Good morning friends-With the elections just around the corner, I wanted to share some more information with you.
In Lake County, Vote-By-Mail Ballot mailouts begin on July 12th. Sample Ballots are available on July 29th.
Early Voting dates and times for the 2024 Primary Election are August 8th-17th, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Primary is on August 20th.
Early Voting dates and times for the General Election are October 21st – November 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The General Election is on November 5th.
It’s not too early to make sure your voting registration is in order, and you know where your voting precinct is located. For more information, contact your Supervisor of Elections office.
Onward & Upward
Nearly 130,000 printed resources have been distributed to law enforcement across the state as a way to help Floridians find help.
ORLANDO, Fla.—Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis spoke at the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) Summer Conference to highlight Hope Florida as a referral resource for Florida Sheriffs and law enforcement.
“Often, law enforcement personnel encounter individuals who need help outside of the criminal justice system,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “They just need help and aren’t sure where to start. Now they can call one number to rally a community to help meet their needs, address their challenges, and ultimately provide a plan and a path to prosperity. We are proud to offer Hope Florida as a simple way for law enforcement to ensure those who need help can be connected quickly to Hope Navigators who are ready to provide assistance.”
“Florida Highway Patrol is proud to be directly involved in distributing information and supporting Hope Florida’s mission to the many Sheriff’s Offices and Police Departments throughout the state,” said Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Hope Florida is an incredible asset that allows the men and women who protect and serve Floridians to direct them to available resources that cater to each individual’s specific needs, making a significant impact on their lives.” Continue reading
ORLANDO, Fla.—Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis, joined by Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris and Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Dennis Moore, hosted a hands-on, healthy cooking class for Hope Florida mentors and mentees. The event showcased the partnership between Hope Florida and the Guardian ad Litem program, which has produced hundreds of mentorship pairings since it was launched in September 2023. More mentors are needed across the state of Florida for those youth aging out of the foster care system.
“As a mom to three young children, I know how important strong role models are to the success of our youth,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “It was heartwarming to spend time cooking with these amazing boys and girls in Florida’s foster program. There is a need for mentors across Florida—with over 100 in the Orlando area. I encourage those with a call to mentorship to apply through Hope Florida.”
The First Lady’s Hope Florida – A Pathway to Promise initiative encourages foster families and youth aging out of foster care to connect with Hope Navigators who can pair them with volunteer mentors who assist with the transition to independent living by offering guidance, motivation, and emotional support. Continue reading
Picture from a few years back. This is my wife Phyllis and I receiving awards we won during our year end Conference. We were competing with free newspaper all over the state tsome had one hundred thousand circulation.
Total Quantum Healing – Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for New Location, 855 NE 138th Lane, Building 500 Suite 501, Lady Lake, FL 32159
Holy Sh’mokes Cigar, Wine and Coffee Lounge – Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting, 1521 Buenos Aires Blvd, Lady Lake, FL 32159
Grand Opening of The Villages Office for Acrisure, 2540 Burnsed Blvd., The Villages, FL 32163
LADY LAKE – Lady Lake Police officers responded to an altercation involving multiple people at the basketball courts at Guava Street Athletic Complex, located at 221 W. Guava St., on Thursday, July 18, at 7:29 p.m.
During the altercation, a suspect described as a light-skinned Black male with locs hairstyle and a red tattoo behind his ear retrieved a handgun from his white four-door sedan, possibly a Hyundai. As he left the area, he fired the weapon towards people at the basketball court. No one was injured.
Officers quickly secured the scene. Lady Lake Police conducted a thorough search of the surrounding neighborhoods, with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Fruitland Park Police Department. Detectives interviewed witnesses and collected evidence. The search for the suspect and vehicle is ongoing.
“Hundreds of people — including youth sports teams, families, and seniors — enjoy our athletic fields and parks every week without issue,” said Police Chief Steve Hunt. “Lady Lake Police will continue to work to ensure our parks remain safe for everyone.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Lady Lake Police Detective Jim Dunagan at (352) 751-1565 or via email at jdunagan@ladylake.org.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Paul “P.J.” Marinelli, Karl Rasmussen, and Morgan Wilbanks and the reappointment of Michael Stephens, Scott Stryker, and Stephanie Wardein to the Florida Greenways and Trails Council.
Paul “P.J.” Marinelli
Marinelli, of Naples, is the President of RiverGlades Family Offices, LLC. Active in his community, he serves as Chairman of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation Board of Directors. Marinelli earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University.
Karl Rasmussen
Rasmussen, of Tallahassee, is a Senior Policy Advisor at Metz, Husband, & Daughton, P.A. Previously, he served as a Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Cabinet Affairs for Governor Rick Scott. Rasmussen also served as the Assistant Director of State Lands and as the Cabinet Affairs Director for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Continue reading
PENSACOLA, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded funds for workforce development and infrastructure improvements through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) and the Defense Infrastructure Grant (DIG). Awards were made to Pensacola State College, the city of DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa County, and Jackson County for projects that will support the aviation and aerospace industry, the military and defense industry, and increase access to workforce housing.
“Today’s awards will help bring high demand, high wage jobs and businesses to Northwest Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These strategic investments will benefit Escambia, Walton, Santa Rosa and Jackson counties and provide new opportunities for families from across the Panhandle.”
“Governor DeSantis’ focus on catalytic infrastructure and workforce investments, especially in sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, and military and defense, will continue to bring job creators and job seekers to Northwest Florida,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “I’m especially grateful for the Governor’s support of the community-driven visions in each of these projects.” Continue reading
