Learn how ‘green’ is paying dividends for toursim industry

The Second Annual Green Symposium is scheduled for Thursday, July 29, and Friday, July 30.

The two-day workshop at Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills features two dozen presenters and three keynote speakers discussing environmental topics and how they are influencing business.

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations is moderating the “Green Tourism” panel on Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The presenters for this panel include Tavares Mayor Robert Wolfe, Bud Beucher Vice President and General Manager of Mission Inn and Cathy Hoechst, Executive Director of the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce.

The news release, below, from the Lake County Green Team has more details.

Three ways to attend Green Symposium next week

There are three ways to attend the Second Annual Green Symposium on Thursday, July 29, and Friday, July 30, at Mission Inn Resort & Club.

Register for the two-day workshop for $100. Cost includes breakfast Friday morning, lunch on Thursday and Friday and a banquet Thursday evening. View entire agenda and register at www.lakecountyfl.gov/greensymposium (11.75 AICP credits pending). A variety of environmentally friendly initiatives in different industries will be discussed including energy conservation, green job creation, green transportation, water consumption policy, green tourism, natural waste to power, waste stream reduction and sustainable communities.

Choose to attend one of the lunches or dinner banquet to hear keynote speakers at a discounted rate of $25 per lunch or $50 for the banquet. Register at www.lakecountyfl.gov/greensymposium.

• Thursday lunch: Billy Hattaway, Managing Director for Transportation at Vanasse Hangen Brustlin
• Thursday banquet: Daniel Parker, Assistant Division Director of Environmental Health, Florida Department of Health
• Friday lunch: Doug Alderson, author of New Dawn for the Kissimmee River: Orlando to Okeechobee by Kayak, The Ghost Orchid Ghost and Other Tales from the Swamp, and Waters Less Traveled: Exploring Florida’s Big Bend Coast.

Attend free homeowner’s educational workshops on Thursday. No registration is necessary.

• 9:15 a.m. — Florida Friendly Landscaping with Charles Fedunak, Lake County Extension
• 10 a.m. — Homeowner Maintenance for Wells and Septic Systems with Paul Butler and Jerry Brown from the Lake County Health Department
• 10:45 a.m. — Water Conservation with Gregg Welstead, Lake County Department of Conservation & Compliance
• 1:15 p.m. — Natural Living with Natural Skin Care Expert Claudia Virga, Organic Gardner Joy Scroggie and Nurse Practitioner Joanne Keller
• 2:30 p.m. — Residential Energy Efficiency with John McCarthy, Lowe’s
• 3:15 p.m. — Energy Efficiency Retrofitting with Tommy Mydlo, Regency Lighting

The Lake County Green Symposium is sponsored by Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure Inc., Waste Management, Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization, Florida Department of Health, Covanta Energy, First Green Bank, Florida Planning & Zoning Association, Lake County Board of County Commissioners, Mission Inn Resort & Club and Lake County Green Team.

For more information, log on to www.lakecountyfl.gov/greensymposium or call (352) 343-9647.

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Nature calls: Outdoor fun at two events this weekend

Lake County Parks & Trails and the Trout Lake Nature Center are hosting separate outdoor events on Saturday, July 24.

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, stick with Parks & Trails’ nature hike from 8 to 10 a.m. at Twin Lakes Park.

If you find the water cooler, head out for a paddling adventure with the Trout Lake Nature Center on Blackwater Creek beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The news releases from two organizations are below:

Park rangers to lead nature hike at Twin Lakes Park

Lake County’s park rangers will lead a low-impact nature hike on Saturday, July 24, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Twin Lakes Park, located at 35303 County Road 473, Leesburg.

“The hike will only be a quarter mile and over paved trails and a boardwalk,” Gallus Quigley, a Lake County park ranger. “This low-impact hike, which will be suitable for walkers, strollers and wheelchairs, will hopefully give the opportunity for everyone to attend.”

