For the first time in 18 years, the East Ridge High football team is district champion! 🏆🔥
The Knights held on for a hard-fought 21-14 win over Ocoee High, improving their record to 7-2.
Congratulations to the Knights on their district title! You should be proud! 👏💪
Photo: East Ridge High Athletics
40 Over 40: Tanya Meyer of Hoffmeyer Animal Rescue 🎉
Tanya Meyer builds better lives by rescuing animals, connecting people with jobs and serving those too often overlooked.
For Tanya Meyer, success is measured in lives changed, whether they belong to animals in need or people searching for an opportunity.
The 55-year-old is the owner of Hoffmeyer Animal Rescue and president of ACE Staffing Unlimited Inc. She divides her time between volunteering daily at the rescue, caring for its most critical animals in her home and overseeing the administrative side of the staffing company.
“Saving animals and helping people who truly want to work find jobs are both so important to me,” Tanya says.
Read the full feature here 👇
https://t.co/DW5tSOWK2u
40 Over 40: Steve Smith of New Beginnings of Central Florida 🎉
A chance encounter with a man experiencing homelessness helped send Steve Smith’s life in an unexpected direction.
After retiring from a successful corporate career and moving to Florida from Ohio with his wife, Linda, Steve met a local homeless man in 2007 who was looking for a new beginning through work and housing.
Steve says he quickly realized there were few local services available to help him.
“My wife, Linda, and I recruited other Godly people to join our journey to transform lives through a newly formed nonprofit: New Beginnings of Central Florida, Inc.,” Steve says.
Read the full feature here 👇
https://t.co/AhoCAF2f9l
Eustis Middle Flag Football Advances to Championship Game 🔥🔥
The Eustis Middle School Mustangs are one win from a flag football championship after a 28-24 playoff victory over Minneola Charter.
Eustis Middle will face East Ridge Middle School at 6 p.m. Monday at East Ridge High School for the title.
The Mustangs finished the regular season 9-1 for the second straight year and won Lake County’s North Division. Last year, their championship hopes ended with a last-second playoff loss to Imagine Charter.
Twins Bryson and Jaxson Seward, nicknamed the “Terror Twins” by their coach, have led the offense. Bryson, the quarterback, has thrown 25 touchdown passes and run for 10 more with just three interceptions. Jaxson, a wide receiver, has scored 10 touchdowns receiving and rushing.
Read the full story here: https://t.co/XtWow5aAzp
🏐🏆🧡🤍 THE ROAD TO STATE CONTINUES!
Mount Dora High School Lady Hurricanes are advancing to the NEXT ROUND of the FHSAA Volleyball State Championship Series!
After an exciting victory over New Smyrna Beach, the Hurricanes are ready for their next challenge against Bishop Moore!
🏐 MDHS HURRICANES vs. BISHOP MOORE, Saturday, October 24 at 2:00 PM
Bishop Moore High School
40 Over 40: Steve McDonald of the Realtors Association 🎉
Steve McDonald has built his career around helping others succeed.
As CEO of the REALTORS® Association of Lake & Sumter Counties, Steve leads the organization through advocacy, professional development and member services while ensuring local real estate professionals have the education, resources and representation they need to thrive. He says his greatest passion is helping people grow while serving as a trusted voice for the profession and private property rights.
Professionally, Steve is most proud of a career centered on education, mentorship and leadership. Before joining the association, he spent 13 years as a professor in the College of Communication at Lipscomb University, helping prepare the next generation of professionals.
Read the full feature here 👇
https://t.co/kRQKTkFfoG
Marjorie Linder at 100: Faith, Family and Keeping Her Sparkle ✨
Born Oct. 5, 1926, Marjorie M. Linder is celebrating her 100th birthday and reflecting on a life filled with family, faith and cherished memories. Born in Ohio and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Marjorie is a mother of four, grandmother of seven and has been married for 45 years.
Now living at The Harrison of Wildwood, Marjorie enjoys bingo and believes the secret to life is to look for the good things and never lose your sparkle.
At 100, she says she is grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing Jesus’ love with others.
Read more about Marjorie and the wisdom she’s gained over a century of life👇
https://t.co/YdoVyWeSgt
East Ridge QB Karon Palmer Jr. Leads Knights to 6-2 Start 🏈🔥
East Ridge High senior quarterback Karon Palmer Jr. has guided the Knights to a 6-2 record this season. He’s combining efficient production with steady leadership that head coach Donnie Burchfield says has helped shape a winning culture.
Through eight games, Karon has completed 68 of 119 passes for 1,171 yards and 15 touchdowns with just two interceptions. The dual-threat signal-caller has shown the ability to make plays with his arm and legs while protecting the football.
