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The City of Mascotte celebrated the grand reopening of the city’s sports complex located at 750 Park Avenue on March 21^st with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony. The ribbon cutting hosted by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce recognized the total renovation of a park that had fallen in deep need of a makeover.

The nearly 1.5-million-dollar transformation was completed with grants received from The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA provides funding to governments in support of recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is aimed at addressing public needs and promoting economic recovery. Mascotte Mayor Steven Sheffield points out to city residents that no city tax dollars were utilized for the renovation project.

The complex boasts two baseball diamonds complete with player dugouts and shaded spectator stands. The fields are regulation size and will soon be fitted with fresh sod and irrigation capabilities. A brand new, regulation size soccer field was added as a third field to the complex that more than tripled from its original size.

Spacious parking replaces the once sand field lot that lacked safety measures such as lighting and proper pedestrian traffic paths. The new parking and field areas are equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and plentiful walkway areas of concrete and curbing. The impressive complex will soon include a concrete mortar style snack bar that will be constructed this summer.

Mayor Sheffield recognized two area residents that served the community with commitment and sincerity to youth. Field #1 was dedicated to former council member Pamela Tibbitts-Terry. Pamela had not only served the community of Mascotte but also served a lifelong career with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Pamela passed away unexpectedly in June of 2022

The second field dedication was the new soccer field in memory of Pastor Feliciano “Felix” Ramirez. Felix was an active community member in Mascotte and founding Pastor of First Baptist Church of Mascotte where he had pastored since 1983. Felix was employed by the Lake County School board for 35 years as an educator teaching migrant children the English language. Felix also served on the Mascotte City Council for 4 years before becoming mayor from 2007-2009. Felix also passed after a brief battle with cancer in February of 2023.

Following the ceremonies, two hometown games were played on the new diamonds. Teams comprised mostly of former adult league players that returned with an effort of revitalizing the former mixed leagues. A local seasoned player of the former teams, Tiffanie Seaver-Ahern, pitched the opening pitch that will set into motion a new wave of baseball and softball capabilities in the City of Mascotte for present and  future generations alike. The first game played on the new field on opening day ended with a 30-13 victory. Homerun scores were recorded for players Felicia Massie, Thomas Prescott, Danny Phillips and Michael Sampson.

The City of Mascotte is making efforts to reorganize the former leagues. Interested people are encouraged to contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 352-557-8812 or visit www.CityOfMascotte.org

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Over 100 members of the Lake County community visited the Leesburg Stake Center, Clermont Chapel and the Leesburg Chapel (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Saturday, December 6^th to participate in the Light the World Blood Drive and participate in Day of Service activities. The Leesburg Stake has partnered with OneBlood for the blood drive. Participants donated blood in one of several Red OneBlood buses located at each chapel.

According to Sorrento Bishop Chris Keeler, “One of the greatest acts of service is to give of self and to literally bless the lives of those who need lifesaving blood. That’s what donating blood is all about, giving the gift of life.”

At the Clermont Chapel, two congregations participated  (Lake Minneola and Citrus Tower). The service projects included creating hygiene kits for The Neighborhood Center of South Lake which included homemade cards and ornaments,  and fleece blankets.

At the Leesburg chapel, two congregations participated (Sumterville and Leesburg). The service projects included a  food collection for Wildwood Food Pantry and North Lake Chapel Food Pantry (Lisbon), cards and ornaments, and fleece blankets.

At the Leesburg Stake Center, participants also came prepared to share a variety of food items for donation to local food banka and to participate in community service projects. One group used sewing machines to create seatbelt cushions for cancer patients. Another project involved writing Christmas cards for missionaries. And several children were involved in creating Christmas ornaments.

Adjacent to the Leesburg Stake property in the Eustis Hidden Waters Reserve. The reserve has several trails and Indigenous plant species. The Lake County Water Authority provided participants with a tour of the Reserve.  Christie Leibner, a county educator said: “The Lake County Water Authority provides educational materials on natural landscaping, removing invasive plants, and free educational hikes and kayaking trips. The Sorrento Ward is partnering with Lake County to hold a service project to assist with removing invasive plants.

The Leesburg Stake Day of Service is part of Light the World, a global initiative that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts annually and invites church members and the community to transform Christmas into a season of service.

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Many senior citizens, as well as those from group homes, and others, came to enjoy the blessings experienced throughout the evening.  For the elderly and others not physically able to attend, church members delivered Thanksgiving meals to their homes.  By serving others, and sharing the Good News Message of Jesus Christ, gave Christians an opportunity to put Christ’s Love into action for the community.

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The South Lake County Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted their annual South Lake County Vision Awards dinner party in The Wesley Center at Living Hope Church of Clermont. The 2025 FCA Vision Dinner gave our community the opportunity to see and hear the impact of FCA ministry programs here in South Lake County. With a fun tailgate party theme, everyone came wearing their favorite sports gear and FCA shirts.

