Nothing But Networking a Lady Lake Chamber event was held at the Texas Road House Grill. Feedback from the 70 who attended was “it was real good”. I was sick with the bug so I stayed away from everyone except when I took these pictures. They had so much fun they ask if we could have the Texas Road House Grill again. So it will be there again in February the first Thursday. If you would like to attend call the Chamber 352-753-6029 to make arrangements. Tell them Tom sent you!
Art in the Park was a great success again. The weather was great. Lot’s of visitors strolling through the park, looking at the exhibits in amazements. There food vendors so you could enjoy the event, eat lunch and just relax. Art in the Park is hosted and put on by the Lady Lake Chamber. It is an annual event you don’t want to miss. Watch this newspaper for the next announcement in 11 months. Put it on your calendar!
Sebring, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis issued the following statement regarding the tragic shooting in Sebring, Florida:
“This is a terrible day for Sebring, Highlands County and for the state of Florida. Casey and I extend our most sincere condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims. The people of Florida stand with the community of Sebring. In light of this tragic circumstance, I’ve directed FDLE to provide the necessary resources at the state level to assist with the ongoing investigation. This is an individual that needs to face very swift and exacting justice.
“I want to thank both the Sebring Police Department and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office for their response and continued efforts during this tragedy.”
Publishers Note: My son was in that bank the day before!
Rubio was in town. He went to visit the Mojo Family, a great group of people. Here they are posing for this picture at one of the many locations. Rondo has done a great job!
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis formally announced the appointment of Gregory Tony as Sheriff of Broward County. Tony, a former Coral Springs Police Sergeant, will serve as Broward County’s first African-American Sheriff.
“The people of Broward County deserve accountable, competent leaders who can safeguard our communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Gregory Tony will be a champion for Broward County who will work tirelessly to safeguard our schools and our streets while ensuring accountability within the Sheriff’s office.”
“This is an enormous honor and privilege to be appointed Sheriff of Broward County,” said newly appointed Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony. “It is my intention to embark on this enormous task to restore the confidence of families and residents of Broward County toward the Broward Sherriff’s Office, which also requires that I fix the problems that exist. I thank Governor Ron DeSantis for this honor and I commit to faithfully fulfilling my duties to this office.”
This week, I spoke to journalists from across the state at the 2019 Associated Press Legislative Planning Session. We discussed our priorities and important legislation we will be pursuing during the upcoming legislative session.
We must end the opioid crisis. While running for office, I talked about the devastating reality that Florida lost 14 people a day to opioid overdoses. Today the death toll has risen to 17.
According to the latest Medical Examiners Report, Fentanyl analogs contributed to more than 1,500 overdose deaths in Florida alone—THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. That is why, before I even took the oath of office, we began working to create a Statewide Opioid Abuse Working Group.
Our working group is already meeting to address the crisis, but we need to do more. During the upcoming legislative session, we will work with house and senate leadership to establish the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse. Continue reading
The 2019 Art Park Series continues Friday, Feb. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Tuscawilla Art Park located at 213 NE Fifth St with a concert by cellist, Ben Sollee.
Post Date:01/30/2019 3:30 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 30, 2019) – The 2019 Art Park Series continues Friday, Feb. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Tuscawilla Art Park located at 213 NE Fifth St with a concert by cellist, Ben Sollee. Prior to the performance, a downtown public art stroll and reception, Art Outside the Lines, will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. beginning at City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave.
Art Outside the Lines is a special event providing the community an opportunity to celebrate and support public art. Attendees are encouraged to visit Ocala’s downtown public art with a self-guided walking tour and learn more about each piece from the artists or docents. This event will begin at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments and a public art map will be provided.
Following Art Outside the Lines, guests are invited to head to the Tuscawilla Art Park to enjoy the Art Park Series concert featuring Ben Sollee. Guests of the Art Outside the Lines event will have access to a VIP tent with complementary appetizers. Admission for Art Outside the Lines is $25 per person and includes admission to the concert. Tickets can be purchased at www.ocalafl.org/performingarts.
The Art Park Series concert will feature live music by cellist and composer Ben Sollee on the Tuscawilla Art Park stage from 7 to 9 p.m. The musical performance will incorporate banjo, guitar, and mandolin along with percussion and unusual cello techniques. His songs exhibit a mix of folk, bluegrass, jazz, and R&B elements. Tickets for the concert only are $10 and can be purchased in advance at www.ocalafl.org/performingarts. Concert gates will open at 6 p.m.
The Tuscawilla Art Park is an outdoor venue that provides an open area for seating. Those planning to attend the concert are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs, however, large cushioned ottomans will be available throughout the event space for additional seating. Outside food, drinks and/or coolers will not be permitted, unless required for medical reasons.
The concert is sponsored by 100.5 The Buzz and will include curated indie craft vendors. Blue Highway will also be on-site providing craft beer, wine and specialty pizzas available for purchase. All VIP guests will enjoy a private tent inside the park that will include appetizers and beverages.
The 2019 Art Park Series features a diverse lineup of high-caliber performances on select Fridays this spring from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Tuscawilla Art Park. Admission for each event will vary. For a full list of upcoming events, please visit www.ocalafl.org/performingarts.
For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.org or visit www.ocalafl.org/performingarts.
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Cabinet accepted the State Board of Administration’s recommendation of placing Airbnb on the Scrutinized Companies List. Please see the below statement from Governor Ron DeSantis on this decision:
“Israel has had to face scrutiny like no other country in history has ever had to face. Airbnb made a conscious decision to discriminate against the Jewish people and as Governor I have an obligation to oppose policies that unfairly target the world’s only Jewish State and our greatest ally in the Middle East. Our action today solidifies the State of Florida’s resolve to stand with Israel and if Airbnb does not denounce their previous policy of discrimination we may be compelled to explore additional action.”
By TomL
On January 23 the normal Lady Lake commission was called to order and the floor was opened to public discussion. Before anyone from the public could respond, Commissioner Hannon asked for the floor.
Mayor Richardsons said it was highly unusual but gave approval. Commissioner Hannon said he was saddened that Chief McKinstry quit. He said he had heard from many constituents asking him to do all he could to rehire the Chief.
Betty Salas then approached the podium with a petition of 168 names requesting the Chief be reinstated.
Betty Salas, a local business person standing up for Chief McKinstry, is holding a petition of 166 names of residents asking the Town Council to consider reinstating him. The meeting that followed blew everyone away. It was so much that a second meeting was set to discuss the issue and to discuss reviewing the Ex-Chief and Town Manager Kollgard’s actions. Two Commissioners were not happy about the Chief being forced out! The others knew in advance and let it happen. Go to the meeting on the Feb 4 at 1 pm to watch and listen!
Ms Salas also said that she knew the previous chief and that when the commission hired chief she was assured he was the right man for Lady Lake. She got to know him as did the businesses and residents of Lady Lake as well.
Town Manager Kris Kollgaard then read a statement that said she and the Chief have had professional differences in management styles for the last 6 years and that this was the last time. She contact the commissioners the night before and said the morning meeting would have only one of 2 outcomes. Up until this meeting the general public was told no one at town hall knew why the Chief quit, just that he did. Now we are finding out the truth. Continue reading
