FIRST

A sneak peek into the fascinating people who make Lake and Sumter counties great.

Almost a crowning moment

This month’s Belmont Stakes in New York will conclude the 2021 Triple Crown. While Lake County is not a hotbed for horse racing, the county did produce a horse that ran in two Triple Crown races. In 1991, Green Alligator,…

Be a hero

People who recover from COVID-19 can help others fight against the virus. OneBlood Blood Centers, which has several facilities in Lake and Sumter counties, says that people who have recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies to the virus in their plasma.…

Book it to downtown Clermont for some good reads

The Sunshine Book Co. recently celebrated its grand opening in downtown Clermont with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. The independent bookstore owned by 18-year Clermont resident Beth Merrick is located at 647 Lake…

Person of Interest: Chad Weber

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman and public information officer serves 11 counties. Photo: Nicole Hamel Vital Stats 38 years old. Lives in Leesburg. Born in Minnesota. Served with the U.S. Marines. Employed with FWC for 12 years. Proud…

Outstanding Student: Chad Massey

Reborn Christian out to serve others through biblical counseling and Jesus. Photos: Douglas Tyler Vital Stats 2021 graduate of Umatilla High School. Has 2 half-sisters, 3 stepbrothers, and 1 stepsister. Attends Bay Street Baptist Church in Eustis. Became a Christian…

Beach read

Now that beach season is upon us, it’s a perfect time to catch up on your reading. Pick up a few beach reads at one of the 16 libraries in Lake County to take on your next staycation. With a…

Honoring dad

It wasn’t until 1972 – some 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official – that dads officially got their day. It was in the middle of a hard-fought presidential re-election campaign when former President Richard Nixon signed…

Savoring summer

Eager to learn some tips on grilling, marinating and savoring the taste of summer salads? The UF/IFAS UF/IFAS Lake County Extension Office, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares, will be the place to be 10 a.m. to noon on June 12…

Proud Hawks celebrate anniversary milestone

Lake Minneola High School (LMHS), one of eight high schools in Lake County, and one of the first in Central Florida to implement an iPad-based education, turns 10 this year. The 9-12 grade school, located in Minneola near the turnpike entrance off Hancock…

Different strokes

The nation’s fastest-growing participation sport is taking flight in Lake County as novice and experienced players alike are giving disc golf a spin. The game is similar to golf, except participants attempt to get a disc into a metal basket…