“Karon means a tremendous amount to our football program,” Burchfield says. “As our quarterback, he’s someone we depend on not just to make plays but to lead our team. He’s been an important part of building a winning culture at East Ridge. Having a young man who can lead on the field and represent our school the right way is something every coach appreciates.”
Read the full story here: https://t.co/0AgOIuoCtU
40 Over 40: Shawna Pancari of The Social Cellar 🎉
For Shawna Pancari, entrepreneurship has never been only about starting a business. It has been about creating places where people want to gather.
The 48-year-old entrepreneur and business owner has pursued opportunities throughout her career with that idea in mind, building businesses centered on relationships and community. Her latest venture, The Social Cellar, brings that philosophy into a new chapter.
“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for creating businesses that bring people together,” Shawna says. “Throughout my life, I’ve embraced new opportunities and built businesses with one goal in mind: to create meaningful connections.”
She opened The Social Cellar alongside her family, with hopes of creating a space where guests feel comfortable lingering, celebrating and connecting with one another.
Read the full feature here 👇
https://t.co/kkVGUPjA5b
New Restaurants Join Downtown Middleton’s Dining Scene 🧑🍳
Downtown Middleton is filling in, and several of its newest arrivals involve food. Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza, Smalls Sliders and Jersey Mike’s Subs have joined the restaurant lineup, while Woodrow’s Duckpin has added bowling to the evening’s possibilities.
Piesanos opened earlier this month, becoming the company’s third restaurant in The Villages, alongside Southern Trace and Lake Deaton. Its menu centers on stone-fired pizzas, calzones and pasta dishes. The new location includes a separate takeout entrance, giving customers collecting orders their own route through the restaurant.
Read all about the new restaurants here: https://t.co/e4m53K7Qu3
Leesburg High School Celebrates 100 Years of Yellow Jacket Pride with Centennial Football Game! 🧡🖤🏈
Tonight, Leesburg High School will celebrate a century of history, tradition and Yellow Jacket pride as the football team takes on Gainesville High School in a special Centennial Game!
The celebration will bring together generations of Yellow Jackets, with alumni invited to represent their graduating decades in a special on-field tribute to the school's legacy.
Former students will return to celebrate the memories, experiences and traditions that have helped shape Leesburg High School over the years.
The evening will include an alumni procession onto the field, a performance of the school alma mater by alumni chorus members and special guest appearances.
More than just a football game, the Centennial Game is an opportunity to honor the generations of students, graduates and school organizations that have made Leesburg High School an important part of the community.
Festivities begin with a tailgate at 5pm, followed by the alumni lineup at 6:15pm and kickoff against Gainesville at 7pm.
Once a Yellow Jacket, always a Yellow Jacket! 🐝
Tavares Senior Swimmer Jayden Morris-Wyley Eyes Big Ambitions 🔥
Tavares High School senior Jayden Morris-Wyley has balanced elite academics with steady growth in the pool. He’s become one of the standout student-athletes whose work ethic has left a lasting mark on the Tavares High swimming program.
Jayden carries a 4.93 GPA. He has received more than 66 college offers and accumulated over $22,000 in scholarships. A National Writing Competition semifinalist, he will graduate with an AP Capstone Diploma. He plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminology and political science, finish law school by age 22, practice law in a major city and eventually run for Congress.
Tavares High Swim Coach Brendan Curl says Jayden has been a solid contributor for three seasons and that his early graduation brings mixed emotions.
Read his full story here: https://t.co/RYX3kpTURU
40 Over 40: Sandi Moore of the Leesburg Area Chamber 🎉
Helping strengthen the Leesburg community has been one of the greatest privileges of Sandi Moore’s career. As president and CEO of the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, she connects businesses, develops leaders and creates opportunities that bring people together.
Throughout her career, Sandi has worked to support local businesses and schools while creating programs that encourage community involvement. She founded the SPARK youth leadership program, has supported Teacher Appreciation Breakfast and other school initiatives and helped launch Leesburg in Bloom. She has also worked alongside volunteers, businesses and community partners on projects throughout the area.
“I believe lasting change happens when people choose to work together rather than apart,” Sandi says.
Read the full feature here 👇
https://t.co/Rrx0gPJ4ia
Puddle Jumpers Serves Waterfront Dining in Tavares ☀️
Dinner at Puddle Jumpers Lakeside Grill comes with something few restaurants can put on the menu: an expansive view of Lake Dora.
Located along the downtown Tavares waterfront, the restaurant offers a relaxed setting for enjoying dinner, drinks and live music. Guests can dine indoors, settle onto the screened patio or head upstairs, where the lake becomes a striking backdrop for an evening out.
Owner Jon Aramino describes the menu as “American Fare with a twist,” pairing familiar favorites with flavors diners may not expect. Along with steak, seafood and signature burgers, choices include a bacon jam and goat cheeseburger and fried cheese “pontoons” served with chipotle raspberry sauce instead of marinara.
