Inside Scoop

Inside Lake’s breaking stories, investigations and exclusives

Man accused of abandoning starving dog at Lake County Animal Shelter

July 22, 2026 9:18 pm

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include a statement from a Lake County spokesperson regarding the Lake County Animal Shelter. Viewer discretion advised: This story contains images that some readers may find disturbing. TAVARES, Fla. — A man is facing animal cruelty and abandonment charges after investigators say he surrendered his starving dog to the Lake County Animal Shelter as a “found dog” earlier this year, according to a probable cause affidavit. On Jan. 25, Edualdo Rodriguez, 55, surrendered the severely emaciated male American bulldog as a “found dog,” but a Lake County Sheriff’s Office investigation found Rodriguez

Eustis man arrested in Volusia Operation Tor/Pedo

July 20, 2026 2:01 pm

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Eustis man was arrested during a Volusia Sheriff’s Office undercover operation earlier this month targeting individuals who use the internet and apps to exploit children, according to Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Colton James Gregory, 19, is accused of chatting with what he believed to be a 14-year-old child on July 11 and driving to Volusia County to meet the child, according to a charging affidavit. Using an online platform, Gregory allegedly made sexually explicit comments to a detective posing as a child. Most of the messages contained in the affidavit are too vulgar for publication,

Investigation sustains allegations against former Howey police chief over relationship with fraud suspect’s wife

July 17, 2026 8:29 am

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. — A Lake County Sheriff’s Office internal affairs investigation sustained allegations that former Howey-in-the-Hills Police Chief Michael Giddens violated department policy after engaging in a sexual relationship with the wife of a man he was investigating for felony fraud, according to documents released by the town Thursday. The investigation began after the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills received an anonymous complaint alleging Giddens had engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with the woman while he was investigating her husband in 2025. Giddens was a lieutenant at the time of the relationship and was appointed police chief in October 2025. Because

Tavares K9 Bruce leads officers to meth trafficking arrest, $601K bond

July 13, 2026 8:45 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — A traffic stop for a stop sign violation led to the arrest of a Leesburg man on trafficking and other drug charges Sunday night, according to an arrest affidavit. Joshua D. Franklin, 41, was arrested for trafficking methamphetamine over 28 grams, possession of cocaine with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop. According to the affidavit, a Tavares K9 officer stopped Franklin’s silver passenger car around shortly before 8 p.m. after seeing it fail to stop behind the stop bar at the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and Sinclair Avenue. Franklin denied

Mount Dora man dies after crash on U.S. Highway 441 in Tavares

July 10, 2026 10:56 am

TAVARES, Fla.— A Mount Dora man was killed late Thursday afternoon after attempting to cross several lanes of traffic and colliding with a truck near AdventHealth Waterman, according to Tavares Police Department. Shortly after 5:30 p.m., William Pyle, 84, of Mount Dora, was pulling onto U.S. Highway 441 from Waterman Way in a 2016 Nissan Sentra when he failed to obey a right-turn-only sign and attempted to cross the northbound lanes to turn left into the southbound lanes. The Nissan was struck by a 2018 GMC pickup truck traveling in the inside northbound lane, driven by Charles Green, 39, of

Grand jury indicts man in killing of Eustis woman; prosecutors seek death penalty

July 8, 2026 8:04 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — A Lake County grand jury has indicted Shahidul Islam in the 2025 killing of Monica Islam, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Islam, 44, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder with a firearm in Monica Islam’s May 2, 2025, death. Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson announced the indictment alongside Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. According to the State Attorney’s Office, Islam was transferred back to Lake County after being sentenced in his most recent federal criminal case for unlawful reentry into the

Crimeline tip leads to arrest of Leesburg man accused of sexual act involving dog

July 1, 2026 9:40 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — A 19-year-old Leesburg man was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he recorded and posted a Snapchat video depicting a sexual act involving a dog. Isaiah Chaitram Nimnauth is facing charges of animal cruelty: sexual contact with animal and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. According to an arrest affidavit, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office detective received a Crimeline tip June 24 reporting a Snapchat video allegedly showing Nimnauth engaging in a sexual act with a dog. The detective reviewed the video before identifying Nimnauth through the Snapchat account and confirming his residence through Florida driver’s license

Howey-in-the-Hills searching for new police chief after resignation

July 1, 2026 9:06 pm

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. — The Town of Howey-in-the-Hills is searching for a new police chief after former Chief Michael Giddens resigned last month while under investigation. Giddens submitted his resignation June 3 and Town Manager Sean O’Keefe provided Inside Lake with a copy of his resignation letter. The town has posted the police chief position and is accepting applications. O’Keefe said the town’s investigation remains ongoing with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. In his resignation letter, Giddens wrote that his “private life is being targeted by anonymous individuals driven by personal and political agendas,” and after 32 years in

