AGENDA

Local Talent: Acting chops

Drama class, performing on stage boosted Alan Hickey’s self-esteem as a teen. Acting is in Alan Hickey’s blood. Performing on stage has been the Ocala mental health counselor’s lifeblood in high school, college, and community theater groups where he has…

Attractions: Showing off muscles

Local car show revs up interest among automotive enthusiasts. Photos: Nicole Hamel Jose Fuentes pops the hood of his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro to reveal an engine as clean and shiny as the white exterior. Nine years ago, he restored the…

Attractions: Travel back in time

Add Clermont Historic Village to your list of places to visit. Photos: Nicole Hamel Whether you are a local Clermont resident or an out-of-town visitor, the Clermont Historic Village is a definite must-see. In 1996, the City of Clermont purchased…

Local Talent: Re-purposed

Clermont-based singer/songwriter Patrick Gibson finds new calling through music he hopes will inspire the world. Photos: Douglas Tyler Making music is nothing new for Patrick Gibson, but the heart behind his songs is newly inspired. “I like that God gave…

Local Talent: Coloring their world

Clermont teacher creates personalized chalk drawings to make students feel special. Photos: Nicole Hamel In the early phases of distance learning from COVID-19, teacher Amy Nichols connected with her Pine Ridge Elementary kindergarten students in a fun, artistic way: she…

Attractions: The sweet smell of success

Business owner from Miami is looking forward to a bright future in Eustis. Photos: Anthony Rao Lake County will soon be home to a company whose owner is taking the candle business by storm. Karen Lawrence, who owns Lulu Candles…

Local Talent: Living a ‘Wonderful Life’

Nonagenarian Bill Van Riper delights by crooning on stage at venues around The Villages. Bill Van Riper, 91, proudly takes credit for being the oldest singer on stage when he performs at Barb’s Barn Country Music in Oxford, Orange Blossom…

Attraction: Roughing it, boujee style

Lake Louisa State Park caters to outdoor enthusiasts, even those partial to the little luxuries of home. Photos: Nicole Hamel With the unbearable heat of summer behind us and cooler weather here to stay for a while, people are itching…

Local Talent: ‘Don’t wanna be no star’

Singer, songwriter, guitarist wants to use his talents to give back to those he is thankful for. Photo: Douglas Tyler Growing up listening to all kinds of music, Braxton Bennett began learning electric guitar at age 10. Now, the 26-year-old…