03/30/2026
On Friday, March 27th, 2026 the Lady Lake community celebrated the dedication of the regions first heated, ventilated, and monitored AED cabinet. The AED and cabinet was purchased by the Lions Club of Orange Blossom Gardens/Lady Lake and placed at the Lady Lake Bob Johnson Legacy Driving Range on Rolling Acres Road.
Orange Blossom Gardens Lions Club, American Legion Post 347 and Advocates for Early Defibrillation Dedicate Lifesaving AED at Bob Johnson Legacy Driving Range!
Lady Lake, FL — The Orange Blossom Gardens (OBG) Lions Club, American Legion Post 347, and Advocates for Early Defibrillation were joined by members from the community, as well as local officials to celebrate a newly installed Automated External Defibrillator (AED) cabinet and device at the Bob Johnson Legacy Driving Range on Friday, March 27, 2026.
The OBG Lions Club purchased the AED device and cabinet for use at the public driving range. The range welcomes golfers of all ages who come to fine-tune their swings and enjoy the game. With visitors representing a wide range of ages and health backgrounds, leadership recognized the importance of having lifesaving equipment readily available onsite.
The AED was purchased using community-raised funds through the hard work of the Lions volunteers. The range is jointly operated by the OBG Lions and American Legion Post 347. With support from Advocates for Early Defibrillation, the organizations worked together to install the all weather cabinet and AED. The installation ensures that golfers, staff, or bystanders can immediately respond to a cardiac arrest while awaiting EMS arrival.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) affects more than 350,000 people annually in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, survival rates can double or even triple when CPR is performed and an AED is used within the first few minutes of collapse. For every minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival decreases by approximately 7–10 percent. Having an AED accessible in public spaces significantly increases the likelihood of survival.
An Automated External Defibrillator is a portable, user-friendly medical device designed to analyze heart rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal heartbeat. Modern AEDs provide clear voice instructions, allowing even individuals without medical training to assist during an emergency. The cabinet is an all-weather heated and ventilated enclosure that is also alarmed and monitored! This installation is one of the first cabinets of its type in the region.
“This installation represents the power of partnership for the benefit of the community,” said Lions member Rich Salvini. “By placing an AED at the driving range, we are adding a critical layer of safety for our golfers, guests, and volunteers. We hope it is never needed but if it is, it will be there, ready to help save a life.”
The cabinet was sold by SaveHeart. We are grateful their support throughout the process of purchasing and installing the AED and cabinet.
For more information about the OBG Lions Club and upcoming community initiatives, visit www.obglions.com.
For more information about American Legion Post 347 visit https://www.florida-legion.org/.
For more information about Advocates for Early Defibrillation go to their page at https://www.facebook.com/Advocates.4.AEDs.
Pictured in the photos:
The AED and cabinet is installed on the driving range's ball shack making it immediately available in case of a sudden cardiac arrest.
Pictured L to R:
Rich Salvini, Director of Golf Events and Marketing , Lions Club of Orange Blossom Gardens/Lady Lake (project committee)
Barbara Crewell, President, Lions Club of Orange Blossom Gardens/ Lady Lake
Kevin Knussman, President, Advocates for Early Defibrillation (project committee)
John Gorsuch, 2nd Vice Commander, American Legion Post 347, Lady Lake (project committee)
John Simpson, Fire Chief, Office of Fire Rescue, Lake County, Florida
Dave Musser, Commander, American Legion Post 347, Lady Lake, Sumter County, Florida
Diane Nelson, Member, Lions Club of Orange Blossom Gardens/ Lady Lake
Missing from photo: Mike Burske, Director, Parks & Recreation, Lady Lake, Florida