Astor man killed in head-on crash on State Road 40

July 1, 2026 9:51 am

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 30-year-old Astor man was killed in a head-on crash with a truck Wednesday morning in Volusia County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. on State Road 40 west of Check Station Road. Troopers said the Astor man was driving a 2004 Buick Rendezvous eastbound on State Road 40 when, for unknown reasons, the SUV traveled onto the south shoulder of the roadway. The driver then overcorrected to the left into the westbound lane and into the path of a 2017 Ford F-350 pulling a trailer. The front of the

Minneola woman killed after SUV catches fire in Sumter County crash

June 30, 2026 10:27 am

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A 21-year-old Minneola woman was killed in a fiery crash early Tuesday morning in Sumter County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The woman was driving a Mazda CX-9 westbound on County Road 478 when she failed to negotiate a curve west of County Road 747, around 4 a.m., troopers said. The SUV traveled off the roadway, struck a fence and then collided with a tree and caught fire. The driver suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, FHP said. The crash remains under investigation.

Three years later, Bryson Leverette’s killing remains Lady Lake’s only unsolved homicide

June 29, 2026 6:29 pm

LADY LAKE, Fla. — Nearly three years after 20-year-old Bryson “Swift” Leverette was gunned down outside a Lady Lake home, investigators are again asking for the public’s help in solving the town’s only unsolved homicide. Leverette was fatally shot and another person was wounded around 12:45 a.m. June 30, 2023, as they were leaving a home at 104 Caroline Ave. in the Skyline Hills area, according to the Lady Lake Police Department. Investigators said the victims were ambushed by multiple suspects armed with several firearms. The suspects fled the area in unknown vehicles, and no arrests have been made. “Three

Nude woman exits “suspicious” vehicle before driver crashes into fire hydrant last week, police say

June 28, 2026 11:53 am

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — An Orlando man is facing multiple charges after police say he crashed into a fire hydrant, ran from officers and discharged a firearm while intoxicated last week. Around 5 a.m. June 20, Mount Dora police officers observed a suspicious vehicle near Limit Avenue and North Unser Street while Lake County dispatch received a 911 call about the same vehicle “parked under suspicious circumstances” at a nearby business on U.S. Highway 441, according to an arrest affidavit. The caller told dispatch a nude woman exited the vehicle before it abruptly drove away. Officers later determined the woman

Fruitland Park church overseer arrested in hidden camera investigation

June 20, 2026 1:55 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — A Fruitland Park man was arrested Friday after an investigation uncovered digital files involving females, including videos investigators say were recorded with a concealed camera inside a church bathroom and a room where adolescent girls were changing following a baptism service, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Charles Barton “Bart” Lucas, 59, was arrested on five counts of video voyeurism. Four counts involve adult victims and one involves a victim younger than 16, according to an arrest affidavit. He was released from the Lake County Jail on $25,000 bond. The investigation began after suspicious material was

Two Lake County men arrested in separate Florida Keys incidents

June 18, 2026 11:20 am

MONROE COUNTY, Fla. — Two Lake County men were arrested Wednesday in unrelated incidents in the Florida Keys, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. A 50-year-old Umatilla man was arrested in Marathon after deputies say he followed customers around a Publix while armed with a knife, causing alarm among shoppers. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were called to the store around 7 p.m. after multiple customers and an employee reported John Paul Roberts was making eye contact with customers and following them around the store and out to their vehicles for unknown reasons. Roberts had a knife sheathed

4th arrest made in pair of Eustis shootings, more charges filed against adult suspects

June 16, 2026 7:18 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — A fourth arrest has been made in a pair of Eustis shootings last week and additional charges have been filed against the adult suspects, according to Eustis police. Von’tayvian Silas-Edwards, 15, was arrested late Tuesday afternoon and charged with principal to shooting into an occupied dwelling. His arrest follows the Friday arrests of Elijah Hood, 18, on a charge of principal to shooting into an occupied dwelling, and Malachi Aiden Hughes, 15, and Jordan Larry Hayes, 18, on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied dwelling stemming from the shootings at

Lady Lake police seek information on vehicle involved in fatal crash

June 16, 2026 1:59 pm

LADY LAKE, Fla. — Lady Lake police are asking for the public’s help following a fatal pedestrian crash early Tuesday. Shortly before 3:30 a.m., the driver of a gray 2023 Toyota Tacoma was traveling on U.S. Highway 27 near Hartsock Mill Road when she saw a man wearing dark clothing and standing in the middle southbound lane, according to Town of Lady Lake Communications Director Elisha Pappacoda. There are no streetlights in the area, Pappacoda said. The driver attempted to avoid the man but was unable to and struck him. She stopped and called for help while her passenger checked

Collision with guardrail and trees kills Lady Lake man, seriously injures woman

June 14, 2026 9:17 pm

LADY LAKE, Fla. — A Lady Lake man was killed Sunday evening and his passenger was seriously injured when their SUV struck a guardrail and several trees, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred on Griffin Avenue near Grays Airport Road. FHP said an 81-year-old Lady Lake man was driving a 2026 Subaru Forester eastbound on Griffin Avenue, shortly before 7 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a right-hand curve, The SUV left the roadway and collided with a guardrail before striking several trees, according to FHP The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, a

