Person of Interest

Person of Interest: Keshia Rytter

School resource deputy with Lake County Sheriff’s Office has heart for kids. Photo: Nicole Hamel Vital stats: Born in New York and moved to Groveland as a child. Resided in Leesburg for 14+ years before moving to Davenport last March. …

Person of Interest: Steve Smith

Clermont man has heart for propelling people forward. Photo: Nicole Hamel Vital Stats: Retired from banking industry in Columbus, Ohio. Moved to Clermont to help care for in-laws. Steve’s family includes wife Linda Smith, four adult children and 11 grandchildren.…

Person of Interest: For the love of pets

Dr. Tracie Wilson treats every dog and cat with extra dose of TLC at Animal Medical Center in Eustis. Photo: Douglas Tyler Vital Stats Grew up in Central Florida. Owns two dogs: Babe and Rowdy; and cats Dublin and Sun…

Person of Interest: Mariah Wallis

Founder of Clermont Compassion strives to give back. Photos: Anthony Rao Vital Stats 22 years old. Sixth-generation Clermont resident. Graduated from Valencia College with a degree in baking and pastry management. Tell me about Clermont Compassion: Every month, Clermont Compassion…

Person of Interest: Duke Jackson

Elections Support Director for Lake County Supervisor of Elections. Photo: Nicole Hamel Vital Stats Has worked 21 years at this job in his hometown of Tavares. Carmen, his wife of 33 years, also works in the Supervisor of Elections office.…

Person of Interest: Terri Kracht

Animal-lover is dedicated to serving her community Photos: Nicole Hamel Vital Stats: Originally from Orlando. Has lived in Clermont since 1988. December 2019 recipient of the Ann Dupee Gem of the Hills Award. What are you passionate about? I’m just…

Person of Interest: Patricia Kry

Executive director of the Faith Neighborhood Center in Groveland. Photo: Nicole Hamel Vital Stats: Has been a nurse for 30 years. Nominated to the Lake County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018. Started South Lake High School’s Certified Nursing Assistant…

Person of Interest: Matthew Baumann

President and owner of Property Financial Services Vital Stats: Hometown: Groveland, where he is seeking reelection for mayor. Wife: Erin. What people should know about me: I am a multifaceted man, completing corporate taxes while running for mayor…

Dr. George J. Hagerty

President of Beacon College Vital Stats: President of the accredited, nonprofit liberal arts school in downtown Leesburg noted as America’s first college to award bachelor’s degrees primarily to students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and other learning differences. Resides in…

Person of Interest: Elisha Pappacoda

Communications Director, Lake County Vital Stats: Former journalist, Fordham alum, lives in Sorrento. Married to an entrepreneur. Children: Dog mom. Hometown: Fourth-generation New Yorker, born in Brooklyn. Why do I enjoy my job? Serving the community, informing citizens…