her team, has coordinated Sumter County’s Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court, which give eligible people charged with felonies an opportunity to receive treatment, accept responsibility, avoid prison time and rebuild their lives with a clean record. Participants spend at least a year attending drug and veterans treatment
court, receiving substance-abuse services, participating in support meetings, undergoing random drug screenings and meeting with Kathy. “I am firm with them, and if they get off track and try to blame everybody else, I won’t let them do that,” Kathy says. “I bring them back to reality.” She also answers calls after hours when someone needs help, even when industry standards don’t require it. “It’s just who I am, I guess,” she says. At graduation, Kathy celebrates each graduate with a cactus, a tangible symbol she came up with, and that she uses, to illustrate how each person has transformed their lives. While presenting them with their very own cactus to take home, she reminds them how cactuses survive harsh conditions, store the resources they need and flourish in healthier environments...just like them. Graduates also receive a personalized story about their progress, a journal, tassel and framed certificate. The tradition became so meaningful that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kathy held small ceremonies in a Publix parking lot, so graduates would not miss their cactus presentation. “I want to make sure that they feel heard, that they recognize their value because a lot of the people that come into the program, they’re so beat down, and have lost their family over drug use,” she says, adding that many remain in touch, sharing news of jobs, cars, babies and businesses.
Editor’s note: Kathy has retired since this interview was conducted.
PEOPLE
MickStocum Holly A Nichols I PEOPLE
simple puzzle became the beginning of something much bigger for retired U.S. Marine Mick Stocum. Mick is the founder of Pieces of Honor, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating veteran isolation through personal connection, wellness checks, games, puzzles and conversation. The idea began with a veteran named Elmer who had become deeply isolated after losing his wife. Mick started spending more time with him, often working on puzzles together. As they sat across from one another, Elmer began opening up. “The puzzle isn’t really the point,” Mick says. “The conversation that happens over the puzzle is.” That experience made Mick realize there were other veterans throughout the community sitting behind closed doors with no one checking on them. Through Pieces of Honor, Mick visits veterans, connects them with resources and, most importantly, listens. The organization also works to preserve veterans’ experiences through its Veteran Story Project. “I want people to see the veterans,” he says. “You don’t need to start a nonprofit. Knock on a door. Bring a cup of coffee. Sit down. Listen.” Sometimes the most meaningful thing anyone can give another person is simply their time.
n August 2025, Holly Nichols was working an event for her business, Blushing Bubbles, when the entire left side of her body suddenly stopped working. The vibrant businesswoman soon learned she had glioblastoma, a rare and highly aggressive form of brain cancer. “There’s a defining line all of a sudden,” Holly says. “There’s like a before and after.” Surgery, seizures and limited mobility followed. Holly lost much of her independence, and in March, doctors told her husband, Rob, that she had only days to live. She entered hospice, but two weeks later told him she felt good and refused to spend her remaining time waiting to die. Doctors did not expect Holly to regain movement on her left side, but she stubbornly proved
otherwise. Today, she can move her arm, use her leg and walk with assistance, a comeback she credits entirely to God. “There’s no explanation for the peace that I have about it, other than God,” she says. “Knowing that whatever happens to me, I’m gonna be okay. I mean, I’ll win either way.” “Plus, I’m stubborn.” Holly has surpassed the first life expectancy estimate she received, and her latest MRI showed no new growth or progression. She credits Rob and her family for support beyond measure and now openly shares her health updates, faith and Bible studies online, hoping her experience serves as encouragement and hope for others. “I figure it helps me and maybe it will help somebody else,” she says. One verse in particular, Psalm 118:17, has become her declaration: “I shall not die, but live to declare the works of the Lord.” Holly continues asking God for more time with the people she loves but trusts that her life and purpose remain in his hands. “It’s not me,” she says. “I still know who’s in control.”
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PEOPLE
Gabrielle “Gabbi”
SUVER G
abbi Suver knows how to keep moving forward. The Lake County Physical Education teacher and professional triathlete began running near the end of high school before competing collegiately at PHCC and USF. Injuries eventually pushed her toward swimming and cycling, and after a serious bike racing
accident, she found her way to triathlons. Gabbi began working with coach Rebecca Marsh in 2015, completed her first full Ironman in 2021 and turned professional in 2022. She completed 15 Ironmans between 2021 and 2025. “I love being able to challenge myself and push the limits of what I thought was possible for myself,” Gabbi says. That determination took on new meaning Nov. 15, 2025, when Gabbi was struck by a vehicle during a training ride near Clermont. The hit-and-run left her seriously injured and facing another long recovery. “I had to take everything one day at a time, focusing on thankfulness and on what I ‘can’ do,” she says. “Of course I had my low moments, but I’m proud of myself for not giving up.” Gabbi has since turned the experience into
advocacy, pushing for stronger protections for cyclists and other vulnerable road users. The accident also changed the way she views abilities she once took for granted. “We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, so we have to make the most of the time we have and appreciate everyone in our lives and our abilities,” Gabbi says. Now she is writing a book about her journey, continuing her road-safety advocacy and training for another comeback: racing Ironman competitively again at the professional level.
PEOPLE
Dr. GeorgeHagerty D
r. George J. Hagerty has spent more than a decade transforming Beacon College into a national model for educating students with learning differences—and his own life story is part of what drives that mission. As a teenager, Hagerty contracted a retinal disease that left him legally blind, an experience that shapes how deeply he identifies with the students Beacon serves. A Massachusetts native, Hagerty earned his bachelor's degree from Stonehill College and both a master's and doctorate from Harvard University. His career began in federal service, where he rose to compliance chief for the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs before spending 14 years as president of Franklin Pierce University. He later led an international education consulting firm across four continents. At
the national level, he chaired the NCAA President’s Council and was chair of the board of directors at the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Hagerty has overseen extraordinary growth since becoming Beacon's president in 2013, expanding enrollment from 187 students to more than 500, launching study abroad programs in Tuscany and Tokyo, and modernizing the Leesburg campus with new academic and residential facilities. He has also built career pathways for neurodivergent graduates by forging corporate partnerships with Dell Technologies, Disney and Johnson & Johnson. His leadership has earned him the National Leadership Award from the National Council on Disabilities, the Fitzwater Medal for Leadership in Public Communication, and multiple lifetime achievement honors. Hagerty recently announced he will retire at the end of the 2026-’27 academic year, closing a 14-year tenure that redefined what higher education can look like for students who learn differently.
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JUL 20, 1996 — AUG 3, 2024 PEOPLE
Bradley Link MASTER DEPUTY
M
LCSO
aster Deputy Bradley Michael Link gave his life in the line of duty while responding to a late-night disturbance call in Eustis on Aug. 2, 2024 that lasted hours. His “end of watch” was pronounced in the early hours of August 3. Link entered the home with other deputies and was met with gunfire. Even after being shot and trapped inside, authorities say he returned fire, helping give other deputies a chance to escape. Later, at an awards ceremony, a Lake County Sheriff ’s Office spokesman said Link died a hero and presented his wife with the agency’s Purple Heart and Medal of Honor. Link’s connection to law enforcement began as a Lake County Sheriff ’s Office Explorer. After graduation from Lake Minneola High School in 2015, Link served in the Army Reserve and worked for the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office before returning to Lake County as a deputy in 2019. Those who knew him remembered him as humble, kind and deeply committed to helping others. Former teachers described him as someone who would “do anything for anybody,” while colleagues and family remembered his quiet character, faith and devotion to service. His legacy lives on with plans for a scholarship in hishonor, and in 2025, a portion of U.S. Highway 27 in Minneola was renamed for him.
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PEOPLE
Harold Howell MASTER DEPUT Y | LCSO
A
ug. 2, 2024 changed nearly everything for Master Deputy Harold Howell — except his commitment to serving Lake County. Howell, who has been with the Lake County Sheriff ’s Office since 2005, was injured in the same ambush that killed Master Deputy Bradley Link. The physical recovery has included multiple surgeries, titanium plates, bone grafts and months of restrictions, but Howell says none of that compares to losing his friend. “I could complain, but I would go through it twenty more times just to see Brad again,” Howell says. Howell was selected as a canine handler in 2011, a role he says remains one of the proudest accomplishments of his career. He describes the work as demanding, unpredictable and deeply rewarding. Since the ambush, his perspective has shifted. Things that once seemed important now feel trivial and he has become more diligent about doing the things he once put off. What stays with him most is Bradley Link. “Brad was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met, and he cared for the citizens of Lake County,” Howell says. Howell prides himself in bringing hard-earned life experience to every call. He says that protecting and serving means being fair and showing compassion. The values Howell holds dear have taken on even greater meaning after surviving the darkest day of his career.
PEOPLE
Stefano Gargano DEPUT Y FIRST CLASS | LCSO
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hen Lake County Sheriff ’s Office Detective Stefano Gargano was wounded in an ambush that killed Master Deputy Bradley Link, he faced the kind of danger most people will never experience, but says his faith gave him the strength to move toward it. “On that night, God gave me the strength and courage to step forward to attempt to rescue Brad and continued strength to recover,” he says. The attack left Gargano seriously injured, but he says it also strengthened his faith and resolve. He continues to carry the memory of Link, whom he describes as a warrior, a servant and a Christian man whose sacrifice will remain with him for the rest of his life.
“There were plenty of opportunities along the way to let what happened break me, but I chose not to let it,” Gargano says. “Instead, I tried to use the experience to become more disciplined, stronger in my faith and a better Christian man than I was before.” For Gargano, the badge has always represented service over self and a willingness to step between danger and those who cannot protect themselves, even when the cost is great. Gargano joined the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in 2019 as a road patrol deputy before being selected for the Lake County Street Crimes Unit. He later became an operator on the Lake County SWAT Team. In 2021, he was selected as a sniper.
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PLACES
The Tropic Theatre DOWNTOWN LEESBURG
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he Tropic Theatre in Leesburg is once again becoming a place where history, creativity and community come together. It originally opened as the Fain Theatre in the 1930s before undergoing a major renovation in 1960 and reopening as the Tropic Theatre. A second auditorium was added in 1979, creating the Tropic Twin Theatre. Today, the building has found new purpose as a shared arts destination. After the City of Leesburg purchased the property in 2024, the Melon Patch Players and Leesburg Arts Center moved in to present visual and performing arts under one roof. Melon Patch Players Executive Director Dustin Lavine says the organization has worked to improve the theater while preserving its character. Updates include
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extending and leveling the stage, upgrading lighting and installing an inset revolving stage designed to make the space more versatile for larger productions. The Leesburg Arts Center also helped refresh the lobby and continues to bring exhibits, classes and community programming into the historic space. “What makes the Tropic extraordinary to me is the opportunity to preserve an important piece of Leesburg’s history while giving it new life and purpose,” says Leesburg Arts Center’s Executive Board President Amanda McLea, who believes the Tropic’s downtown location is an important part of its impact. “I have always believed the arts belong downtown and are an important part of creating a vibrant community,” she says.
(L) Richard Colvin, Executive Director at the Leesburg Arts Center (R) Dustin Lavine, Melon Patch Players Executive Director
Dustin agrees. He says the goal is to help make downtown Leesburg a destination by pairing quality theater and arts experiences with restaurants, shops and other businesses. As theater, art and community programming continue to bring people through its doors, the Tropic is helping preserve an important piece of Leesburg’s past while playing a new role in the city’s future.
