Amanda Nethero, Live Well Foundation of South Lake

New Beginnings of Central Florida (NBCFL) today announced the launch of Pathways to Healthcare for Vulnerable Populations, a bold new initiative designed to break down medical barriers and bring quality healthcare within reach for the most vulnerable residents of South Lake County. The initiative is made possible through a $215,000 grant from the Live Well Foundation as part of a $316,500 total project budget.

The program targets uninsured and underinsured adults, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities — community members who too often delay or forgo care simply because they cannot access it. Through coordinated medical and dental services, NBCFL aims to serve 150 uninsured residents and deliver preventive health services to 100 participants in its first phase.

NBCFL will implement the initiative in partnership with a network of established healthcare providers, including Sirius Healthcare, Community Health Centers, and Apex Health DPC. Together, these partners will provide a continuum of care that coordinates primary medical visits, dental treatment, preventive screenings, and follow-up services, reducing the delays that too often leave vulnerable populations without timely treatment. Live Well Foundation Grant Chair, Susan McLean, expressed confidence in the project, noting that “New Beginnings of Central Florida has demonstrated a deep commitment to the people most at risk of falling through the cracks of our healthcare system. This grant reflects our confidence in their ability to create meaningful, lasting change for South Lake County residents who need it most.”

Beyond connecting individuals to immediate care, Pathways to Healthcare is designed with a long-term vision: reducing preventable delays in healthcare access and stabilizing the overall health of vulnerable populations in the region. By addressing both medical and dental needs in a coordinated fashion, the project recognizes that whole-person health is essential to individual and community wellbeing.

New Beginnings of Central Florida (NBCFL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families in South Lake County by connecting them with essential services, including healthcare, housing support, and social resources. NBCFL works to remove systemic barriers and build a stronger, healthier community for all.

For more information about the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and its grantmaking initiatives, visit www.lwfsl.org.

About Live Well Foundation of South Lake – Established in 2019, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is a private 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to improving the health and wellness of South Lake County. The Foundation fulfills its mission through strategic grantmaking that supports sustainable, community-based initiatives focused on long-term impact.

Live Well Foundation of South Lake invests in solutions that strengthen individual and community well-being, guided by a commitment to measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship. Its work is grounded in a simple return on investment: better health, for life.

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Proceeds from the event will directly benefit both organizations and their missions to support law enforcement families and officers. Central Florida C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) is dedicated to rebuilding the shattered lives of surviving family members and co-workers affected by a line-of-duty death, offering resources, counseling, and ongoing support.

The Code 4 Initiative also provides critical assistance, focusing on the well-being of law enforcement officers and their families through programs that promote mental health, peer support, and financial assistance in times of need.

The success of the Honoring the Fallen 5K reflects the community’s continued commitment to honoring fallen heroes while supporting those left behind.

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The Clermont Police Department has been an accredited law enforcement agency through the State of Florida Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) since 2004. With that accreditation, the department takes great strides in ensuring that its officers receive the latest training in technology, de-escalation techniques, tactics, use of force, and strategies, just to name a few.

The department maintains a full-time training unit composed of in-house trainers who are, at a minimum, certified in firearms training, defensive tactics, law enforcement vehicle operations, search techniques, and legal updates. The training division is also responsible for the assignment and monitoring of new officers and their trainers in the field training portion of new-hire training.

With that training, the department also takes extra steps in providing the necessary technology required to not only keep officers safer but also provide additional options for those officers to de-escalate violent people in hostile situations with an effort to minimize injuries to both the officer and the suspect. One such option is the recently introduced Axon Taser 10 energy weapon. The taser has a 10-cartridge capability and also allows for a longer range, up to 45 feet, of capability when deployed. The increase from the previous 25-foot capacity provides more time and space for decision-making by the officer and a reduction in risk for everyone involved.

Along with the 10-cartridge capability, compared to the previous 4-cartridge ability, the new taser also has a differing sound tone when a good connection is made, alerting the officer that he or she is on target. Individually targeted probes dramatically improve accuracy and effectiveness, expanding the situations in which the taser can be utilized.

Representatives from Axon proclaim that the “Axon Taser 10 ushers in the potential for a less-lethal future, and we are confident it will be a key factor in helping to cut gun-related deaths between police and the public by 50% in the next 10 years.” Research has shown that ineffective taser deployments can result in an escalation to lethal force and that over 80% of officer-involved shootings occur within a 40-foot range.

In addition to the new tasers, the Clermont Police Department has included the Axon Virtual Reality  training package and Axon Network technology. The innovative training allows the entire department to be trained in-house, therefore eliminating travel costs, overtime and staff shortages that are often accrued when officers are required to travel to outside training sites.

