February 2, 2025
February 2025 Hit List


Celebrate South Lake
On Saturday, February 8, from 12pm to 9pm, head to Victory Pointe Park in Clermont for the inaugural Citrus Champs Carnival. This vibrant event honors South Lake’s citrus grove roots while embracing its modern charm and diverse community. Enjoy a full day of family fun with delectable foods, exotic drinks and high-quality cultural “carnival-style” entertainment. Come for the memories and plan on staying for the celebration of South Lake’s rich history and bright future.

No-no for Fido
Chocolate may be the top gift for your sweetheart but keep it away from your precious pooch. The Animal Health Foundation warns that chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. Even one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of a dog’s body weight can be lethal. Symptoms of poisoning include rapid heart rate, agitation, tremors and seizures. If your dog eats chocolate, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA.
Animal Poison Control Hotline
1.888.426.4435

Go Team
The Eustis High School Athletic Boosters will host the 2nd Annual Panther Pride in the Park on Saturday, February 15, from 6 to 9pm at the Eustis Community Center. Enjoy dinner, entertainment, a cash bar, silent raffles and a reverse drawing. Tickets are $75 per couple, $325 to sponsor an eight-top table and $400 for a 10-top table. The grand prize is an E-bike. Bring family and friends for live music and fun!
Eustis Community Center
601 Northshore Dr., Eustis
352.638.4425

Farm Fresh Air
Amber Brooke Farms in Eustis and Advent Health Waterman have teamed up to offer a 1.17-mile walking trail, surrounded by the farm’s year-round bounty. In February, visitors can enjoy sunflowers, zinnias, and strawberries, plus weekend family fun with a cow train, jump pads, ball zone, and more. The farm is also available for private events, field trips, and birthday parties.
Amber Brooke Farms
36111 N. CR 44A, Eustis
amberbrookefarms.com

Did You Know
In the 1800s, the main industries in Lake County were cotton and cattle breeding until citrus was introduced in the late 19th century. In 1894 and ’95, back-to-back freezes destroyed crops and citrus, forcing many people to leave the county and find jobs elsewhere.

Practicing persistence
Born in 1906 in Okahumpka, Virgil Darnell Hawkins was an African-American educator and attorney who fought for admission to the University of Florida School of Law after being denied due to his race. After years of persistence, the state agreed to desegregate the law school if Hawkins withdrew his application. That sacrifice is said to have paved the way for others to attend UF Law and a monument now stands near the Post Office at the intersection of State Roads 33 and 48.

In the Spotlight
Lake County Schools recently congratulated its 2024-’25 Art in the Capitol winner, Feymar DeJesus Garcia, a seventh-grade student at Aurelia M. Cole Academy. Her piece, Ladybug on a Leaf, was chosen from a field of 17 works of art submitted by Lake County middle school students. Her winning artwork—which represents Florida State Senate District 13, domain of Senator Keith Truenow—will be displayed at the state capitol in Tallahassee for the duration of the legislative session.

Barbecue With a Side of Honor
Mission BBQ has arrived in Clermont. It opened to the public in December at 1225 E. Hwy. 50 (next to Portillo’s) with a blend of delicious barbecue and a deep sense of patriotism. Founded on September 11, 2011 by two friends passionate about BBQ and honoring America’s heroes, Mission BBQ supports soldiers, police, firefighters and first responders. Each day at lunchtime, the restaurant pauses to salute the Stars and Stripes.
Mission BBQ, Clermont
352.729.3956

Fight Back
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, so designated to raise awareness about reducing cancer risk through lifestyle changes. Nearly 1.9 million people are diagnosed with cancer annually in the U.S., with over 40 percent of cases linked to preventable causes. To lower your risk, focus on exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol. Regular checkups and understanding your risk factors are also important. Use #CancerPreventionMonth to support research and encourage loved ones to take action for a healthier future.

Gardening Goals
The University of Florida IFAS Extension offers a monthly guide to help Florida gardeners with planting and maintenance. The UF/IFAS Florida gardening calendars provide expert advice for North, Central and South Florida. February’s guide highlights Florida-friendly vegetables for various climate zones. For more tips, visit www.sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu for gardening series, plant of the month features, and helpful infographics.