PLACES
Royal THE COMMUNITY OF
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ust west of Wildwood lies one of Florida’s oldest historically Black communities, where generations of families have maintained connections to land first settled by their ancestors more than 150 years ago. Royal traces its beginnings to the years following the Civil War, when formerly enslaved people established homes and farms in the area and founded the community in 1865. Originally known as Picketsville, a name associated with the white picket fences surrounding early 40acre homesteads, the settlement became known as Royal by the late 1880s. Land ownership and agriculture shaped Royal from its earliest years. Families grew crops, raised livestock, established homesteads and created institutions a growing settlement needed. Churches, schools and businesses became gathering places as Royal developed its identity during Reconstruction and continued through segregation and generations of social and economic change. The rural settlement’s distinct identity was further cemented by the establishment of the Royal post office in 1891. Unlike many historic places that survive primarily through photographs, documents or preserved buildings, Royal remains a living community. Descendants of many of its pioneer families continue to own and live on ancestral property. Fields, pastures, wooded tracts, historic roads and family homes still reflect the rural landscape that shaped life for generations. That connection is celebrated through the Royal Homecoming, a tradition dating to
1968. Created as an opportunity for former residents and descendants to return home, the gathering grew from church services and a shared meal into a celebration drawing generations of Royal families and visitors. Ebenezer AME Church, founded in 1875, remains one of Royal's historic community institutions and still holds weekly services and Bible study. Royal’s history received national recognition in February 2026 when the Community of Royal Rural Historic District was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The designation recognizes Royal’s significance in Black history, agriculture, settlement and community development. More than a century and a half after its beginnings, Royal remains tied to the families, land and traditions that shaped it. Its story is not simply one of preserving the past, but of a place that continues to carry its history forward from one generation to the next.
BEVERLY STEELE AND MAITLAND KELLER SHARE DEEP ROOTS IN ROYAL, FLORIDA’S HISTORIC AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY. BEVERLY, A DESCENDANT OF ONE OF ROYAL’S FOUNDING FAMILIES, WORKS TO PRESERVE ITS HISTORY THROUGH THE YOUNG PERFORMING ARTISTS ORGANIZATION AND ROYAL’S HISTORICAL ENRICHMENT & ART PROGRAM. KELLER, A ROYAL NATIVE, BECAME A LONGTIME COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AND HELPED ESTABLISH PROJECT HEALTH, NOW THOMAS E. LANGLEY MEDICAL CENTER, WHILE WORKING TO PROTECT ROYAL’S HISTORY AND LEGACY.
PLACES
TheHoweyMansion F
or nearly a decade, one of Lake County’s most striking historic homes sat vacant, its future uncertain. Today, the Howey Mansion is alive again with weddings, tours, concerts and community celebrations, thanks to brothers Brad and Clay Cowherd, who purchased the deteriorating estate in 2017 and undertook an extensive restoration. The Mediterranean Revival mansion built in 1925 by citrus pioneer/land developer and Howeyin-the-Hills founder William J. Howey was designed by pioneering architect Katherine Cotheal Budd. The 7,200-square-foot home, built for Howey, his wife, Grace and their two daughters, has 24 rooms and was situated on a 15-acre estate
amid more than 1,500 varieties of plants, an experimental citrus grove, carriage house, stables and a gardener’s cottage. The Cowherds saw more than a neglected house vacant for nearly a decade when they took a close look at the property; they saw a piece of Florida history worth saving. “When we bought it, it was in a pretty good state of disrepair,” Brad says. “But it really has come to life.” The restoration preserved the mansion’s distinctive character, from its grand staircase and pecky cypress doors to its courtyard fountain, drawing room and hidden Prohibition-era vault. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recently received a double-sided
Florida historical marker honoring both the mansion and William Howey. Today, historic tours allow visitors to explore all 24 rooms. The property also hosts three to five weddings a week, along with meetings, birthday parties, concerts and town events. “It’s so fun to be a part of everyone’s life like that,” Brad says. Estate manager Fran O’Keefe says local residents share a special sense of ownership and watch over the property, support its events and help protect its history. “We don’t preserve the Howey Mansion to make a profit,” she says. “We work hard to make a profit to preserve the Howey Mansion.” Brad calls the estate “Howeyin-the-Hills’ living room,” aka, a gathering place that honors the town’s past while continuing to create new memories. “It’s fun to be such an integral part of the community, and that we were able to preserve such a really neat piece of Florida’s history is a great honor.”
EVENTS
Brasfor theCause andBoxers, Too
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aughter, applause and bidding wars fill the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center each year as some of the community’s most imaginative creations make their way down the runway. Bras for the Cause and Boxers, Too may be playful by design, but its purpose is deeply serious. The always sold-out event has become the signature fundraiser for the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation, generating upwards of $100,000 annually, or about 30% to 35% of the nonprofit’s yearly funding. The concept began after GCCF founder Phyllis Hutchison attended a similar event and brought the idea home. Kay Simpson organized the first fundraiser and Marie Howd later took the lead as it grew from a hotel-lobby gathering into one of South Lake’s most anticipated nights of the year. The event has been held every year except during the COVID-19 pandemic. Models choose their own themes, then strut the runway wearing elaborately decorated bras and boxers created by local artists, as an auctioneer works the room. Bidders sometimes join forces, friends cheer from their tables and unexpected antics keep the crowd laughing. Tickets include dinner donated by local restaurants, and the evening
also features drinks, music and a silent auction. Guests do not hold back. At the 2026 “Guns ’n Hoses” event, designs sold for between $1,000 and $11,100, helping push the night’s total past $120,000. Local business owners, first responders, cancer survivors and longtime supporters all joined the show. Amid the fun, organizers make sure the reason behind the event remains front and center. Cancer patients helped by GCCF are spotlighted, and moments of remembrance honor those affected by the disease. “We are 100% volunteer,” GCCF President Laura Henry says. “And everything we do, every dollar we raise, goes right back into helping local patients and their families.” Those dollars fund grants that ease treatment-related expenses and provide scholarships for students from families affected by cancer and holiday assistance for patient families. GCCF also connects patients with resources and offers local support groups. The 18th annual Bras for the Cause and Boxers, Too fashion show and auction is scheduled for April 14, 2027 at the Clermont Performing Arts Center. The theme will be “MTV—Music Through the Ages.”
EVENTS
Boots, Buckles & Badges
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oots and cowboy hats replace black ties at Boots, Buckles and Badges, an annual western-themed gala that turns one night of dinner, entertainment and fundraising into year-round support throughout Lake County. The gala hosted by Lake County Sheriff’s Charities at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis brings together community members, business leaders and law enforcement for an evening of western attire, dinner, live entertainment and spirited live and silent auctions. Behind the fun is a noble purpose that reaches far beyond one night. Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell established the charity after taking office in 2017 to create a way
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EVENTS
Kids Beating Cancer
to respond when needs arise that traditional funding sources sometimes cannot cover. “Just wherever there’s a youth need in our community, we’re able to step in,” Sheriff Grinnell says. That has meant supporting Project Kid Connect, Shop with a Cop and the Bass Tournament Youth Beneficiary Fund, as well as school programs, ROTC and other youth activities. When a local school band needed travel funding to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the charity stepped in to help. Each Christmas, “Shop with a Cop” pairs more than 100 children identified by the school district with law enforcement officers for a shopping trip. The children receive $100 gift cards, but Sheriff Grinnell says deputies frequently reach into their own wallets to spend a little more. The charity can also respond by providing financial assistance during serious illness, tragedy and other times of need when members of the sheriff’s office and their families face extraordinary circumstances. Boots, Buckles and Badges helps make that work possible, and its fundraising impact has grown considerably. Sheriff Grinnell says the charity netted $117,000 in its first year and approximately $181,000 in 2025. Because the organization has no paid employees and volunteer board members, he says 95 cents of every dollar donated goes directly toward its mission. For the sheriff, the success of the annual gala represents something larger than the money raised. “I think it’s really good that a sheriff’s office not only is protecting the community, but is also supporting the community in which they live and serve,” he says.
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W
hen Leslie Skillman moved to The Villages, she brought with her a passion for Kids Beating Cancer, an organization she had supported for years. As a board member of the Orlando organization, she knew firsthand the difference it makes for children and families facing cancer. She also knew The Villages community would understand the mission. In March 2023, Leslie invited about 18 women to her home to learn more about Kids Beating Cancer. By the end of that first meeting, the group was ready to form a chapter. After about a year of planning, the chapter held its inaugural fundraiser in November 2024. The cruise-themed luncheon, fashion show and auction at Savannah Center drew about 450 people and raised an astonishing $145,000.
“We were trying to figure out what would be the best way to bring in our villagers,” Leslie says. “We knew that quite a few of them love to cruise.” The chapter continued to grow. Its next dinner dance, featuring popular local band Relic, raised about $80,000. Then, in January 2026, the group returned to a fashion-show format at Brownwood, welcoming more than 500 guests for a Western-themed luncheon featuring the Silver Rockets, local shopping, auctions and a wine pull. The event raised approximately $305,000. That means the young chapter has already raised about $530,000 through its first three fundraisers. But for Leslie, the numbers only tell part of the story. Kids Beating Cancer provides support to families during some of their most difficult
EVENTS
moments, including meals, hospital-room decorations and special events for children who may be unable to participate in activities with their siblings. Volunteers also attend holiday and seasonal parties for pediatric cancer patients. “To know that what you're doing is making a difference, even if it's for one child or one family, is the most wonderful feeling,” Leslie says, adding that for her and her volunteers, each event is more than an evening of food, fashion or fun. It is another opportunity to turn the generosity of The Villages into meaningful support for children and families facing cancer. The chapter's next fundraiser, “Miracles in Mardi Gras,” is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2027, at Brownwood Hotel & Spa. Men will once again be invited and an exciting program featuring dueling pianos will serve as the evening's main entertainment.
Pawsfor theCause Fur Ball F
or one night, animal lovers trade leashes for evening wear as the Paws for the Cause Fur Ball draws the community together to support animals throughout Sumter County. The annual fundraiser benefits the Humane Society of Sumter County and the animals and pet owners served through its shelter and community programs. While the Fur Ball offers guests an elegant night out, its purpose reaches well beyond the ballroom. Each year brings a different theme and a chance for supporters to dress for the occasion. In 2025, the Fur Ball transformed the Savannah Center in The Villages with a Victorian theme, drawing a sold-out crowd in formal attire and period-inspired accessories. Tickets sold for $100 each. Wildwood Police Chief Randy Parmer served as honorary chairman.
The evening featured a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, presentations and dancing to Evolution Motown. The event also included a salute to law enforcement K-9s, recognizing the working dogs and handlers who serve communities throughout the area. Proceeds from Paws for the Cause help support the Humane Society’s work in Sumter County, including programs that address needs beyond traditional shelter and adoption services. The Hope Fund provides assistance for animals needing significant medical treatment, while the Kibbles pet food pantry helps people experiencing financial hardship continue feeding their pets. Spay and neuter assistance helps reduce unwanted litters and provides another resource for pet owners who might otherwise struggle with the cost of veterinary care. Those programs reflect a broader goal of helping animals while also helping people keep the pets in their families. The Fur Ball draws attention to that mission by bringing together animal advocates, volunteers, sponsors, community leaders and supporters for an evening built around a shared concern for animal welfare. Behind the formal wear, music and festivities are animals waiting for homes, pets needing medical care and families who sometimes need a little help caring for the animals they love. That combination of celebration and purpose has made the Paws for the Cause Fur Ball a standout Sumter County tradition, turning one memorable evening into support that continues long after the last dance.
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A NEW CHAPTER IN
ORTHOPEDIC CARE Williams Institute of Orthopedics expands its services while staying focused on helping patients move better and live well. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
illiams Institute of Orthopedics has grown considerably since opening its doors in Lady Lake, but the purpose behind the practice has remained the same: providing orthopedic care that helps patients maintain their mobility, independence and quality of life. Led by orthopedic surgeon John T. Williams Jr., MD, WIO was established with a strong foundation in hip and knee care, total joint replacement and revision surgery. As the practice has grown, so has its ability to care for a broader range of orthopedic needs. Today, WIO has expanded beyond its original focus to include care for the shoulder and elbow, hand and wrist, and foot and ankle, while continuing its established hip and knee services. That growth represents an important next chapter for the practice. For WIO, expanding orthopedic care is not simply about adding services. It is about giving patients more options and creating a practice capable of caring for more of the conditions that can affect movement at every stage of life. In Central Florida, where active living is such an important part of the community, maintaining that movement matters. Whether the goal is returning to golf or pickleball, recovering from an injury, managing arthritis or simply moving through everyday life more comfortably, orthopedic care begins with understanding what is preventing a patient from doing the things that matter to them. That remains at the heart of WIO.
