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Business Women of Style 2021

You see them every day. You may do business with them. They’re your neighbors and friends—the 2021 Business Women of Style.

Sabrina Ciceri has no problem getting down to business. Photos: Douglas Tyler Sabrina Ciceri has a high tolerance for risk and seldom worries about rejection. She’s full of determination, maintains a high level of confidence, and relishes every opportunity to…

Peace of mind

A program in South Lake County serves those with mental health conditions. Photos: Nicole Hamel When people experiencing a mental health crisis display erratic behavior, there is a greater likelihood of encountering police than medical professionals. Those encounters don’t always…

Sowing kindness, reaping happiness

Melanie Wagner’s retirement garden grows ideas for children’s books. Photos: Nicole Hamel After years of shaping young minds, Melanie Wagner continues to share her vast knowledge with “students” of all kinds. Through a greenhouse she established, Melanie teaches about pesticide-free…

Victory over virus!

At nearly every school, the coronavirus pandemic disrupted local high school seniors’ extracurricular activities, sporting events, senior trips, proms, graduation ceremonies, and social interactions. The 2020-’21 school year was a most difficult year, but nothing could stop students from…

Tee time

For Mission Inn, hosting a major golf tournament is par for the course. Photos: Douglas Tyler Sierra Sims feels like she’s on a fairway to heaven when she golfs at Mission Inn Resort and Club’s famed El Campeon golf course.…

Pickin’ & Grinnin’

Southern Hill Farms u-pick is the berries, and much, much more. Photos: Nicole Hamel Ten years ago, Southern Hill Farms owners David and Lisa Hill never dreamed they would welcome thousands of people onto their 120-acre property at 16651 Schofield…

Thrill ride

Catch swamp fever on an airboat; you won’t want to be cured. Photos: Nicole Hamel Gliding 35 to 55 mph across Lake Panasoffkee and experiencing fun, sliding corner turns through marshes into the peaceful swamps and natural springs of the…

Trails less traveled

Mucky ducks, swamp buggies provide thrill rides at Revolution Adventures for the entire family. Photos: Nicole Hamel A cloud of dust swirls behind Jim Marshall as the eight-wheel amphibious vehicle turns a curve. Jim smiles, then hits the gas. The engine…

Spring break

Alexander Springs is dive worth the drive where wildlife thrive. Photos: Nicole Hamel Lake County is well known among residents and visitors for fishing, boating, kayaking, skiing, tubing, paddle boarding, canoeing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and other aquatic activities, but the…