Man dead, 3 seriously injured in fiery wrong-way crash near Clermont

June 14, 2026 11:50 am

. CLERMONT, Fla. — A wrong-way driver was killed and three other men were seriously injured in a fiery head-on crash Sunday morning near Clermont, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at 6:20 a.m. on State Road 33 near Bakers Lane in unincorporated Clermont. FHP said a 24-year-old Orlando man was driving a 2026 Toyota Camry northbound in the southbound lane of State Road 33 when he collided head-on with a 2016 Dodge Journey. The impact caused the Dodge to catch fire, according to FHP. The driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene. His

Fatal crash shuts down SR 33 near Clermont

June 14, 2026 8:04 am

CLERMONT, Fla. — A fatal crash has shut down State Road 33 in unincorporated Clermont, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. near Bakers Lane. At least one person was killed. State Road 33 is closed in both directions between Laws Road and Ott Williams Road as troopers investigate. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. This is a developing story.

Teen dispute at Carver Park led to pair of Eustis shootings Thursday night, police say

June 12, 2026 1:13 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — A dispute between two groups of teenagers at Carver Park escalated into two shootings less than two hours apart Thursday night, resulting in the arrests of two suspects and more charges are expected, according to Eustis police. Malachi Aiden Hughes, 15, and Jordan Larry Hayes, 18, were arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied dwelling following shootings at 701 E. Hazzard Ave. and 1502 E. Lakeview Ave. No one was injured in either shooting. According to arrest affidavits, witnesses told investigators the conflict began earlier Thursday at Carver Park,

Groveland man charged with cocaine trafficking after multi-agency drug raid

June 11, 2026 12:39 pm

GROVELAND, Fla. — A Groveland man is facing a cocaine trafficking charge after a multi-agency narcotics investigation led to search warrants at a duplex on Blue Street Tuesday morning. Detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau and the Groveland Police Department executed narcotics search warrants at 745 and 747 Blue St. on Tuesday after determining narcotics were allegedly being distributed from both apartments, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team was used to secure the duplex while detectives from LCSO, Clermont, Eustis, Groveland and Leesburg searched both residences. During the

Head-on crash kills Leesburg man in Marion County, Eustis woman critically injured

June 3, 2026 8:39 pm

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Leesburg man was killed and a Eustis woman was critically injured in a head-on crash Wednesday afternoon on County Road 42 in Marion County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 30-year-old Leesburg man was driving a sedan westbound near Southeast 105th Avenue when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with a pickup truck around 1:45 p.m., FHP said. The impact scattered debris across the roadway, and a second sedan struck the debris. The Leesburg man was pronounced dead at the scene. One of his passengers, a 27-year-old Eustis woman, suffered critical injuries

Murder suspect returned to Lake County more than a year after woman’s death

June 2, 2026 8:35 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — The man accused of killing his sister-in-law last year is back in Lake County and in the custody of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Shahidul Islam, 43, was extradited from federal custody to Lake County Sunday, LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon said. He is being held on no bond in the Lake County Jail. LCSO detectives obtained an arrest warrant more than a year ago after Monica Islam, 44, was found murdered in unincorporated Mount Dora after being reported missing from Eustis. She was found shot to death near Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road on May 2,

LCSO executes narcotics search warrant at Tavares home

June 2, 2026 12:12 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotics-related search warrant Tuesday morning at a residence in Tavares. The warrant was executed at a home in the 100 block of Bloxham Avenue, according to LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon. Few details were immediately available Tuesday. Vachon confirmed the operation was a narcotics search warrant but no additional information was released.

Eagle One helps track Clermont man to Eustis after fleeing traffic stop

May 26, 2026 8:13 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — A Clermont man with multiple outstanding warrants out of Georgia was arrested Monday night after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop and traveling through several Lake County communities before hitting stop sticks in Eustis, according to an arrest affidavit. Brandon Stuart Brown, 32, is facing charges of fleeing to elude, attaching tag not assigned, driving while license suspended, canceled or revoked as a habitual offender and operating an unregistered motor vehicle. Around 10 p.m., a Lake County Sheriff’s Office corporal observed a dark-colored Chevrolet Tahoe traveling north on U.S. Highway 27 near State Road 19 with no

Man sentenced to 25 years for shooting at deputies, officers in Mount Dora; murder case still pending

May 25, 2026 2:44 pm

Editor’s note: The video below contains graphic images and language. Viewer discretion is advised. TAVARES, Fla. — The man accused of shooting at Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Mount Dora Police officers in 2022 when he was just 18 years old, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his Lake County crimes, according to court records, but his legal troubles are far from over. Jonny Ze Guiseppe Santiago, now 22, pleaded no contest last week to two counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding and discharging a firearm from a vehicle after

