Possible gas explosion in Eustis sends one to the hospital
EUSTIS, Fla.—Authorities are investigating possible gas explosion that sent one person to the hospital, according to Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri. Details were limited Thursday morning at press time; Capri told Inside Lake one person was transported to an area hospital, following the possible gas explosion at 101 South Eustis Street. The person’s name and condition were not released. This is a developing story.
Holiday magic returns to Ferran Park for 38th Annual Light-Up Eustis
EUSTIS, Fla.— The holiday season officially arrives in Eustis on Friday as the city hosts its 38th annual Light-Up Eustis celebration at Ferran Park, starting at 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy performances by the Eustis High School Jazz Band and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, try a snow slide and snap free photos with Santa. Food vendors and holiday shopping booths will also be on hand. At 6 p.m., the city will light its 50-foot Christmas tree, adorned with more than 13,000 twinkling bulbs. Santa will make his grand entrance by firetruck before settling into his North Pole booth for free
Winter Haven man killed in Thanksgiving Day crash in South Lake County
FOUR CORNERS, Fla.—A Winter Haven man died Thursday afternoon after a possible medical episode caused him to crash his Jeep Wrangler, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just before 5:30 p.m., the 72-year-old man was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 27, south of Ruby Red Boulevard, in a 2015 Jeep Wrangler, when he ran of the road, hit an electrical box and entered a ditch, FHP said. Troopers said the man may have suffered a medical episode prior to the crash. He was transported to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.
Driver says, “I’m not going to lie, bro, I’ve got to go,” and attempts to flee traffic stop near Clermont
CLERMONT, Fla.—A man who told a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy he made a bad choice and regretted his decision is facing two felony charges, according to an arrest affidavit. An LCSO deputy spotted a Hyundai SUV make an illegal U-turn on U.S. Highway 27 at High Grove Boulevard shortly after midnight Wednesday and initiated a traffic stop. The driver pulled into a nearby parking lot, and the deputy approached the SUV and asked for his license. As the driver searched for it, he reportedly said, “I’m not going to lie, bro, I’ve got to go,” and put the SUV
Ring in the holidays Saturday at Light Up Mount Dora
MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The holiday season in Lake County kicks off Saturday in Mount Dora with the city’s annual Light Up Mount Dora event scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. The city is planning a full evening of festivities spread throughout downtown, offering visitors a mix of live entertainment, holiday lights and family-friendly activities. 5 to 9 p.m. Donnelly Park: Holiday program hosted by Magic 107.7’s Chad & Leslye, holiday entertainment and special performance by Stetson University’s Symphony Orchestra at 5:30 p.m. 5 to 9 p.m. Sunset Park: Live music and entertainment 7 p.m. Sunset Park: Christmas tree lighting and fireworks
FHP searching for Clermont hit-and-run suspect
CLERMONT, Fla.— The Florida Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s assistance with identifying a driver who fled the scene after hitting a bicyclist last week. Around 8 a.m. Saturday, a 35-year-old Clermont woman was riding a bicycle eastbound on the edge of County Road 455 near County Road 561 when an unknown vehicle sideswiped her and fled, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The unknown vehicle left the scene eastbound on County Road 455; there were no witnesses, Crescenzi said. The bicyclist was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. If you have information on the crash, call *FHP or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS,
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
Possible gas explosion in Eustis sends one to the hospital
EUSTIS, Fla.—Authorities are investigating possible gas explosion that sent one person to the hospital, according to Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri. Details were limited Thursday morning at press time; Capri told Inside Lake one person was transported to an area hospital, following the possible gas explosion at 101 South Eustis Street. The person’s name and condition were not released. This is a developing story.
Holiday magic returns to Ferran Park for 38th Annual Light-Up Eustis
EUSTIS, Fla.— The holiday season officially arrives in Eustis on Friday as the city hosts its 38th annual Light-Up Eustis celebration at Ferran Park, starting at 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy performances by the Eustis High School Jazz Band and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, try a snow slide and snap free photos with Santa. Food vendors and holiday shopping booths will also be on hand. At 6 p.m., the city will light its 50-foot Christmas tree, adorned with more than 13,000 twinkling bulbs. Santa will make his grand entrance by firetruck before settling into his North Pole booth for free
Winter Haven man killed in Thanksgiving Day crash in South Lake County
FOUR CORNERS, Fla.—A Winter Haven man died Thursday afternoon after a possible medical episode caused him to crash his Jeep Wrangler, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just before 5:30 p.m., the 72-year-old man was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 27, south of Ruby Red Boulevard, in a 2015 Jeep Wrangler, when he ran of the road, hit an electrical box and entered a ditch, FHP said. Troopers said the man may have suffered a medical episode prior to the crash. He was transported to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.