Pedestrian, 80, killed in Minneola crash Friday night
MINNEOLA, Fla. — An 80-year-old Minneola man died after being struck by a car on U.S. Highway 27 Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 10 p.m., a 2021 Toyota Corolla was traveling south in the outside lane north of West Pearl Street when it struck the man, who was standing in the outside lane, facing west, FHP said. He was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center with critical injuries, where he later died. The driver, a 21-year-old Tavares woman, was not injured and stayed at the scene, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The crash remains under investigation.
Motorcyclist killed in overnight Tavares crash
TAVARES, Fla. — A Tavares man was killed early Saturday morning after losing control of his motorcycle, according to Tavares Police Department. Shortly after 1:15 a.m., Mark Osier, 69, was riding a 2019 Harley-Davidson southbound on County Road 561 near Ken Bragg Way when he lost control, a witness told TPD. A TPD officer was nearby and immediately responded, TPD said. Osier was transported to an area hospital and pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.
Paisley man charged with meth trafficking after deputies find suspicious liquid in Polar Pop cup
UMATILLA, Fla. — A Paisley man was arrested the day before his birthday after deputies found a liquid mixture weighing 419 grams that tested positive for methamphetamine inside a Polar Pop cup, according to an arrest affidavit. Jason Edward King, who turned 53 Thursday, was arrested early Wednesday on charges of trafficking in methamphetamine over 400 grams, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence. A Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted a white Chevrolet pickup stopped past the stop bar at County Road 450 and County Road 42 around midnight
Leesburg house fire claims one life
LEESBURG, Fla. — One person died in a house fire on South Truett Street early Friday morning, according to the Leesburg Fire Rescue. Leesburg firefighters were dispatched to 109 S. Truett St. around 12:45 a.m. and arrived about five minutes later. Lake County Fire Rescue also responded to assist. The person’s identity has not been released pending confirmation and notification of next of kin. The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire’s origin and cause.
Man accused of smashing pharmacy bench cites community center dispute, Eustis police say
EUSTIS, Fla. — A man accused of smashing a concrete bench outside Bay Pharmacy Sunday told police his actions were politically motivated and related to the future of the Eustis Community Center, according to an arrest affidavit. David Alan Neal, 56, of Eustis, was arrested for criminal mischief involving damage less than $200. Eustis police responded to the pharmacy, 2 E. Magnolia Ave., around 10:30 a.m. Sunday after a report that someone had taken a decorative bench from beside the business and smashed it in the road before leaving on foot. Police found Neal in the north parking lot of
Proposed Eustis waterfront developers named in new lawsuit as residents fight community center sale
EUSTIS, Fla. — Residents opposing the possible sale of the Eustis Community Center are organizing a public gathering next week, as two people behind the proposed waterfront development are named in a newly filed lawsuit involving a separate Winter Garden project. The gathering is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Eustis Community Center, 601 Northshore Drive. Gail Isaac-Thomas, a lifelong Eustis resident, has spoken against the proposed sale at multiple commission meetings and on social media. She shared a flyer promoting next week’s gathering with the message, “Save Our Eustis Community Center.” Signs reading “Save
News Briefs
Both lanes of Haynes Creek Bridge to reopen Thursday after repairs
LEESBURG, Fla. — Both lanes of the Haynes Creek Bridge will reopen Thursday afternoon, Oct. 15, following completion of required bridge deck repairs, according to Lake County. A temporary weight restriction of 33,000 pounds will stay in effect while project consultants prepare a new load rating report for review by the Florida Department of Transportation. For more information, contact Lake County Public Works at 352-253-6000.
Lake County Circuit Judge Heidi Davis to retire Nov. 30
TAVARES, Fla. — Circuit Judge Heidi Davis will retire Nov. 30 after more than 16 years on the bench, the Fifth Judicial Circuit announced. Appointed by then-Gov. Charlie Crist in September 2010, Davis became the first female judge in Hernando County before transferring to Lake County, according to the announcement. Davis served as Lake County’s administrative judge during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped create and presided over the Lake County Drug Court. She began her legal career in 1998 as a judicial law clerk in Lake County, later entered private practice and became a judicial magistrate in 2004. She
Astatula officials to address DOGE report at public workshop Thursday
ASTATULA, Fla. — Astatula officials will address a Sept. 30 DOGE letter and accompanying report concerning the town during a special Town Council workshop Thursday. The workshop begins at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Astatula Community Center, 13251 Park Ave. According to the town’s announcement, officials plan to provide documentation, additional context and responses to statements in the DOGE materials. Members of the media are invited to attend and ask questions about the letter and the town’s response. The workshop will be for discussion and information only. No formal council action or vote is anticipated. The town selected the
Free “Brass & Brews” concert coming to downtown Mount Dora Thursday
Update: Due to inclement weather, the event has been moved from Sunset Park to Mount Dora Music Hall at the Community Building, 520 N. Baker Street, Mount Dora. MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Brass Ensemble will perform a free outdoor concert Thursday at the Mount Dora Music Hall at the Community Building, 520 N. Baker St., Mount Dora. “Brass & Brews” begins at 7 p.m. Light food and beverages will be available for purchase. The event is sponsored by Mount Dora Community Trust, Discover Lake, Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce, MAGIC 107.7 FM and the City
Looking for a new best friend? Lake County Animal Shelter cuts October adoption fees in half
TAVARES, Fla. — Bringing home a shelter pet costs a little less this month, with Lake County Animal Shelter offering half-price adoptions through Oct. 31. The promotion celebrates Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Each adoption includes spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, a microchip and a personalized identification tag. “There’s something special about giving a shelter pet a second chance and welcoming them into your family,” said Whitney Boylston, director of Lake County Animal Services. “We’re proud to celebrate Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and help more deserving shelter dogs find the loving families they’ve been waiting for.” Potential adopters
Businesses remain open during Eudora Road roundabout construction; intersection closure planned for February
MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Businesses near Old U.S. Highway 441 and Eudora Road remain open and accessible as Lake County continues work on a new roundabout and other transportation improvements. The county has installed five signs reminding drivers that businesses in the construction area are open. The project includes a roundabout at Eudora Road and Old U.S. Highway 441, drainage improvements and a smaller roundabout on Bay Road to accommodate a detour. Nearly 100 crashes have been reported in the project area since 2015, according to Lake County. The county has also received complaints about serious flooding and drainage problems.