FCA Vision Night:  Everyone was invited to this fundraiser showcasing the ministry and mission of Fellowship of Christian athletes here in South Lake County with great fellowship and food. The leaders and speakers shared stories and videos from coaches, athletes, staff, and community leaders to highlight their mission to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. They shared the 4 C’s of FCA Ministry which include Campus, Camps, Coaches & Community.

Sharing Praise & Glory: With shared comments and prayers, Area Director Tim Hancock, Dr. Jeff Duke, Kahlil Tucker, and Amanda Palomares led their inspirational program presentation designed to celebrate local athletic youth through a commitment to integrity, community service, teamwork, and excellence. The speakers, student panelists and coaches shared their own personal success stories. Details from their 4 Cs of Campus, Camps, Coaches and Community programs through the testimonials were presented. While sharing truly heartfelt messages, Dr. Duke noted that “We all need time for renewal and reflection as well as a time to share!” He noted that 99% of their ministry team are active volunteers.

Tim Hancock shared, “Our FCA Vision Night is a great fundraiser event to showcase the ministry from the victory stories about what the Lord is doing in and through our local athletes and coaches, while talking about our 4 Cs as Campus, Camps, Coaches and Community.” … He added, “There are three Ps in which you can help with the FCA needs here in South Lake County area. Pray for FCA to continue to be used to make a spiritual difference in our community by the means through our youth. Participate. Become a volunteer by using the God given talents and gifts along with your time to serve in ministry. Partner by becoming a financial partner and teammate with FCA to raise up staff with resources to pour into our youth.”

 Inspired Ministry: This program strives to help their participating students to become better individuals. FCA is an inspired community that works to see the world transformed in a very positive manner through shared Christianity by their coaches, athletes, and families. They work to consistently engage, equip, and empower everyone to achieve success through their ministry. FCA helps students realize their purpose for doing what they do. They work to help support the students’ levels of handling stress and how to deal with their personal issues, while also supporting parents and families. The FCA Coaches spend much needed time at the each of the South Lake schools while coaching, teaching, and instructing student athletes.

School Team Huddles & Special Events: Locally, FCA shares their ministry with almost 3000 athletes on more than 100 sports teams from 20 participating schools and 6 area churches. FCA was started nationally in 1954 and with worldwide growth, South Lake is part of an initiative that has now grown to successfully impact and service youth with powerful opportunities in 115 countries worldwide. Team huddles are held regularly year-round to encourage and challenge athletes, coaches, and campuses to live and compete using biblical principles through the platform of athletic competition. They offer a series of summer camp opportunities with positive athletic, spiritual and leadership training. Many teens call their camps, “A life changing experience!”

FCA Teamwork: The South Lake County area FCA staff is led by Area Director Tim Hancock, Kahlil ‘Tuck’ Tucker as Metro Area Director and Administrative Assistant Mary Berens. They have created their own South Lake FCA Dream Team with numerous community leaders, active board members, staff, generous financial partners, donors, and sponsors. FCA of South Lake is always looking for new coaches, students, leaders, corporate sponsors, and donations to help make an impact in the lives of students and athletes.

For More Information, contact South Lake County of Fellowship of Christian Athletes at 407-310-3146, Email: THancock@FCA.org  or MBerens@FCA.org and visit: www.SouthLakeCountyFCA.org. Send mail to: PO Box 120272 in Clermont, FL 34712. Like and follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/southlakecountyfca/

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When Clermont resident David Ethington saw that a hurricane was headed toward Jamaica, he knew he needed to do something to help.  After seeing Hurricane Melissa ravage Jamaica, Ethington reached out to his friend, Carol Watler, who had previously sent aid to the Bahamas after another hurricane. He asked whether she was planning to send any aid.  Watler is a local therapist who immigrated many years ago from Jamaica.  Watler confirmed that she hoped to send a container with aid to Jamaica, but that she needed help with gathering supplies.  Watler stated, “I am profoundly thankful for the incredible support church members have shown toward our mission in Jamaica.  Their generosity, compassion, and willingness to give have truly been a reflection of God’s love in action.”

Ethington then reached out to Bishop Victor Mourauo, the leader of the Lake Louisa congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where Ethington attends church, to see whether his congregation could help.  Ethington stated, “When we saw that a hurricane was coming, we knew that we had to do something for our brothers and sisters in Jamaica.  I only wish we could do more.” 

Bishop Mourauo reacted quickly.  He organized an event for the youth and families of the congregation to assemble the hygiene kits and begin a food drive.  On Wednesday, November 5, nearly 50 members of the Church came together with donated items to assemble 500 hygiene kits, write encouraging notes, and assemble non-perishable food donations.  The hygiene kits included shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and a washcloth.  Church members also donated over 500 cans of food, several 10-pound bags of rice, and 8 cases of water.