A BROADER VIEW OF ORTHOPEDIC CARE Orthopedic medicine encompasses far more than joint replacement. Patients come to WIO with a wide range of concerns, from arthritis and fractures to sports injuries,
chronic joint pain and conditions affecting different areas of the musculoskeletal system. Just as those conditions vary, so do the treatment options. For many patients, surgery is not the first step. Depending on the diagnosis and severity of the condition, treatment may include activity modification, medication, injections or other conservative approaches. WIO offers corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections for appropriate patients with knee osteoarthritis, plateletrich plasma, or PRP, as well as regenerative medicine options, including stem cell injections.
CONTINUING SERVICES KNEE REPLACEMENT HIP REPLACEMENT ROBOTIC KNEE REPLACEMENT TRAUMA & FRACTURE MANAGEMENT REGENERATIVE MEDICINE CBD PRODUCTS
NEW SERVICES SHOULDERS ELBOWS HANDS & WRISTS FOOT & ANKLE
For other patients, surgical treatment eventually becomes part of the conversation. Having surgical, non-surgical and regenerative medicine options available allows WIO to approach orthopedic care based on the individual needs of the patient rather than a single treatment pathway. As the practice continues to expand, that same approach now extends across more areas of orthopedic care.
THE PRACTICE
IS GROWING
BUT ITS PURPOSE REMAINS FOCUSED.
WHERE EXPERIENCE MEETS TECHNOLOGY Experience has been an important part of WIO’s foundation, but so has the willingness to continue evolving. Dr. Williams has spent more than three decades in medicine, with much of his orthopedic career focused on total joint care. In addition to leading Williams Institute of Orthopedics, he currently serves as Chairman
of the Department of Surgery and Director of the Total Joint Program at UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital. Throughout his career, orthopedic surgery has continued to change, with advances in surgical techniques and technology creating new tools for surgeons and new possibilities for patient care. One example is the ROSA® Robotic Surgical Assistant, which Dr. Williams uses for appropriate knee
EXPERT CARE. BETTER MOVEMENT. STRONGER YOU.
replacement procedures. ROSA provides real-time information that assists with surgical planning and component positioning during the operation. Despite the term “robotic surgery,” the technology does not independently perform the procedure. The surgeon remains in control, using the system as an additional tool during surgery.
At WIO, technology is used to complement surgical experience and clinical judgment, not replace them. That balance between experience and advancement continues to influence how the practice moves forward.
GROWING WITH CENTRAL FLORIDA WIO’s growth has also followed the changing needs of the community it serves. Central Florida continues to grow, and the people who call the area home represent a wide range of ages, lifestyles and orthopedic needs. A patient may come to WIO because arthritis is beginning to interfere with daily life. Another may need treatment after a fracture or sports injury. Someone else may be considering joint replacement after conservative treatment is no longer providing the relief they need. And increasingly, patients are coming to WIO for conditions involving more than the hip or knee. The addition of shoulder and elbow, hand and wrist, and foot and ankle care allows the practice to address more of the orthopedic conditions that can affect movement throughout the body. It is a natural progression for a practice that has continued to evolve alongside its patients.
THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR WIO The next chapter for Williams Institute of Orthopedics builds upon the same foundation that has guided the practice from the beginning.
Hip and knee care and total joint replacement remain central to WIO. Robotic-assisted knee replacement continues to bring evolving technology into the operating room. Conservative treatments and regenerative medicine provide additional options for patients who may not need or be ready for surgery. Now, expanded orthopedic services are allowing WIO to care for even more of the conditions that can affect how people move, work and live. The practice is growing, but its purpose remains focused. Because behind every new service, treatment option and advancement in technology is the same goal: helping patients move forward. A knee that bends comfortably. A shoulder that moves freely. A hand that grips. An ankle that supports the next step. These movements may seem simple, but they are part of the independence and quality of life people depend on every day. For Williams Institute of Orthopedics, continuing to protect and restore that movement is not simply part of the next chapter. It is the reason for it.
HEALING IN MOTION.
John T. Wiiams Jr.,
13696 US 441, LADY LAKE / 352.755.1221 WILLIAMSORTHOPEDICS.COM
MD
They focus on seniors, so they know what we need. Lois | Actual patient
Adults 65+
At CenterWell®, you can count on our senior-focused primary care team to take a proactive approach to help keep you at your healthiest. We’re ready to spend the extra time it takes to get to know you and care for you. Because the more we understand your needs, the more we can deliver personalized healthcare, so you can keep doing what you love.
Senior-focused primary care
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OFFICE EQUIPMENT REPAIR EXPERTS
Business Techs Team Meet the Experts: Dedicated team leaders help make Business Techs, Inc. Central Florida’s trusted equipment service provider.
Business Techs 421 N Palmetto St, Leesburg | 352.326.3418 BusinessTechsInc.com
Your business depends on all office equipment running smoothly and efficiently. From printers to copiers and scanners, Business Techs, Inc. has been the leading equipment service provider in Central Florida since 1991. Whether you lease or purchase equipment, when problems arise, you need reliable service and you need it fast. With a guaranteed response time of 4 hours, Business Tech’s average response time is just 1.5 hours. Owner Beau Franklin has assembled an expert team that goes above and beyond to exceed customer expectations. Business Techs Inc. is proud to feature five of their stand-out leaders, who help make the company the best local provider for office equipment service. JENNIFER RAYSIN
“WE PLAN TO BE THERE WITHIN A 4-HOUR RESPONSE TIME, SO THEY’RE BACK UP AND RUNNING IN A TIMELY MANNER.” — J EN N I F ER R AYSI N
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OFFICE MANAGER / 18 YEARS
When someone calls Business Techs, Jennifer is often their first point of contact. In addition to communicating with customers on a daily basis, she handles all billing and accounts. She values being a key part of the family-oriented business that puts customers first. “Some issues can be fixed remotely, but we also have service technicians working in the field to replace parts or make repairs. When a customer needs service on their machine, we plan to be there within a 4-hour response time, so they’re back up and running in a timely manner,” says Jennifer, noting that repeat customers are a big part of their business. Customers can either buy or lease equipment, but leasing is common because this allows them to have the most updated technology. Originally from Maine, Jennifer has lived in Central Florida since childhood. She and her husband Michael call Fruitland Park home.
ANGIE BOLIEK ACCOUNT MANAGER & SYSTEMS SUPPORT 21 YEARS
For more than two decades now, Angie Boliek has used her skill sets to handle sales, installation, tech support and customer service. Her ability to troubleshoot and fix many problems remotely is vital. “Having worked in a large corporate office before, it’s really been a blessing to be part of a small, locally owned business. We develop relationships with our customers, and the business feels more personal,” says Angie. “When customers call, they know someone local is answering the phone. They know they can rely on us and that we’ll be there the same day to handle their issues. Other tech companies aren’t from the area, so customers can wait days for service.” A Volusia County native, Angie and her husband Chad have four children, aged 10 to 28. “When we’re not working, you’ll find us doing football and baseball with our younger kids,” says Angie.
“WHEN CUSTOMERS CALL, THEY KNOW SOMEONE LOCAL IS ANSWERING THE PHONE” —ANGIE BOLIEK
ADAM THOMAS
LEAH LEE
TECHNICIAN / 9.5 YEARS
SERVICE DISPATCHER / 4 YEARS
Adam started as a dispatcher and has grown with the company to become not only a quality technician but a natural leader. “This is the first job I stayed with long-term because I really love the company,” he says. “I love who I work with and the comradery; it’s just a great place to work.” He enjoys being out in the community and tries to keep a positive attitude because when a piece of equipment breaks down it can be stressful. “I try to ease the situation so when I leave it’s a lot better than when I got there.” He also goes the extra mile and stayed on-site to help with 350 payroll checks right before Hurricane Milton. “If it helps just to ease their stress, I don’t mind because it’s what we do.” Adam lives in Fruitland Park and when he isn’t solving local printer issues, he travels to state parks with his wife and three young boys.
JACOB FRANKLIN SERVICE TECHNICIAN / 7.5 YEARS
Service tech Jacob worked at Business Techs, Inc. during his high school summers and came aboard full-time in 2019. Since then, he has been focused on the service side of things, fixing equipment for all types of businesses. Trained in Atlanta and Sharp Gold certified, Jacob not only has the expertise but the experience to know that adding the monthly contract is crucial to keeping the machines in the best condition. “Parts and labor can get expensive if you aren’t covered and because we care, that’s what makes us different,” he says. “Our customer service is what we are known for.” Jacob lives in Leesburg and when he isn’t servicing wide format printers, he’s hanging out with his 2-year-old daughter Aurora Kate.
A transplant from Daytona Beach, Leah’s official title is “service dispatcher,” but her strength is the ability to jump in where needed. She’s been the friendly voice on the other end of the line who is there to help. Her bubbly personality has been a lifeline when frustrated customers can’t figure out what to do with their equipment. “People will call me with a machine down and I will do whatever it takes to get somebody there quickly,” she says. Leah lives in Fruitland Park where she loves finding bargains or browsing the local farmers markets with her 3-year-old daughter Ivory. “Leah is leaving us around Thanksgiving to have her second baby and be a stay-at-home mom,” says company owner Beau Franklin. “Thank you, Leah, for the last four years. You’ve been a delightful person to work with, and we’ll miss you.”
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ROOFING EXPERT
Jason Reisman Meet the Expert: As Chief Operating Officer of Eustis Roofing, Jason Reisman is dedicated to upholding the company’s 65-year legacy of quality craftsmanship, exceptional customer service and industryleading expertise. Jason takes pride in helping homeowners protect their greatest investments while strengthening Eustis Roofing’s standing as a trusted name in the roofing industry.
Eustis Roofing 2191 US Hwy. 441 | 15311 Old US Hwy. 441, Suite A eustisroofing.com | 352.343.4240
What makes Eustis Roofing a solid company? A: At Eustis Roofing, we take great pride in our excellent workmanship, competitive fees, and the ability to deliver outstanding results. Since our founding 65 years ago, we’ve worked hard toward building and maintaining a stellar reputation as the area’s leading roofing company. Today, Eustis Roofing is well-known outside Lake County. In fact, we’ve become a national icon. We have one of the top YouTube channels of all roofing companies with 7,000 subscribers. Being nationally recognized has allowed me to speak at some of the largest roofing conferences in the country. We’ve also been fortunate to win some prestigious awards. In 2021, Roofing Insights, the nation’s largest roofing media group, named us as its Roofing Company of the Year. We also received the CertainTeed Governor’s Award for maintaining a high customer service track record. These awards are a result of our customer service-oriented approach, attention to detail, and commitment to unparalleled quality in each project we complete.
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Experience matters. We are focused on roofing and that’s what we’ve been doing for 65 years. We have 170 employees directly under Eustis Roofing. We value the benefits of having a staffed crew of roofing employees instead of subcontractors. We can train them on par with our standards, and it gives clients peace of mind knowing they’ll receive the same quality of work every time they use us for their roofing needs. Also, our company can offer other services aside from new roofs. We can also actually repair a roof or rejuvenate a roof to help it last at least five years longer. Another reason clients choose us is because we have a wonderful relationship with CertainTeed, the country’s leading brand of roofing products. Because of that relationship, we offer the CertainTeed Exclusive 5-Star Warranty. Many companies offer a warranty, but what happens if that company goes out of business? So does the warranty. CertainTeed’s Exclusive 5-Star
Warranty means you are investing in the highest level of extended warranty coverage available. Going with a certified manufacturer’s warranty means you’re covered even if the roofing company you hired is no longer in business. It’s important to contract with a company that has established longevity and good relations with Manufacturer’s. We provide high-quality roofing services to our friends and neighbors in Lake County. Whether you require a roof replacement, repair, or inspection, we look forward to being there for you.
LANAI EXPERT
Colton Rands Meet the Expert: Colton Rands, Design Consultant at Custom Windows and Exterior Design, Inc. Since the early 1990s, Custom Windows has been doing custom lanai enclosures throughout Lake, Sumter and Marion counties.
