AGENDA

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…

Local Talent: Jack of all trades

Poet, writer and runner says it’s never too late to start working on your goals. One night, when Carl Scharwath was on a run, he heard voices down the road. He turned his head and was immediately greeted with two…

Local Talent: Magic from the heart

Scott Humston uses his magical abilities to connect with people. Scott Humston knew that magic was in the cards for him the moment he stepped through the glass door of a little shop he spotted on the side of the…