Umatilla honors historic undefeated Bulldogs with monument dedication

May 21, 2026 8:47 pm

UMATILLA, Fla. — It was 70 years in the making. Umatilla High School’s Bulldog football team was honored Wednesday with a monument dedication ceremony marking its undefeated 2025 season — the school’s first undefeated season in 70 years. The monument, purchased by the City of Umatilla, was manufactured by Set in Stone Monuments, owned by UHS alumnus Colton Hartog. Hartog was on hand for the dedication, along with Umatilla Vice Mayor Zack Durbin, UHS Head Football Coach Eric Samuels, UHS Principal Brent Frazier, the UHS Marching Band, UHS Cheerleaders and the UHS Bulldog football team. The Bulldogs outscored their opponents

Dad sentenced to 12 years in 2022 crash that killed two sons, injured third

May 17, 2026 9:42 am

TAVARES, Fla. — The man who was drunk and behind the wheel when he killed his two sons on Easter Eve 2022 has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. David Shawn Pelfrey, 25, of Fruitland Park, was picked up on a warrant in February 2024, nearly two years after the crash that killed his sons, Damian, 4, and Dominic, 2, and seriously injured their brother, Daylen, 1. Pelfrey was charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license causing death; he was scheduled to stand trial May 11 and pleaded no contest

Pedestrian critically injured in Lady Lake crash

May 13, 2026 2:15 pm

LADY LAKE, Fla. — A St. Augustine man is in critical condition after he was struck by a car on U.S. Highway 27/441 in Lady Lake Wednesday morning. Anthony Heine, 36, was hit by a black Hyundai Sonata around 5 a.m. while crossing U.S. Highway 27/441 in the crosswalk at Wales Plaza, Town of Lady Lake Communications Director Elisha Pappacoda said. The driver of the Hyundai, Eunice Young, 65, of Lady Lake, told Lady Lake Police Department officers she was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 27/441 and had a green traffic light when she “suddenly felt a severe impact” and

Motorcyclist killed in crash on SR 44 near Eustis

May 9, 2026 7:51 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a Eustis motorcyclist Saturday afternoon. Shortly after 4:30 p.m., a 23-year-old man was riding a 2000 Harley-Davidson motorcycle eastbound on State Road 44 approaching Brantley Branch Road in unincorporated Eustis, above the posted speed limit, according to FHP. He lost control of the motorcycle, swerved left and collided head-on with a 2008 Toyota Tundra that was attempting to turn westbound onto State Road 44 from Brantley Branch Road. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene. He was not wearing a helmet. The driver of the Toyota,

Howey-in-the-Hills police chief on leave amid investigation

May 7, 2026 5:09 pm

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

May 7, 2026 12:16 pm

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

May 7, 2026 11:27 am

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

May 6, 2026 3:38 pm

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

May 3, 2026 12:42 pm

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

May 2, 2026 2:56 pm

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

Search warrant at ‘The Carwash’ in Leesburg nets drugs, pair of arrests

April 27, 2026 12:18 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — Two people are being held without bond in the Lake County Jail after a search warrant at what deputies described as a “fake business” uncovered a large quantity of drugs Thursday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau executed a narcotics search warrant at 1645 Veech Road in Leesburg, a location commonly known as “The Carwash,” LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon said. “This location has been identified as a fake business and a known location where multiple individuals will hang out and distribute narcotics,” Vachon said. “Furthermore, back in December

Groveland man accused of killing wife in hammer attack

April 22, 2026 8:26 pm

GROVELAND, Fla. — A well-being check on an elderly Groveland couple turned into a murder investigation Sunday night when officers discovered a man had allegedly killed his wife in a hammer attack, according to an arrest affidavit. Around 9 p.m., officers with the Groveland Police Department responded to 304 Way Point Drive to check on Vincent Di Fraia, 82, and his 84-year-old wife after a concerned woman reported she had not heard from them since April 14. The woman, whose relationship to the couple was not confirmed by police, cited their age and ongoing health issues as reasons for concern,

Murder suspect captured in Leesburg, police say

April 19, 2026 2:55 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — A man wanted for murder in a fatal shooting Friday morning has been taken into custody, according to Leesburg Police Department. Matthew Pasco, 43, was apprehended Sunday on North Citrus Boulevard by LPD Officer Kira Smith, the department said in a social media post. Lake County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jim Vachon confirmed Pasco was in custody in an email. Pasco was wanted for first-degree murder after deputies said he attempted to shoot a dog attacking a woman and instead shot the dog’s owner in the area of 1904 Griffin Road near a homeless encampment Friday. The man

Man wanted for murder in Leesburg shooting remains on the run

April 18, 2026 12:56 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a man deputies say fatally shot a dog owner Friday. Matthew Pasco, 43, is considered “armed and dangerous,” Lake County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jim Vachon said. Witnesses told deputies a woman was being attacked by a large dog in the area of 1904 Griffin Road near a homeless encampment when Pasco attempted to shoot the dog Friday morning, LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The dog’s owner was shot. He was airlifted to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has