“We like to have things that people are familiar with, but we also like to offer new and unique things that taste delicious,” Jon says.
Read the full feature here 👇
https://t.co/oRmyJ5MvdE
40 Over 40: Roxanne Theodoropoulos of CapstoneWealth 🎉
Roxanne Theodoropoulos founded CapstoneWealth with one mission: helping retirees protect a lifetime of hard work while giving them the confidence to enjoy the retirement they have earned.
As a Certified Financial Planner™ and wealth manager, Roxanne works with retirees throughout The Villages and surrounding communities, helping them make informed financial decisions and plan for the future. She says her goal is to become more than a financial advisor by building lasting relationships and treating every client like family.
Roxanne’s journey began far from the boardroom. Growing up working in the cotton fields of Texas, she dreamed of a bigger future, even though she couldn’t imagine what it would become. Through faith, discipline and perseverance, she went on to advise some of the nation’s highest-ranking military leaders, including four-star generals in Washington, D.C., before launching her own firm.
Read the full feature here 👇
https://t.co/8H6Qg3HHOi
Congratulations to Mount Dora High, Lake Minneola High and Montverde Academy girls volleyball teams who won last night and move on to the FHSAA Regional Semifinals on Saturday! 👏🔥🏐
Class 5A saw Lake Minneola upset Bartow High 3 sets to 2 winning in a 5th set thriller 15-13 to move on to the regional semifinals! They will play at #2 ranked Gateway on Saturday at 2pm.
In Class 4A Mount Dora High secured their first home playoff victory in nearly two decades with a 3-2 win against New Smyrna Beach. They will travel to take on #1 ranked Bishop Moore in the regional semifinals on Saturday at 2pm
Montverde Academy also moves to the regional semifinals after winning 3-1 against McKeel Academy and will take on #2 ranked Academy of Holy Names on Saturday at 2pm.
Be sure to wish these amazing student-athletes the best of luck on Saturday!
40 Over 40: Rosanne Brandeburg of Insight Credit Union 🎉
For Rosanne Brandeburg, bringing people and organizations together is more than a career; it is an opportunity to improve the place she calls home.
“We are fortunate to live in an area that provides me with so many opportunities to help develop our community,” Rosanne says. “Collaborating with people stirs my passion for bridging the needs to enhance our quality of life.”
The 64-year-old business development director for Insight Credit Union began her career in health care, public relations and marketing. She later served as executive director of the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation and completed eight years as an elected member of the Lake County School Board.
Read the full feature here 👇
https://t.co/X77DpLPblV
Lucky U Cycles Brings More Motorcycles and More Fun 🏍️
Fast fun on two wheels has always been Jeremy Coon’s passion.
The Leesburg native graduated from Leesburg High School in 2001 but was working at the local Harley shop since he was 16.
“I did that until I was 23 and then started my own company in 2007,” says Jeremy.
He built Lucky U Cycles in Wildwood from the ground up–one motorcycle at a time. Jeremy didn’t keep track of the countless hours of hard work as he pursued his goals. Turns out plenty of people shared his enthusiasm and the shop became a destination for riders from across Florida and well beyond state lines.
Beginning with used bikes, Lucky U Cycles grew its inventory to offer an impressive selection of motorcycles, scooters, trikes, off-road vehicles and LSVs. The shop is literally packed with hundreds of clean, quality pre-owned bikes.
Read the full feature here 👇
https://t.co/yQJCYz3gvT
40 Over 40: Omar Contreras of Omar’s Painting Inc. 🎉
At 46, Omar Contreras has built Omar’s Painting Inc. into more than a painting business. As its owner-operator, he takes pride in helping clients transform their homes and properties while bringing their ideas to life.
“We love to see our clients happiness and we feel proud to be part of their journey,” Omar says.
His own story began in Mexico. He came to the United States 27 years ago and credits his faith, along with the people who supported him, for helping him establish a successful business and create opportunities to serve others.
“God blessed me with so many people surrounding my path,” he says. “He has also guided me through this journey and blessed me with the heart to be a blessing to others through the painting business.”
Read the full feature here 👇
https://t.co/CSA1ePk4nV
Tavares Middle School turned in a dominant performance at the 2026 Lake County District Cross Country Championship, sweeping all four team titles and sending a large group of runners on to the state meet.
The Patriots won the varsity boys, varsity girls, JV boys and JV girls team championships in the 2-mile event, which featured 14 teams and roughly 350 runners.
Eighth-grader Alice Ilea led the way on the girls side, winning the varsity race in 11:53.45 and capturing another individual Lake County title.
Tavares also controlled the boys race, with team captain Alejandro Hernandez winning the 87-runner field in 11:28.15.
The meet also determined which teams and individuals would advance to the state championship Oct. 31 in Lakeland.
Full story here: https://t.co/ktShaxD1FY