During the hike, park rangers will identify plants, animals, butterflies and birds. After the hike, participants are encouraged to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at the park’s pavilion and playground area. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Park rangers also recommend bringing insect repellent, sunscreen, water, binoculars and field guides.

The hike is limited to the first 25 individuals to place reservations. For more information or to make reservations for the guided nature hike, call the Lake County Parks & Trails Division at (352) 253-4950.

Trout Lake Nature Center, Blackwater Creek Paddle

Saturday -  July 24th -  8:30 am

Looking for a cooler outdoor adventure?   Join Trout Lake Nature Center on Saturday July 24th for a paddle on Blackwater Creek in Seminole State Forest.

This is a delightful trip on a stream stained dark by “swamp tea” steeped from the vegetation of the surrounding wetland.  The water is made darker still by the cool shadows of the over- hanging trees.  No power boats are allowed so the sounds will be our voices, dripping paddles and perhaps the complaint of a startled Great Blue Heron.  Bring a snack or early lunch, we plan to stop at Moccasin Spring, explore the boils, maybe spot an alligator hiding on the bottom. 

We will meet at Seminole State Forest South entrance.  Directions: Traveling through Mt Dora on US 441 turn East onto SR 46 proceed about 12 miles.  There is a sign marking the entrance to the forest on the left.  If you cross the Wekiva River you have gone too far.  Go back about a half mile, the entrance is now on your right.  After turning into the entrance, proceed on the gravel road.  Stop at the pay station, you will need  $2.00.  Almost immediately after the pay station pull into the Bear Pond parking lot on your left.  We will meet there at 8:30am.  This will be a leisurely paddle and we will be off the water about noon.

If you wish to join us you must reserve a space; we have a limited number of permits.  Call 352-357-7536 or 352-223-4761, slowly leave your number, and a message; you will receive a confirmation call.

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200 teens to swing for the fences at Babe Ruth state tournament

The City of Tavares is preparing to host the 14-under Florida Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament from Thursday, July 22, to Sunday, July 25, at the Fred Stover Sports Complex, located at 490 E. Clifford St. in Tavares, and the North Lake Community Park, located at 40430 Roger Giles Road in Umatilla.

“This is the first year we have done this tournament, but we have hosted other large baseball tournaments before,” said Scott Aldrich, Recreation Project Manager for the City of Tavares. “We are basically doing two tournaments in one: a north division at North Lake Community Park and a south division at Fred Stover Sports Complex.”

The winners in both divisions will move on to the Babe Ruth Baseball Regional Tournament being held in Demopolis, Ala., during the first week of August. Winners of the regional tournament have a chance to compete nationally at the Babe Ruth World Series in Purcellville, Va. The state tournament is double elimination with each team playing at least two games. Admission is free to the public at both complexes.

The 14-under Florida Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament includes 13 teams from all over the state, including a local Tavares team, which won its district tournament on June 19 to advance to state play. Game times begin each day at 9:30 a.m. and the Tavares team will play its first game on Thursday at 12 p.m. Players on the Tavares team include Austin Baskette, Austin Clayton, Phillip Cooper, Wesley Danielson, Zachary Davis, Kyle Fowler, Anthony Holguin, Garrett Payne, Connor Urbon, Dalton Wells, Josh Wicker and Cory Lonsdale.

“As far as Babe Ruth goes, this is the fourth time that Tavares has earned its way into the state,” said Wade Payne, who manages the team with assistant coaches Artie Baskette and Marv Danielson. “The 13-under and the 14-under teams both won their way into the state this year. The 13-under team will play in the state tournament in Jupiter, Fla., during the same weekend.”

While several teams participating in the 14-under Florida Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament are located nearby, such as Ocala, Longwood and Palatka, others from Jacksonville, Sarasota and Tallahassee will need to stay overnight at local accommodations.

“Many area hotels are already booked for the event,” said Greg Mihalic, Director of Lake County Tourism & Business Relations. “With sporting events, the entire area benefits as these players, coaches and families will be staying in local accommodations, shopping at stores and eating at area restaurants.”