Clermont Police Sergeant Ethan Bell and Lt. Daniel Moser provided a demonstration of the virtual training. Officers are equipped with virtual reality headsets that provide random scenarios for use of force and de-escalation situations. The scenarios can be monitored by nearby training staff through a standard tablet or computer screen. “The training allows officers to gain confidence and accuracy, while enhancing the officer’s proficiency. The training also helps officers to improve use-of-force decision-making while also practicing de-escalation techniques,” says Sgt. Bell.

The Axon Network function connects the Taser 10 to body-worn cameras and in-car cameras, as well as a real-time operations platform. The additional capabilities ensure that agencies never miss a critical moment on their cameras and increase visibility that supports greater transparency and accountability. The program also includes a real-time records productivity software suite that helps officers save time on compiling reports.

Another critical component of the software is the “smart holster” technology. The Taser 10 has an onboard sensor that pairs with certified holsters, allowing the Taser 10 to detect when it has been removed from a holster. Taser 10 logs the holster event and emits a wireless signal to alert local body cameras in the vicinity to begin recording. The department also requires that each officer relinquish body camera and taser memory cartridges to a secure portal in the police station that locks when the cartridge is inserted. The data is retained for a variety of reasons, including court purposes and citizen complaint investigations.

The Clermont Police Department provides extensive training opportunities for its officers, including a fully equipped, in-house workout gym that allows officers to stay fit and capable of handling the strenuous job requirements that they face on a daily basis.

Visit www.ClermontFl.gov/262/police-department for a full listing of career opportunities, accreditation information, and community activities.

(Some of the photos courtesy of Axon Inc.)

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Participating schools included East Ridge High School, Eustis High School, Leesburg High School, Montverde Academy, Mount Dora Christian Academy, Mount Dora High School, Pinecrest Lake Prep, South Lake High School, South Sumter High School, Tavares High School, The Villages High School, Umatilla High School, and Wildwood Middle High School.

Each team tackled 40 complex math problems within a 60-minute time frame, covering topics ranging from college-level algebra to advanced concepts in pre-calculus and trigonometry. The competition tested not only accuracy but also speed, as teams earned bonus points for being the first to submit correct answers—adding a strategic element to the challenge.

“Mathlympics is an opportunity for students to engage deeply with mathematics in a way that is both rigorous and inspiring,” said Dr. Megan Cavanah, Dean of Mathematics. “Our faculty take great pride in every aspect of this event, from crafting challenging problems and designing an engaging theme to creating a welcoming environment and recognizing students with meaningful awards. The event is a true reflection of LSSC’s commitment to student learning, collaboration, and excellence in mathematics.”

After an intense round of competition, Montverde Academy’s Team B claimed first place.

The top four teams were:

• Montverde Academy (Team B)
• Eustis High School (Team A)
• East Ridge High School (Team B)
• South Sumter High School (Team A)

An honorable mention was awarded to Montverde Academy Team A, which would have placed in the top four but was ineligible under competition rules limiting final rankings to one team per school.

Rounding out the top 10 were teams from Pinecrest Lake Prep, East Ridge High School, The Villages High School, Mount Dora Christian Academy, and South Sumter High School. Notably, two teams finished with identical scores, with final placement determined by a tiebreaker based on performance on the most challenging 20-point questions.

LSSC’s math faculty take pride in crafting a unique and engaging problem set each year—one that emphasizes curiosity, logic, and creativity alongside technical skill. This thoughtful approach has helped establish Mathlympics as a respected and highly anticipated academic event in the region.

“Events like Mathlympics reflect our commitment to academic excellence and community partnership,” said Karen Hogans, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We are proud to provide a space where students can challenge themselves, connect with peers, and experience the excitement of higher-level learning. We look forward to celebrating 40 years of Mathlympics next year.”

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The Ferndale Preserve project includes the construction of a new observation tower, fishing pier, and kayak and canoe launch.

Lake County is partnering with the Town of Montverde to improve the Lake Apoka West Shore Boat Ramp after the Ferndale Preserve project is complete.

Patrons are encouraged to use the McDonald Canal Boat Ramp, located at 24600 County Road 448A, Mount Dora, as an alternative boat ramp and retrieval site for Lake Apopka.

For more information, contact The Lake County Office of Parks and Trails at (352) 253-4950.

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The recognition is based entirely on objective, publicly reported data. Hospitals cannot apply, opt in, or pay for inclusion. Based on comparisons between the study’s top performers and peer hospitals, the analysis found that this year’s 100 Top Hospitals® delivered better outcomes while operating more efficiently.

“Earning a place on this list is a testament to our team’s commitment to safety, quality and putting patients first,” said Lance Sewell, president, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. “For decades, our physicians and team members have made serving the Lake County community their top priority, and this recognition is a gratifying testament to that dedication that will continue for many years to come.”

The analysis program is designed to help healthcare leaders pursue higher performance and deliver added value to patients and communities by providing transparent, nonbiased benchmarks and actionable insights.

