Latest news with #PunishersLEMC
CBS News
3 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Maryland community rallies to support family of fallen Baltimore firefighter
The mother of a fallen Baltimore firefighter said her son "loved helping everybody." In return, the community gave back to the family of Lt. Mark Dranbauer, who died on May 16 after suffering a medical emergency days earlier while battling a fire. A fundraiser, hosted at Jimmy's Famous Seafood on Sunday, was expected to raise $15,000 to $20,000 for Dranbauer's family. He left behind a 5-year-old son who recently graduated from kindergarten, with firefighters attending the ceremony. "A proper sendoff for him so they can be smiling, and remember in a positive fashion, not just today, but moving forward," said John Minadakis, co-owner of Jimmy's Famous Seafood. Several firefighters, as well as the Punishers LEMC Maryland motorcycle group, with whom Dranbauer rode, shared stories and memories. Tickets to the event included unlimited drinks and a buffet crafted by the chefs at Jimmy's Famous Seafood. There was also a DJ, speeches, games, auctions, celebrity appearances, and more. "It just goes to show how many people cared about Mark and the impact he had," said Robin Dranbauer, Lt. Mark Dranbauer's mother. Saving lives all the way through On May 12, Lt. Dranbauer, 44, was approximately 30 to 40 feet off the ground when he fell backward down a ladder. He remained on the aerial ladder, where he was helped off and taken to a hospital. He was pronounced dead four days later, and with his organ donations, he is expected to save 70 lives, according to medical officials. Lt. Dranbauer served with the Baltimore City Fire Department for 23 years. "He just loved helping everybody," Robin Dranbauer said. Born to be a firefighter Robin Dranbauer told WJZ that Lt. Dranbauer was raised in a firefighting family. His mother and father volunteered for local fire departments. At first, Lt. Dranbauer's family didn't know he was interested in following in his parents' footsteps. "We used to take Mark to the firehouse with us all the time," Robin Dranbauer said. Lt. Dranbauer volunteered as soon as he was allowed, and his parents were along for that first ride. Robin Dranbauer said her son quickly became a leader. "He mentored me on many because I would call him and say, 'I'm not sure I treated this patient right,' and we would talk about it all the time," Robin Dranbauer said. Keeping Lt. Dranbauer's memory alive Lt. Dranbauer's family says they will continue living for their fallen hero, including his mother, who still volunteers with her local firehouse. Her first call reminded her of her son, who worked for Engine Co. 5. "I went down Tuesday to the volunteer firehouse, and my first call was an engine call, so I was like, 'Mark, you're here'…I ride the medic most of all, so I'm going to keep going with that," Robin Dranbauer said.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
8 fun things to do in Lake County this weekend (and a look ahead)
A tradition since 1921, the Lake County Fair is back with cotton candy, pageants, livestock shows, arts and a huge variety of entertainment from 5 to 11 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 4-13 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 2101 County Road 452, Eustis. Details: Local performer Reidiculous Reid is bringing his juggling, acrobatics and stunts to First Friday in downtown Eustis. Plus, as per usual, you can enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors and other entertainers including Lessa Hoops from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Eustis. Those who live outside the area can navigate to North Bay Street. There's usually public parking by the Eustis Historical Museum. For information, email events@ The Punishers LEMC - Brick City Chapter (a motorcycle club) is riding for The Dandelion Project from Ocala to Leesburg to raise awareness and support for grieving children and children in need. The ride will take place on Saturday, April 5, starting at Charlie Horse, 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, with check-in at 11 a.m. The ride kicks off at noon, and you don't have to be in the club to participate. All riders are welcome. Gather afterward at the Leesburg Chapter Clubhouse, 106 S. Kaolin St., downtown Leesburg, for a day of fun, including vendors, food, raffles, 50/50, and activities for kids — such as tattoos, rock painting, cookie decorating and a teddy bear giveaway. Email dandelionproj@ Kick off spring with music and community fun at Lady Lake's "Sounds of Spring" concert series at Snooky Park. This week, the event features the musical stylings of Gotta Groove Band. Food trucks plus Beer and wine vendors will be on hand at the lovely shady park located at 120 W. Lady Lake Blvd. on Saturday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Details: Text SpringConcerts25 to 38276 The IceHouse continues its rompin'-stompin' country-western jukebox musical, "Honky Tonk Laundry" on through April 13. Created and written by Roger Bean, the play weaves well-known tunes into a charming and humorous story, which features two women: Lana Mae Hopkins, the