For more information about the 14-under Florida Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament, call Scott Aldrich at (352) 742-6477 or e-mail saldrich@tavares.org. For more information about Lake County vacations, call (800) 430-LAKE, log on to www.lakecountyfl.com or visit the Welcome Center, located at 20763 U.S. Highway 27 in Groveland.

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Award-winning thriller author Jamie Freveletti to appear at library

The Lake County Library System is honored to host Jamie Freveletti at the W.T. Bland Public Library on Tuesday, July 20, at 12 p.m. as the featured speaker for the Brown Bag Book Club; and in the at the Cagan Crossings Community Library located in the Four Corners area at 6 p.m.

Jamie Freveletti, was awarded the Best First Novel Thriller Award on July 10th at the Thrillerfest Conference hosted by the International Thriller Writers. Their membership includes some of the world’s best-selling authors: David Morrell, Lee Child, Sandra Brown, Clive Cussler, Jeffery Deaver, Tess Gerritsen, James Patterson and many, many more.

Running from the Devil (HarperCollins/ William Morrow) was chosen as a “Notable Book” by the Independent Booksellers of America and has been nominated for a Barry Award for Best First Novel, and a Macavity Award for Best First Mystery by the Mystery Readers International. It has been translated into three languages and is an international bestseller. Running Dark, her latest release, delivers a pulse-pounding sequel to Running from the Devil.

Please join us for this opportunity to meet the author and discuss her writings. Events are free, and refreshments will be served. Books will be available for purchase from Raintree Books.  For information on the library programs go to www.mylakelibrary.com . For more information on the author, visit www.jamiefreveletti.com . Sponsored by HarperCollins Publishers and the Lake County Library System. 

Jamie Freveletti is a trial attorney, martial artist, and runner. She has crewed for an elite ultra-marathon runner at 50 mile, 100 mile, and twenty-four hour races across the country, and holds a black belt in Aikido, a Japanese martial art. After law school she lived in Geneva, Switzerland while obtaining a diploma in International Studies. Back in Chicago, she represented clients in areas ranging from class actions for mass salmonella poisoning to securities fraud.

As an author, she has appeared on Chicago Public Radio, WGN Radio, Paradise Radio Network, Seattle Public Radio and WFAW Radio. She is a contributor to The Outfit Collective blog and has been featured on dozens of running blogs across the country. She currently hosts the Chicago Literary Salon: An Evening of Drinks and Debate.

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Lake County tourism recognizes local accommodations for green initiative

Lake County Tourism & Business Relations is pleased to announce the addition of two lodging establishments to the “Florida Green Lodging Program” by the Florida Department of Environment Protection (DEP).

Lake County accommodations recently added to the program this year include:

• Mission Inn Resort & Club, 10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills, (352) 324-3101
• Hampton Inn Leesburg, 9630 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg, (352) 315-1053

The two additions to the Green Lodging Program join Lake County’s other participants: Tremain Street Cottages of Mount Dora, Best Western Lake County Inn & Suites of Tavares, Fairfield Inn & Suites of Clermont and Lake Louisa State Park of Clermont.

“Lake County is well known for its pristine lakes and rolling hills,” said Greg Mihalic, Director of Lake County Tourism & Business Relations. “It is important that local tourism operations make a consistent effort to care for the environment because it is a vital part of delivering unforgettable Lake County vacations for generations to come.”

According to DEP, the voluntary state initiative, which was launched in March 2004, provides the lodging industry with technical assistance and encourages hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. To be designated a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hoteliers must institute certain green practices. These practices include water conservation, waste reduction and energy efficiency measures.

As reward for designation, the state is recommending designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, log on to www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.

For more information about Lake County Tourism & Business Relations, located at the Lake County Welcome Center at 20763 U.S. Highway 27 in Groveland, call (352) 429-3673, e-mail welcomecenterinfo@lakecountyfl.gov or log on to www.lakecountyfl.com.

