Howey-in-the-Hills police chief on leave amid investigation
HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. — Howey-in-the-Hills Police Chief Michael Giddens has been placed on administrative leave, Inside Lake has learned. Giddens was placed on administrative leave after Town Manager Sean O’Keefe received an email Monday that prompted an investigation, he told Inside Lake. The contents of the email are part of the investigation and are not being released because the investigation is active, O’Keefe said. Florida law limits the release of certain information related to active investigations. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating, while the town conducts its own investigation, O’Keefe said. “There’s a lot yet to be determined,” O’Keefe
Police: Eustis man beat, robbed 65-year-old during yard work
EUSTIS, Fla. — A 23-year-old Eustis man is behind bars after police say he struck a 65-year-old man in the back of the head and robbed him late last month. Calvin Llweely Graham was arrested Wednesday after Eustis Police Department officers spotted him riding a bicycle in the area of Palmetto Street and East McDonald Avenue, EPD Chief Craig Capri said. Graham fled when he saw officers, but after a short pursuit, he was apprehended. On April 29, EPD responded to Wall Street on a report of a robbery. The 65-year-old victim told police he was doing yard work on
Tavares woman facing 31 animal cruelty charges after emaciated cattle investigation
TAVARES, Fla. — A Tavares woman is facing 31 animal cruelty charges following an investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office that began in April. Lori Ann Gonzalez, 62, was arrested Wednesday and released from the Lake County Jail on $77,500 bond early Thursday morning, according to LCSO online booking records. A livestock welfare complaint led authorities to a pasture in unincorporated Tavares, where cattle were found severely emaciated, launching an animal neglect investigation, LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake last month. Lake County Agricultural/Marine Unit and Animal Enforcement officers responded to 28304 Atlantis Road on
Precautionary boil water notice issued for part of Mount Dora
MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A precautionary boil water notice has been issued after a contractor struck a water main in Mount Dora Wednesday. A contractor with WIRE3 hit a water main located Morningside Drive and Sylvan Point Drive Wednesday afternoon, causing a break, according to Misty Sommer, City of Mount Dora Public Information officer. The break has been repaired, and the city has issued a precautionary boil water notice for Morningside Drive from Sylvan Point Drive to U.S. Highway 441, including Pineway Court, Sunset Circle, Hannah Drive, and Sussex Drive, Sommer said. The system is currently being flushed, and water
Overnight lane closures planned on 441 in Tavares, Leesburg this week for resurfacing projects
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Motorists traveling on U.S. Highway 441 in Tavares and Leesburg should expect overnight lane closures this week as the Florida Department of Transportation continues resurfacing projects in both cities. The closures are scheduled for the week of May 3 through May 9 as part of roadway improvement projects aimed at rehabilitating asphalt surfaces and maintaining safe, reliable travel lanes. Pedestrian curb ramps will also be upgraded where needed to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards. In Tavares, crews are resurfacing U.S. Highway 441 from Lakeshore Boulevard to Lake Eustis Drive. In Leesburg, the project includes
Man shot twice after entering Mount Dora-area home, deputies say
MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was shot twice Saturday morning in unincorporated Mount Dora. Shortly after 8:45 a.m. Saturday, deputies and officers with Mount Dora Police Department responded to 30203 Cheval Street on a report of a verbal dispute. When law enforcement arrived, they found a man had been shot twice by the homeowner, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley said. Deputies determined the man is currently going through a divorce with a female resident of the home. Investigators said he knocked and banged on the front door and windows before entering through
News Briefs
Lake County Schools district phones out of service Wednesday for emergency maintenance
TAVARES, Fla.— The telephone network provider for Lake County Schools will be performing emergency maintenance to all Lake County school and office phone circuits on Wednesday and possibly continuing through Thursday. Schools and district offices will not be able to send or receive external calls on landlines during this time. Each location will be assigned a temporary cell phone, and principals will contact parents with the temporary phone number for their child’s school. The temporary number for the district office will be 352-630-5020, effective Wednesday. The district’s Communications team will notify all parents once landline phones are fully functional again.
