Staff Report

Mount Dora issues precautionary boil water notice

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The City of Mount Dora issued a precautionary boil water notice late Sunday night. “Crews are working to locate the source of a water line break, which appears to be related to current flooding. Water pressure from both plants dropped temporarily, resulting in a Citywide Precautionary Boil Water Notice,” the city said in a social media post. Residents are advised to boil all water being used for consumption until further notice. Please visit www.MountDora.gov or follow the City on Facebook and Instagram (@CityofMountDora) for updates and additional information,

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K9 Code is on the case: LCSO’s newest pup has a nose for electronics

TAVARES, Fla.—There’s a new pup strutting his stuff through Lake County, sniffing out electronics and working economic crimes, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Electric Detection K9 Code—pronounced “Cody” — a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, will be working alongside his handler, Investigator Dunn, in the Economic Crime Unit, specializing in cryptocurrency investigations, LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley said. “With a strong background in criminal investigations, Investigator Dunn took on the unique role of working with K9 Code,” Earley said. “Together, Investigator Dunn and K9 Code completed an intensive certification process, spending hundreds of hours side by side.” At

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Mulch fire causing smoky conditions in Tavares

TAVARES, Fla.—A mulch fire at the Lake County Solid Waste Facility is creating a lot a smoke in the Tavares area and Lake County Fire Rescue officials are telling residents to keep their doors and windows closed. LCFR and the Solid Waste Department are working to break up the mulch pile and remove fuel sources, LCFR said, and the Florida Forestry Service has created a precautionary barrier around the fire that was caused by recent rain and extreme heat. The smoke may continue for several days and businesses and residents should keep doors and windows closed. Individuals with certain respiratory

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FWC to host series of virtual public meetings on bear hunting proposals

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a series of virtual public meetings to collect feedback directly from Florida residents on proposals for highly-regulated black bear hunting in Florida that will be presented to commissioners at FWC’s May meeting. The content covered in all meetings is identical, and it is not necessary to attend more than one virtual public meeting. The meeting dates and times are as follows: April 2 from noon to  3 p.m.: Virtual meeting via Zoom April 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.: Virtual meeting via Zoom April 5 from 9 a.m.to noon: Virtual meeting via Zoom

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Eustis Elementary celebrates 100 years

EUSTIS, Fla. – Eustis Elementary will celebrate 100 years of “Continuing Our Legacy” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the school campus, 714 E. Citrus Avenue. Families, friends, teachers, staff and alumni are invited to attend. Eustis Mayor Willie Hawkins will open the festivities in front of the school at 10 a.m. with the reading of a proclamation. The celebration will continue with historical tours, performances, games, food, music, art and more. “Eustis Elementary has served so many in our community for so many years, and it continues to be a bright light in the lives of our

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Tips from FWC to keep sea turtles safe

Nesting season has begun for sea turtles along Florida’s beaches, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that both residents and visitors alike can help protect vulnerable nesting and hatchling sea turtles while visiting Florida’s coastal areas. Sea turtles typically return to nest in March along Florida’s southeast Atlantic coast from Brevard County south to Broward County, while nesting begins on the Gulf Coast or north Florida beaches in April or May. Because our state’s shorelines provide important nesting habitat for several species of threatened and endangered sea turtles, beachgoers can have a significant

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Holiday season kicks off Saturday with Light Up Mount Dora

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The holiday season in Lake County kicks off Saturday in Mount Dora with the city’s annual Light Up Mount Dora event. 4 to 6 p.m. Donnelly Park: Holiday program hosted by Magic 107.7’s Chad & Leslye 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Elizabeth Evans Park: Live music and a special appearance by Buddy the Elf 6 to 9 p.m. Sunset Park: Main Street Leasing Christmas tree lighting, photos with Santa 6:30 p.m. Sunset Park: Fireworks over Lake Dora 7:30 p.m. Elizabeth Evans Park: Drone show hosted by John Brown of Fox 35 Orlando Bring blankets or chairs and admission to

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Florida Python Challenge registration open

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY—Registration for the 2024 Florida Python Challenge is now open, according to the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC.) Online training is required to compete in the 10-day competition that is scheduled for Aug. 9 -18 and more than $25,000 in prizes will be awarded for removing invasive Burmese pythons from the wild. Prizes will be awarded in the professional, novice and military categories, courtesy of sponsors and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. In 2023, 209 Burmese pythons were removed from the Everglades, FWC said. In addition to python removal opportunities on 32 commission-managed lands which are available

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FWC: License-free freshwater fishing this weekend

FLORIDA—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a license-free freshwater fishing weekend Saturday and Sunday Florida residents and visitors of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to try recreational fishing this weekend and FWC has helpful resources for new anglers to get started. Largemouth bass are Florida’s most popular freshwater fish and if you catch one 8 pounds or heavier, submit it to TrophyCatch. There is a special promotion this season where pink-tagged bass are swimming and worth extra prizes in five waterbodies across the state. Try your luck and you could even win sunglasses just for

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Lake County Golden Triangle Rotary awards scholarships for 2024-25 school year

MOUNT DORA—The Rotary Club of Lake County Golden Triangle awarded $26,000 in scholarships to 13 central Florida residents who are pursuing higher education degrees in the 2024-25 academic year. The awards are based on criteria including scholastic ability, responsibility toward education and financial need with a special emphasis on community service Morris W. Dunbar established a Nursing Scholarship in honor of his wife. The recipient is Reyna Green, a Mount Dora High School graduate, studying at the University of South Florida. The Richard Earhart Endowment provides a scholarship to students from Mount Dora. The recipient is Kari Martinez, a Mount

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Leesburg selects 30-year veteran as new police chief

LEESBURG—Joe Iozzi, a 30-year veteran of Leesburg Police Department has been named as the city’s new top cop. Iozzi replaces Rob Hicks, who was promoted earlier this month to deputy city manager. Iozzi began his career at LPD in 1994 and has served as bureau commander for Uniformed Services and Special Services and Investigations. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College and has completed the FBI National Academy, the Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville and Florida Police Chiefs Association’s “Future Chiefs” seminar. Iozzi has been a command officer for

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Applications for Leesburg’s Summer Youth Employment Program due Friday

LEESBURG—The City of Leesburg’s human resources department will be accepting applications until Friday for its Summer Youth Employment program. At City Hall, Third Floor, 501 West Meadow Street, Leesburg. Lake County residents ages 15 to 18, who are currently enrolled in high school or a GED program or are a 2024 high school graduate are eligible to apply. The program runs June 10 to July 26 and the jobs pay $13 per hour. For information, call 352-787-9786 ext. 1200 or email city.employment@leesburgfl.gov

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Mount Dora to unveil sculpture by Joaquin Restrepo Wednesday

MOUNT DORA— The public is invited to the unveiling of “Temet Nosce,” a sculpture by international artist Joaquín Restrepo. Mount Dora Center for the Arts, in partnership with the City of Mount Dora has scheduled the unveiling for 5 p.m. Wednesday at Simpson Cove. “Temet Nosce,” meaning “Know Thyself,” has been displayed in various countries and prominent cities around the world. Inspired by Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, the sculpture features intertwined heads that represent the complexity of identity, topped with a structure resembling a cage, symbolizing the self-imposed barriers to personal growth.

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Lake County Schools high school graduations scheduled for this week and next week

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—Caps will be flying through the air this week and next as Lake County Schools seniors say goodbye to high school and hello to adulthood. Graduations are scheduled to begin Tuesday with Tavares High School and will end with Lake County Virtual School next week. Schools are listed below in alphabetical order. East Ridge High School—9 a.m. Wednesday at UCF/Addition Arena Eustis High School—9 a.m. Saturday, at Eustis High School Panther Stadium Lake County Virtual School—6 p.m. May 23, at Mount Dora High School Auditorium Lake Hills School—occurred May 1 at Lake Hills Gymnasium Lake Minneola High School—7 p.m. Friday at UCF/Addition

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Lady Lake honors young artists at Monday’s commission meeting

LADY LAKE—The Town of Lady Lake hosted its annual Water Conservation Poster Contest awards presentation during the Town Commission meeting on Monday. The event showcased the talent of first, second, and third-grade students from The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake, who submitted posters. Under the theme “One Water, One Earth,” young artists explored innovative ways to promote water conservation through their artwork. Brittany Wendt, art teacher at The Villages Elementary, played a pivotal role in nurturing the students’ artistic endeavors. Nine winning posters were selected, and the winners were honored with gift cards, gift bags, and medals. Their artwork will

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Coffee with Lady Lake Town Manager scheduled for next week

LADY LAKE—Coffee with the Town Manager is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at Lady Lake Library. Lady Lake Town Manager Bill Lawrence will be at Lady Lake Library, 225 West Guava St. for a casual conversation discussing town services, news and events. Enjoy coffee and light snacks provided by Friends of the Lady Lake Library. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1095441401906996/

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Applications for alligator harvest permits open today, including new Alligator Super Hunt

FLORIDA- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers two alligator harvest opportunities: the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program and the new Alligator Super Hunt. Applications for both opportunities open Friday at 10 a.m. and may be submitted at any county tax collector’s office, license agent or online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Random drawings are held to distribute all available alligator harvest permits. Those awarded a permit will be automatically charged for an alligator trapping license and two hide validation tags, but those possessing an alligator trapping license that is valid through Dec. 31, 2024, will not be automatically charged for a

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Leesburg police chief promoted to deputy city manager

LEESBURG—After more than three decades in law enforcement, Leesburg Police Chief Robert Hicks is putting away the badge and will begin serving as Leesburg’s deputy city manager next week. Hicks has been with the City of Leesburg for 28 years and served as police chief for the last ten years. He is an Army combat veteran, has a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Warner University and Master of Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. Leesburg Police Department Major Steve Rockefeller will serve as interim police chief while the city searches nationwide for a new chief. Multiple internal candidates are

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