Custom Windows
AND EXTERIOR DESIGN, INC. EST. 1987
How do I design my lanai to best suit my lifestyle? A: Designing your glass lanai enclosure should feel like an extension of how you live—never compromising, always elevating. The process begins by defining the experience you want the space to deliver. For some homeowners, that means an open, effortless environment designed for entertaining where large expanses of glass blur the line between indoors and out. For others, it’s about creating a tranquil retreat-quiet, protected, and refined--where mornings feel unhurried and evenings unwind with ease. The most successful lanai designs start with intention, followed by product selection. Expansive views should be treated as a priority, not an afterthought. Thoughtfully designed
39 YEARS OF
EXPERTISE
Custom Windows and Exterior Design, Inc. 3606 Parkway Blvd., Leesburg customwindowsrus.com | 352.787.9797
glass configurations frame the landscape, water or skyline while maximizing natural light and preserving privacy. Wide openings, clean sightlines and minimal visual interruptions allow the space to feel larger, brighter and more connected to its surroundings. When designed correctly, glass doesn’t dominate the space; it disappears into it. Equally important is the transition between indoor and outdoor living. A well-designed lanai should extend from the home into the enclosure, maintaining visual consistency and architectural harmony. Matching sightlines, aligned mullions, and complementary finishes create a seamless flow that feels intentional and refined. A welcoming connection with outdoor spaces is part of the design plan.
The goal is continuity. The lanai should feel like a purposeful extension of your home, not an addition. Performance is non-negotiable, especially in Florida’s demanding climate. High-quality glass systems deliver more than beauty. They provide protection from heat, UV exposure, wind and weather while enhancing year-round comfort. Advanced glazing options can reduce glare, improve energy efficiency and maintain interior comfort without sacrificing clarity or aesthetics. The right materials ensure longevity, durability and peace of mind. Flexibility transforms your enclosure from a seasonal space into a lifestyle space. Sliding configurations, large openings and adaptable layouts allow the environment to change instantly-from fully open for gatherings to partially enclosed for breezy afternoons or completely protected when the weather turns. Ultimately, lanai enclosure design is about balance: elegance without excess, strength without bulk and flexibility without visual clutter. Done correctly, the resulting space functions effortlessly, enriching how you live. We offer product lines for every budget and design goal.
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WELLNESS SPA EXPERT
Sabrina Ciceri Meet the Expert: Sabrina Ciceri, owner and founder of Immunity Health Spa, has been a leader in preventative medicine and wellness for the last 20 years. After working 10 years as a conventional nurse, she began training and learning natural ways to support the body so it can heal itself and boost the immune system to prevent premature aging and illness. She spent a decade working with the number one healing center in the world with serious diagnosis such as Cancer, Lyme disease, Auto Immune and much more. She brings that knowledge and passion to her home town community and is dedicated to using innovative treatments with scientific backing and proven protocols to help people achieve optimal health.
Immunity Health Spa 33040 Professional Drive, Leesburg | 833-4-TIME4U | immunityhealth.com
Life is so hectic and we’re soon going into one of the busiest seasons of the year. What treatments would you recommend for someone wanting to stay healthy and renew their energy? A: When we're "running on low," our cells may not have enough of the vital nutrients they need to efficiently produce energy, support the nervous system, and maintain normal body functions. IV nutrient therapy and vitamin injections can help replenish certain nutrients more quickly than oral supplementation alone.
How do you personalize a protocol for someone after their consultation? A: This is very individualized. We develop a protocol based on how the client is feeling and what struggles they share. Ideally, we encourage some type of diagnostic testing (advance lab test, stool testing, micronutrient testing, hormone testing, foodintolerance testing, etc.). Such testing is the best way to dig deeper and know exactly what is going on without guessing. There are times that testing may not be necessary and just based on conversation with the client,
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we’ve found that a good supplement, IV nutrient drip, or a treatment modality such as Red Light therapy, could be helpful.
If someone can only come in once or twice a month, which treatments would offer the most benefits for that schedule? A: Layering multiple therapies (bio-stacking) magnifies the benefits. If someone is looking for the best "Whole-Body" monthly visit plan, I recommend:
O P T I M I Z I N G H E A LT H . E L E VAT I N G L I F E .
• Personalized IV Nutrient Therapy - This will help replenish targeted nutrients, improve hydration, support energy, and immune function. You can choose from a full menu of IV Drips, depending on your individual needs. • Pair that IV Nutrient Therapy with one of the following modalities: - Hyperbaric (oxygenation and recovery support) - Theralight 360/Red Light Therapy (cellular energy and inflammation support) - VEMI Bed (nervous system relaxation and stress recovery) If you were able to do this plan even once per month, wow, what a bonus that will be for your body! We know that the body can heal itself when given the support it needs not just to survive but thrive.
TH E RA L I GH T 360
NUTRITION EXPERT
Katie Gravante, CL. N., CNC
Meet the Expert: Katie Gravante, CL. N., CNC, is a clinical nutritionist with Immunity Health Spa who has worked in the medical field for 30 years in both traditional medicine and functional medicine. She focuses on healing the body through a diagnostic and holistic approach that combines proper testing, supplementation, detoxification, dietary changes, and other supportive therapies and modalities.
O P T I M I Z I N G H E A LT H . E L E VAT I N G L I F E .
Immunity Health Spa 33040 Professional Drive, Leesburg | 833-4-TIME4U | immunityhealth.com
What is the gut-brain connection and how does this impact our everyday lives and health? A: The gut-brain connection is the two-way communication system between the digestive tract and the brain. The gut and brain are constantly sending signals back and forth through nerves, hormones, immune pathways, and chemicals produced by the gut microbe. When this is disrupted, we present with more symptoms like brain fog, low energy, mood changes, poor sleep, weight gain, bloating, digestion problems, low stress tolerance, compromised immune system, lowered ability to prevent disease and premature aging.
How can colonics release builtup waste and restore balance? A: We use closed system colonics, a therapy that addresses a range of issues. During treatment, filtered, temperature-controlled water is gently introduced into the large intestines at low pressure through a small rectal tube. The water helps soften and loosen stool, and the body's natural contractions help move waste out through the tubing system. It can help restore balance by assisting the
body's natural elimination process, relieving stool buildup, and creating gut awareness, which influences every cell in the body. Also, during colonics it’s great to introduce implants of nutrients that are immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and stimulate the liver to cleanse and detox. Most people feel an immediate improvement with energy, mental clarity, and reduction of bloating after the first session.
Who should consider using this treatment? A: Anyone could truly benefit from colonics, but there are some common signs that you may need treatment, including: • Constipation • Fatigue • Bad Breath • Body Odor • Skin Issues
• Bloating • Headaches • Mental Fog • Low Energy
What are ways to better support our health knowing the immune system is housed in the gut and most disease processes begin there? It’s not just one supplement or one dietary change that can take care of the requirements of a strong gut and immune system. We need multiple
approaches to support cleansing the entire body system and energizing our cellular health to stay strong and detox pathways clear. We have brought all of these to Immunity’s offerings: • Body massage, scrubs and wraps • Sauna, Cryotherapy (Dual Chamber Electric and cold plunge) • Steam and Hot tub • Colonics • IV Therapy • Redlight therapy • Hormones/Nutritional testing and support • Weekly and Monthly Cleansing Programs
PRESSURE CLEANING EXPERTS
US Pressure Clean, LLC Meet the Expert: US Pressure Clean provides professional pressure washing and exterior cleaning services for residential and commercial properties throughout Central Florida, with customized maintenance plans available.
US Pressure Clean uspressureclean.com | 1.800.444.6387
Why Florida roofs need attention, A: Florida’s heat, humidity, and rain create ideal conditions for algae, mold, and mildew. Those dark streaks are not just dirt; they are often organic growth spreading across the roof. This buildup can hold moisture, diminish curb appeal, and make an otherwise well-maintained home look prematurely aged if left untreated. Regular professional cleaning helps restore a cleaner, more uniform appearance and supports the roof’s long-term care and performance.
Why high pressure is the wrong approach. A: A roof should never be treated like a driveway. High-pressure washing can loosen protective granules on asphalt shingles, disturb tiles, force water beneath roofing materials, and damage flashing or seals. The finished result may look clean, but it is likely temporary, and problems will reveal themselves over time. Proper roof cleaning relies on professional judgment and a controlled, low-pressure process, and not aggressive force.
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The soft-wash difference
Benefits of professional roof care
A: Soft washing uses carefully selected cleaning solutions to treat organic growth at its source. A gentle, low-pressure rinse follows when appropriate. Before work begins, a trained professional should evaluate the material, age, and condition of the roof. The severity of growth, drainage, gutters, and downspouts, as well as nearby landscaping, should also be evaluated. Plants should be protected and hydrated, and runoff should be carefully controlled. Some remaining discoloration may continue to lighten naturally after treatment.
A: A properly cleaned roof can brighten the entire property. It will strengthen first impressions and help protect one of the home’s largest investments. US Pressure Clean offers a detailed inspection, property protection, professional soft-wash methods, and a final review. The goal is responsible care tailored to the surface, the home, and the conditions at hand.
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AGENDA
EV EN TS CULTURE PEOPLE
ATTRACTIONS A little face with big charm invites you to get delightfully close to Chase Sanctuary’s otters and penguins.
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Nov. 2026
ONGOING EVENTS Events are subject to change and cancellation. EVERY SATURDAY
EVERY MONDAY
EVERY TUESDAY
EVERY THURSDAY
1ST FRIDAY
Lakeridge Winery presents: Farmers Market 9am-3pm 19239 US 27, Clermont
Webster Farmers Market 6am-2pm 524 N Market Blvd., Webster
Lady Lake Farmers Market 9am-2pm 250 Rolling Acres Rd., Lady Lake
Lake County Farmers and Flea Market 8am-noon 2101 N CR 452, Eustis
Eustis First Friday 6-9pm Downtown Eustis
.
THE TO-DO LIST
H O LIDAY
Honoring Our Veterans
FESTIVAL
Ride On Motorcycles, live music and family-friendly fun take over Lucky U Cycles in Wildwood during the third annual Lucky U Fest. The two-day event features live bands, food vendors, two full bars, giveaways, vendors from across Florida and hundreds of motorcycles representing every major brand.
Celebrate our Vets at Events Throughout Lake and Sumter Counties
9049 N US Hwy. 301, Wildwood / 352.330.0047 luckyucycles.com
LAKE COUNTY Sat 11/7 Clermont Veterans Day Parade & Festival. Downtown/Waterfront Park. Parade 10am. Ceremony noon.
NOV
7-8
Sat 11/7 Salute to Veterans Festival. Downtown Eustis/Ferran Park. Fun Run 8:30am. Sky jump 9am. Parade 1pm. Ceremony 2pm. Wed 11/11 Mount Dora Salute to Service Ceremony. Gilbert Park, 310 S Tremain St. Wed 11/11 Umatilla Veterans Day Program. McTureous Memorial Park, SR 19. 10am. Wed 11/11 Tavares Veterans Wall Ceremony. Lake County Veterans Wall & Monument, 315 W Main St. 11am. Wed 11/11 Leesburg Veterans Day Tribute. Veterans Memorial, 600 W Meadow St. 11am. Wed 11/11 Fruitland Park Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony. Fruitland Park City Hall lawn, 506 W Berckman St. 11am.
SUMTER COUNTY Sat 11/7 The Villages Pre-Holiday Veterans Parade. Lake Sumter Landing. 10am. Wed 11/11 Wildwood Display of Honor. City Hall/Community Center, 6500 Powell Rd. Parade 11am. Luncheon noon. Wed 11/11 Bushnell Veterans Memorial Brick Ceremony. Sumter County Courthouse, 215 E McCollum Ave. 10am.
EVENT
NOV
14
FLIPPIN’ FUN
Lace up your running shoes and bring your appetite to the City of Leesburg’s third annual Flapjack 5K. Runners, walkers and families will race through downtown before celebrating with unlimited pancakes at the finish line. Registration includes an official race T-shirt, swag bag, finisher medal and chipped race bib. The 5K begins at 8am in Leesburg Towne Square. 501 W Meadow St., Leesburg / 352.728.9885 leesburgflorida.gov
Wed 11/11 The Villages Veterans Day Ceremony. Veterans Memorial Park. 10am.
