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!

Raising the bar for sports fans

ON THE SCENE, Social Spotlight | September 1, 2017

A wonderful season of football is on tap at various Lake and Sumter county sports bars. It’s the first day of the NFL season. Fans are lining up before the game so they can get inside and watch their beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. That may not sound too unusual, except that the Steelers are opening their season some 1,062 miles away in Cleveland. But a little…

Pigskin glory

Meet a Villager, Village Edition | September 1, 2017

Former NFL punter Larry Seiple gets a kick out of sharing his favorite football memory. The position of punter receives little glory. Unless, of course, you’re Villages resident Larry Seiple, whose heroic play is forever etched in the memories of Miami Dolphins fans. In 1972, Larry’s Dolphins faced Pittsburgh and the “Steel Curtain” defense in the American Football Conference championship game. Trailing 7-0, the Dolphins…

James Barbeque

AROUND THE TABLE, Fork on the Road | September 1, 2017

Love me tender There are few things more Southern than a heaping plate of barbecue. That’s why I was happy to take my growling stomach to James Barbeque in Groveland, a restaurant that proudly claims patrons don’t need teeth to enjoy their ribs, chicken, and brisket. Chew on that bold statement for a couple of seconds. Indeed, the restaurant’s smoked, slow-cooked meats are, as my…

How Generous

What's Going On | August 30, 2017

In August, local residents, churches, civic organizations, and business leaders participated in Project Generosity, a fundraising effort for Fruitland Park Elementary to purchase equipment and supplies not covered by the school budget. During the weeklong fundraising effort, individuals spread the word through social media, while local churches took up offerings from their congregations. In addition, businesses made financial donations and even held special events to…

Gastroparesis: Food for thought

Living Healthy, Village Edition | August 1, 2017

Not many people know about gastroparesis, a condition where your stomach fails to empty food in a normal fashion. Sunday dinner is laid out. You feast your eyes on some of your favorite dishes—turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, and cranberry sauce. But after only a few bites, a strange feeling overcomes you. Without warning, the post-lunch bloating sensation rears its ugly…

cuban & bbq 2 go

AROUND THE TABLE, Fork on the Road | August 1, 2017

BBQ-uban: A Leesburg restaurant offers the best of both worlds for those who love Cuban-style sandwiches and barbecue. The personable service delivered by Tajanita Rainey is enough to make customers become regulars at Cuban & BBQ 2 Go. “My husband has always wanted to open a barbecue restaurant, so when we opened this we put a twist on it by offering Cuban food, as well,” Tajanita…

The empire spikes back

ON THE SCENE, Social Spotlight | August 1, 2017

Lake County has netted a prestigious volleyball tournament. Alisha Hoffman spent years with her head buried in the sand. The same can be said about her arms, legs, and feet. For her, sand offers a soft-landing pad for her favorite sport—beach volleyball. A lifelong resident of Lake County, Alisha was a star player on Stetson University’s beach volleyball team in 2012. She continues playing competitively…

Technically speaking

Features | July 1, 2017

Lake and Sumter Counties are on the cusp of some exciting changes in technology. MEDICAL 3D knees Bill Eggert of The Villages was apprehensive after learning he needed a total knee replacement. After all, he endured surgery on his left knee 11 years ago. It was a slow and painful recovery. But this time would be different. His surgeon, Dr. John T. Williams, Jr. of…

DiGino’s

Fork on the Road | July 1, 2017

A slice of greatness DiGino’s serves up tasty pizza and other Italian delights DiGino’s is a neighborhood Italian restaurant in Tavares that touts its New York-style pizza. Therefore, it’s no surprise that a big part of its décor consists of black-and-white photographs depicting magnificent scenes such as the New York City skyline and two men playing golf atop a downtown skyscraper. The faux brick counter…

A salute to military history

In The Villages | July 1, 2017

Be prepared for your patriotic juices to flow when visiting the Eisenhower Recreation Center. They call it a recreation center. It could easily pass for a military museum. That’s because the array of interesting artifacts and photographs spanning World War I through present-day wars in Afghanistan and Iraq will likely broaden a visitor’s knowledge and appreciation of U.S. military heritage. Uniforms representing every branch of…