Author Archives

James Combs

Akers Media Group's James Combs has been a staff writer for several local publications since August 2000. He has had the privilege of interviewing some of Lake County's many fascinating residents—from innovative business owners to heroic war veterans—and bringing their stories to life. A resident of Lake County since 1986, James recently embarked on a journey to lead a healthier lifestyle. He has lost 60 pounds and walks nearly five miles a day. In his spare time, he enjoys target shooting, skeet shooting and watching his beloved Kentucky Wildcats!

Lake County baseball star joins the Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Jonathan Lucroy, a two-time All-Star catcher who attended Umatilla High School, to a minor league contract. Lucroy, 34, was a four-year starter at Umatilla High and later attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he…

Matter of life and breath

For the sake of your health, don’t sleep on sleep apnea. Kathy Chastain learned that bad dreams sometimes do come true. Not long ago, the Eustis resident would dream about suffocating, then she’d abruptly wake up choking or gasping for…

My First Time: Shawn Flohre

Photo: Nicole Hamel Life and death decisions at 9,000 feet: The unforgettable firsts of a flight paramedic. Losing a child I flew to the scene where an ATV had flipped over on a child who was riding it. The child…

Fork on the Road: Blowin’ smoke

Three Generations BBQ pitmaster continues proud family tradition. Photos: Nicole Hamel Standing outside on a sizzling summer day, an enthusiastic pitmaster slides a shovel under a pile of burning oak wood and scoops up a few small pieces. With shovel…

Here’s what makes Urology Institute of Central Florida stand out

Urology Institute of Central Florida announced that it was named the only Rezum Center of Excellence in the southeastern United States by Boston Scientific, according to a press release. Using Rezum Water Vapor Therapy, Dr. James W. Young III is…

USB gets a new asset

United Southern Bank welcomed Andre Nacaxe as senior trust officer last week, according to a press release. Prior to joining USB, Andre’s 15-year long career in trust and investment management was spent working for a community bank in Illinois and a boutique…