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Leesburg announces dates for 2011 Bikefest

From a small-town event to a national attraction, the Leesburg Bikefest brings hundreds of thousands of bikers to Central Florida each spring.

Celebrating its 15th year, Bikefest features live bands on eight stages with more three dozen musical acts during the three-day event.

Festival organizers just announced the dates for the 2011 Leesburg Bikefest. Information received from the Leesburg Partnership is below:

2011 Leesburg Bikefest April 8, 9 & 10, 2011

Mark Your Calendars!!!!

The official dates for the 2011 Leesburg Bikefest have been announced! 

Leesburg Bikefest will be held on April 8, 9 & 10, 2011.

For More Information: Click Here

We want to apologize for any inconvenience that the change of this event date may have caused you. We are expecting a record turnout, and we look forward to seeing you in Leesburg for Leesburg Bikefest weekend!

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Trout Lake presents the ‘dirt’ on soil

The Trout Lake Nature Center, located at 520 E. County Road 44 in Eustis, is not only allowing, but it is encouraging children to play in the dirt during an event on Saturday, July 10, at 9 a.m.

The news release from the Trout Lake Nature Center is below:

Playing in the dirt has been a time tested amusement for children for generations.  While children today engage in more sanitary recreation, you can step into the past this Saturday July 10th and come play in the dirt at Trout Lake Nature Center.  While you play you will learn about the lives of the small animals that live underground: earthworms, millipedes, termites, and other fossorial creatures.  Experiment with soil and water, they do interact.  Explore the soil layers at Trout Lake, including our native clay. Then create some art with some “cleaned” clay. 

The fun will start at 9:00am. Dress for messy outdoor play. Call 352-357-7536 if you need additional information and to let us know you are coming. This is a family activity, and especially fun for grandparents and grandchildren.

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GOOAAAAL!: Soccer tourney to kick start summer tourism season

With World Cup fever sweeping the country, Lake County is preparing to feel its own excitement on the pitch when hundreds of players of all ages compete in the inaugural Lake County PAL 3v3 Challenge on July 10-11 at Hickory Point Park in Tavares for one last chance to qualify for the National Championship at Walt Disney World.

“Sporting events are like mini-booms in business for local hotels and restaurants,” said Debi Dyer, Tourism Specialist with Lake County Tourism & Business Relations. “This event, in particular, is drawing teams from across the state and even internationally.”

According to event organizers, 3v3 soccer is one of the fastest growing types of soccer in the world. With only three players on each side, the game is faster paced on a smaller field with smaller goals, but no goalies. The Lake County PAL 3v3 Challenge is hosted by the Lake County Soccer Club Fundraiser for the Police Athletic Club and is organized by Florida Challenge Sports Events, Inc. It is open to ages 6 and up and teams are guaranteed a minimum of four games.

“It’s an additional event to our list of more than seven dozen tournaments, which are held year round and throughout the country,” said Mary Ann Genchi, Director of Marketing & Hospitality for Challenge Sports. “Since teams play multiple games in a day, it’s a lot like a festival atmosphere. The soccer families will come and set up their tents and basically camp out for the day.”

With teams committed from as far away as Denmark, the excitement surrounding the first-ever Lake County PAL 3v3 Challenge at Hickory Point Park, located at 27343 State Road 19, is it’s the last qualifier for the 3v3 Challenge Nationals on July 29-Aug. 1 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. The top four teams in each division at the PAL 3v3 Challenge qualify for Nationals. Individual awards are given to the first three teams in each division and players age 10 and younger get individual awards.

The host hotel for the soccer tournament is Mission Inn Resort & Club, located at 10400 County Road 48 in Howey-in-the-Hills. Nicker’s restaurant at Mission Inn is hosting a viewing party for the World Cup soccer final on Sunday, July 11, at 1 p.m.

