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!

Treadwell Farms Offers High-Quality Hemp Products Even Closer to Nature

Treadwell Farms, a Florida family hemp company, is always seeking ways to include helpful, supportive elements of the hemp plant into its products. The company, featured in 2021 by Style Magazine, has done just that by elevating its CBD Hemp…

The Men of Morris Realty and Investments

L-R: Trey Haliday, Guy Shipley, Scott Strem, Mike Barrett, Jr., Kevin Shipley, and Judd Dickerson At Morris Realty and Investments, a group of dedicated male agents help clients find closure. Morris Realty and Investments began as a dream of Theresa…

Person of Interest: Daniel Keel

By becoming a black fighter pilot, Daniel Keel broke racial barriers and changed the future. Photo: Nicole Hamel Vital Stats: 99 years old. One of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, the first black military aviators in the U.S. Army AirCorps. His…

Final Thought: Confessions of a political junkie

“My name is James, and I’m a pollaholic.” I don’t smoke cigarettes. However, I sympathize with those who cannot quit. I have a terrible habit myself. Every other year when presidential or midterm elections are held, I become a pollaholic.…

Healthy Inspiration: Bill Miller

Being quadriplegic never stopped Bill Miller from accomplishing incredible feats. Photos provided by Jackie Johnson. Sometimes, life and tragedy intersect. You can either wallow in self-pity or accept the hand you’re dealt and emerge stronger than ever. Bill Miller chose…

Congressional Candidate Laura Loomer to appear in Wildwood tonight

With Florida’s primary election less than three months away, candidates are hitting the campaign trail to schmooze over voters. One campaign event is happening tonight in Wildwood. Laura Loomer, who is running against incumbent Dan Webster for Florida’s 11thCongressional District…

Florida Department of Health Lake County observes Healthy and Safe Swimming Week

The Florida Department of Health in Lake County will be observing the annual “Healthy and Safe Swimming Week” May 23-29, 2022. This year’s theme is “Make a Healthy Splash: Stay Healthy and Safe in Splash Pads.” “Together we can make…

Hope for the hopeless

Three victim advocates for the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office assist crime victims by providing them with empathy and respect, current and timely information, and ongoing support and assistance. Photos: Nicole Hamel Bloody noses. Hurtful words. Controlling behavior. For Jessi Laytart,…

Healthy Inspiration: A path to kindness

A local woman introduces a fresh spin on raising scholarship money. Photo: Nicole Hamel Eustis resident Tracy Draper knows how to peddle—or, in her case, pedal—goodwill. In 2014, the avid cycling enthusiast completed a 35-day, 3,059-mile bicycle ride from Malibu,…

In the Villages: Gold-timers

Retirees vie for medals in The Villages Senior Games. The gun sounds. Runners take off in a dead sprint and are neck and neck to the finish line. The clock ticks. A basketball shooter has one minute to make as…