Congratulations to local athletes who competed in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics in various genres, including Track & Field, one of the categories in which the U.S. really shined. The local community is proud of the achievements of the following athletes who either live or train in South Lake County: Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Twanisha “TT” Terry, Melissa Jefferson, Kenny Bednarek, Christian Coleman and Courtney Lindsey.

Present-day Lake County area was inhabited by the Timucua tribe before the arrival of European settlers. 

Panasoffkee is an indigenous word that loosely translates to “valley of water.” 

Okahumpka is English for the Indian word Okeehumpkee, which means “deep waters.”

Umatilla is a native word that means “laughing waters.”

Ocklawaha is a Cherokee word meaning “slowly moving muddy waters.” 

Happy 5th Anniversary to Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria in Wildwood! In honor of eggplant season, Roberto kindly offered to share his legendary eggplant rollatini recipe.

Filling:

2 eggs

2 cups ricotta cheese

2 oz. freshly chopped basil

2 oz. parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Eggplant preparation:

Slice the eggplant very thinly, coat in flour and dip in egg wash. Deep fry in oil until golden brown. Cool on parchment paper or a cooling rack. Scoop 4 oz. filling on to the center of each slice. Roll-up and put into casserole dish covered with marinara sauce. Cover with more marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes. Mangia!

Bats are depicted in many decorations this time of year but often get a bad rap. These little creatures are great for the environment, as they are insectivores, or, bug-eaters. This is mating season and Florida is home to many species of the furry flyer, so unless they are trying to build a habitat in your attic, let them mate, roost and have their “pups” in the spring without bugging them. Some species include the Seminole Bat, the Southeastern Myotis, and Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat. Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Foodies can savor three days of exquisite food and wine events at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala November 1-3 during the fourth annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival. The event will feature food and beverages from around the world, celebrity chef demonstrations, tastings, cocktails and a whole lot more. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.worldequestriancenter.com

October is a great time to start planting for the colder months ahead. According to the UF IFAS Extension, here’s what Central Florida green thumbs should consider:

Bedding plants: Pansy, dianthus and petunia.

Bulbs: Agapanthus, rain lily and other lily varieties. Add organic matter to the planting bed to make bulbs really shine.

Herbs: Parsley, sage, cilantro, chives and garlic from seeds or plants.

Vegetables: Beet, Brussels sprouts, carrot and onion, which can grow and last throughout the winter.

Don an impressive costume and dance to the tunes of DJ Styles at the Masquerade Ball on October 26, 5:30-9:30pm at Wildwood Vineyard outside stage. Enjoy finger foods and prize baskets at this open-air gathering, the first of what could become an annual tradition. For more information, visit: www.wildwoodvineyardandevents.com

Celebrate European culture within The Villages at the Heritage Festival. This two-day event will take place in Brownwood Paddock Square on October 11 and Spanish Springs on October 12, 4-9pm both nights. Enjoy food trucks, an Oktoberfest style beer garden, vendor show, resident performing groups, live music and strolling entertainers. Complete the passport challenge for your free commemorative pin. For more information, visit this website: www.thevillagesentertainment.com

The Ghost Town of Acron in eastern Lake County was established during the late 19th century near Kismet, where Walt Disney’s parents lived for a short time after their marriage on New Year’s Day in 1888. Walt’s mother, Flora Call, who was the secondary school teacher, and his father, Elias Disney, eventually moved away, but Walt’s grandparents are buried at the Ponceannah Cemetery in Paisley.