Jell-O-shots are perfectly patriotic for your July 4th BBQ or poolside party. 

Ingredients:

1 box each red/blue Jell-O

1 pk unflavored gelatin

1 c plain vodka

1 c whipped cream vodka

1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk

Per layer ratio:

1 c boiling water

1/2 c cold water

1/2 c vodka (swap whipped cream vodka for the white layer)

Directions per layer:

Combine 1 cup boiling water with 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka.

Red/Blue: Mix Jell-O with boiling water and stir. Add cold water and plain vodka.

White: Mix 1 packet of unflavored gelatin with boiling water. Stir in condensed milk and 1/2 cup of whipped cream vodka. Layer in order, chilling for at least one hour each.

Safety first on the Fourth! That’s the admonition from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office as we plan to celebrate July 4th. Public Information Officer for the Sheriff’s Office of Professional Standards Sgt. Jim Vachon reminds residents to keep safety top of mind while celebrating our nation’s birthday. Keep fireworks away from dry grass and flammable materials, do not use them while under the influence and always keep a bucket of water nearby. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully and never handle lit fireworks. Residents are also encouraged to be mindful of neighbors and animals and avoid setting off fireworks late at night.

The International Lineman’s Museum & Fallen Lineman Organization in Leesburg stands as a powerful tribute to the men and women who keep the lights on and honors those who lost their lives while performing their duties. The museum continues to evolve, with artifacts dating back to the 1800s, a memorial and the Pulitzer Prize-winning photo “The Kiss of Life,” capturing the danger and humanity of the trade. 

617 S Whitney Rd., Leesburg / 704.470.2441 / linemanranch.com  

Dash Sports, a running and walking specialty store that began as a small 500-square-foot shop inside Clermont’s National Training Center, celebrated 20 years in business in May. Owner Kimberly Grogan has grown Dash Sports from humble beginnings into a go-to spot for expert shoe fittings, gear and community support. With locations in Clermont and Winter Garden, Dash Sports has built a loyal following through group runs, races and strong ties to the local fitness community.

741 S Montrose St., Clermont / 352.394.7434

Summer BreakSpot and its community partners are returning in July to provide free, nutritious meals for children and teens 18 and younger while school is out this summer. The federally funded program offers breakfast, lunch, snacks and more at participating schools, parks, libraries and community centers across Florida. No registration or paperwork is required. Families can find exact meal site locations, dates and serving times by visiting summerbreakspot.org.

Bookish Café, a new independent bookstore in Clermont, has officially opened after building a following through literary pop-up events across Central Florida. The shop features a curated selection of fantasy, thrillers and other popular titles, along with themed merchandise, author events and community gatherings. Visitors can browse for their next read, then head through the connected hallway to Foxtail Coffee and Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream to enjoy a drink or treat while diving into a new book.

2608 S Highway 27, Suite 102, Clermont / 786.491.5533

The Lucky Goat brings a Florida-born coffee brand known for small-batch roasting and a strong community following to Eastport. The café serves everything from cold brew and espresso to teas and fresh baked goods daily. 

7033 Eastport Drive / 352.569.4075 / luckygoatcoffee.com

Grassy Lake Elementary’s Becky Antill was recognized recently as Lake County’s STEM Teacher of the Year by the Air & Space Forces Association. While the award honors excellence in science, technology, engineering and math, Antill teaches STEAM, which incorporates the arts into those subjects. As the school’s K-5 STEAM teacher, she has led award-winning science fair, robotics and STEAM Bowl teams, including a robotics team that advanced to the world championship this year. She was surprised May 6 with a certificate and cash award honoring her leadership and innovation in STEM education.

Congratulations to Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks for receiving the National Eagle Scout Association’s Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. A Facebook post by Lake County officials says: “This award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated notable professional achievements and a lifelong commitment to community service. This honor is granted to those who have excelled in their careers and contributed to the public stature of the Eagle Scouts through their positive actions.”