The votes are in, and Clermont’s Pig on the Pond Festival delivered big flavor once again. During the People’s Choice BBQ Competition, presented by Don Mealy Chevrolet, festivalgoers turned out hungry and ready to crown their favorites. Uncle Kenny’s took the top spot, followed by Big Papa’s in second and Caldonia’s Kitchen in third. The annual waterfront event proved once again that great barbecue—and a little friendly competition—makes this Clermont event a must-attend.

The dedication and blessing ceremony for Leesburg’s Safe Haven Baby Box was held March 24 at Leesburg Fire Station 61. Funded through a community partnership that raised nearly $27,000, the life-saving resource allows anonymous infant surrender under Florida law and is monitored 24/7 with alerts to first responders.

leesburgflorida.gov

Celebrating five years in downtown Clermont, Sunshine Book Co. continues to turn pages and build community. Since opening in 2021, the independent bookstore has become a go-to spot for readers, offering everything from bestsellers and classics to local author events, book clubs and literary gifts. Sunshine Book Co. marked the milestone with a month of celebrations, thanking their loyal customers, partners and “bookish friends” who helped shape its story.

352.404.6077 / 647 Lake Ave., Clermont
sunshinebookco.com

The Kimball Island Midden near Astor is a true local find for amateur archaeologists. This ancient shell mound built over thousands of years along the St. Johns River in the Ocala National Forest offers a rare look at how early inhabitants lived and moved through the region. Layers of oyster shells, tools and remnants tell a quiet story of daily life, trade and survival, making the Kimball Island Midden one of the area’s most overlooked pieces of history. 

fs.usda.gov

Yummi Harvest is a small, family-run farm in Lady Lake near The Villages that grows fresh microgreens, wheatgrass, moringa and pet grass. From December through March, it opens as one of the only U-pick orange groves in the area, offering sweet Hamlin oranges and fresh juice. Visitors can meet the growers, learn how food is grown and even catch occasional educational farm visits. 

3600 Griffin View Dr., Lady Lake / 352.462.1307 / yummiharvest.com

The Sumter County Courthouse was built in 1912 and is much more than a place to settle law. The building designed by architect William J. Carpenter reflects a Neoclassical Revival-style exuding symmetry, balance and a sense of permanence. Its stately brick façade and restrained classical details continue to convey stability and civic pride as it anchors downtown Bushnell. 

209 N Florida St., Bushnell

Father’s Day, celebrated June 21 in 2026, is more than backyard grills and last-minute neckties; it’s a chance to recognize dads and the people who step into that role every day. The holiday dates back to 1910, when Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, set out to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children on his own. More than a century later, the tradition still holds strong, whether the celebration revolves around a family meal, a day on the water or simply saying thanks. 

Inspired by childhood baking sessions alongside her great-grandmother, Caitlyn Gurosko started Cait’s Creations almost a year ago. Drawing on Italian family recipes and years of experimenting in her own kitchen, what began as a hobby has grown into a full-fledged passion rooted in tradition. Today, it’s a cottage business, with Caitlyn sharing homemade baked goods inspired by generations of family recipes through local pop-ups and custom occasion orders. 

223.278.0351 / caitsbakerycreations@gmail.com

Montverde’s Harper House offers a rare glimpse into Lake County’s earliest days. Built in the late 1870s, it’s the town’s oldest surviving structure and a lasting reminder of pioneer life. Once home to merchant and citrus grower Reuben Wyatt Harper, the house evolved alongside his growing family and business ventures. From operating the town’s first post office to helping bring the railroad and founding what is now Montverde Academy, Harper played a key role in shaping the community. Today, the home stands as a testament to both Florida’s frame vernacular architecture and the people who helped build it.