Eustis man arrested in 2024 death of Umatilla motorcyclist

April 18, 2026 11:35 am

EUSTIS, Fla. — A Eustis man has been arrested on charges of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide in connection with a 2024 crash that killed a Umatilla man, the Florida Highway Patrol said Saturday. According to FHP, at 11:56 p.m. Nov. 1, 2024, Michael David Davis, of Eustis, was driving a 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 the wrong way in the eastbound lane of State Road 44 when he struck a 2024 Harley-Davidson Sportster head-on near Hammond Lane. The 20-year-old rider, of Umatilla, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second motorcyclist, a 41-year-old Umatilla man riding a 2003 Suzuki VL800K,

Dog attack leads to fatal shooting in Leesburg; deputies seeking person of interest

April 17, 2026 12:11 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — A man is dead and a woman is injured after a dog attack led to a shooting Friday morning in Leesburg, prompting a nearby school to be placed on lockdown. Witnesses told deputies a woman was being attacked by a large dog in the area of 1904 Griffin Road near a homeless encampment when Matthew Pasco, 43, attempted to shoot the dog to help her, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The dog’s owner was shot, Earley told Inside Lake. He was airlifted to an area hospital, where he was

LCSO executes narcotics search warrants at two Eustis homes

April 16, 2026 12:21 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office executed two narcotics-related search warrants in Eustis Thursday morning, Inside Lake has learned. Details remained limited early Thursday afternoon. LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley said the warrants were executed at 1022 and 1024 Morin Street. Deputies and detectives remained on scene just before noon, with a portion of Morin Street closed as the investigation continued. A tent was set up near the scene with numerous items laid out on a table, along with brown paper bags commonly used for evidence. This is a developing story.

Friends, family demand answers in deputy-involved shooting; LCSO releases statement

April 15, 2026 9:30 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — There is no body-worn camera footage of the deadly encounter between a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy and a 38-year-old man, LCSO said, as family and friends held a rally in Tavares Wednesday. At 6:19 a.m. Sunday, a 911 caller reported a man had been stabbed in the neck, according to audio released earlier this week. Deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and officers with Leesburg Police Department responded to 2415 Montclair Road. Bystanders pointed deputies in the direction the suspect fled on foot, and a deputy located Timotheus Reed. During the encounter, the deputy shot

Emaciated cows surrendered to deputies Monday near Tavares

April 13, 2026 8:28 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — A livestock welfare complaint led authorities to a Tavares pasture where multiple cattle were found severely emaciated Monday, launching an animal neglect investigation, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Around 1:15 p.m., Lake County Agricultural/Marine Unit and Animal Enforcement officers responded to 28304 Atlantis Road in unincorporated Tavares. From the roadway, deputies could see several zebu-type cattle in an enclosed pasture in poor condition, with ribs, spines and pelvic bones clearly visible, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The pasture consisted largely of bare sand and appeared to lack

Bodycam, 911 call released in Leesburg deputy-involved shooting

April 13, 2026 4:38 pm

Editor’s note: The 911 call and body camera footage included in this story contain explicit language and graphic content that may be disturbing to some readers. LEESBURG, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office released body camera footage and a 911 call Monday in connection with the death of a man Sunday. At 6:19 a.m., a 911 caller reported a man had been stabbed in the neck, according to audio released Monday. Deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and officers with Leesburg Police Department responded to 2415 Montclair Road, LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley said Sunday afternoon.

BREAKING NEWS: Man shot, killed by deputy in Leesburg

April 12, 2026 1:49 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — A man is dead after he was shot by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy before daybreak Sunday. At approximately 6:19 a.m., a 911 caller reported someone had been stabbed multiple times. Deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and officers with Leesburg Police Department responded to 2415 Montclair Road, LCSO Public Information Officer Stephanie Earley said. Bystanders pointed in the direction the alleged suspect fled on foot, and a deputy located Timotheus Reed, 38, Earley said. During the encounter, the deputy shot Reed. He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

Lady Lake motorcyclist killed after driver runs stop sign in Hernando County

April 12, 2026 12:27 pm

HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a Lady Lake man Saturday afternoon. Shortly before 1:30 p.m., a 50-year-old Brooksville man was driving a Toyota Camry northbound on Jasmine Drive when he ran a stop sign at Mondon Hill Road near Brooksville, according to FHP. A 60-year-old Lady Lake man riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle westbound on Mondon Hill Road struck the Toyota. Both men were transported to area hospitals with serious injuries. The motorcyclist later died, FHP said.