Clermont resident and Church member Barbara Hehl was especially excited to help assemble the kits as she and her husband have a great love for the people of Jamaica.  Her husband, Ken Hehl, served a two-year mission in Jamaica for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was young.  Barbara Hehl is currently serving as a volunteer youth leader for the teenage girls of the congregation, and she loved serving alongside the girls in putting together the hygiene kits. 

The children and youth of the Church wrote uplifting notes to put in the hygiene kits to offer love to the Hurricane Melissa victims, with messages like “God loves you,” and “You are a child of God.” 

Winter Garden Stake President Gary Hansen of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who oversees nine local congregations of the Church including the Lake Louisa Congregation, stated, “It’s wonderful to see the rapid demonstration of love and devotion to God and His children in need.”

About The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a worldwide faith of over 17 million members. The Church has over 31,000 congregations in more than 160 countries and territories. Across 70 countries, the Church is serving more than 450,000 individuals through a religious education program for youth and young adults and the operation of four universities/colleges; FamilySearch, the world’s largest genealogical organization; and a vast humanitarian aid program that provides nearly $1.4 billion annually in worldwide relief. Visit the Caring for those in Need annual report.

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Recently, members and volunteers gathered for a packing party, filling shoeboxes with age-appropriate toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and small gifts. Each box also includes a Gospel message, sharing the story of Jesus Christ’s love with children around the world.

The shoeboxes prepared at Tuscanooga are part of a larger nationwide effort. Last year alone, over 29,000 shoeboxeswere collected from the Lake-Sumter County area. These boxes were transported by semi-trucks to the Atlanta Processing Center, which serves the southeastern United States. From there, they began their journeys by boat or plane to more than 100 countries.

Each box contains a Gospel story booklet translated into one of 118 different languages, ensuring every child can understand the message of hope and love it carries. In 2024, 10.5 million shoeboxes were sent from the United States, and since 2009, more than 23.5 million children have made decisions for Christ through this life-changing ministry.

Tuscanooga Baptist Church, located at 18540 Tuscanooga Road in Groveland, serves as one of three Collection Centers in South Lake County. The other local drop-off sites include:

• Oak Tree Baptist Church, 7000 Green Isle Drive, Clermont

• Woodlands Lutheran Church, 15333 CR 455, Montverde

Shoeboxes can be dropped off at these locations during National Collection Week, this week….November 17–24, 2025. Those interested should contact the individual churches. Additional collection centers are also available throughout Lake County.

For more information or to find a nearby location, visit the Samaritan’s Purse website at:
 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/

If you’re unable to pack a box in person, consider participating through “Build a Box Online”, an easy and meaningful way to share God’s love with a child in need, says Mary Helen Myers, Tuscanooga Baptist Church.

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Clermont Police Chief John Graczyk led his team of Clermont Police officers, while Kay Barnett, CEO of AdventHealth Minneola, rallied her team of doctors.

TO SEE VIDEO CLIP-ITS OF THE BATTLE FOR HOPE, CLICK ON
“WATCH ON YOUTUBE”

 The evening began with warm welcomes and introductions from Holly Grant, Development Manager of Find, Feed & Restore.

Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks offered the invocation, and Johanna Grant, Worship Leader at Living Message Church, delivered a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. AdventHealth Minneola, under the leadership of Kay Barnett, proudly served as the presenting sponsor.

About Find, Feed & Restore – Find, Feed & Restore exists to eliminate homelessness for families with children and individuals in Lake County. Guided by their mission of “Housing for All People, At All Times,” the organization provides:

• Housing First: Transitional housing for families with children, offering 6–12 months of low- or no-cost living while they work toward self-sufficiency.

• Affordable Housing: Permanent, affordable housing solutions for working families.

• Care Coach: A mobile outreach unit delivering hot meals, fresh food, housing assistance, and health screenings to underserved communities.

• Homelessness Avoidance: Emergency assistance for families or individuals at risk of losing their homes due to temporary hardships.

The need is urgent. In Florida, the state ranks 4th in the nation for the number of homeless children. By the age of eight, 33% of homeless children face serious mental health challenges. In Lake County, 64% of disabled veterans and single mothers are being priced out of housing.

The Battle – After dinner, the fast-paced and entertaining showdown began. The teams gave it their all—but in the end, the Cops, once again, claimed victory over their opponents.

The real winners, however, were the families who will benefit from the funds raised through the event. Battle for Hope was not only competitive and fun—it was a powerful reminder of what the community can achieve when it comes together for a cause that truly matters.

After the battle, guests heard a powerful testimony as Lisa Bishop, Program Director of Find, Feed & Restore, interviewed an abused, homeless Lake County teacher whose story shed light on the struggles faced by too many in the community.

Founders Brian and Allison Broadway then made a heartfelt appeal for continued support and funding to sustain the organization’s vital work.

TO LEARN MORE OR HELP SUPPORT FIND, FEED, RESTORE,  CLICK ON HOPE!

MORE PICTURES OF THE EVENT

Cops vs Docs

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