By TomL
A little history first: Villages creator & founder was Harold Swartz. Mr. Swartz had several ventures in the Marion County area. One was a development called Lake Tropicana near Dunnellon Florida. It was a large unincorporated area that Swartz subdivided into 1.25 acre plots and 2.5 acre plots, all dirt roads. You could buy land $49 down and $49 per month. Many people took advantage of that easy to purchase deal, especially since they did not have a high down payment. It helped many people fulfill their dream of owning land. Today they have built there won roads and maintain them.
The Villages: We will get to the sinkholes in a minute. The development started As Orange Blossom Garden which was a trailer park/prefab homes on the east side of US Hwy 441 some 30 years ago. Swartz bought the prefab home factory that he was buying from and kept evolving over years until it was over 50,000 modern built homes. They are a huge voting block and very powerful politically. Let’s go back some 30 years ago… The Villages had water rights for Cattle Ranching and Farming which allowed them the use of over 60 million gallons of water a year. Seems like a lot doesn’t it! That’s a drop in the bucket now. Continue reading
Tim Flynn guest speaker at Ocala Business Leaders. Tim has worked with Raymond James for over 18 years. Tim carefully analyzes their personal financial needs and goals. Tim feels It’s important to have appropriate balance in your portfolio. He has offices in Ocala and The Villages, Tim says he is ready to help with your plan.
A guest speaker from Downtown Chiropractic Dr Laurence H. Churchill spent some time explaining some of the procedures. Dr. Churchill has set hours on certain days in two different locations: Downtown Ocala and HWY 200. The office number 732-2745.
CEP/Ocala Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon cutting at Roberts of Ocala Funerals & Cremations this last month. The event was well attended. Pictured are Terry Roberts & Family cutting the ribbon, with the mayor helping, Roberts’ staff, CEP Representatives, city dignitaries and friends.
Change is Good… The original Roberts Downtown Chapel is no longer corporately owned. Back to traditional family values, family owned & operated. “Our Family serving your family”. Food for the Ribbon Cutting catered by Ivy House. Check the ad in this paper.
All Faiths Cremation Society Ribbon cutting was held by the Lady Lake Chamber. Donald Knop II was officiating the event. Looking on and helping are Chamber Ambassadors, friends and employees. Good Luck All Faith.
Mayor Jim Richards and Councilman Paul Hannon cutting ribbon. Chamber members and girls in red are volunteers for the Lady Lake softball league
Ribbon cutting for their new concession stand.
Pictured is a group of business people networking their businesses through the Lady Lake Chamber networking lunch. The lunch was held at Demshires Restaurant.
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued the following statement regarding the tragic death of Brevard County Sheriff Deputy Kevin Stanton during a traffic accident Saturday Morning:
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Deputy Kevin Stanton and my heart breaks for his family, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and our entire law enforcement community. Law enforcement officers wake up every day not knowing what dangers lie ahead—yet they still choose to serve. Deputy Stanton died a hero, and our state is better because of brave men and women like him.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued the following statement on unanimous approval of HB 21 by the Health & Human Services Committee. This approval means HB 21 will now be heard on the floor of the Florida House of Representatives.
“The national opioid crisis is devastating our country and Florida is fighting this crisis head-on. This legislation represents our state’s continued efforts and commitment to tackling this epidemic and save lives. Thank you, Representative Boyd, for sponsoring this life-saving legislation and making this mission one of your top priorities.”
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.––Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Florida Department of Law enforcement today announced the arrest of Ralph Alonso Everett Jr. and Isaiah Lewis, both from Miami, for allegedly organizing a scheme to steal teachers’ identities to collect unemployment checks. The defendants are responsible for losses to the State of Florida of more than $50,000.
With the assistance of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, law enforcement officers identified patterns of suspicious reemployment assistance claims being deposited into numerous bank accounts connected to the subjects. The investigation identified more than 100 employees associated with 65 different school districts as targets for reemployment Continue reading