Leesburg police searching for vehicle in deadly hit-and-run

April 10, 2026 3:31 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — Leesburg police are searching for a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run early Friday morning. Officers with the Leesburg Police Department were conducting a well-being check around 12:09 a.m. near U.S. Highway 27, south of Singletary Park, when they found 40-year-old Ashleah C. Hayes deceased in the roadway near the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and English Road, Lt. Shannon Walsh said. The preliminary investigation found Hayes was crossing U.S. Highway 27 when she was struck by a northbound gray Hyundai sedan, Walsh said. The driver fled the scene. “The suspect vehicle is believed to have front-end

Veteran reporter revisits Eustis killing that exposed alleged family cult in new book

April 6, 2026 10:29 am

EUSTIS, Fla. — “I accidentally killed someone. Please.” That’s how a 911 call began in a case that would unravel into allegations of control, isolation and abuse within a family investigators later described as cult-like. “My stepmom… My dad is going to kill me,” the caller told the operator, identifying himself as Ian Anselmo. “I guess I strangled her. I don’t remember doing it. I remember the argument.” The victim, 39-year-old Sue-Ellen Anselmo, who was pregnant at the time, was found in a Eustis cemetery. As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, along with the

Barricaded subject surrenders in Fruitland Park, brother also arrested

April 5, 2026 3:11 pm

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. — A man who barricaded himself inside a home following an armed confrontation with a neighbor on Easter Sunday has surrendered, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a home near Sunnyside Drive after Alexander Barrios Ozorio Walfre allegedly threatened a neighbor with a gun, LCSO Public Information Officer Stephanie Earley said. VIDEO: Eddie Allard/Inside Lake Walfre remained barricaded inside the home for several hours before surrendering to the Lake County Crisis Negotiations Team. He was taken into custody without incident, Earley said. Walfre was arrested along with his brother, Walter Emanuel Berrios Ozorio,

Barricaded subject prompts large law enforcement response in Fruitland Park

April 5, 2026 11:26 am

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is on scene and attempting to negotiate with a barricaded subject in Fruitland Park, officials said Sunday morning. Deputies responded to 4522 Sunnyside Drive after an individual allegedly threatened a neighbor with a gun, LCSO Public Information Officer Stephanie Earley said. LCSO’s negotiations unit is on scene attempting to make contact with the individual, Earley said. This is a developing story.

Judge denies independent DNA review in Duckett case despite defense push

April 1, 2026 5:50 pm

TAVARES – A circuit court judge Wednesday denied death row inmate James Duckett’s appeal to have an independent DNA lab analyze inconclusive results he hoped would exonerate in the 1987 rape and murder of a child. Duckett was a rookie Mascotte police officer on duty when Teresa McAbee was found floating in a lake. Until recently, he has resisted testing a semen stain found on her panties because the sample would be destroyed in the procedure. But with the clock ticking after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant for March 31, testing went forward. The Florida Supreme Court issued

Eustis detectives investigating apparent suicide near US Highway 441 overpass

April 1, 2026 3:10 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — A death investigation is underway in Eustis after a person was found hanging from a tree Wednesday afternoon, police said. Officers responded at 1:18 p.m. to the area of State Road 19A and the U.S. Highway 441 overpass after a passerby reported seeing the individual, according to Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri. The individual had been at the location for several hours and was beyond life-saving measures, Capri said. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation unit responded to process the scene, and the body will be turned over to the medical examiner’s office. Eustis

Law enforcement activity in Eustis tied to apparent suicide, chief says

April 1, 2026 1:59 pm

Update: Eustis detectives investigating apparent suicide near US Highway 441 overpass – Inside Lake EUSTIS, Fla. — A large law enforcement response near U.S. Highway 441 and State Road 19 is tied to an apparent suicide, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri said. Police responded to the scene shorty before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Details remain limited, but there is no danger to the public, Capri said. If you are struggling or having suicidal thoughts, help is available by calling the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on your cell phone at 988.

Japan Festival Eustis to debut Saturday in downtown Eustis

March 26, 2026 12:30 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — Downtown Eustis will turn into a hub of Japanese culture Saturday as the city hosts the inaugural Japan Festival Eustis. The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, March 28 and will feature a full day of performances, demonstrations and interactive activities. Admission and parking are free. Festivalgoers can expect taiko drumming, koto harp music and traditional dance, along with a preview performance from Orlando Opera’s upcoming production of Madama Butterfly. Martial arts demonstrations—including Kyudo, Iaido, Judo and Kendo—are scheduled throughout the day, along with a large-scale shodo calligraphy demonstration. Hands-on activities will include

Fatal motorcycle crash closes road near Eustis

March 23, 2026 8:19 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — A fatal motorcycle crash has closed Calhoun Road near Eustis, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 5:30 p.m., a 59-year-old Umatilla man was driving a 2016 Ford F-150 northbound on Calhoun Road when he attempted to make a left turn onto Kine Drive, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Ford turned into the direct path of a motorcycle being ridden by a man who had not been identified at press time. The motorcycle collided with the right side of the Ford, and the impact caused it to hit a 2023 Ram ProMaster 3500 van driven by

