Mission Resort + Club has unveiled Conquistador Bar & Restaurant, a fully reimagined dining space in Howey-in-the-Hills that unites two former concepts into one. The refreshed restaurant blends Spanish-inspired flavors with Florida ingredients, serving shareable small plates, seafood and bold entrées in a warm setting. Adjacent to the restaurant, the newly introduced Great Room offers a quiet, fireplace-centered gathering space with leather seating and lounge areas.

10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills / 352.324.3101 / missionresortandclub.com

Wesley Locke, principal of Spring Creek Charter School in Paisley, has been named a recipient of the Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Award, given to the state’s most successful principals serving high-risk K-12 public schools. Florida TaxWatch presented Locke with the award and a $1,000 prize during a ceremony at the school. ]

Just outside downtown Mount Dora sits Sydonie Mansion, one of Central Florida’s most enchanting historic treasures. The 22,000-square-foot estate, established in the late 1800s and later redesigned by renowned architect Grosvenor Atterbury, draws inspiration from Spain’s Alhambra and remains one of Florida’s most remarkable residential properties. Guests can experience its rich history and beautifully restored spaces through a 75-minute guided tour. The mansion also serves as a stunning backdrop for weddings and special events on its lush lakeside grounds. Learn more or reserve a tour at sydoniemansion.com.

Wildwood Soup Kitchen reopened this month in a larger space to better serve the growing needs of the community. Relocating from Barwick Street to North Main Street, the nonprofit will transition into a fully equipped institutional kitchen designed for high-volume meal preparation. The expansion allows the team to continue serving lunch six days a week and deliver meals to homebound residents. 

610 N Main St., Wildwood / 352.748.1008 / wildwoodsoupkitchen.org

Young Lake County author Jehanne J. Hedrick is already building her own fantasy world with “Element Wolf Book One: Stolen.” Written while still in her teens, the debut follows Flight, a young wolf torn from his home and thrust into a mysterious land where prophecy and rare powers collide. Blending action, humor and themes of courage and forgiveness, Jehanne launches a new series that proves storytelling has no age requirement. 

Cover art by Kristina Anastasio | authorjhedrick.com | Available on Amazon and at Sunsational Farms

Mother’s Day is a time to pause and celebrate the women who nurture, guide and hold families together. Many families across Lake and Sumter counties mark the May 10 occasion with flowers, thoughtful gifts or a leisurely brunch. Popular spots include Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora, Mission Inn Resort + Club in Howey-in-the-Hills and The Chop House at Lake Sumter in The Villages. 

D & J Apiary in Umatilla offers a backroads experience with the world of honey bees. For 30 years, this family-run operation has produced locally made, raw and unheated Florida honey along with handcrafted beeswax products. While there, one can connect with experienced beekeepers dedicated to preserving the art of honey production. 

17030 SE 253rd Place, Umatilla / 352.669.1279 / dandjapiary.com

Boss Hogg Radio is a uniquely eclectic Central Florida radio station out of Bushnell that blends rock, pop, blues and classic country into a “Heinz 57” mix. The station’s free-spirited personality and diverse programming heard across the I-4 and I-75 corridors on WWJB 1450 AM and 99.9 FM and streaming 24/7 online keeps listeners tuned in from Ocala to Sebring. Catch local shows and classic favorites wherever you go. 

863.225.1000 / bossHoggRadio.net

Kudos to East Ridge High School junior Eli Parks for his innovative research project, Chemically Engineering the Microstructure of Concrete. After taking first place at the 2026 Lake County Secondary Regional Science Fair in February, Eli was invited to compete in the Lockheed Martin Science Challenge at the Orlando Science Center, where he earned top honors in the Senior Division for Environmental Engineering. From there, he advanced to the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair in Lakeland.