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Need a warm place? Lake County opening cold weather shelter Monday

EUSTIS, Fla. — As cold weather moves into Central Florida, Lake County is preparing to open a shelter Monday night to help protect residents from the chilly temperatures. The shelter will open at 5 p.m. Monday, at LifePointe Church, 3551 East Orange Avenue, Eustis. Lake County Transit will provide free transportation via a fixed route (LakeXpress), paratransit (Lake County Connection), and a cold weather shelter shuttle. For information on LakeXpress’s Fixed Route Bus Service, call (352)742-1940. For information on Lake County’s Connection Paratransit Service, call 352-742-2612. The county will determine how long the shelter remains open based on weather conditions […]

Need a warm place? Lake County opening cold weather shelter Monday Read More »

Lake County cities to honor Veterans with parades and ceremonies

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Communities across Lake County will host a series of events in observance of Veterans Day, beginning Saturday with three parades and continuing Tuesday with two special ceremonies. CLERMONT The City of Clermont 2025 Veterans Day Celebration begins at 10 a.m. with a parade at 12th Street and Montrose Street, and ending at Waterfront Park with a car show, vendors, food trucks, music, guest speakers and a kids zone. A ceremony is scheduled for noon. EUSTIS The City of Eustis’ Salute to Veterans is an all-day event scheduled for Saturday at Ferran Park in Downtown Eustis. The

Lake County cities to honor Veterans with parades and ceremonies Read More »

Clermont man killed in fiery head-on crash with semi

GROVELAND, Fla.—A Clermont man was killed late Sunday night after crashing into a tractor-trailer head-on, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 24-year-old Clermont man was driving a 2024 Toyota Crown eastbound on State Road 50, west of Sloans Ridge Road, near the Lake County/Sumter County line, when he failed to negotiate a curve, traveled into the westbound lane, and hit a 2015 Freightliner being driven by a 69-year-old Tampa man, shortly before 10:30 p.m. The Toyota caught fire, and the Clermont man was pronounced deceased on the scene, FHP said. The Tampa man was transported to South Lake Hospital

Clermont man killed in fiery head-on crash with semi Read More »

Head-on crash kills 1, injures 3 overnight in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Fla. —The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating head-on crash that killed a Belleview man and sent his passenger and two Lake County residents to the hospital early Saturday. Shortly before 2:45 a.m., a 29-year-old Altoona woman was driving a pickup truck eastbound on County Road 42 near Southeast 160th Avenue Road when she crossed the center line and slammed into a sedan being driven by a 40-year-old Belleview man. The Belleview man was killed and his passenger, who has not been identified, was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital in critical condition, FHP said. The Altoona woman and

Head-on crash kills 1, injures 3 overnight in Marion County Read More »

Chain-reaction crash ejects, kills man on Turnpike in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla.—A Saint Cloud man was killed in a chain-reaction crash that ejected him from his SUV, the Florida Highway Patrol said Wednesday. Shortly before 3:45 p.m., a 59-year-old man was driving a 2015 Genesis GV80 southbound on Florida’s Turnpike in the inside lane, south of North Hancock Road. He went off the road into the center median, which is an active construction zone, FHP said, and struck a construction tractor being operated by a 55-year-old Summerfield man. The impact caused the Genesis to rotate back into the inside lane and collide with a 2015 Chevrolet Trax being driven by

Chain-reaction crash ejects, kills man on Turnpike in Clermont Read More »

Fatal crash shuts down southbound Turnpike near Clermont

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story misidentified one of the vehicles involved as a tractor-trailer; it was a construction tractor.  CLERMONT, Fla.—A fatal crash has shut down all southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike near Clermont. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at 3:40 p.m. and involves four vehicles—a 2015 Genesis GV80, a construction tractor, a 2015 Chevrolet Trax and a 2024 Dodge Charger; at least one person was killed. All southbound lanes are closed at mile marker 277 while FHP investigates.

