Lake County Schools just earned its first “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education since 2008! Superintendent Dr. Diane Kornegay announced the exciting news on July 8, calling it “a powerful reflection of our commitment, our progress and our collective belief in what’s possible for every student.” She credited students, staff, families and community members for the shared success. “This A belongs to all of us,” Kornegay says. “We’re entering the new school year stronger than ever—focused, inspired, and committed to continued excellence.”

Florida’s Seminole pumpkins flourish in the heat and pack vitamins, minerals and beta-carotene into every bite. The fiber-rich seeds that make a tasty snack also help curb appetite and are great for you, so enjoy them roasted simply or with creative spices for a nutritious seasonal treat.

Simple Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Wash seeds to remove pulp, dry thoroughly.
3. Toss with olive oil and sea salt.
4. Spread on a baking sheet, bake about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
5. To spice them up, use Old Bay, Tajine, Salad Supreme or ranch seasoning. For a sweeter option, try melted butter with pumpkin pie spice.

The new Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Costco shopping plaza in Clermont is now open at 1650 E. SR 50, with 10,000 more square feet of gear, games and outdoor essentials. The old store in the Hobby Lobby plaza was closed. 

Open Monday–Saturday, 9am-9pm, and Sunday, 10am-7pm, with pickup starting at 8am. 

Treasure hunters, collectors, and curious browsers are invited to Renninger’s Autumn Yard Sale—a three-day shopping event starting September 19 at 8am at Renninger’s Antique Center, 20651 US Hwy. 441 in Mount Dora. Free admission, free parking and a pet-friendly atmosphere make this widely-popular event the perfect place to buy, sell or browse antiques, vintage items and one-of-a-kind finds. 

For details, call 352.383.8393 or email doraantcenter@renningers.com.

VerdeVin, Leesburg’s brand new lush escape, specializes in tropical plants that thrive even for novice gardeners. Owner Carla Garcia offers personal plant care, from hardy picks to a rehab station that nurses sick plants back to life. She plans a community garden, monthly swaps and workshops for kids. You’ll also find her handcrafted cooking salts and cards. Stop by this fresh downtown gem and grow something beautiful. 

Open 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Saturday
at 1012 W. Main Street. / 352.530.7003

The Melon Patch Players are starting their new season at the Tropic Theater with the stage play Nana Does Vegas. Rolling the dice on a brand-new adventure, Nana has packed her bags and hit the Strip, taking a job as a showgirl seamstress alongside her quick-witted sidekick Vera. But in true Nana fashion, nothing goes quite as planned. Cue wardrobe malfunctions, backstage chaos and plenty of laughs. 

September 5-21 at The Tropic,
122 W. Main St., Leesburg / 352.787.3013
melonpatchplayers.org

Clermont’s Citrus Tower turned 69 in July, still standing proud in Florida history. Since opening in 1956, thousands of visitors have enjoyed elevator rides to stunning views of orange groves filled with more than 17 million trees in the mid-50s. Today, most of the groves are gone but the 226-foot tower still offers panoramic sights, including views of downtown Orlando and Disney World on clear days. At the base, Citrus Coffee Co. serves citrus-inspired treats and the tower hosts community events, private rentals and a festive annual light show that runs nightly during the Christmas season.

Families, nature lovers and curious minds are invited to get their October spook on at the Bat Party—a fun, educational evening hosted by Lake County Parks & Trails on Saturday, October 4 at 6pm at Flat Island Preserve, 2388 Owen’s Road in Leesburg. This family-friendly event features a short, guided hike, the chance to learn about Florida’s native bat species and a relaxing wrap-up with s’mores under the stars. Be sure to bring a flashlight, bug spray and a comfy chair or camping shade.

For more information, contact Luke Allen at 352.602.0809 or Luke.Allen@lakecountyfl.gov.

A new ALDI has replaced the former Winn-Dixie after a $1 million remodel at Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages. ALDI brings a streamlined shopping experience, budget-friendly prices, efficient layout, and popular house brands to local shoppers. Hundreds attended the ribbon-cutting in July, with early risers lining up hours before doors opened. The store is fully golf-cart accessible and open 9am-8pm daily at 820 Old Camp Road, Lake Sumter Landing.