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!

Lives Matter. Apple says so does privacy

Most people assume privacy is dead in an online world. One tech giant is trying to keep some privacy alive. Apple’s iOS 14, the operating system for iPhones that was released in Sept. 2020, has led to big changes in…

Things are looking up at LHS

This morning, employees of the UF Health Leesburg Hospital Foundation donated 25 scrubs to Leesburg High School students. Students donned the scrubs and posed in a photograph alongside Erica Labud, president of the UF Health Leesburg Hospital Foundation, Michael Randolph,…

Remembering a champion for civil rights

Lake Countians can relive the spirit of a pioneering African American woman. On Feb. 3, Ersual Knox Odom will portray Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune inside the Leesburg Public Library amphitheater. She’ll share impactful moments of Dr. Bethune’s extraordinary life. Dr.…

One smart cookie

Realtor of the Year brings touch of home to real estate. Photo: Douglas Tyler Kara Wisely sweetens real estate transactions. With each home closing, the executive chef turned real estate agent makes clients a salted honey pie or batch of…

Outstanding Student: Alexis Gamez

Raising the bar for female weightlifters. Photos: Nicole Hamel Vital Stats Will graduate Leesburg High School in 2021. Captain of LHS weightlifting team. Student representative for the LHS program Pledge Against Bullying. President of Student Government Association (SGA), Region…

Final Thought: Your bracket will be a bust

Filling out a perfect NCAA Tournament bracket is far from a slam dunk. The NCAA Tournament field will be announced next month. As the clock ticks toward tipoff, millions will scramble to gain insight and knowledge so they can fill…

Could U.S. Hwy. 27 be renamed President Donald J. Trump Highway?

Though Donald Trump’s presidency ended on Wednesday, one state lawmaker hopes to pay a lasting tribute by naming one of Florida’s longest highways after Trump. Florida Rep. Anthony Sabatini plans to introduce legislation that would rename U.S. Hwy. 27 as…

“But Obama never came for your guns”

“Calm down. Obama never tried to take your guns or enforce any major gun control law that would infringe on your 2ndAmendment rights.” That line is commonly used by gun control advocates. It’s also the reason they feel gun owners…

Small business owners sound off on Florida’s minimum wage increase

Florida voters in November passed a constitutional amendment that will gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2026. The minimum wage will increase each September as follows: *$10 on Sept. 30, 2021 *$11 on Sept. 30, 2022 *$12 on…