Fatal crash shuts down southbound Turnpike near Clermont Read More »

Wrong-way crash kills man, injures another near Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla.—An Orlando man is dead, and a Windermere man was seriously injured in an early morning, wrong-way crash near Clermont, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A witness told troopers a 2019 Audi Q5 was speeding southbound on U.S. Highway 27 near Frank Jarrell Road and then began traveling south in the northbound inside lane, shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday. It crashed head-on into a 2021 Toyota Camry, killing the driver, a 28-year-old Orlando man. The driver of the Audi, a 22-year-old Windermere man, was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center in serious condition, FHP said. The crash remains

Wrong-way crash kills man, injures another near Clermont Read More »

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

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

Crash on Turnpike near Clermont kills Alabama man Thursday

CLERMONT, Fla.—A Mobile, Ala. man was killed on Florida’s Turnpike Thursday night after he rear-ended a semi, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 22-year-old man was traveling southbound in a 2025 Hyundai Elantra around 10:15 p.m. when a 2017 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer in front of him slowed for traffic around mile marker 279 near Clermont. The Alabama man failed to slow down and rear-ended the semi. He was pronounced deceased on scene; his passenger, a 23-year-old woman, also of Mobile, was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. The driver of the semi, a 45-year-old Naples man,

Crash on Turnpike near Clermont kills Alabama man Thursday Read More »

BREAKING NEWS: 911 down across Central Florida

Update: 911 services have been restored.  TAVARES, Fla.—The 911 system across Central Florida is down and residents are urged to use text to 911 to report an emergency. All emergency and non-emergency phone lines are down, officials said. Cell phone and landline calls were intermittent at press time and dispatchers are monitoring calls and attempting to return dropped or missed calls. The cause of the outage has not been released.

BREAKING NEWS: 911 down across Central Florida Read More »

Clermont police officer puts “service above self” to help local family

CLERMONT, Fla.—A Clermont Police Department officer recently received a commendation letter for helping a family in need earlier this year, Inside Lake has learned. Officer Antonio Robinson, a nearly three-year veteran of CPD, and a member of the agency’s Mobile Crisis Response Unit, had an interaction with a family in need in February—and when a gift card came up short, he paid for the remainder of their groceries out of his own pocket. Sgt. Erin Razo said Robinson’s act was an “extraordinary demonstration of the agency’s core value of ‘Service Above Self.’ Officer Robinson recently went above and beyond in

Clermont police officer puts “service above self” to help local family Read More »

Clermont man killed near Orlando after crashing into parked SUV Tuesday

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.—A 78-year-old Clermont man was killed Tuesday after crashing into a parked vehicle shortly after 7 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was driving a 2012 Ford Escape eastbound on 18th Street west of Woods Street, near Orlando, when he crashed into the front of a parked Chrysler Pacifica facing westbound; the Pacifica was unoccupied, FHP said. The Clermont man was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.

Clermont man killed near Orlando after crashing into parked SUV Tuesday Read More »

6th Annual Lake County Back the Blue & Red Walk scheduled for Saturday

TAVARES, Fla.—For the sixth year running, public safety and its supporters will join forces for the annual Lake County Back the Blue & Red Walk. Scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at Wooton Park in Tavares, this is one of many law enforcement-related events around Lake County held in May during Law Enforcement Appreciation Month and last year, Organizer Shannon Cook added firefighters to the appreciation walk. The walk began in 2019 to show support for law enforcement during a time when the “defund the police” movement was making its way across the country, Cook said, representatives from several law enforcement

6th Annual Lake County Back the Blue & Red Walk scheduled for Saturday Read More »

BREAKING NEWS: Man shot and killed by deputy after producing handgun in Clermont early Saturday

CLERMONT, Fla.—A man is dead after being shot by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy shortly after midnight, according to LCSO. Just after 12:15 a.m. LCSO responded to a report of a suspicious person standing in the road yelling at passing vehicles in the area of Via Roma Circle in Clermont, and a second call came in reporting the man was beating on a resident’s door, LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon said in an email. When they arrived, they asked the man, later identified as 39-year-old Eric Escobar, to show his hands; Escobar refused. “While trying to communicate with the individual,

