Get walking!

Hats off to Let’s Walk Florida, a 12-week program, where residents are encouraged to start a lifelong walking habit.

“The goal of the program is to promote and enhance physical wellness among our residents,” Mia Wilchcombe of the UF/IFAS Extension Lake County says in a press release. “The benefits to walking can result in significant health improvements, including reducing the risks of heart disease and some cancers, improving blood sugar levels and mood, to name a few.”

The Let’s Walk Florida Kickoff Celebration was hosted June 25 and it will end in October; prizes will be awarded to top teams and individuals.

Cash in on collectibles:

Military memorabilia collectors will have a field day at the Florida Military Collector Show held July 13 at Renninger’s Antique Center in Mount Dora. Collectibles such as knives, swords, uniforms, and helmets from all countries and time periods can be bought, sold, or traded. Get your patriotic juices flowing and don’t miss the opportunity to network with other military antique enthusiasts.

New flavor in town

Leesburg’s restaurant wheel of fortune continues to spin. A new Mexican restaurant and bar, Los Laureles, has moved into the space formerly occupied by Johnson’s Pizza Pi. Owners promise “authentic Mexican flavor.” ¡Buena suerte, Los Laureles! 4120 Corley Island Road, Suite 300, along U.S. Highway 27.

Legislators get tough

AAA recently applauded the Florida Legislature for making the laws prohibiting texting while driving stronger. Drivers cannot use their handheld device while driving in construction areas and school zones. Statistics from AAA on texting and driving:

• More than 51,000 distracted driver-related traffic crashes occurred in Florida last year, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
• AAA research shows that people who text and drive are eight times more likely to be involved in a crash, twice as bad as talking on a handheld device. 
• Five seconds is the average time a driver’s eyes are off the road while texting. At 55 mph, that is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field, blind.
• According to a AAA study, 78 percent of Americans say texting while driving is a significant danger; 35 percent admitted doing it. 

A sweet treat

July 21 is National Crème Brûlée Day and some local restaurants to savor this caramelized topped custard-based dessert are the Goblin Market Restaurant and Lounge in Mount Dora, and Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez Country Club in The Villages. The Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille and Bar in Mount Dora also has won raves for its crème brûlée cheesecake.

Way to represent

The Florida Public Relations Association honored Lake County’s Office of Communications with three awards at the 2019 Mid Florida Local Image Awards held in Ocala, according to a press release. The county’s 2019 “Rescue Me” Charity Calendar received an Award of Distinction and a Judges’ Award, while the 2018 State of the County video, “A Spirit of Service,” received an Award of Distinction.

Belly up to the bar

Finally! There’s beer next door to the Style offices! The Pint Sized Pub opened its doors recently at 110 S. 5th St. in Leesburg, offering craft beer, wine, and small plates. The pint-sized space, which formerly housed a short-lived sushi restaurant, has TVs, an array of beer signs filling the walls, table seating, and, of course, a bar with craft beer on tap. What took so long?

Nurturing swans

Montverde Ballet Center is progressing step by step since opening in April. Owner and instructor Sarah Jones-Zaccaro, who danced with the Tampa Ballet Company, offers pre-dance for ages 3-4 and classical ballet, contemporary jazz, tap for ages 5 through adult, according to her Facebook page. 16913 Lakeside Drive, #12, Montverde. Call 352.552.2754.

Play ball!

America’s favorite sports are the subject of a new exhibit at the Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St. “Hometown Teams,” a traveling exhibit created by the Smithsonian Museum, looks at the many roles that sports play in American society. The exhibit includes movies, bleachers, lockers, and all kinds of displays that all ages will appreciate. It’s open for viewing during regular library hours, 9am-7pm, through Aug. 3. The library is closed Sunday.