May 5th commemorates the Battle of Puebla, in which Mexican troops defeated French invaders in 1862. These days, Cinco de Mayo has shifted away from the holiday’s origins and become a way to celebrate Mexican-American heritage with tequila and Mexican beer. Fun fact: Each May 5, around 126 million liters of tequila are consumed and more cerveza is guzzled than during the Super Bowl. 

The trend toward environmentally conscious burial choices is on the rise in Florida. In fact, green burial is the No. 1 option according to a recent survey by Choice Mutual. This method skips the embalming process and uses biodegradable caskets or shrouds that allow the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth without harming the environment. Other earth-friendly options include:

• Human composting
• Memorial reefs
• A mushroom suit
• Tree pod
• Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis)

International Nurses Day was established in 1965 to highlight the contribution that nurses make and to honor the legacy of Florence Nightingale, who was born May 12, 1820. Nightingale’s most famous work, “Notes on Nursing,” was circulated to hundreds of thousands of nursing students during her lifetime and is still widely used today.

Let’s celebrate Mother’s Day on May 12 by expressing gratitude to all the remarkable moms and maternal figures who fill our lives with love and care. Let’s also take Memorial Day on May 27 to pay our respects to the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country through their honorable service.

Electric bicycles featuring a motor and battery that help riders go further and faster than on a traditional bike are humming all over Lake and Sumter counties. In Florida, you can pedal E-bikes on trails designated as multi-use within state parks. Helmets are not required by law but are highly recommended. 

The Wildwood Community Center is hosting a yard sale on Saturday, May 25, just in time for spring cleaning. Reserve a space to sell your old stuff or browse the event to find some new treasures. The sale will feature gently used items, antiques, collectibles and more. The sale begins at 9am. To reserve a space to hawk your wares, call 352.461.0134 or visit
www.wildwood-fl.gov/parksrec/page/community-events

When it comes to avocados, the larger Florida variety is healthier than its counterpart the “Hass” from California because it has more fiber and water content. Florida avocados promote eye health, lower the risk of cancer, aid in cholesterol management and lessen the chance of heart disease. Since Florida avocados have a sweet flavor, they are often used in smoothies. These healthy beauties also contain just three grams of fat per golf ball-size portion. That means you can eat all the guacamole you want and feel good about it! 

 According to Lake Sumter State College’s Digital Library (lssc.digital.flvc.org), the LSSC Leesburg campus was an Army Air Corps barracks and a German POW camp during World War II. In 1942, the United States Army established an army air base, which extended from the current campus site across nearby US Highway 441. Today’s campus buildings sit where the base’s barracks were constructed for the 313th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1943. After the 313th Tactical Fighter Squadron left, German Prisoners of War were transferred to the barracks from Camp Blanding, near Starke, Florida. The Leesburg camp housed 250 POWs and boasted one of the lowest rates of escape for prisoners in the country.

Head on over to Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages on May 18 and you’ll be transported back in time at the monthly classic car show. The Villages Classic Automobile Club will display an eclectic group of vehicles that will have you imagining what it was like to motor along a dirt road in the rumble seat or reminiscing about the model you owned decades ago. Admire the nuts and bolts, fins and finishes of numerous classic beauties. The show runs from 4-9pm, but get there early for good parking.