The trusted community hospital for more than 75 years, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital is nationally recognized for safety, quality and patient experience. It is also the only hospital in Lake County to have an “A” rating from the Leapfrog Group and was recently named the first Primary Florida Resuscitation Center of Excellence in Lake County.

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According to ownership, the decision comes after months of dealing with a difficult personal home construction situation that began last fall. The project was left incomplete after a contractor unexpectedly walked away, resulting in significant financial strain and ongoing legal complications. As a result, funds that had been allocated for the café’s expansion and relaunch are no longer available and are not expected to be recovered in the near future.

The Harvest Market team shared that they had been enthusiastic about the café’s future and had developed extensive plans to create a unique and welcoming space for the community. However, the financial impact of the situation has made it impossible to continue operations, and the café ultimately became a casualty of circumstances beyond their control.

Despite the challenges, the owners expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support they have received from the community, noting that the encouragement and patronage over time have meant a great deal to them. 

As part of the closure process, The Harvest Market will begin liquidating its inventory and store fixtures. All merchandise not already on sale will be offered at 50 percent off, while existing sale items will remain discounted at 70 percent. Store equipment, including racks, refrigerators, and freezers, will also be available for purchase.

The Harvest Market’s final day of operation is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, or earlier if inventory sells out. Those interested in purchasing fixtures or equipment are encouraged to contact the business directly. Call 352-432-6051 for more information.

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Orlando Cat Cafe is proud to announce it has been named Social Impact Business of the Year by the WomElle Female Voice Awards, a prestigious honor recognizing organizations and leaders who are driving meaningful change in their communities.

The WomElle Female Voice Awards celebrate the achievements of women leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches, and professionals across a wide range of industries. The Social Impact Business of the Year Award specifically honors an organization that has effectively implemented initiatives addressing social issues and creating measurable, positive impact.

Since opening its doors, Orlando Cat Cafe has been dedicated to blending business with purpose—partnering with local rescue organizations to help find loving homes for adoptable cats and kittens. To date, the cafe has successfully facilitated nearly 3,500 adoptions, helping save lives while creating a unique and welcoming experience for guests.

“This award is incredibly meaningful to us because it reflects the heart of what we do every day—bringing people and animals together in a way that changes lives,” said founder Sandra Cagan. “We are honored to be recognized alongside so many inspiring women and organizations making a difference.”

This year also marks a major milestone for Orlando Cat Cafe as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the business has become a model for social entrepreneurship, demonstrating how innovative concepts can create both economic success and community impact.

Building on that success, Orlando Cat Cafe is now expanding its mission nationwide through franchise opportunities, inviting passionate entrepreneurs to bring the cat cafe experience—and its life-saving impact—to communities across the country.

The awards ceremony will take place on May 30^th at the Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando.

For more information about Orlando Cat Cafe, adoption opportunities, or franchise availability, please visit www.orlandocatcafefranchise.com or contact Lisa Doroba at lisa@orlandocatcafe.com.

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Through a formal proclamation issued by Mayor Tim Murry on April 14, the city joined communities across the State of Florida in recognizing the importance of conserving water—especially during April, a typically dry month when water demands are at their peak.

The proclamation highlights a simple but powerful truth: water is a basic and essential need for every living creature. But here in Florida, where lakes shimmer and sprinklers hum almost year-round, it’s easy to take that resource for granted. That’s where awareness—and a bit of creativity—comes in.

Adding a colorful splash to the celebration, local students took center stage in the Annual Drop Savers Poster Contest. To celebrate Water Awareness Month, Clermont students put their imagination to work, designing eye-catching posters that delivered powerful messages about conservation. From dripping faucets turned into superheroes to oceans filled with reminders to “save every drop,” the artwork proved that big ideas can come from small hands.

Students proudly displayed their creations, with several receiving special recognition for their outstanding posters. The contest not only showcased artistic talent but also reinforced the importance of water conservation in a way that resonates with younger generations—proving that learning can be both meaningful and fun.

Clermont and regional Water Management Districts continue working together to promote conservation through educational programs, outreach initiatives, and community involvement. And as the student artists demonstrated, spreading awareness doesn’t have to be dull—it can be vibrant, engaging, and even a little inspiring.

The city has long supported conservation efforts, encouraging residents, businesses, and schools to do their part. Whether it’s fixing leaks, limiting irrigation, or simply being mindful of daily water use, every action contributes to preserving Florida’s precious resources.

And those small efforts matter. Each business, industry, school, and citizen plays a role in protecting the environment while supporting a strong and healthy community. After all, conserving water today helps ensure that Clermont’s natural beauty remains for generations to come.

So this April, Clermont isn’t just talking about conservation—it’s celebrating it. With a mayoral proclamation in place and students leading the charge with creativity and enthusiasm, the message is clear: saving water can be impactful, imaginative, and yes—even fun.

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