One of Florida’s Oldest Organs in Continual Use — and the Man Who Keeps It Alive

| By Kathryn Deen | Majestic. Powerful. Traditional. That’s how Hugh Dial describes one of Florida’s oldest organs in continual use. And he’s the man who keeps the 1844 Pilcher pipe organ alive at St. Matthias Episcopal Church in downtown Clermont. Perhaps you could say they complete each other. For 19 of the organ’s 175 years, the two have danced. They’ve logged about 2,000 hours … Continue reading One of Florida’s Oldest Organs in Continual Use — and the Man Who Keeps It Alive

Dreamplex Reaches for the Stars

The special needs rec center announced its plans to expand at its recent gala. | Story by Sascha Mills | Photos by Sascha Mills & Kathryn Deen | Central Florida Dreamplex is so much more than a recreation and fitness center. It’s a beautiful mission field that brings wellness, community and athletics to those with special needs. Or, as they describe it, “Ordinary sports for … Continue reading Dreamplex Reaches for the Stars

Photo Moment: Energy Lab Cafe

| By Christopher Gousse | After taking a few images in the Clermont area, I stumbled across a bright blue and orange building that I’ve always looked over in the past. I decided to finally get a closer look at the building and I’m glad I did! The inside of Energy Lab Cafe is absolutely what you’d expect from a modern coffee shop — state-of-the-art … Continue reading Photo Moment: Energy Lab Cafe

Best Places to Host Kids’ Birthday Parties

| By Sascha Mills & Kathryn Deen | Did you know that the month of September takes the cake for the most birthdays of the year? Pretty impressive! In fact, Sept. 9 is the most common birth date in our country. (You can check how common your birthday is here.) That means a whole lot of birthday parties are happening this month! We polled our … Continue reading Best Places to Host Kids’ Birthday Parties

Bacchus Vino Etcetera: A Wine Lover’s Delight

Celebrating wines from around the world in Downtown Clermont | By Larry Oskin | Once upon a time, Clermont did not have a wine shop. What began as a simple concept in May 2004 developed into Bacchus Vino Etcetera, a cozy, popular store in Downtown Clermont. (You’ll find it at 692 W. Montrose St., next to the Clermont City Center.) Bacchus, named after the Roman God … Continue reading Bacchus Vino Etcetera: A Wine Lover’s Delight