proud owner of the Wishy Washy (Laurie Sullivan), and Katie Lane Murphy (Christie Duffer). Performances are on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., and one Wednesday show on April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at The IceHouse Theatre, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. Details: Melon Patch Players steers America's favorite romantic tragedy at the Tropic Theater, 122 W. Main St., Leesburg. "Titanic: The Musical" runs through April 6 and you can buy tickets online at You could watch it on stage, regardless of your age. Bay Street Players in Eustis presents a Dr. Seuss-inspired musical that's fun for the whole family. "Seussical" features an all-star cast of beloved characters, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and JoJo. The show continues through Sunday, April 6, at the State Theatre, 109 N. Bay St., Eustis. Details: info@ Commemorations of America's semi-quincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, have begun, leading up to the big anniversary date on July 4, 2026. Concluding this Saturday, April 5, a traveling pop-up exhibition presented by the American Battlefield Trust with the help of the Daughters of the American Revolution, "The American Revolution Experience," is leaving soon from the W.T. Bland Public Library, 1995 N. Donnelly St., in Mount Dora. It's one of only four exclusive exhibit sites in Florida. Details: Village People in The Villages? You can't get more apropos than that! The famous 1970s-peaked disco group featuring men dressed up in different grown-man personas such as a construction worker, biker, Native American, policeman and cowboy, perform hits like "YMCA," the President Trump fave, and "Macho Man" at The Villages' Savannah Center, 1545 N. Buena Vista Blvd., at 4 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 10. Details: 'Welcome to Japan' immerses viewers in dazzling imagery through photographs of Japan and cherry blossom boughs, evoking the nation's natural beauty of this country, its cities and forests. The exhibit runs Monday, April 7, through Saturday, May 31, at W.T. Bland Public Library,1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora, curated by Arching Oaks Art & Culture Center, a nonprofit haven for Japanese cultural education, art and activities. A somewhat but not truly hidden gem, Arching Oaks is a nonprofit that encompasses 20 acres and features a full roster of enrichment programs for both adults and children, in addition to an attractive display in its lobby and new books to borrow in the library. The organization includes two traditional Japanese Dojos, one of only four Kyudojos (training space for Japanese archery) in the United States, a formal tatami room for tea and incense ceremonies. Plus, a full-sized art studio, walking paths and Japanese gardens for meditation and the practice of Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing). More at Another exhibition curated by Claire Simpson, "Earth Stewards" explores our connection to our planet. The show featuring works in all media reflecting on our relationship with our planet and how we tend to it debuts on Friday, April 11, at 429 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg. Details: Sunday Fundays offers nature fun for all ages at Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis. On Sunday, April 14, from 1 to 3 p.m., head there for a chance to learn about live snakes, turtles, alligators, lizards and other reptiles, along with information about native and non-native species. A special presentation is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. by experts from Gatorland featuring their reptiles, including an alligator, and answers to questions. Interactive learning stations are scattered around the facility for you to enjoy. You can also observe wild alligators from our boardwalk, visit exhibits, participate in activities and talk to experts at your own pace. TLNC is located at 520 East County Road 44, Eustis, and the nature center has a $5 vehicle entry fee (TLNC members enter for free). Donations are also accepted at the nonprofit nature center. Details: Explore the fun and functional and some fine art on Easter weekend in The Villages. The 29th annual Brownwood Paddock Square Art & Craft Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 19-20, at 2705 W. Torch Lake Drive. Details: More than 100,000 bikers from across the nation are expected to roll into Leesburg's annual event, taking over Leesburg's downtown historic district. Main Street will be closed off to pedestrians as vendors and activities accommodate attendees. Typically, dozens of concerts can be enjoyed throughout the three days at outdoor stages along with bike shows and around 100 vendors. The event's poker run takes place on Saturday, April 26. The first bike out is at 10 a.m.; the last bike in by 4. Starts at Gator Harley Davidson and ends at The Warehouse. Costs $10 per hand with cash prizes and awards for the best and worst hands. Check for updates at Planning an event? Email details and photos to news@ This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 8 fun things to do in Lake County plus a look ahead