No serious injuries in Paisley crashes Monday

March 23, 2026 12:57 pm

PAISLEY, Fla. — Foggy conditions led to two crashes involving multiple vehicles Monday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 6:30 a.m., a crash occurred on County Road 42, west of George Street in Paisley, FHP said. “There was a multi-vehicle crash involving a marked Lake County Sheriff’s patrol car and six other vehicles due to fog in the area,” Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told Inside Lake. “There were no serious injuries reported.” A Lake County Fire Rescue vehicle responding to the crash was rear-ended by a Dodge Ram, causing a secondary crash in the area, Garcia said. No

SUV crash near Leesburg kills passenger, driver airlifted

March 19, 2026 5:07 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — A woman was killed and a man was seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash near Leesburg Thursday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 2:10 p.m., a 69-year-old New Boston, Michigan man was driving a 2023 Ford Explorer northbound on County Road 473 near Allyson Road when the SUV ran off the roadway for an unknown reason and struck a tree, FHP said. The driver was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. His passenger, a 69-year-old woman, also of New Boston, Michigan, was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where she was pronounced

Pedestrian killed Wednesday identified as Eustis woman

March 19, 2026 11:02 am

EUSTIS, Fla. — The pedestrian killed Wednesday afternoon in Eustis has been identified. Teresa Ann Ramsey, 61, of Eustis, was struck after entering the roadway in the 2100 block of East Orange Avenue on foot, around 1:20 p.m., according to Eustis Police Department. She was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where she was pronounced deceased. The crash shut down Orange Avenue, also known as State Road 44, for about three hours. Mount Dora Police Department is assisting with the investigation and it remains ongoing, EPD Chief Craig Capri said.

Man previously arrested for personal “emergency” 911 calls arrested again for exposure in Tavares

March 19, 2026 8:09 am

TAVARES, Fla. — The man arrested for calling 911 in December 2025 for his “sexual emergency” has been arrested again, this time for exposing himself to multiple people, including two Tavares police officers. Jess Hubbard, 40, who has been booked into the Lake County Jail 20 times since 2021, was arrested shortly before 9 p.m. Monday after a woman reported seeing him near her home. She told police he appeared “confused” and claimed he lived there. He doesn’t. Tavares Police Department officers arrived at an undisclosed location and found the complainant, a neighbor and Hubbard standing outside. An officer spoke

Gas leak shuts down street in Eustis

March 18, 2026 4:35 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — A gas leak has shut down a major roadway Eustis. Grove Street is closed at Orange Avenue, due to a gas leak in the area of Wilt Avenue, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri, and may remain closed for an extended period. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route. This was the second shutdown of a major roadway in Eustis on Wednesday. A crash involving a pedestrian closed Orange Avenue earlier in the day; it reopened around 4:15 p.m.

BREAKING NEWS: Crash involving pedestrian shuts down major Eustis road

March 18, 2026 2:02 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — Orange Avenue is shut down as Eustis Police Department investigates a crash involving a pedestrian, according to Chief Craig Capri. The crash, in the 2100 block of East Orange Avenue, also known as State Road 44, occurred around 1:20 p.m. Orange Orange Avenue is closed between Ohio Boulevard and Cardinal Street, and is expected to be closed for several hours, Capri said.

Mount Dora fire lieutenant replaced medication with water, police say

March 13, 2026 12:10 pm

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A Mount Dora Fire Department lieutenant is facing charges after police say he tampered with medication by replacing it with water. Jesse Ravenscraft, 36, a firefighter paramedic with the City of Mount Dora since June 2017, was suspended without pay and resigned March 13, City of Mount Dora Director of Public Information Misty Sommer said. Ravenscraft was arrested March 6 and is facing a felony charge of reckless tampering with a product risking injury and a misdemeanor charge of petit theft, following an investigation by Mount Dora Police Department. “The Mount Dora Fire Department recently identified

Crash near Groveland leaves car engulfed in flames, kills two Mascotte teens

March 8, 2026 12:18 pm

GROVELAND, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed two Mascotte teens early Sunday morning. A 19-year-old Mascotte man was driving a 2018 Dodge Challenger southbound on County Road 565 in the area of Sloans Ridge Road near Groveland when he lost control, troopers said. The Dodge left the roadway, struck multiple trees and became engulfed in flames around 12:45 a.m. The driver and his passenger, a 17-year-old Mascotte boy, were both killed, FHP said. The crash was the second fatal crash involving fire in Lake County in just a few hours. Around 8 p.m. Saturday,

Motorcyclist killed in fiery head-on crash in Sorrento

March 7, 2026 11:13 pm

SORRENTO, Fla. — A Tavares man was killed Saturday night when a large truck struck the motorcycle he was riding head-on, throwing him into the path of another vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 8 p.m., a 27-year-old Hobe Sound man was driving a 2008 Ford F-650 eastbound on State Road 44 near Huff Road when he crossed into the westbound lane for an unknown reason, FHP said. The Ford hit a 2023 Indian Roadmaster motorcycle head-on, causing it to burst into flames and throwing the rider, a 39-year-old Tavares man, into the direct path of a