ONGOING EVENTS Events are subject to change and cancellation. 1ST FRIDAY
EVERY SUNDAY
MONDAY & FRIDAY NIGHTS
EVERY FRIDAY
EVERY SUNDAY
Clermont First Friday Food Trucks 5:30-9pm 685 W Montrose St., Clermont
Downtown Clermont Farmers Market 9am-2pm Downtown Clermont
Car Shows in The Villages 5-8pm Lake Sumter Landing & Brownwood Paddock Square
Groveland Farmers Market 9am-1pm Lake David Park
Downtown Mount Dora Village Market 9am-2pm Downtown Mount Dora
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THE TO-DO LIST
NOV
22
EVENT
PAUSE FOR THE COS Comics, cosplay, gaming and pop culture collide when Lake County Comic Con celebrates five years at the Clermont Performing Arts Center. The one-day event features comic creators, artists, vendors, collectibles and costumed fun, giving fans of all ages a chance to meet creators, shop for merchandise and celebrate their favorite fandoms. Doors open at 10am. 3700 S US Hwy. 27, Clermont / 352.394.4800 clermontperformingarts.com
nov.
HOLIDAY LAUGHS
ON STAGE
November 22
“Clean” comedian Jeff Allen brings his Christmas Tour 2026 to The Sharon in The Villages. Jeff, who is known for familyfriendly humor about marriage, parenting and everyday life, has spent more than 40 years performing in clubs, theaters and on television and streaming platforms. His holiday show combines stand-up with a warm look at life and the Christmas season.
Enjoy quality entertainment on the many stages of Lake and Sumter counties. UP THE LADDER
November 13-December 13 The Broadway favorite “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” brings big laughs, catchy songs and corporate hijinks to the Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse. The winner of the 1962 Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama follows ambitious window washer J. Pierrepont Finch as he climbs the corporate ladder and finds romance along the way. Songs include “I Believe in You” and “Brotherhood of Man.”
The Sharon / 1051 Main St., The Villages 352.753.3229 / thevillagesentertainment.com
Let us help you get the word out! To have an event considered for the calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 45 days in advance of event to: calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749
Ice House Theatre / 1100 N Unser St., Mount Dora 352.383.4616 / icehousetheatre.com
ONGOING EVENTS Events are subject to change and cancellation. SECOND SATURDAY
EVERY SATURDAY
1ST & 3RD WEEK
2ND SATURDAY
FRIDAYS
4TH SATURDAY
Plaid in the Park 5-9pm 230 W 4th Ave., Mount Dora
Spanish Springs Mercado Outdoor Market & Music 9am-2pm
Market Night in The Villages 5-9pm Tue-Spanish Springs Wed-Lake Sumter Thu-Brownwood
Main Street Classic Car Show 5-9pm 510 W Main St., Leesburg
Story Time with Miss Cindy (Kids 0-6) 2pm, Marianne Beck Memorial Library, Howey-in-the-Hills
Eustis Classic Car Cruise-in 4-8pm Downtown Eustis
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nov.JAMS Move to the beat of your favorite performers at these great concerts and local venues!
Are you in a band and want to be included in our monthly calendar?
11/6 @ 7pm
11/18 @ 6:30pm
AN EVENING OF ABBA AND THE BEE GEES Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont
SHANIA LIVE – THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE Old Mill Playhouse, The Villages
11/7 @ 6:30pm LORRI LEE & THE SWEET DREAMS BAND Tavares Theater, Tavares
GIVEN TO FLY: THE PEARL JAM EXPERIENCE Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont
11/7 @ 7pm
11/20 @ 7pm
CRUSH — THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
Email us at gina@akersmediagroup.com.
11/7 @ 7pm CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: AC/DC HIGHWAY TO HELL The Tracy, Middleton
11/8 @ 3pm
11/20 @ 7pm
THE VILLAGES PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: MESSIAH 2026 The Sharon, The Villages
11/21 @ 2:30pm & 7pm THE ROCKET MAN SHOW Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO VETERANS Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont
11/22 @ 2:30 & 7pm
11/13 @ 7pm
11/28 @ 7pm
THE WHO REVUE Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont
11/14 @ 6:30pm LEESBURG BLUES BROTHERS WITH MEL AND THE MISFITS Old Mill Playhouse, The Villages
11/14 @ 6:30pm THE DUSTY ROAD BAND Fox Run Clubhouse, Tavares
11/14 @ 7pm URGENT – TRIBUTE TO FOREIGNER Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
11/15 @ 2:30pm & 7pm SOUL SACRIFICE – SANTANA TRIBUTE Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
THE MOODY BLUES – GO NOW! Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale BROADWAY BLOCKBUSTERS Savannah Center, The Villages
11/28 @ 2:30 & 7pm LET’S HANG ON (FRANKIE VALLI TRIBUTE) Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
12/2 @ 6:30pm “FEELING GOOD” A MICHAEL BUBLÉ TRIBUTE Old Mill Playhouse, The Villages
12/3 @ 2:30 & 7pm THE ULTIMATE ELVIS CHRISTMAS Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale
11/15 @ 7pm MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS BY CHIP DAVIS The Sharon, The Villages
ONGOING EVENTS Events are subject to change and cancellation. 2ND FRIDAY
1ST SATURDAY
SATURDAYS
EVERY MONDAY
EVERY LAST SATURDAY
OPEN DAILY
Second Friday Farmers Market 5-9pm Lake David Park, Groveland
Brown’s Junk in the Trunk 13940 US 301, Oxford
Villages Farmers Market Brownwood Paddock Square 9am-2pm
Boozy Bingo at Sawgrass Grove 5-8pm 766 Marilee Pl., The Villages
Howey Artisan Market 11am-2pm Mission Resort + Club 10400 CR 48, Howey-in-the-Hills
Lady Lake Butterfly Haven 231 Lake Griffin Rd., Lady Lake
(Use the field gate south of Brown’s Country Store on US 301)
LOCAL TALENT
PEO PLE
A Little Fairy Magic With imagination and secondhand finds, Sherry Allen creates tiny worlds of wonder. STORY: ROXANNE BATRIZ
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
herry E. C. Allen doesn’t simply make fairy gardens. She creates miniature worlds where gnomes have histories, fairies inspire stories and grown-ups are invited to feel like children again. About two years ago, troubled by the steady stream of bad news, Sherry began filling tabletop gardens with tiny houses, fanciful characters and unexpected treasures. “I wanted to do something to bring love and happiness to myself and to others,” she says. The idea dates back to when Sherry’s daughter was 8 and started a fairy club at school. The two searched their yard for fairies and collected miniature pieces together. Years later, when her daughter left for college, Sherry returned to those magical memories. “I thought, ‘If I make fairies, it will still bond me to her and make me think of her,’” she says. One garden led to another, and encouragement from others prompted Sherry to begin selling her work at pop-up shows throughout Lake, Sumter and Marion counties. She also accepts commissions,
turning customers’ ideas and personal stories into one-of-a-kind scenes. The materials are just as unique. Sherry searches antique shops, thrift stores and flea markets throughout Florida for unusual finds she cleans and polishes before building a story around them, including gnomes dating back to the 1930s she once used. Plus, each display is designed to spark the imagination. “Do you know what a joy it is to have a little kid come into my booth, point at a little fairy garden and start telling a story?” she asks, explaining that each story can be different. Still, some pieces carry deeply personal meaning, like a floral bicycle garden called “Mommy and Me,” that Sherry created for an apartment her mother was expected to occupy. Her mother died during the planning process, so Sherry dedicated the piece and next show to her. A legal and medical translator and interpreter for more than 30 years, Sherry considers her artistic talent a blessing to herself and others. “When I do these things, it brings me peace,” she says. “I believe this is a gift that was sent to me by God, so that I can bring innocence and happiness to others.”
Know of a talented person in our community? Email your recommendations to roxanne@ akersmediagroup.com.
ROXANNE BATRIZ
CENTRAL FLORIDA PLASTIC SURGERY AVAILABLE NOW!
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Lake Sumter Landing Professional Plaza | 910 Old Camp Rd. Suite 142 | The Villages
ATTRACTIONS
UP CLOSE AND
Chase Sanctuary’s newest encounters bring visitors face-to-face with otters, penguins and a mission much bigger than a day of animal fun. STORY & PHOTOS: CINDY PETERSON
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f having an otter climb into your lap or watching a penguin waddle over to investigate your shoes sounds like a good day, Chase Sanctuary has you covered. Style recently got an up-close look at two of the newest animal experiences offered at the nonprofit sanctuary in Webster, and these aren’t your typical lookbut-don’t-touch animal encounters. First up was Siren, an adorable and very friendly baby otter who wasted little time making herself the center of attention. Brody Broderick, Chase’s director of tours and experiences, led the encounter with an easygoing demeanor and genuine expertise,
sharing information about otters while allowing Siren’s personality to steal the show. Then came the penguins. Led by Amber Lockard, who oversees Chase’s African penguin program, the encounter gives guests the chance to get remarkably close to the critically endangered birds while learning about their behaviors, personalities and challenges in the wild. Chase currently offers both a dry penguin encounter, where visitors can meet and feed the birds and a penguin swim that puts guests directly into their habitat pool. The sanctuary also offers otter feeding experiences and swim lessons with a young otter.
Both encounters are fun and educational but there is a much bigger purpose behind them. Chase Sanctuary is a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and preserving endangered primates and exotic animals. The sanctuary says proceeds from its experiences go directly toward animal care, habitat upkeep and conservation efforts. That work stretches far beyond Webster. Chase supports African penguin conservation through the Dyer Island Conservation Trust in South Africa, funds field biologists and monitoring efforts in Madagascar and supports Proyecto Tití’s work protecting critically endangered cotton-top tamarins and their forest habitat in Colombia. Closer to home, its butterfly garden provides habitat for monarchs and other pollinators. There are plenty of other creatures to meet, too. Chase cares for primates, sloths, anteaters, wildcats, capybaras, miniature cows, birds and other exotic species. Visitors can choose from experiences including Painting with Primates, lemur tours, wildcat and carnivore tours, Keeper for a Day,
sloth and anteater encounters, fennec fox encounters and even lemur yoga. And for those who aren’t ready to leave, Chase Hacienda offers overnight accommodations surrounded by sanctuary animals. Just don’t load up the car and show up unannounced. Chase Sanctuary is open to the public by appointment only and experiences must be booked in advance. The animals may be what bring visitors through the gates, but Chase hopes they leave understanding why protecting them matters. And if a penguin in your lap or an otter by your side helps make that connection, all the better.
Brody Broderick Director of Tours and Experiences
Chase Sanctuary 6127 SE 122nd Blvd., Webster info@chasesanctuary.org chasesanctuary.org
Siren
IMPORTANT: Chase Sanctuary is open to the public by appointment only. Animal encounters and tours must be booked in advance through the sanctuary’s website.
Know a cool place you’d like us to feature? Send details to cindy@akersmediagroup.com.
CINDY PETERSON
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SA F E TRAV E L S
This Thanksgiving
WALK-INS WELCOME
OCALA & THE VILLAGES
FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO HELP ENSURE SAFE TRAVELING THIS
THANKSGIVING: BUCKLE UP!
Every time you get in a vehicle, no matter where you are sitting, buckle up. That click reduces your risk of being injured or killed in a crash by almost 50 percent.
OBSERVE AND OBEY ALL SPEED LIMITS. Speed limits may change as you drive through different types of roadways, so make sure you adjust your speed accordingly.
NEVER DRIVE DROWSY. The Thanksgiving holiday is a busy travel time for families wanting to celebrate together. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting everyone travelling on our roadways and providing the best information to travel safely.
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Do not drive when you are tired. It is risky to drive drowsy because fatigue can significantly slow down your thought process and reaction time.
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SPORTS FEATURE Ta’Mauri Collins turns the smallest openings into the kind of plays that bring fans to their feet.
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FEMALE ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
ATHLETE
JOZLYNN BRUNSON Jiu-jitsu is helping her build patience, confidence and how to learn from every loss. STORY AND PHOTO: CINDY PETERSON
YOU REALLY CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING AS LONG AS YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO IT.”
