Skip to content

Breaking News

Author
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:

A free guided tour of the Florida Scrub-Jay Trail, 11490 Monte Vista Road in Clermont, will be from 8 to 11 a.m. Feb. 7.

People are invited to have a cup of tea or coffee on the porch before heading off on the tour through the restoration area of the federally threatened Florida scrub-jay. The area also includes gopher tortoises and threatened and endangered native plants.

Those attending can also take part in an optional hands-on restoration project. Proper techniques of planting scrub oaks on the trail will be demonstrated.

The tour is open to adults and children. Reservations are required; call 352-429-5566 or email info@scrubjaytrail.org.

The Florida Scrub-Jay Consortium identifies scrub-jay habitat across Florida to increase the birds’ territory. Landowners who have spotted scrub-jays on their properties may contact the consortium to find out how to become a part of the Florida Scrub-Jay Trail by visiting scrubjaytrail.org.

River cleanup

The Lake County Water Authority, in conjunction with the Lake County Parks and Trails Division, is having a “Paddling Adventure and Cleanup” of a portion of the Wekiva River, from, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Participants can view wildlife while they pick up litter along the waterway.

Participants will meet at Katie’s Landing at the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, 262 Wekiva Park Drive, Sanford.

Space is limited. Reservations are required by calling 352-343-3777, Ext. 0.

Chili cook-off

Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care will have its fifth annual “Spice It Up for Hospice” chili cook-off from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 7 in the downtown park in front of Bushnell City Hall, 219 N. Market St. in Sumter County.

Cost is $5 to sample chili, which includes a chili pepper necklace, a drink and to vote. Participants also can vote for the best chili booth display. The tasting is 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Todd Brown and the River Junction Band will perform, and there will be drawings for prizes, dancing and grilled hot dogs.

Visitors can donate blood at OneBlood’s Big Red Bus, a mobile unit. Donors will receive a free gift.

Seating is limited; patrons can bring a lawn chair.

All proceeds will go to Lane Purcell Hospice House and patient care.

For more information, call Susan Bennett at 352-742-6807.

Birder Greg Miller

The Oklawaha Valley Audubon Society will present birder “Greg Miller and His Big Year” at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Trout Lake Nature Center, 520 E. County Road 44 Bypass in Eustis.

Miller, whose 1998 cross-country quest to view 700 species of birds in a single year is the true story behind the 2011 film “The Big Year.” He will share his experiences as one of the three main characters in the movie.

Refreshments including wine and cheese will be served.

A $15 donations is requested. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the annual Wings and Wildflowers Festival. Tickets are available by emailing Linda Bystrak at linda@bystrak.com or call 352-357-2207.

Club happenings

The Howey-in-the-Hills Garden and Civic Club will have a luncheon meeting at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Legends banquet room at Mission Inn Resort and Club, 10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills. Kathleen Kane will provide musical entertainment. Nick Buchholz, Cornerstone Hospice Foundation executive director, will be the speaker.

Tickets also will be available for the group’s wine-tasting event in mid-February. Both events are open to club members and their guests.

Technology advice

The Lady Lake Best Buy store associates will give a presentation on technology from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 4 at Lady Lake Public Library, 225 W. Guava St. Participants will learn how to set up a wireless network in their home, how to select the best router for one’s needs, Internet security, cloud storage and backing up data.

The public is welcome to the free event. Details: 352-753-2957.

Vendors for Women’s Expo

Applications are available for vendors who would like to take part in the 13th annual South Lake Women’s Expo sponsored by the Clermont Woman’s Club.

The free expo is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14 in the Wesley Center at Clermont First United Methodist Church, 950 Seventh St.

The event provides an opportunity for residents to learn about local businesses. Participants can view the latest fashions and jewelry, learn about travel and health care, win a prize and more.

For more information about the expo or obtaining a booth, email BSsportzfan@aol.com.

dmanis@tribune.com