Tickets on sale for Taste of Lady Lake Speakeasy
LADY LAKE, Fla. — The Town of Lady Lake will host a new event, the Taste of Lady Lake Speakeasy, part of a weeklong celebration marking the town’s 100th anniversary. It’s scheduled for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Lady Lake Library. Guests 21-and-over will enjoy samples from local restaurants and caterers, a cash bar, and live music by Sofia and The Speak EZ Band. Tickets are $20 in advance and are on sale through Nov. 5. Four VIP sit-down tables are available at $180 per table, tables seat six people. The 1920s themed evening celebrates Lady Lake’s century-long
Eustis police to host National Night Out Tuesday in Ferran Park
EUSTIS, Fla.— Eustis Police Department, along with Eustis Fire Department, Tavares Police Department, Mount Dora Police Department, Umatilla Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office are scheduled to participate in National Night Out beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday in downtown Eustis. The event, a nationwide initiative designed to strengthen community partnerships and promote positive relationships between residents, businesses, and law enforcement will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., at Ferran Park, 250 Ferran Park Drive, Eustis, EPD Cpl. William Starling said. The event will feature a variety of specialized units and equipment from participating agencies, including the Crisis
Lake-Sumter State College names 2025 Distinguished Alumni & Hall of Fame honorees
LEESBURG, Fla.— Lake-Sumter State College and the LSSC Foundation are proud to announce the 2025 Honorees for the Distinguished Alumni & Hall of Fame Awards. “Pursuing higher education, earning a degree, and achieving success is the core of the mission of Lake-Sumter State College,” said Dr. Laura Byrd, executive vice president, LSSC, and executive director, LSSC Foundation. “We are proud to celebrate the successes and impact of our alumni, faculty, staff, and partners, who showcase how this great institution is transforming lives and futures throughout our community.” DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI HONOREES Scholar Award – Reanna Lynn Boardway ‘08 Boardway is the
Leesburg Blue Foundation Blue Runway 5K scheduled for Saturday night
LEESBURG, Fla.—The Leesburg Blue Foundation is gearing up for its one-of-a-kind Blue Runway 5K scheduled for Saturday night at Leesburg International Airport. Participants can walk, jog or run on the airport’s runways while supporting the nonprofit organization that provides resources to support Leesburg Police Department. The race begins at 7 p.m., and all proceeds will benefit the Leesburg Blue Foundation, which is an independent nonprofit organization that provides resources to support Leesburg Police Department, LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said last year. “The organization aims to help innovate and improve the quality of its services; build bridges with the community; and
Fruitland Park Centennial Celebration continues Friday
FRUITLAND PARK, Fla.—Fruitland Park will continue its Centennial Celebration Friday with food, fun, giveaways and a drone show. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 810 West Berckman Street, the event will include free laser tag, food trucks, vendors, games, a DJ, and a drone show. Parking will be available at nearby churches, and a free golf cart shuttle will be provided for drop-offs and pickups from the event. A waiver is required to participate in laser tag and can be completed prior to the event by visiting: laser tag waiver. For more information, call Fruitland Park Parks and
Around The County
Howey-in-the-Hills police chief on leave amid investigation
HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. — Howey-in-the-Hills Police Chief Michael Giddens has been placed on administrative leave, Inside Lake has learned. Giddens was placed on administrative leave after Town Manager Sean O’Keefe received an email Monday that prompted an investigation, he told Inside Lake. The contents of the email are part of the investigation and are not being released because the investigation is active, O’Keefe said. Florida law limits the release of certain information related to active investigations. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating, while the town conducts its own investigation, O’Keefe said. “There’s a lot yet to be determined,” O’Keefe
Police: Eustis man beat, robbed 65-year-old during yard work
EUSTIS, Fla. — A 23-year-old Eustis man is behind bars after police say he struck a 65-year-old man in the back of the head and robbed him late last month. Calvin Llweely Graham was arrested Wednesday after Eustis Police Department officers spotted him riding a bicycle in the area of Palmetto Street and East McDonald Avenue, EPD Chief Craig Capri said. Graham fled when he saw officers, but after a short pursuit, he was apprehended. On April 29, EPD responded to Wall Street on a report of a robbery. The 65-year-old victim told police he was doing yard work on
