By Nicole Hamel
On the Scene: Glow Jam Electric Night at Lake Sumter Landing
Lake Sumter Landing at The Villages lit up the night as a packed crowd filled the square for an electrifying evening of music, lights and entertainment. Attendees danced and sang along to the high-energy performances by Blonde Ambition and DJ LU-S while neon strobe lights illuminated the entire area.
Guests enjoyed signature cocktails, explored the Glow Lounge and visited vendor booths offering games and goodies throughout the event. Glow sticks and other light-up accessories were also handed out, adding even more color to the festive atmosphere.
The night featured unique entertainment including The Mirror Cat, stilt walkers, disco ladies, and glowing light-up robots who roamed through the crowd. Many attendees embraced the theme by dressing in bright neon and glowing outfits, turning the entire square into a vibrant, high-energy celebration under the lights.
Nicole, born and raised in Maine, is an award-winning photographer with more than 15 years of professional experience. After relocating to Kentucky, she began her career photographing military families and volunteering with several organizations, including Operation Homefront (Tennessee/Kentucky Chapter), the American Red Cross, and the Wounded Warriors Project. While living in Hawaii, Nicole worked as a historical photographer, documenting the Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam community and its surrounding areas. In 2015, Nicole settled in Florida and joined Akers Media Group as a freelance photographer.
Through dedication and consistent excellence, she advanced to Chief Photographer. Her contributions earned her MVP of the Year in 2020 and Employee of the Year in 2023, recognizing both her hard work and commitment to her craft. After eight years of working for Akers, she can now add published writer to her list of accomplishments. Outside of her professional work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her two children, Dylan and Olivia. Her interests include underwater photography, crafting, reading, gardening, traveling, and experiencing life firsthand.