Why Jiu-Jitsu? I started jiu-jitsu when my younger brother started doing it again. I decided to give it a try and ended up really enjoying it. I’ve been training for about seven months. Greatest achievement: Winning a match at my first jiu-jitsu tournament was a big achievement for me. It was a lot of fun.
Biggest challenge: At my first tournament, there was no one else signed up in my weight division, so I had to move up to the women’s division. I was really nervous, especially since it was my first tournament, but as soon as I got out of my head, I was fine and ended up getting second place. PERFORMANCE PROFILE • White belt with one stripe in jiu-jitsu • 2nd place in gi at first jiu-jitsu tournament • 3rd place in no-gi at first jiu-jitsu tournament • Eagle Scout with five Eagle Palms School: Homeschool
Pre-match rituals: I usually listen to Christian hip-hop or worship music before my matches. It helps me get mentally prepared and in the right mindset.
Grade: Sophomore
Music for motivation:
Age: 15
“Washed” by Elevation Rhythm or “Fruits of My Labor” by Caleb Gordon.
Sports: Jiu-Jitsu / Soccer
Lessons learned: Jiu-jitsu has taught me to be tough mentally and physically. It has taught me to slow down and look at things with an open mind. It also taught me how to turn my losses into lessons and how to grow from them. Future goals: One of my biggest sports goals is to play college soccer. I plan to study aviation sciences and become a pilot.
For fun: When I’m not training, I like to read, crochet and practice guitar. I also play acoustic and electric guitar for my youth group worship team and have been playing for two years. I’m also involved in Scouting America, so sometimes I’m backpacking or camping in Georgia.
Words to live by: You really can achieve anything as long as you put your mind to it and put real effort into what you want to achieve. You are your biggest net. Stop thinking about all the things that could go wrong and start thinking about the things that can go right.
Know a talented student/athlete? Fill us in! Email your recommendations to cindy@akersmediagroup.com.
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CINDY PETERSON
MALE ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
ATHLETE
Emmett Strickland Wildwood eighth-grader throws his way to Junior Olympic gold. STORY: CINDY PETERSON
≈ PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL
PERFORMANCE PROFILE • National Champion, 2026 AAU Track and Field Junior Olympics, javelin with personal-best throw of 42.72 meters • First Track and Field Junior Olympic gold medalist in Sumter County • First place, AAU National Club Championships, 13B javelin with winning throw of 38.64 meters
School: Wildwood Middle High School Sport: Track and field Events: Javelin, discus and shot put Age: 12
Why track and field?
Pre-game ritual: I
My dad, Wildwood Middle High School coach Robby Strickland, was a sprinter in college. My papa, Derrel Strickland, was a cross country athlete and has coached track and field at Wildwood for more than 30 years. Our family is all about track and field.
always call my brother Emory and talk to him right before I compete. It’s always been a personal challenge for me to do as well or better than he did in throwing events.
Greatest sports achievement: Definitely earning first place at the AAU Junior Olympics this summer.
My goals: I am focusing on conditioning and javelin throw right now. I’m looking forward to competing throughout middle and high school and hopefully earning a spot on a college track and field team. Top of my playlist: “Holiday” by Green Day.
For fun: I enjoy playing video games, hanging out with my friends, collecting and trading Pokémon cards and attending youth group at my church.
years old and have been buying, selling and trading Pokémon and sports cards for years.
Fun facts: I play the violin and have played the flute in my school’s symphonic band since seventh grade. I’m in all honors classes at Wildwood Middle High School. I’ve also competed in Junior Bible Quiz since kindergarten and I love salad.
Biggest inspiration: My brother, Emory Strickland! He’s in college at FSU studying engineering now.
My future plans include: Going to college and earning a degree in business. I plan to use my education to run a business of my own — the riskier, the better! I’ve had investment accounts since I was 8
My mantra: Competition is the key to improvement.
Know a talented student/athlete? Fill us in! Email your recommendations to cindy@akersmediagroup.com.
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CINDY PETERSON
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HIM IF YOU CAN With 4.4 speed and 50 touchdowns so far, Tavares senior Ta’Mauri Collins blazes into the end zone. STORY: CINDY PETERSON PHOTOS: CINDY PETERSON
TA’MAURI COLLINS
AND PROVIDED
to follow them onto the field, although his mother initially worried about letting him play. He was hooked by the time she gave her approval. Ta’Mauri began his high school career at Leesburg, getting varsity reps as a freshman while also spending time on junior varsity. He later moved to Tavares, where he developed into a productive running back. Last season, he rushed for 1,478 yards, averaged 8.4 yards per carry,
Action photos provided by Melvyn McIntyre
nce Ta’Mauri Collins sees an opening, his mind starts racing. Hit the gap and don’t get caught. The Tavares High senior running back has the speed to make that plan work. Ta’Mauri has been clocked at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, but he says speed alone isn’t what allows him to break away from defenders. “A lot of what I do is vision,” Ta’Mauri says. “I’m really looking for where the defense is flowing to and which guys are gonna open up. You see the gap, you hit it, you don’t get caught.” Football has been part of Ta’Mauri’s life since he was 8. He grew up watching his older brothers play and wanted
WHEN THE GAP OPENS AND YOU GET THAT RUN, THERE’S NOTHING LIKE THAT FEELING.” — T A’ M A U R I C O L L I N S
CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS • SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE • 1,478 RUSHING YARDS AND 25 TOUCHDOWNS AS A JUNIOR • RANKED 13TH IN FLORIDA AND 3RD IN DIVISION 3A IN TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS STATEWIDE
scored 25 touchdowns – including a pair of 5-TD games – and earned second-team All-State honors. Through his first three games this season, he had five touchdowns, including one on a kickoff return. In a high school career full of highlights, one run stands out: during his sophomore year, in his first start against Umatilla, Ta’Mauri broke loose for a touchdown of more than 60 yards. “To be honest, I didn’t even really hear the crowd. I was in the moment trying to score.” Ta’Mauri, who stands 5’ 8” and weighs 175 lbs., considers himself an undersized running back. That belief forced him to work harder. Of course, not every carry results
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• 5-TIME PLAYER OF THE GAME HONOREE • AVERAGES AN EXPLOSIVE 9.4 YARDS PER CARRY FOR HIS CAREER • RUNS A 4.4-SECOND 40-YARD DASH
in touchdowns and cheers. Ta’Mauri has overcome obstacles. This summer he dealt with rhabdomyolysis following dehydration and overexertion. “I felt like that set me back a little bit,” he says. “But I’m back and working to get even better.” Ta’Mauri has his sights set on college ball. He’s looking at CarsonNewman University. Ta’Mauri believes he’d be a good fit at the Division II school in Jefferson City, Tennessee. After that, the NFL. “When the gap opens and you get that run, there’s nothing like that feeling,” he says. “In that moment, you feel like you’re the best on the field. That feeling drives me to get better.”
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Last year, during our United We Give Pre-Thanksgiving food distribution, we gave out more than 600 meals to our friends and neighbors who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet. This year, we expect even more. Many are just one emergency away from financial disaster. An unexpected trip to the ER or an expensive car repair can turn a family’s financial situation upside down. As the holidays approach, we hope you will consider helping us keep these families on solid ground.
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F OOD DRIN KS REVI EWS
STYLE BITES — THANKSGIVING Made with care, served with Style. Let the stuffing begin with recipes from our own kitchens.
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STYLE BITES — THANKSGIVING
RECIPE
FROM
KENDRA AKERS Publisher
The holidays have always been about family, tradition and gathering around the table. Now that most of my children are grown and have families of their own, I especially love having everyone home and making the dishes they grew up with. Watching them share those traditions with their own families makes those moments even more meaningful. I’m always looking for a side dish that feels a little special, and this has become a favorite. The Brussels sprouts are creamy and comforting with just a touch of heat from the cayenne pepper. Even people who swear they don’t like Brussels sprouts usually go back for seconds.
CHEESY BACON BRUSSELS SPROUTS CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS:
TO YOURS Style staff members share the dishes, traditions and memories that make the Thanksgiving season special. STORY: STYLE STAFF
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL & CINDY PETERSON
Food brings people together, especially during the holidays. Cooking for someone, sharing a favorite dish or making the recipe that has appeared on the family table for generations is one of the simplest ways to show that you care. The dishes we remember most are often tied to the people who made them and the stories shared around the table. This holiday season, the Style staff is sharing favorite recipes, treasured traditions and lasting memories that make them special. Enjoy these holiday favorites, from our table to yours.
5 slices bacon
1 2
/ tsp
cayenne pepper
3 Tbsp
butter
3 4
/ c
heavy cream
2
small shallots,
3 4
/ c
Gruyère cheese,
/ c
sharp white cheddar cheese,
finely chopped
2 lbs
Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
freshly shredded 3 4
freshly shredded
salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375°. Cook bacon in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, cool slightly and chop. Discard bacon fat. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and Brussels sprouts and season with salt and cayenne. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sprouts begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and pour cream over sprouts. Top with Gruyère, white cheddar and bacon. Bake 12–15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil 1 minute, if desired, for a golden top.
STYLE BITES — THANKSGIVING
CINDY PETERSON Executive Editor
As Style’s resident vegetarian, I’m always looking for dishes flavorful enough to win over even committed carnivores. With that, I am sharing a recipe I think can win over almost anyone. Stuffed acorn squash, which combines sweet roasted squash with wild rice, cranberries, pecans, spinach and herbs for a hearty fall meal that isn’t too heavy. It looks beautiful on a holiday table and can be made ahead and reheated when ready to serve. It’s special enough for Thanksgiving but easy enough to enjoy all season.
STUFFED ACORN SQUASH INGREDIENTS:
2
medium acorn squash
1 Tbsp
olive oil
1c
cooked wild rice
1 Tbsp
olive oil or butter
1
small onion, diced
2
cloves garlic, minced
2c
fresh spinach, chopped
1 3
/ c
dried cranberries
1 3
/ c
chopped pecans
/ tsp
dried sage
1 2 1 2
/ tsp
dried thyme
1 4
/ tsp
cinnamon
/ c
crumbled feta or goat cheese
1 2
1 Tbsp
maple syrup salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 400°. Halve squash and remove seeds. Brush cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast 30–40 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in wild rice, cranberries, pecans, sage, thyme and cinnamon and cook until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper. Turn squash cut-side up and fill with wild rice mixture. Top with feta or goat cheese, if using, and drizzle lightly with maple syrup. Return to oven for 10 minutes before serving.
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THERE’S SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT GATHERING AROUND THE TABLE AND SHARING FOOD WITH THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE.”
ROX ANNE BATRIZ Managing Editor
Growing up, our holidays in Nogales, AZ were filled with family and special food traditions. Easter meant my mom’s capirotada and Christmas included her famous refried beans with fresh tamales my dad brought home. Thanksgiving, however, was her specialty. She made homemade stuffing, calabacitas con queso and from-scratch pies, including apple, banana cream and enough pumpkin pies so every family could take one home. I’m forever spoiled because nobody else’s pumpkin pie tastes like my mom’s, so this year, I called her and had her walk me through every step of her recipe. Fingers crossed mine taste just like hers!
MOM’S PUMPKIN PIE INGREDIENTS:
large single pre-made pie crust
1
/ tsp
1 2
(can use homemade crust or gluten-free crust)
2c
canned or steamed pumpkin
2
eggs
/ c
light-brown sugar,
3 4
salt
1 tsp
cinnamon
1 2
/ tsp
ginger
1 1/2 c
evaporated milk
1
extra pie crust for decorating top of pie (optional)
firmly packed
DIRECTIONS:
TAYLOR BROWNE Office Manager
The holidays have always been a special time for my family, when everyone comes together from near and far. After we’ve stuffed ourselves, we settle onto the couch to watch football, relax and spend time together, usually followed by a very competitive card game. There’s something special about gathering around the table and sharing food with the people you love. My recipe is actually my mom’s broccoli casserole, a dish I look forward to every year because it is absolutely delicious!
