Author Archives: BreaJjournalist

‘Tis the season when the spirit of Christmas arrives months ahead of schedule. Christmas in July, first recognized in 1933 and later popularized by the 1940 film of the same name, is the summertime tradition that not only signals the start of holiday shopping, but features goodwill, creative activities for children and old-fashioned family fun.ToContinue reading “Preview Christmas in July Community Programs 7/18”

Growing up shooting tin cans, Robert Lebkuecher learned at a young age how to hit his mark with precision. Lebkuecher, of the VIllage of Monarch Grove, has been perfecting his craft and getting ready for today’s start of the 40-week competition season as commissioner of The Villages Air Gun Club. “Going out to the desertsContinue reading “Growing up shooting tin cans at 15 years old, Robert Lebkuecher learned at a young age how to hit his mark with precision. Lebkuecher, of the VIllage of Monarch Grove, has been perfecting his craft and getting ready for the start of the 40-week competition season as commissioner of The Villages Air Gun Club.”

School is out, summer is here and parents are looking for affordable activities to do with their children. Whether you’re making music during a drum circle or exploring nature, there are several planned activities hosted by local libraries in Lake and Sumter counties that will keep families engaged for the summer — for free. ExploreContinue reading “Local Libraries Offer Families Plenty of Free Summer Activities”

Streaming may be convenient and multiplexes more high tech, but neither recreates the charm of a drive-in movie on a summer night. With the number of drive-ins dwindling across the nation over the decades, John Watzke, owner of the Ocala Drive-In, said the twin-screen cinematic space ensures people experience a tradition that transcends generations. “IContinue reading “Ocala Drive-In Delivers Classic Movie Experience”

Anne Foote Hill strives to bridge the gap between local youth yearning for guidance and seniors armed with life experience and advice they are ready to share. Since 2014, Foote Hill has led the one-on-one youth mentorship program for New Covenant United Methodist Church of The Villages. The mentorship program pairs ninth grade students atContinue reading “Anne Foote Hill Leads Youth Mentorship Program”

Lady Lake may have kicked off the patriotic season with its annual The Big Bang on June 27, but expect more sparks to fly across the tri-county area’s skies this weekend in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Cities including Leesburg, Wildwood and Belleview also are hosting events marking the milestone in the nation’s history. “(TheContinue reading “Tri-County Area Continues its Fourth of July Celebrations”

On a steamy morning, residents and city officials gathered for the ribbon-cutting of the Leesburg Pollinator Garden and a butterfly release ceremony on June 25 at the Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St. A project of the Leesburg in Bloom Committee, the pollinator garden features 70 plants, most of them native to Florida, thatContinue reading “Leesburg Hosts Ribbon-Cutting for Pollinator Garden”

An artist without a space to explore their creativity, is like a fish without water. Lindsay Agnew understands this well, so she is opening Studio Agnew, which will feature art classes, workshops and other programming. She’s been diligently preparing for its soft opening in July at 107 E. Central Ave., Howey-in-the-Hills. “All of us wereContinue reading “Central Florida artist Working to Open her first Art Studio”

The City of Webster tantalized the palates of its residents with the diverse cuisine served up at its inaugural Ethnic Festival on June 20 in front of City Hall. “The goal of hosting the Ethnic Festival was to bring the community together by highlighting cultures around the world with good food, good music and goodContinue reading “City of Webster Hosts First Ethnic Festival on June 20”

Dr. Carrie Dixon’s answer to why everyone should celebrate Juneteenth is simple. It’s history. Juneteenth marks the date in June 1865, when Union troops gained control of Galveston, Texas, and announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved people in the state were free. Although President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation two and aContinue reading “Celebrate Juneteenth At Upcoming Community Events”