Making passing grades won’t be the only challenge facing the 62 percent of Lake County students living at or below the poverty level (figure provided by the Education Foundation of Lake County) when school starts this month. You can do your part by becoming involved in the foundation’s Red for Ed Community School Supply Drive, a program that helps students obtain basic items like food and school supplies. Visit edfoundationlake.com for more information. 

Two recent alligator attacks at Alexander Springs are important reminders that we must take precautions when venturing into the animal’s habitat. Here are a few tips provided by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services. •Avoid vegetation-filled areas of rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. •Do not swim outside of posted swimming areas. •Swim during daylight hours only. Alligators are most active at night. •Keep dogs away from lakes and rivers. They resemble the reptiles’ natural prey. •Never feed an alligator. That causes them to lose their natural fear of man.

Golf enthusiasts looking for a challenging hole should consider playing El Campeon Golf Course at Mission Inn Resort and Club. No. 17 is a par 5, 556-yard challenge appropriately named “Devil’s Delight.” The presence of mighty oak trees forces golfers to think strategically how they’ll hit each shot. And that’s not all. The tiered green is flanked by a canal and guarded by bunkers. Good luck!

Four Lake County public school students have been awarded National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Congratulations to Colin B. Balderson of Eustis High, National Merit University of Florida Scholarship; Jesse S. Bray of Eustis High, National Merit University of Central Florida Scholarship; Zoe Carmi of Mount Dora High, National Merit University of Central Florida Scholarship; and Dylan Esperto of Tavares High, National Merit University of Florida Scholarship.

Lake County Schools recently announced the formation of “Red Apple Riders” clubs at Leesburg Elementary School, Beverly Shores Elementary, and Rimes Early Learning Center. Red Apples Media, with its largest single donation in its 14-year history, partnered with the Education Foundation of Lake County to fund the All Kids Bike program. The program will provide 24 bikes and helmets, as well as instruction for PE teachers to teach kindergarteners at the aforementioned schools how to safely and confidently operate a bike. 

Groveland has been officially certified as the first city in Florida – as well as the Southeastern United States – to be designated as a Dark Sky Community. Not familiar with the honor? Towns, cities, and municipalities are designated a Dark Sky Community for displaying exceptional dedication to the preservation of the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of a quality outdoor lighting ordinance, dark sky education and citizen support of dark skies. Signage has been installed throughout Groveland to celebrate this important achievement and city officials are working with Toole’s Ace Hardware to carry dark-sky compliant fixtures for residents. Meanwhile, all the lamp posts in Lake David and in the historic downtown district have been converted to shielded lighting and a plan is being developed to retrofit all city-owned lighting. Officials are also working with developers to ensure new neighborhoods meet dark-sky standards.

Wolf Branch Brewing’s newest location, dubbed Leesburg @The Brick House, is open to serve the community. The tap list at the new location of 707 W. Main Street, Leesburg, includes “Whitney’s Watermelon Sangria,” “Bold Rock Pineapple,” “Mango Cart,” “Olde English Ale,” “Bold City Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale,” and many more unique brews! The establishment is open every day except Monday. For more information and hours, visit www.wolfbranchbrewing.com

Interested in learning more about Leesburg’s rich history, including schools, businesses, families, the celebrated Watermelon Festival, and Annie Oakley, who used to hang out in Leesburg in the winters with her dog Dave? Visit the Leesburg Heritage Museum at 111 S. 6th St., in downtown Leesburg. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10am-2pm. For more information, call 352.315.1800.

New Vision for Independence will invite the public for an “experimental” tour of its facilities on September 14 and November 9. The goal is to help those without vision loss understand the need for rehabilitation services in the community. Light refreshments will be provided. The organization’s office is located at 4702 United Ave, Mount Dora. Call 352.607.7607 for more information.