For more information about the Lake County PAL 3v3 Challenge on July 10-11, including directions on how to register a team, log on to www.challengesports.com, e-mail 3v3@challengesports.com or call (321) 676-1373. For more information about Lake County vacations, call (800) 430-LAKE, log on to www.lakecountyfl.com or visit the Welcome Center, located at 20763 U.S. Highway 27 in Groveland.

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Celebrate Independence Day at 4 events in Lake County

Lake County is celebrating Independence Day with four events sure to stir patriotic spirits.

For a day full of fanciful fireworks and family fun, look no further than the enchanting downtown districts of Lake County. Enjoy the Fourth of July festivities this year from land or water as all four Independence Day events in Lake County occur near lakes. Find the perfect perch on a blanket or boat and watch the night sky sparkle with an array of firework displays.

Best of all is the Fourth of July events in the cities of Groveland (www.downtowngroveland.com), Leesburg (www.leesburgflorida.gov), Mount Dora (www.ci.mount-dora.fl.us) and Tavares (www.tavares.org) are free. Check with each city for more information. All events are weather permitting.

OLD FASHIONED INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
The 18th Annual “Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration” in Mount Dora is on July 3. At 10 a.m., a parade marches along Donnelly Street continuing south to Gilbert Park. At 5 p.m., cold drinks, hot dogs, barbecue, ice cream and more will be on sale in the park. A DJ playing music will be on hand with games for the youngsters starting at 5 p.m. Children’s activities include face painting, an obstacle course and crafts. The Mount Dora Jazz Orchestra featuring Shawn Paris will play from 7 to 8 p.m. Then the DJ will take back over until dusk, when the grand fireworks finale light up the sky over Lake Dora presented by the City of Mount Dora and the Mount Dora Rotary Club.

SOUTH LAKE FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL
The South Lake Fourth of July Festival on July 3 is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Lake David Park in Groveland. The schedule of events includes a classic car show from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Barefoot Water Skiing Competition featuring world champions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., games and inflatables from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mr. & Miss. Firecracker Pageant at 10 a.m., opening ceremonies at 12 p.m., Dancing Dragons Martial Arts at 1 p.m., Lawrence Dance Studio at 2 p.m., Hula Hoop contest at 3 p.m., Overdue Bill and the Collectors at 3:45 p.m., watermelon eating contest at 4 p.m., Audra Jones at 5 p.m., The Dan Story Band at 6:15 p.m., Country Music Artist John Anderson at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION “TAVARES, WHERE DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT”
The City of Tavares festivities on July 3 begin at 3 p.m. with a water ski show at Wooton Park. The parade starts at 5 p.m. on Main and Ruby streets. The parade will be followed by another water ski show at 6:45 p.m. Music will be provided throughout the afternoon and evening by Blue Stone Circle Band and the Island Boys Band. A synchronized light show and a Polynesian Fire Dancer will lead into a spectacular fireworks display, which begins at 9 p.m. Free parking is available at the Lake County Parking Garage at Maud Street and Sinclair Avenue. In addition, the Tavares water taxis will be operating Friday and Saturday between Wooton Park and the City Marina in Mount Dora. The cost of the trip is $5 one-way and $10 round-trip. The 49 passenger, air-conditioned vessels take about 45 minutes for a one-way trip. No reservations are required. If weather prevents the fireworks from being presented at 9 p.m. on July 3 as planned, then every attempt will be made up to 11 p.m. If this plan cannot be accomplished, then the city will present the fireworks on July 4 at 9 p.m. Inquiries may be made by calling (352) 742-6300.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AT VENETIAN GARDENS
No Independence Day party is complete without ice cream, fireworks and the national pastime. Join the City of Leesburg on July 4 for a host of family friendly activities at Venetian Gardens, 201 E. Dixie Ave., beginning at 6 p.m. with Jim VanFleet and the Reign Band. At Pat Thomas Stadium, enjoy a free baseball game as Florida Collegiate Summer League’s Leesburg Lightning take on the US9 Armed Forces Team at 6 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., free ice cream will be served by City of Leesburg elected officials and staff. The fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. with free flags and apple pie.

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