Fit crust into pie pan, leaving slight overhang. Flute edges with fingers or crimp with a fork. Prick crust 10–12 times with a fork and partially bake at 450° for 6–8 minutes. Set aside. Beat eggs in a large bowl. Whisk in sugar, salt, cinnamon and ginger. Add pumpkin and evaporated milk and mix well. Pour into crust and bake at 450° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 300°, cover crust edges with foil and bake 45 minutes or until a thin knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool and serve with whipped cream. Refrigerate leftovers. Optional decor: Roll extra crust on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Place on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash and bake at 375° until golden brown. Arrange on pie once partially cooled to prevent filling from sinking.
CHEESY BROCCOLI CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS:
1 bag
frozen broccoli
1
large sweet onion
1 jar
Cheez Whiz
1 can
cream of mushroom soup
1 can
fried onions
DIRECTIONS:
Place broccoli in a microwave-safe dish with 1–2 cups water and cook about 7 minutes or until almost tender. Drain. Sauté onion in butter until lightly browned. Reduce heat and stir in cream of mushroom soup and Cheez Whiz. Place broccoli in a 9x11-inch baking dish and pour cheese mixture over top. Cover with foil and bake at 375° for 20 minutes. Uncover, top with fried onions and bake until browned.
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STYLE BITES — THANKSGIVING
GINA HORAN
Food and Lifestyle Editor I was rarely in the same house from one year to the next, and I think I can speak for all of us in the realm of extended/blended families who understand this reality. Because of this, I was always a misfit, invited to so many gatherings that I still appreciate other people’s tables. These were always some of my best memories. That’s why spending any holiday dinner with a stranger feels normal. I want to thank everyone who invited me into their home, restaurant or office. From potlucks to “Friendsgivings,” they have meant more than I can say!
PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE PARFAIT INGREDIENTS:
PUMPKIN MIX:
2 boxes no-bake cheesecake,
1c
pumpkin puree
WHIPPING CREAM: (may substitute with canned or Cool Whip)
/ c
brown sugar
1c
prepared according to directions and set aside to chill in fridge
1 4
2 Tbsp heavy cream 1 2
/ tsp
pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp
vanilla
/ tsp
salt
1 4
cold heavy whipping cream
2-3 Tbsp powdered sugar 2 Tbsp
cold mascarpone cheese
/ tsp
vanilla
1 2
DIRECTIONS:
In six-ounce clear plastic or glass cups, layer 1/3 pumpkin mix, 1/3 cheesecake mix and 1/3 pumpkin and cheesecake mix combined. Top with cold whipped cream, dust with pumpkin pie spice and add a shortbread cookie, if desired.
EMILY GAULIN Director of Client Services
Holiday dinners to me are all about having everyone together. I love the food, of course, but really it’s just having everyone around the table, laughing, talking and enjoying time together. I love all the traditions that come with the holidays and making the same foods we look forward to every year. Even though getting everything ready can be a little crazy, I wouldn’t change it. It’s just one of those times where everyone comes together and those are the memories that mean the most to me.
EMILY’S BUTTERY MASHED POTATOES INGREDIENTS:
1 bag
russet potatoes
/ stick butter
1 2
1 4
/ c
milk
1 Tbsp
Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base
DIRECTIONS:
Peel potatoes, rinse under cold water and cut into evenly sized chunks. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. For vegetarian potatoes, season water with salt; otherwise, add salt and 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base. Bring to a boil, uncovered, and cook 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain well and return to pot. Add 1/ 2 stick butter and 1/ 4 to 1/ 2 cup milk, depending on quantity and desired creaminess. Mash, adding salt to taste and more milk as needed, until creamy and desired consistency is reached.
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NICOLE HAMEL Chief Photographer
Some of my earliest childhood memories are among my most cherished, especially the Thanksgivings spent surrounded by family in Maine. Every year, my Grammy would welcome everyone into her home and prepare a wonderful feast for us to enjoy together. She put so much love into everything she cooked and those gatherings created memories that I will treasure forever. Even after Grammy passed away, we’ve continued making her glazed carrots as part of our family’s Thanksgiving tradition. What began as a simple side dish has become a special way to keep her memory alive and bring a little piece of her back to the table each year. She always told me to eat my carrots so I could keep my eyes strong enough to see. Today, every bite is a sweet reminder of her and of the love she put into every meal she made for our family.
SHAWNEE COPPOLA Art Director
Sweet potato casserole has been my absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving since I was a little kid. Growing up, my grandmother made the ultimate version, and while I still can’t quite match hers entirely, mine is still pretty delicious, especially since I always incorporate Granny’s secret … a whole lot of marshmallows! Over the years, it’s become my go-to dish to bring to Thanksgiving dinners and family gatherings. Some people like it with pecans, but I’ll always prefer the traditional marshmallowy goodness that my family grew up with.
SOUTHERN SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS:
4 Ibs
baked sweet potatoes (or two 32-oz cans of yams)
1 2
/ c
butter, melted
/ c
light brown sugar
1 4
2 tsp 1 tsp
1 2
/ tsp
ground nutmeg
1 tsp
vanilla extract
3c
mini marshmallows
(a little extra for sprinkling on top)
3 4
/ c
chopped pecans (optional)
salt
1
egg (optional; to make it lighter and fluffier)
ground cinnamon (a little extra for sprinkling on top)
GRAMMY’S GLAZED CARROTS INGREDIENTS:
2-3 bags baby carrots butter light brown sugar maple syrup water DIRECTIONS:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the baby carrots and cook until they are tender. Remove the pot from the heat and drain the carrots. Return the carrots to the pot and add butter, light brown sugar and maple syrup. Stir well to combine. Allow the butter, brown sugar and maple syrup to melt together and coat the carrots in a sweet, flavorful glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or coat with olive oil. Drain yams, transfer to a large mixing bowl and mash. Add melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt and egg, if using. Mix well. Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and top generously with mini marshmallows, then sprinkle with additional cinnamon and brown sugar. Add chopped pecans, if desired. Turn oven to broil and return dish to the uppermiddle rack. Broil 1–2 minutes, or until marshmallows are lightly browned. Be sure to watch closely because they can burn quickly. NOTE: You can omit the pecans or swap them for walnuts or cashews. You can also use fresh-baked sweet potatoes instead of canned yams, roughly 4 pounds.
“I ALWAYS INCORPORATE GRANNY’S SECRET … A WHOLE LOT OF MARSHMALLOWS!”
STYLE BITES — THANKSGIVING
MICHAEL GAULIN Creative Director
SMOKED WHOLE TURKEY BRINE:
8 qt
water
1 2
1/ c
kosher salt
1 2
/ c
brown sugar
1c
bourbon
2
oranges, cut into quarters
1
lemon, cut into quarters
1 3
/ c
whole peppercorns
10
whole garlic cloves
2
dried bay leaves
HERBED BUTTER:
1 stick
unsalted butter, room temperature
/ Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 2
/ Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 2
/ Tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 2
DRY RUB:
Olive oil Bourbon seasoning CAVITY STUFFING:
2
oranges, quartered
1
lemon, quartered
6
garlic cloves
1
yellow onion, quartered
10
sprigs thyme
2
large sprigs rosemary
SKIN TEXTURE:
Citrus honey Bourbon marinade
*Special thanks to Carla Garcia, owner of VerdeVin Plant Shop in Leesburg, for her beautiful table décor! 103 S 6th St., Leesburg / 352.530.7003
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DIRECTIONS:
Combine water, salt, sugar and bourbon in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and cool before adding remaining brine ingredients. Add turkey, cover and brine for 24 hours, but no longer than 30. Combine herbs with room-temperature butter and set aside. Preheat smoker to 275°. Remove turkey from brine, rinse and pat completely dry. Refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour to dry the skin. Stuff cavity with thyme, rosemary, oranges, lemon, onion and garlic. Tuck herbed butter under the skin, spreading evenly over breasts. Coat turkey liberally with olive oil and apply dry rub on all sides. Tie legs and wings with kitchen string or tuck tightly against turkey. Smoke 3–4 hours, about 15–20 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 165°. As turkey nears 165°, add honey-bourbon mixture and increase heat to finish the skin. Remove from smoker, cover with foil and rest 20 minutes before carving.
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Sawgrass Bay Elementary, Ashley Mitchell Seminole Springs Elementary, Samantha Tirse Sorrento Elementary, Delaney Heaberlin South Lake High, Jeykalis Trinidad Valentin Spring Creek Charter School , Jason Baker Tavares Elementary School, Michelle Bailey Tavares High School, Joshua Boatright Tavares Middle School, Kendall Wickson The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake, Lyndsey Carroll Treadway Elementary, Krista Kidd Triangle Elementary, Erissa Strunkey Umatilla Elementary, Sarah Pina Umatilla High School, Heather Carter Umatilla Middle, Chloe Campbell Windy Hill Middle School, Christina Arroyo
2027-2028 SCHOOL-RELATED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES Academy of Lake Hills North, Liz Mendez Academy of Lake Hills South, Jason Jones Astatula Elementary, Susan Heiller Aurelia M. Cole Academy, Kelsy Swiernik Beverly Shores Elementary, Wendy Shippee Carver Middle School, Glenda Heath Cecil E. Gray Middle School, Alana Rios Curriculum Instruction & Assessment, Jacqueline Roman Cypress Ridge Elemenary, Clifford Moore East Ridge High School, Rebecca Alvarado East Ridge Middle School, Andra Drozdyk ESE District Department, Shelly Hatch Eustis Elementary, Maria Parra Eustis Heights Elementary, Naliette Colon Morales Eustis High School, Robert Moton Eustis Middle School, Erin Porter Fruitland Park Elementary, Elaine Chiarello Grassy Lake Elementary, Alicia Sipe
Groveland Elementary, Ambar Muller Human Resources, Jasmine Scott Lake County Virtual School, Julie Herrera Lake Hills School, Lynn Anoai Lake Minneola High, Carla Schwalbach Lake Pointe Academy, Jessica Curbelo Lake Success Academy, Vanessa Campbell Lake Technical College, Joshua Jackson Leesburg Elementary School, John Vardiman Leesburg High School, Lori Humphrey Lincoln Park Education Center, Daniel Ortiz Lost Lake Elementary, Valerie Britton Mascotte Charter, Cynthia Jones Minneola Charter School, Stephanie Rogers Minneola Horizon Academy, Kelly Conti Mount Dora High School, Chuck Fortin Mount Dora Middle School, Dorina Jabbari Oak Park Middle School, Antwan Lambert
Pine Ridge Elementary, Jennifer Hunt Rimes Early Learning Center, Tracy Campoli Round Lake Charter, Audrey Pitts Sawgrass Bay Elementary, Shelly Lindner Seminole Springs Elementary, Ruben Vazquez Sorrento Elementary, Carrie Levingston South Lake High School, Jaclyn Geber Spring Creek Charter School, Jaime Hall Tavares Elementary School, Brittany Meany Tavares High School, Naomi Foskey Tavares Middle School, Chandra Whidden The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake, Thomas Horanzy Treadway Elementary, Tawnya Hoover Triangle Elementary, Tiffany Dickson Umatilla Elementary, Melissa Allen-Price Umatilla High School, Maria Ortiz Umatilla Middle, Sean Babcock Windy Hill Middle School, Matthew Foy
DINING GUIDE
DINE
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
Amor & Agave 2082 W CR 48 352.569.4221
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, Ste. 101 352.243.8988
Magnolia Breeze 110 N Bay St. 352.357.0162
OakWood Smokehouse & Grill 2911 David Walker Dr. 352.483.0137
Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W CR 44 352.589.9100
Subway
1930 N Hwy. 19 352.589.8887
HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS
LEESBURG
JB Boondocks Bar & Grill
Brooklyn’s Pizzeria
704 S Lakeshore Blvd. 352.324.3600
La Hacienda Restaurant at Mission Resort + Club 10400 CR 48 352.324.3910
Grove House Restaurant at Mission Resort + Club
Crooked Spoon Gastropub
THAT Place
LADY LAKE
Guru Indian Restaurant
2400 S Hwy. 27, Ste. 101 352.241.9884
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards 19239 US Hwy. 27 352.394.8627
OakWood Smokehouse & Grill 230 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.394.0036
Yummis Frozen Yogurt & Café
925 N Bay St. #7 352.308.8676
The Troff
936 N Bay St. 352.357.9939
Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E Orange Ave. 352.589.9001
F RU I T LA N D PA R K
Mystic Ice Cream 1217 W Miller St. 352.812.1366
Stavro’s & Sons 3223 US Hwy. 441 352.315.0028
The Rose Plantation 200 Rose Ave. 352.805.4340
10400 CR 48 352.324.3911
1 Lagrande Blvd. 352.750.3335
Harbor Hills Country Club
6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000
Latin Flavors Bar & Grill
13769 US Hwy. 441 352.561.4002
Marco’s Pizza 13721 US Hwy. 441 352.775.1500
OakWood Smokehouse & Grill
Red Wing Restaurant
Takis Greek & Italian Restaurant
7965 SR 50 A500 352.557.5007
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10301 US Hwy. 441 352.728.6669
La Palma Mexican Grill
EUSTIS
Barrels & Boards
Ichiban Chinese & Japanese Buffet
El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant
700 US Hwy. 441 352.750.9998
860 US Hwy. 441 352.751.5640
12500 S SR 33 352.429.2997
HP Grill
Bamboo Bistro
GROVELAND
15241 US Hwy. 441 352.357.1255
Firehouse Subs
Kawachi Sushi & Bar
650 8th St. 352.243.4529
Gator’s Dockside
708 S 14th St. 352.805.4888
1403 S 14th St. 352.314.0006
469 Plaza Dr. 352.357.7827
Taki’s Pizza House
2395 S Hwy. 27 352.989.4403
Donut King
Subway
1600 S Bay St. 352.357.0022
DonZito Pizza & Pasta
10700 US Hwy. 441, Ste. 101 352.253.2442
709 N 14th St. 352.323.3473
707 W Montrose St. 352.404.9431
200 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.404.7808
Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant
10400 CR 48 352.324.2718
Conquistador Bar & Restaurant at Mission Resort + Club
Cheeser’s Palace Café
27405 US Hwy. 27 352.728.2020
13761 N US Hwy. 441 352.430.3630
10601 US Hwy. 441, Ste. C12 352.431.3449 1690 Citrus Blvd. 352.323.1444
Luna Azul Authentic Mexican 1341 S 14th St. 352.805.4174
Marmadukes Brewery & Eatery 215 W Main St. 352.460.0421
McCracken’s Irish Pub 719 W Main St. 352.460.0659
Mystic Ice Cream 314 W Main St. 352.812.1366
OakWood Smokehouse & Grill
Rodello’s Italian Restaurant 26736 US Hwy. 27 352.319.8093
Ski Beach Bar & Grill 21 Dozier Cir. 352.973.0793
The Brick & Barrel Public House 209 W Main St. 352.431.3069
The Coffee Snob
1101 W North Blvd., Ste. 1 352.460.4570
The Social Cellar 605 W Magnolia St. 352.638.6113
Wolfy’s
918 N 14th St. 352.787.6777 M OUNT ORA MOUNT DORA
Barnwood Country Kitchen & Smokehouse 3725 W Old US Hwy. 441 352.630.4903
Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 421 N Baker St. 352.385.3540
Magical Meat Boutique 3725 W Old US Hwy. 441 352.630.4903
Mount Dora Pizza & Subs
2718 W Old US Hwy. 441 352.383.5303
Pisces Rising 239 W 4th Ave. 352.385.2669
Subway
18870 US Hwy. 441 352.735.4376
27745 US Hwy. 27 352.435.4633
OXFORD
Prime 3 on Main
Candelaria Eatery & Café
610 W Main St. 352.314.0015
4059 Thomas St., Unit A01 352.399.2329
D G O OU B G R O N T H 'S
M T H IS O R 'S E D IT P IC K
The Social Cellar Pours Fresh Charm into Downtown Leesburg Wine takes center stage at The Social Cellar, a cozy neighborhood spot inside the historic Magnolia House in the heart of Downtown Leesburg. Hundreds of bottles line the walls, including reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines from around the world, plus beer and specialty wine slushies. Pair your pour with shareable bites including charcuterie, shrimp ceviche, hummus plates, burrata Caprese, artichoke bruschetta, prosciutto and Brie bites with Margherita and pepperoni flatbreads. Gluten-free crackers are also available with the hummus upon request. The intimate wine bar turns up the volume on weekends with local musicians performing every Friday and Saturday from 6–9pm. Karaoke takes over the first Saturday of each month, with special events throughout the year. Find a bottle you love? Wines are also available to take home. The Social Cellar / 605 W Magnolia St., Leesburg / 352.638.6113 / thesocialcellarleesburg.com
Pho Saigon
11717 US Hwy. 301 352.492.9423 TA SUMMERFIELD
Francesco’s Ristorante Stone Fire Pizza 16770 US Hwy. 441, Ste. 608 352.693.2008 TAVARES
Bella Nonna Pizzeria & More 280 Silverado St. 352.508.9370
Cousin’s Kolaches 359 E Burleigh Blvd. 352.742.7432
BTW (Burgers, Tacos & Waffles) 115 E Main St. 352.508.9287
Fish Camp on Lake Eustis
901 Lake Shore Blvd. 352.742.4400
Hurricane Dockside Grill
3351 W Burleigh Blvd. 352.508.5137
Lopez Legacy Golf & Country Club 17145 Buena Vista Blvd. 352.753.1450
NYPD Pizzeria
4046 Wedgewood Ln. 352.750.1994
Peachwave
Subway
8796 SE 165th Mulberry Ln. 352.750.9991
TooJay’s Deli 1129 Canal St. 352.430.0410
TooJay’s Deli
2835 Brownwood Blvd. 352.350.2122
T HE V I LLAGE S
249 Colony Blvd. 352.750.2238
Cody’s Roadhouse Brownwood
Peterbrooke Chocolatier
VKI Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Cody’s Original Roadhouse
Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
UMATILLA
3731 Meggison Rd. 352.430.2996
1041 Lake Shore Dr. 352.259.8500
Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream
1001 Lake Shore Dr. 352.751.0261
1087 Canal St. 352.415.8700
2468 Burnsed Blvd. 352.626.1059
Sakura Japanese Restaurant 265 Colony Blvd. 352.205.7393
Subway
WILDWOOD
Marco’s Pizza
5806 Seven Mile Dr., Ste. 101 352.571.2400
Oakwood Express 1210 N Main St. 352.461.0528
The Humble Native 819 S Main St. 352.571.8632
1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887
Sunsational Farms 40541 Roger Giles Rd. 352.771.2013
The Mason Jar
37534 SR 19 352.605.8151
1580 Bella Cruz Dr. 352.750.9600 N OV ' 2 6 • L A K E A N D S U M T E R S T Y L E .C O M
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DINING GUIDE
Guru Indian Restaurant CLERMONT HILLSIDE TERRACE, 2400 S. U.S. 27, SUITE 101, CLERMONT 352.241.9884 | GURURESTAURANTCLERMONT.COM Celebrating 11 years, Guru Indian Restaurant offers you top quality family-style Indian dining. Chef Uday Kadam and his team are always ready to help you celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, staff meetings, and special occasions making each experience savory and wonderful. Celebrate your birthday at Guru with a FREE Dine-In Entrée, with ID Proof. Guru offers over 50 delicious entrees with generous portions of the finest prime quality beef, lamb, chicken, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. Their dishes are custom prepared and cooked to match your desired taste from mild or medium to hot and spicy. They offer mouth-watering appetizers, richly flavored Naan breads, tasty desserts, and refreshing drinks. Guru Indian Restaurant has proudly been awarded dozens of fine dining awards from the Clermont, South Lake, and Central Florida media for being ‘The Best Indian Restaurant in Central Florida’ and for ‘The Best Entrees.’ Guru has been named one of the ‘Top Restaurants in Central Florida’ by nationally respected Trip Advisor since 2018. Guru offers great catering for staff meetings and parties. Try their take-out options or deliveries with Door Dash, Uber Eats, and EZ Cater.
La Palma Mexican Grill 1690 CITRUS BLVD., LEESBURG | 352.323.1444 LAPALMAGRILL.COM La Palma Mexican Grill in Leesburg serves up bold Mexican flavors, big portions and a festive vibe that feels like Cinco de Mayo all year. Owner Ildefonso Hernandez’s menu covers everything from crispy mojarra and hearty siete mares soup to enchiladas, fajitas and arroz con pollo. The 15-inch burrito Tejano and the sizzling Molcajete loaded with steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo and veggies are must-tries. Weekly specials include $5 margaritas on Mondays and Taco Tuesdays with $1.99 tacos and 3-for-1 margaritas. The bar stays lively with beer, wine, spirits and colorful margaritas served in Patron bottles, Ildefonso’s own twist. La Palma also excels at catering, trusted by companies like Walmart and Premier Pools, and offers a private party room for up to 50 guests. Open seven days a week, it is the spot for authentic dishes, fun drinks and a lively atmosphere that turns any meal into a celebration.
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.
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Open 7 Days A Week From 11:00am-10:30pm AVAILABLE NOW!: Lone Lion – New autobiography book by Uday Kadam GET IT ON Amazon.com
Open Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm $5 Margarita Mondays Taco Tuesdays $1.99 + tax & 3-for-1 Margaritas
Catering available year-round.
Open Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm
November
13th - 14th 5pm - 9pm
$35 Per Ticket
Includes free glass of wine, live music, and two drone shows per night.
November
27th - 29th Fri & Sat 10am - 5pm Sun 11am - 5pm
Artisan Market, Live Music, Food & Wine $5 Admission Includes free wine tasting. Kids 12 & under free for both events
For More Information Visit www.LakeridgeWinery.com
19239 US 27 North • Clermont, FL 34715 • 352-394-8627 • 1-800-768-WINE
BANKING THAT FLOWS WITH YOU Convenient, customer-focused banking backed by exceptional customer service since 1937.
Call or visit us online today! 352.669.2121 | unitedsouthernbank.com
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FINAL THOUGHT
My grandparents’ legacy sparked a lifelong respect for the men and women who served. STORY: CINDY PETERSON
y heart for veterans started with my grandfather, Tom Sharp. He was a U.S. Marine and much of the drive I carry today came from him. He was always pushing me to do better, encouraging me to reach a little farther and reminding me not to settle. He also jokingly called me his favorite grandchild, which, of course, I chose to believe. His story with my grandmother began in a way no one would ever plan. During a training exercise gone wrong, my grandfather was shot at and broke his back. His best friend was killed. My grandmother, a Navy nurse, cared for him while he recovered. Eventually, he worked up the nerve to ask her on a date. Their first date was to a drive-in movie. She was so nervous she spilled coffee all
over him. Apparently, that was enough to solidify what became a 57-year marriage. My grandfather died in 2010. My grandmother turns 94 this December. Because of them, veterans have always held a special place in my heart. There is something extraordinary about a person willing to stand up and fight for what they believe in. There is also something extraordinary about the families who watch a son, daughter, husband or wife leave, knowing there is always the possibility they may not come home. Veterans have seen things most civilians can probably never fully imagine. Over the years, I have had the privilege of sitting with veterans and hearing their stories, from
damaged planes brought safely home and teams led out of enemy territory. And prisoners rescued from internment camps and the heartbreak of Vietnam veterans returning to a country that often treated them with cruelty instead of gratitude. Then there are the Tuskegee Airmen, who fought for their country while also fighting for the equal rights they deserved. Considering all who served during World War II, an entire generation of veterans is nearly gone, and with them go firsthand stories we can never replace. Veterans are a different breed of humanity. Their courage, sacrifice and resilience deserve far more than a single day of recognition. They deserve our respect, our gratitude and, most importantly, to be remembered.
Hey, readers! Is there a particular subject that you would like me to write a commentary about? Tell me, via email at cindy@akersmediagroup.com.
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CINDY PETERSON
A Lasting Memory It is our goal to help you say goodbye to your special friend in the most caring and understanding way.
“A way to provide the respect and loyalty after death that your pet freely gave in life”
Lisa Elliott
Crematory Director
Central Florida Pet Crematory has been serving Lake and Marion Counties since 2002.
352.307.2256 // 10725 SE 36th Ave www.cflpetcrematory.com
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