If you’re a regular on the South Lake Trail in Clermont, you may have noticed a device that looks like a mounted solar panel near Victory Pointe. According to Gallus Quigley, Lake County’s recreation coordinator for trails, the device, officially known as a bicycle-pedestrian counter collects data and documents the number of cyclists and pedestrians using the trail and which direction they are traveling. The high-tech system was installed last October as part of a statewide initiative to monitor non-motorized traffic on trails to help secure grants, infrastructure and more.

Learn about modern food production techniques at The Villages Grown. The nine-acre hydroponic and aeroponic farm is completely indoors and climate-controlled. Enjoy a fascinating tour protected from wind, rain and the heat of the summer sun, and no one goes home empty handed. Tours are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Make your reservation on their website, thevillagesgrown.com.

Hurricane season started in June, but, historically, the peak of the season hits mid-August and coincides with the disaster preparedness state sales tax holiday, August 24 – September 6. It’s not too late to stock up on supplies you may need in an emergency. Qualifying purchases include a wide array of items from cat food to portable generators. floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep/Documents/2024/DPposter11X17.pdf

Marmadukes Lodge Brewery + Eatery recently opened at 215 West Main Street in downtown Leesburg. The multi-concept venue offers tasty dishes, craft beers and signature cocktails, Happy Hour 2-6pm Sunday through Thursday, plus a Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm featuring bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys. Guests can also enjoy a piece of “pie” at SLICE Pizza Leesburg and expertly crafted, unique cocktails at Burns Drugstore, an adjoining backroom 1920’s style speakeasy…if you have the password to get in.

Congratulations to Umatilla High School Principal Brent Frazier, who was recently named the 2024 National Association of Secondary School Principals Florida Principal of the Year by the Florida Association of School Administrators. 

Sell old treasures you’re tired of storing or buy someone else’s vintage junk during a fun day of picking at Renninger’s in Mount Dora. It’s a whole weekend of purging and splurging August 16-18. The outdoor sale, open 8am-4pm each day, is family- and pet-friendly with free admission and parking. Learn more at renningers.net/mt-dora/.

The North American Gopher Tortoise is one of five types of tortoises that exist east of the Mississippi — and they live among us! Considered a keystone species, it digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 other animal species. Hatchlings typically emerge from their nests between August and November, and this reptile can live between 40 to 60 years in the wild. If you have them on your property, leave them alone, but if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, you can move it along in the same direction it was headed if safe to do so. It’s illegal to relocate it or put one in your car. Resource: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

We’re so lucky to live in an area with access to local farms that sell peaches, plums, blueberries, strawberries and the very popular watermelon! Here is a great way to enjoy this local gem:

Emily’s Watermelon
Margarita Ingredients (use six times the amount for a pitcher):

3 oz. tequila blanco** 

1 cup cubed watermelon

3 jalapeños, sliced

2 limes, freshly squeezed (1/3 cup juice)

1/2 oz. organic agave

Tajin seasoning for rim** Can be omitted for non-drinkers

Prepare cocktail glasses by coating rim with lime juice, dip them into Tajin and set aside. Blend cubed watermelon and agave until smooth and strain with a fine mesh strainer into a container. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 3 de-seeded jalapeño slices and lime juice, then add tequila and 1/2 cup of fresh watermelon juice and ice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into prepared glasses over ice. Garnish with jalapeño slices and watermelon. Enjoy! 

International Left-handers Day is August 13 and research suggests that between 10% and 12% of the world’s population is left-handed. At one time, being left-handed meant you could be accused of witchcraft and punished, but nowadays being a “southpaw” is pretty cool! Famous lefties include Babe Ruth, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Sir Paul McCartney, Keanu Reeves, Charlie Chaplin, Will Ferrell, Prince William, Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill.