Inside Scoop

Inside Lake’s breaking stories, investigations and exclusives

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.

Paisley teen dies after being found unresponsive in Indian River

February 22, 2026 12:19 pm

EDGEWATER, Fla. — The Volusia Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 16-year-old Paisley boy who was found unresponsive in the Indian River on Saturday. Hunter McKelvin was discovered face-down near an island east of Menard-May Park in Edgewater on Saturday morning, VSO said Sunday. He was on a camping and fishing trip with friends, who performed CPR and transported him by boat to the park. Edgewater police and EMS personnel took over life-saving efforts there and transported McKelvin to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 9:30 a.m. McKelvin had no visible injuries, and the circumstances

One killed in fiery crash near Clermont

February 22, 2026 9:48 am

CLERMONT, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fiery crash that killed one person early Sunday morning. At 2:45 a.m., a 2008 Mazda 3 was traveling westbound on County Road 474 east of Bruno Road in unincorporated Clermont when, for unknown reasons, it ran off the roadway, overturned and became engulfed in flames, according to FHP. The driver, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers are awaiting identification from the medical examiner.

Teen arrested with loaded rifle at Eustis African-American Heritage Festival

February 22, 2026 9:08 am

EUSTIS, Fla. — A tip from an anonymous witness during the African-American Heritage Festival at Carver Park led officers to a teenager who police say was carrying a loaded AR-15-style rifle concealed on his person Saturday afternoon, according to Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri. Around 3:45 p.m., the witness approached two EPD officers and reported seeing the teen, later identified as 17-year-old Jarvis Smith, with what appeared to be a rifle concealed in his right pant leg, Capri said. Officers located Smith at Bates Avenue and Wall Street and detained him. During the detention, an officer saw the black

Police release identity of woman killed in Eustis hit-and-run

February 20, 2026 5:39 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — Police have released the identity of the woman killed on Lakeshore Drive Friday morning. Tracy Schievenin, 48, was riding a bicycle southbound on Lakeshore Drive, approaching the intersection of Eustis Road when she was struck from behind by an unknown vehicle, according to Eustis Police Department. The unknown vehicle fled the scene and Schievenin was later found deceased, EPD said. The investigation closed a portion of Lakeshore Drive for nearly seven hours. It was the second closure of the road this week; authorities shut it down Monday for several hours due to a washout before reopening it

Fatal hit-and-run investigation closes Lakeshore Drive in Eustis

February 20, 2026 8:35 am

Update: Police release identity of woman killed in Eustis hit-and-run – Inside Lake EUSTIS, Fla. — A fatal hit-and-run has shut down a popular Eustis roadway, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. Lakeshore Drive is closed between Eustis Road and Woodward Avenue as authorities investigate after a pedestrian was found deceased Friday morning, Capri told Inside Lake. This is a developing story.

Second person of interest in deadly Leesburg park shooting now in custody

February 20, 2026 7:29 am

LEESBURG, Fla.— A second person of interest in the murder of Juan Gomez Jr., has been taken into custody, according to Leesburg Police Department. The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force took D’Yuntre Wright into custody late Thursday morning and detectives with LPD conducted interviews at the Orange County Jail, LPD 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 of a shooting victim, LPD Chief Joe Iozzi said in December. After the murder, LPD quickly identified two

FHP: Preliminary findings indicate woman fell from SR 429

February 18, 2026 3:57 pm

SORRENTO, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a woman’s body Wednesday after preliminary findings indicated she fell from State Road 429. Around 7:15 a.m., the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a body found in a grassy area near State Road 46 and Sleepy Bear Lane, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley said. Deputies responded, and found a 49-year-old DeBary woman, who was pronounced deceased by Lake EMS/Fire Rescue. LCSO detectives and crime scene investigators responded, and the case was later turned over to FHP. The preliminary investigation determined the woman fell

FHP takes over death investigation near SR 46

February 18, 2026 11:47 am

Correction: Based on initial information provided to Inside Lake, an earlier version of this story reported the body was found on State Road 429. The correct location is State Road 46. SORRENTO, Fla. — The investigation into the body found near State Road 46 Wednesday morning has been turned over to the Florida Highway Patrol, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Around 7:15 a.m., LCSO received a report of a body found in a grassy area along State Road 46 near State Road 29 and Sleepy Bear Lane, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley said. Deputies and Lake EMS/Fire Rescue responded

Deputies investigating after body discovered near SR 46

February 18, 2026 9:31 am

Correction: Based on initial information provided to Inside Lake, an earlier version of this story reported the body was found on State Road 429. The correct location is State Road 46. Update: FHP takes over death investigation near SR 46 – Inside Lake SORRENTO, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a body was discovered Wednesday morning. Deputies are on scene off State Road 46 and the investigation remains active, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. No other information has been released.

Eustis’ Lakeshore Drive reopens after repair

February 16, 2026 5:20 pm

Update: The roadway has reopened. EUSTIS, Fla.— A washout has closed a portion of a popular route between Eustis and Tavares. Shortly before 5 p.m. Monday, Eustis Police Department announced the closure of Lakeshore Drive between Eustis Road and Clay Boulevard due to a washout. EPD is on the scene with the Public Works Department while they assess damage, EPD said.

Deputies pick up sex predator on 2013 warrant before prison release

February 16, 2026 4:04 pm

TAVARES, Fla.—A convicted Volusia County sexual predator is back in Lake County to face similar crimes he’s accused of committing 20 years ago. Stanley Puckett, now 63, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2014 after pleading no contest to several child sex crimes that involved multiple children as young as 9, some he molested for nearly a decade, according to Volusia County court records. Puckett was incarcerated at Madison Correctional Institution, near the Florida-Georgia border, nearly finished with serving his sentence for his Volusia crimes, when he was picked up on 2014 detainers from Lake and Marion counties.

Pedestrian killed in Leesburg crash Friday

February 7, 2026 1:22 pm

LEESBURG, Fla.— Leesburg Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a pedestrian and closed the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 27 for three hours Friday night. Around 7 p.m., LPD responded to a report of a crash involving a pedestrian on U.S. Highway 27 and County Road 48, according to LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh. A white 2016 van driven by Ryan Surjan, 50, of Orlando, was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 27 when it struck a Leesburg man attempting to cross the roadway, a preliminary investigation determined. “The pedestrian, a 53-year-old male from Leesburg, sustained life-threatening injuries and was

Technology leads Georgia deputies to missing 12-year-old Paisley girl

February 6, 2026 3:47 pm

LAURENS COUNTY, Ga.— A 12-year-old Paisley girl is safe after being found in Georgia with a 19-year-old Illinois man, with the help of Georgia license plate readers (LPRs.) Juliette Delgado was reported missing Thursday after taking personal belongings with her, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephanie Earley said. “Based on prior knowledge of Juliette Delgado’s history and information that was gathered on scene, deputies determined that Juliette Delgado had met 19-year-old male, Alex Lindsley, online via TikTok,” according to Earley, and Lindsley made the drive to Florida to meet the girl. Deputies determined Lindsley was driving a silver Dodge truck

Person of interest in deadly Leesburg park shooting taken into custody Thursday

February 5, 2026 6:50 pm

LEESBURG, Fla.— Nearly two months after a Grand Island teen’s murder, Leesburg police have one person of interest in custody, but another remains on the run. According to Leesburg Police Department, the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force took James Fenderson IV into custody early Thursday afternoon. Fenderson IV, is a “person of interest” in the murder of Juan Gomez Jr., 18, who 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 of a shooting victim, LPD Chief Joe Iozzi said in December. Police continue

Leesburg police arrest suspect in Eustis park stabbing, second violent attack

February 4, 2026 4:45 pm

LEESBURG, Fla.— A man accused of stabbing a victim nine times at a Eustis park and later attacking another person in Leesburg has been arrested on multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and aggravated battery, police said. James Edward Thompson, 32, is being held at the Lake County Jail on no bond and is also facing charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. Eustis incident Shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday, Eustis Police Department received a call in reference to a battery at Ferran Park. An unnamed witness said a man, later identified

Person of interest in Eustis park stabbing in custody, police say

February 3, 2026 9:55 pm

EUSTIS, Fla.— The hunt for the person of interest in a stabbing Tuesday is over, according to Eustis Police Department. James Edward Thompson Jr. was taken into custody in Leesburg with the help of Leesburg Police Department, EPD said. Thompson Jr. is a person of interest in a stabbing that occurred around 1 p.m. at popular Ferran Park in downtown Eustis. An unidentified victim was stabbed multiple times; police have not released the victim’s name or their condition. If you have information on the incident, call EPD at 352-483-5400. Previous story: https://insidelake.com/2026/02/03/video-more-details-released-in-eustis-stabbing/

VIDEO: More details released in Eustis stabbing

February 3, 2026 6:10 pm

EUSTIS, Fla.— Eustis Police Department is still searching for an individual it is calling a “person of interest” in a stabbing in downtown Eustis Tuesday. Around 1 p.m., the unnamed victim was stabbed multiple times at Ferran Park and the suspect fled on foot, police said. Late Tuesday afternoon, EPD released video and additional photos seeking the public’s help identifying the “person of interest.” Police said the individual is considered armed and dangerous and warned residents not to approach. If you have information on the incident or the identity of the person of interest, call EPD at 352-483-5400, or

Eustis police searching for person of interest in alleged stabbing at Ferran Park

February 3, 2026 2:32 pm

Update: https://insidelake.com/2026/02/03/video-more-details-released-in-eustis-stabbing/ EUSTIS, Fla.— Eustis Police Department is searching for a man it is calling a “person of interest” in an alleged stabbing at Ferran Park Tuesday. The incident occurred around 1 p.m., EPD said in a social media post. No other information was released. The man is considered armed and dangerous and police are asking residents not to approach him. If you have information on the incident or the identity of the person of interest, call EPD at 352-483-5400.

Missing woman found, Silver Alert canceled

February 2, 2026 6:41 pm

Update: 10:30 p.m. Ann Vaida has been located safe. THE VILLAGES, Fla.—A Silver Alert has been issued for a 77-year-old woman of the Villages, according to Leesburg Police Department. Ann Vaida is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighs 130 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen in the 1000 block of Walsh Lane in The Villages and was wearing a jean jacket and black tights. She has a shunt on the back side of her head. Vaida may be traveling in a white Ford Fusion, license plate 76EIQZ. If you have information in

Tavares man killed in crash Sunday

February 2, 2026 5:00 pm

TAVARES, Fla.— Tavares Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a man Sunday. Blake Sawyer, 21, of Tavares, was riding a dirt bike on Dead River Road shortly before 12:15 p.m. when he attempted to pass vehicles using the shoulder, according to a preliminary investigation, Tavares Police Department Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. Sawyer struck a pole and crashed. He was wearing a helmet, Sullivan said. Sawyer was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.

LCSO searching for teen shooting suspect

January 29, 2026 6:54 pm

DeLAND, Fla.— The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a teenager accused of shooting his sister’s boyfriend near DeLand. Jordan Furber, 17, is accused of shooting Euhari Gordon Wednesday morning, shortly before noon, according to a report obtained by Inside Lake. LCSO responded to a report of a shooting at 42215 Dogwood Avenue in the DeLand portion of Lake County and found Gordon sitting outside in a chair, suffering from two gunshot wounds with both entry and exit wounds, the report states. Three people, including his girlfriend, Renique Leopold, were providing aid. The deputy assessed Gordon’s injuries and Lake

Shooting sends one to the hospital Wednesday, LCSO investigating

January 28, 2026 5:00 pm

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the address of the incident. DeLAND, Fla.— The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred in the DeLand portion of Lake County Wednesday afternoon. LCSO responded to 42215 Dogwood Avenue in reference to a shooting, Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to an area hospital and is in stable condition. Deputies have identified the suspect, and the investigation was still active at press time.

Man caught on video setting SUV on fire in Tavares, police say

January 28, 2026 10:20 am

TAVARES, Fla.—A Tangerine man accused of setting his girlfriend’s rental SUV on fire is facing an arson charge and a drug charge after Tavares police said they found a baggie of oxycodone pills in the vehicle’s center console during his arrest, according to an arrest affidavit.. Shortly before 8:15 a.m. Sunday, Tavares Police Department received a report of a vehicle fire at an undisclosed location. A caller reported multiple people leaving a home after a vehicle door was opened and flames emerged. TPD and Tavares Fire Department responded and firefighters extinguished the fire, according to the affidavit. While TPD was

Report: Umatilla man paid for rideshare to transport minor for sex

January 21, 2026 1:24 pm

UMATILLA, Fla.— A months-long investigation involving two counties culminated Tuesday with the execution of a search warrant and an arrest in a case involving sex crimes against a minor, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Jordan Charles Lewis, 30, of Umatilla was arrested Tuesday following an investigation that began in October 2025 when the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office forwarded a report to LCSO alleging a victim had engaged in sexual activity with Lewis. The report, written by a school resource deputy (SRD) at a Citrus County high school, stated the victim disclosed she received Snapchat messages from Lewis soliciting

Mount Dora police searching for armed robber

January 16, 2026 4:56 pm

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—Mount Dora Police Department is searching for a suspect who robbed a fast-food restaurant Friday morning. Around 6:30 a.m. a masked gunman entered Wendy’s, 18890 U.S. Highway 441 and robbed the restaurant of an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured, MDPD spokesperson Misty Sommer said. The suspect is described as a black male with a slightly heavy build, late teens to early 20s, and he was wearing all black clothing and a black beanie, along with a surgical mask. If you have information, call MDPD at 352-735-7130.

FWC to host Open House on Harris Chain of Lakes later this month

January 16, 2026 1:35 pm

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is scheduled to host an Open House on the Harris Chain of Lakes later this month. Scheduled for Jan. 28, visitors can stop by anytime between 3 and 7 p.m. at The Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Circle. Leesburg. FWC biologists will showcase a variety of research and management projects taking place throughout the Harris Chain of Lakes. Visitors can explore exhibits and speak directly with staff about fisheries management, aquatic plants, habitat restoration, hunting opportunities and more. “This open house is a great opportunity for the community to learn more about the

Kimberley Mills was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday for the murder of her 10-year-old son Xavier.

Tavares mom to spend the rest of her life in prison for murder of son, will testify against boyfriend

January 14, 2026 2:40 pm

TAVARES, Fla.—The Tavares mom accused of torturing her son to death last year will spend the rest of her life in prison in exchange for testifying against her boyfriend, according to the State Attorney’s Office. Kimberley Leonie Mills, 38, was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to life in prison Wednesday for the murder of her 10-year-old son Xavier. Her co-defendant and boyfriend at the time of the murder, Andre Dwayne Walker, 37, is set to stand trial later this year and Mills will testify against him. Assistant State Attorneys Ken Nunnelley and Nicholas Camuccio will prosecute Walker, the SAO said in

Anonymous threat prompts lockdown at Lake Minneola High Monday

January 12, 2026 1:04 pm

Update 1:55 p.m.: The lockdown at Lake Minneola High School has been lifted. MINNEOLA, Fla.—An anonymous bomb threat was the cause of the lockdown at Lake Minneola High School Monday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “An anonymous caller made a threat this morning against Lake Minneola High School,” LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley said. “The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating. We have no reason to believe this i s a credible threat, but we are responding with an abundance of caution following protocol to make sure students and staff are safe.” Campus access is temporarily restricted while