Man sentenced to life in prison for 2022 double murder at RV resort near Clermont

March 5, 2026 8:53 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — A man convicted of murdering a teenager and a woman inside an RV at a Clermont campground in 2022 will spend the rest of his life in prison. Justin Lamar Jones was convicted last week of murdering Tyvionte Finister, 17, and Sandra Gaudino, 38, on Aug. 31, 2022, according to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. On Thursday, he learned he will spend the rest of his life in prison. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Thousand Trails Orlando RV Park near Clermont on Aug. 31, 2022, in reference to a sexual battery and a

Leesburg police identify man found shot multiple times

March 5, 2026 12:22 pm

LEESBURG, Fla.— Leesburg Police Department has released the identity of the man found shot multiple times Wednesday. LPD responded to Parkside Apartments, 706 West Dixie Avenue, on a report of a man shot multiple times, just after 1 a.m., and found Jody L. Ross outside on the ground with “several” gunshot wounds. Ross was transported to UF Health Leesburg Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. LPD detectives are continuing the investigate the shooting, Walsh said. If you have information, call LPD detectives at 352-728-9862 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Crimeline callers can remain anonymous and may

Man found shot multiple times; Leesburg police investigating

March 4, 2026 7:09 pm

LEESBURG, Fla.— A man has died after being shot multiple times, Leesburg Police Department said Wednesday. Just after 1 a.m. Wednesday, LPD responded to Parkside Apartments, 706 West Dixie Avenue on a report of a man shot multiple times, LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. Officers arrived and found a 37-year-old white male outside on the ground with “several” gunshot wounds. He was transported to UF Health Leesburg Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, Walsh said. The man’s name has not been released pending notification of next of kin. Walsh said detectives are interviewing residents and potential witnesses. If you have

Lady Lake man struck and killed on Rolling Acres Road

March 3, 2026 7:50 am

LADY LAKE, Fla. — A pedestrian walking on Rolling Acres Road was killed Monday after being struck by a vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 25-year-old Lady Lake man was walking south near Abeble Road shortly before 12:45 p.m. when he was hit by a 2008 Ford Edge being driven southbound by an 18-year-old Lady Lake woman, FHP said. The impact caused the man to collide with a fence, and he was pronounced deceased on the scene. The woman was not injured.

Steamroller overturns, kills Ocala man near Clermont, FHP says

March 2, 2026 4:43 pm

CLERMONT, Fla. — A man was killed after a construction steamroller overturned and struck him, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 35-year-old Ocala man was operating the steamroller on private property near County Road 455, west of Hancock Road, around 11:30 a.m. Monday, FHP said. He was attempting to drive the steamroller up an embankment when it overturned. He was struck during the rollover and suffered fatal injuries, FHP said. The incident remains under investigation.

Pair charged in deadly Leesburg park shooting

March 2, 2026 1:17 pm

LEESBURG, Fla.— The two persons of interest in the murder of a Grand Island teen have been formally charged, according to Leesburg Police Department. D’Yuntre Wright has been charged with second degree murder and James Fenderson IV has been charged with principle to murder in the third degree and unlawful possession of a firearm by a delinquent, in the death of Juan Gomez Jr., LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. Gomez Jr., 18, of Grand Island, was found dead shortly before 1 p.m. Dec. 14, 2025 in a vehicle at Berry Park, 2121 Johns Avenue, after LPD responded to a report

Five years after Melissa Nease’s murder, her family is still waiting for justice

February 28, 2026 10:27 am

TAVARES, Fla. — Five years ago, Feb. 28, 2021, was just another Sunday as Amy Harris went about her day — until a phone call changed everything. On the other end was her sister Melissa Nease’s best friend, Abby Henderson, telling her something had happened. Harris couldn’t get answers, so she started driving. She knew it was bad, but she didn’t know she was driving toward something she would spend the next five years trying to understand. As she pulled up to her sister’s home in Ocklawaha on that warm February afternoon, she saw the blue lights. The law enforcement

Groveland motorcyclist killed in Orange County crash

February 28, 2026 8:22 am

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.—A Groveland man has died after crashing a motorcycle into a guardrail early Saturday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 45-year-old man was riding a 2021 Harley-Davidson Road Glide westbound in the outside lane of State Road 408 near State Road 50 when veered ff the road for an unknown reason and struck a guardrail, shortly before 1:30 a.m., FHP said. The man was transported to AdventHealth East and pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.

High fire danger Thursday, officials say

February 26, 2026 11:01 am

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.— Lake County is under a Red Flag Warning from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday due to high fire danger conditions, according to Lake County Fire Rescue. Dry air, combined with strong winds and dry vegetation, can cause fires to spread and become dangerous quickly, LCFR said. They are asking residents to avoid outdoor burning and use caution with anything that could create sparks. LCFR is monitoring conditions closely, they said, and will provide updates as needed. If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.