Tavares woman facing 31 animal cruelty charges after emaciated cattle investigation
TAVARES, Fla. — A Tavares woman is facing 31 animal cruelty charges following an investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office that began in April. Lori Ann Gonzalez, 62, was arrested Wednesday and released from the Lake County Jail on $77,500 bond early Thursday morning, according to LCSO online booking records. A livestock welfare complaint led authorities to a pasture in unincorporated Tavares, where cattle were found severely emaciated, launching an animal neglect investigation, LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake last month. Lake County Agricultural/Marine Unit and Animal Enforcement officers responded to 28304 Atlantis Road on
Howey-in-the-Hills police chief on leave amid investigation
HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. — Howey-in-the-Hills Police Chief Michael Giddens has been placed on administrative leave, Inside Lake has learned. Giddens was placed on administrative leave after Town Manager Sean O’Keefe received an email Monday that prompted an investigation, he told Inside Lake. The contents of the email are part of the investigation and are not being released because the investigation is active, O’Keefe said. Florida law limits the release of certain information related to active investigations. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating, while the town conducts its own investigation, O’Keefe said. “There’s a lot yet to be determined,” O’Keefe
Police: Eustis man beat, robbed 65-year-old during yard work
EUSTIS, Fla. — A 23-year-old Eustis man is behind bars after police say he struck a 65-year-old man in the back of the head and robbed him late last month. Calvin Llweely Graham was arrested Wednesday after Eustis Police Department officers spotted him riding a bicycle in the area of Palmetto Street and East McDonald Avenue, EPD Chief Craig Capri said. Graham fled when he saw officers, but after a short pursuit, he was apprehended. On April 29, EPD responded to Wall Street on a report of a robbery. The 65-year-old victim told police he was doing yard work on
Tavares woman facing 31 animal cruelty charges after emaciated cattle investigation
TAVARES, Fla. — A Tavares woman is facing 31 animal cruelty charges following an investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office that began in April. Lori Ann Gonzalez, 62, was arrested Wednesday and released from the Lake County Jail on $77,500 bond early Thursday morning, according to LCSO online booking records. A livestock welfare complaint led authorities to a pasture in unincorporated Tavares, where cattle were found severely emaciated, launching an animal neglect investigation, LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake last month. Lake County Agricultural/Marine Unit and Animal Enforcement officers responded to 28304 Atlantis Road on
Precautionary boil water notice issued for part of Mount Dora
MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A precautionary boil water notice has been issued after a contractor struck a water main in Mount Dora Wednesday. A contractor with WIRE3 hit a water main located Morningside Drive and Sylvan Point Drive Wednesday afternoon, causing a break, according to Misty Sommer, City of Mount Dora Public Information officer. The break has been repaired, and the city has issued a precautionary boil water notice for Morningside Drive from Sylvan Point Drive to U.S. Highway 441, including Pineway Court, Sunset Circle, Hannah Drive, and Sussex Drive, Sommer said. The system is currently being flushed, and water
Overnight lane closures planned on 441 in Tavares, Leesburg this week for resurfacing projects
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Motorists traveling on U.S. Highway 441 in Tavares and Leesburg should expect overnight lane closures this week as the Florida Department of Transportation continues resurfacing projects in both cities. The closures are scheduled for the week of May 3 through May 9 as part of roadway improvement projects aimed at rehabilitating asphalt surfaces and maintaining safe, reliable travel lanes. Pedestrian curb ramps will also be upgraded where needed to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards. In Tavares, crews are resurfacing U.S. Highway 441 from Lakeshore Boulevard to Lake Eustis Drive. In Leesburg, the project includes
Man shot twice after entering Mount Dora-area home, deputies say
MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was shot twice Saturday morning in unincorporated Mount Dora. Shortly after 8:45 a.m. Saturday, deputies and officers with Mount Dora Police Department responded to 30203 Cheval Street on a report of a verbal dispute. When law enforcement arrived, they found a man had been shot twice by the homeowner, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley said. Deputies determined the man is currently going through a divorce with a female resident of the home. Investigators said he knocked and banged on the front door and windows before entering through