Let's Go Local!
Dine, Shop, Play & GO LOCAL!
.png)
Small Town Ambassadors and group moderators are independent champions of our local artists and small businesses. You can find many of their posts in our LakeMET social groups on Facebook. Each ambassador has their own favorite restaurants, artists, musicians, and businesses they follow, promote and share. In addition to their busy professions and personal lives, these local heroes take time to write and share what they love about the people, places, small businesses and events in our beautiful, small towns throughout Central Florida!
These amazing people not only help manage our online social groups, but also lead the way, sharing their light and positivity to our entire community!
"Jalapeno Sweet Drive"
AMBASSADOR
Holly Fury
Holly lives in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida!
"I love how small and quiet it is. Love seeing the community put little events on for families along with seeing our local police patrolling the streets keeping us safe! I feel safe here!"
Profession:
"I was in the Operating Room but now I not only have my Real Estate license, I created my own small business being 2 Lil Sunshines. I make home cut/sewn various home items to pertaining to the everyday use making life easy!"
Top three favorite independent restaurants in small town Central Florida:
"Crooked Spoon (Clermont), Red Sauce (The Villages), Lampu Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar (Mount Dora)"
Top three favorite small businesses in small town Central Florida:
"Nautilus Coffee, Crafted Scent Bar, and strolling down the streets of Downtown Mount Dora (there are so many amazing small businesses in that area that the whole place everyone should definitely check out)!"
Favorite local musicians and/or bands:
"I quiet enjoy listening and in my opinion they all have talent so I couldn’t just pick just one.
Favorite events in small town Central Florida:
Any and all that are kid friendly, new and exciting! If it sounds fun I’ll go and check it! I’ll connect!"
Top LakeMET social groups:
"I LOVE all of them honestly. I am mostly on the LakeMet main page, events, and kids."
More about Holly...
"I am a mother of two little girls. Their names are my small business logo. I took my hobby of sewing and turned it in my small business. I am passionate and driven and honestly try to wear each day with a smile. I am originally from Pennsylvania and still love my Black n’ Gold!"
"Focus Lane"
AMBASSADOR
Monique (Mo) Strickland
Monique lives in Yalaha, Florida!
"I love how rural and quiet it is (for now) it's like you feel you're in the country, but things like grocery stores and restaurants are not far."
Profession:
"Photographer - I do sessions for graduating seniors, children, families, models, couples, maternity and sports."
Top three favorite independent restaurants in small town Central Florida:
"Bountiful Bistro in Okahumpka, Seafood Shack in Leesburg and Tony's Seafood in Mt Dora"
Top three favorite small businesses in small town Central Florida:
"The Howey Market, LeMonte Coffee in Clermont and Cookie Queen in Clermont. I also love to walk around DT Mt Dora and go to the quaint little shops there a lot."
Favorite local musicians and/or bands:
"No favorites, but do enjoy the live music when restaurants have them."
Top LakeMET social groups:
"I love them all, but find myself frequenting People, High School, Events, Dine, shop, play and go local, the most.."
More about Monique...
"I have been married to my best friend for 31 years. We met in our church youth group - I was singing on the worship team and he played drums, when I was 15 and he was 17. We have 2 beautiful children that we were blessed to adopt at birth. I have a strong passion for photography and finally made it the small business it is today, 8 years ago. My husband was diagnosed with an eye disease that is slowly stealing his eyesight, but still captures the most wonderful memories for others with me in our business. It makes things harder but somehow, sweeter. I love working beside him all day, everyday. I enjoy being at the beach the most, with family and friends and dream of living there someday. The beach is definitely my happy place."
"Design Drive"
AMBASSADOR
Linda Sears
Linda lives in Lady Lake, Florida!
"I love how it's centrally located to both coasts, Orlando, and St. Augustine while still keeping its small town charm.."
Profession:
Linda is the owner & designer at Design House.
Top three favorite independent restaurants in small town Central Florida:
"Lena's Seafood, Tiki West Raw Bar & Grill, and iBarbeque Express"
Top three favorite small businesses in small town Central Florida:
"Urban designs, Maci Mae'd, Ground Up Coffee Bar, and Coco's Sweet Treats"
Favorite local musicians and/or bands:
"Orange Blossom Opry Band"
Top LakeMET social groups:
"LakeMET Ladies and LakeMET Events"
More about Linda...
Linda is an amazing artist and tumbler designer. She is indeed one of the most wonderful people you will ever meet.
​