Around The County
Pedestrian, 80, killed in Minneola crash Friday night
MINNEOLA, Fla. — An 80-year-old Minneola man died after being struck by a car on U.S. Highway 27 Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 10 p.m., a 2021 Toyota Corolla was traveling south in the outside lane north of West Pearl Street when it struck the man, who was standing in the outside lane, facing west, FHP said. He was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center with critical injuries, where he later died. The driver, a 21-year-old Tavares woman, was not injured and stayed at the scene, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The crash remains under investigation.
Motorcyclist killed in overnight Tavares crash
TAVARES, Fla. — A Tavares man was killed early Saturday morning after losing control of his motorcycle, according to Tavares Police Department. Shortly after 1:15 a.m., Mark Osier, 69, was riding a 2019 Harley-Davidson southbound on County Road 561 near Ken Bragg Way when he lost control, a witness told TPD. A TPD officer was nearby and immediately responded, TPD said. Osier was transported to an area hospital and pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.
Paisley man charged with meth trafficking after deputies find suspicious liquid in Polar Pop cup
UMATILLA, Fla. — A Paisley man was arrested the day before his birthday after deputies found a liquid mixture weighing 419 grams that tested positive for methamphetamine inside a Polar Pop cup, according to an arrest affidavit. Jason Edward King, who turned 53 Thursday, was arrested early Wednesday on charges of trafficking in methamphetamine over 400 grams, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence. A Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted a white Chevrolet pickup stopped past the stop bar at County Road 450 and County Road 42 around midnight
Pedestrian, 80, killed in Minneola crash Friday night
MINNEOLA, Fla. — An 80-year-old Minneola man died after being struck by a car on U.S. Highway 27 Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 10 p.m., a 2021 Toyota Corolla was traveling south in the outside lane north of West Pearl Street when it struck the man, who was standing in the outside lane, facing west, FHP said. He was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center with critical injuries, where he later died. The driver, a 21-year-old Tavares woman, was not injured and stayed at the scene, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The crash remains under investigation.
Motorcyclist killed in overnight Tavares crash
TAVARES, Fla. — A Tavares man was killed early Saturday morning after losing control of his motorcycle, according to Tavares Police Department. Shortly after 1:15 a.m., Mark Osier, 69, was riding a 2019 Harley-Davidson southbound on County Road 561 near Ken Bragg Way when he lost control, a witness told TPD. A TPD officer was nearby and immediately responded, TPD said. Osier was transported to an area hospital and pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.
Paisley man charged with meth trafficking after deputies find suspicious liquid in Polar Pop cup
UMATILLA, Fla. — A Paisley man was arrested the day before his birthday after deputies found a liquid mixture weighing 419 grams that tested positive for methamphetamine inside a Polar Pop cup, according to an arrest affidavit. Jason Edward King, who turned 53 Thursday, was arrested early Wednesday on charges of trafficking in methamphetamine over 400 grams, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence. A Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted a white Chevrolet pickup stopped past the stop bar at County Road 450 and County Road 42 around midnight
Leesburg house fire claims one life
LEESBURG, Fla. — One person died in a house fire on South Truett Street early Friday morning, according to the Leesburg Fire Rescue. Leesburg firefighters were dispatched to 109 S. Truett St. around 12:45 a.m. and arrived about five minutes later. Lake County Fire Rescue also responded to assist. The person’s identity has not been released pending confirmation and notification of next of kin. The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire’s origin and cause.
Man accused of smashing pharmacy bench cites community center dispute, Eustis police say
EUSTIS, Fla. — A man accused of smashing a concrete bench outside Bay Pharmacy Sunday told police his actions were politically motivated and related to the future of the Eustis Community Center, according to an arrest affidavit. David Alan Neal, 56, of Eustis, was arrested for criminal mischief involving damage less than $200. Eustis police responded to the pharmacy, 2 E. Magnolia Ave., around 10:30 a.m. Sunday after a report that someone had taken a decorative bench from beside the business and smashed it in the road before leaving on foot. Police found Neal in the north parking lot of
Proposed Eustis waterfront developers named in new lawsuit as residents fight community center sale
EUSTIS, Fla. — Residents opposing the possible sale of the Eustis Community Center are organizing a public gathering next week, as two people behind the proposed waterfront development are named in a newly filed lawsuit involving a separate Winter Garden project. The gathering is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Eustis Community Center, 601 Northshore Drive. Gail Isaac-Thomas, a lifelong Eustis resident, has spoken against the proposed sale at multiple commission meetings and on social media. She shared a flyer promoting next week’s gathering with the message, “Save Our Eustis Community Center.” Signs reading “Save