BREAKING NEWS: Man shot and killed by deputy after producing handgun in Clermont early Saturday Read More »

Head-on crash kills Clermont woman Tuesday afternoon

CLERMONT, Fla.—A Clermont woman was killed Tuesday afternoon after veering into the path of a pickup truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 56-year-old Clemont woman was driving a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLA-Class westbound on Schofield Road near Five Mile Road outside of Clermont when she veered into the eastbound lane and struck a 2023 Ford F-150 head-on shortly before 5:45 p.m., FHP said. Both drivers were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where the Clemont woman was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Ford, a 43-year-old Clermont man, suffered minor injuries; the crash remains under investigation.

Head-on crash kills Clermont woman Tuesday afternoon Read More »

Davenport motorcyclist killed in crash near Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a Davenport woman late Saturday night. Around 11:20 p.m., a 78-year-old Clermont man was driving a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis northbound on U.S. Highway 27 approaching Sawgrass Bay Boulevard near Clermont, when he failed to see a 2024 Yamaha motorcycle ahead of him, according to FHP. The Mercury struck the motorcycle, and a 2023 Telsa Model Y being driven by a 48-year-old Clermont man, then rear-ended the Mercury. The motorcyclist, a 39-year-old Davenport woman, was transported to AdventHealth – Four Corners Emergency Room, where she was pronounced deceased. The

Davenport motorcyclist killed in crash near Clermont Read More »

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

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

One killed, one airlifted in wrong-way crash near Clermont Wednesday

CLERMONT, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a Wesley Chapel woman early Wednesday in unincorporated Clermont. Just before 1 a.m., a 39-year-old man of Greensboro, North Carolina was driving a 2004 GMC Sierra the wrong way in the southbound lane of State Road 33, near County Road 474 when he slammed into a 2007 Hyundai Sonata being driven by a 27-year-old Wesley Chapel woman. The impact rotated the Sonata clockwise and flipped the Sierra, FHP said. The Wesley Chapel woman was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center and pronounced deceased; the North Carolina man was airlifted

One killed, one airlifted in wrong-way crash near Clermont Wednesday Read More »

Names and body cam released in deadly Clermont domestic incident

CLERMONT, Fla.—Clermont Police Department has released the names of the couple found dead after a domestic incident Wednesday. Christian Steeler Filson, 28, and Sarah Dale, 29, were found dead after an unidentified caller reported Dale was screaming and being chased by a man at Cottonwood Clermont, 1200 Hooks Street, shortly before 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. When officers arrived, they began searching for the victim and spotted blood near an apartment in building 12. Officers entered apartment 12202, and found Dale, with a mortal gunshot wound. “When our officers arrived, they immediately observed what appeared to be blood and a spent bullet

Names and body cam released in deadly Clermont domestic incident Read More »

Man killed in hit-and-run while standing near his disabled vehicle outside Clermont Monday

CLERMONT, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for an SUV that hit and killed an Auburndale man Monday near Clermont and fled the scene. A tow truck was stopped partially in the outside southbound lane and shoulder, assisting a driver with a disabled vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, a 37-year-old Auburndale man, was standing in the outside southbound lane of U.S. Highway 27 waving traffic around his disabled vehicle, the tow truck and its driver, near the Sienna Ridge community shortly before 7 p.m., according to FHP. An unidentified white SUV was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 27, failed

Man killed in hit-and-run while standing near his disabled vehicle outside Clermont Monday Read More »

Cold weather shelter and warming station scheduled to open this week

EUSTIS, Fla.—A cold weather shelter and warming station are scheduled to open this week in anticipation of colder temperatures, officials with Lake County government announced late Monday morning. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, lows in Lake County are expected to be between 33 and 38 degrees between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. Tuesday. The cold weather shelter is scheduled to be open from 5 p.m. to 7.a.m. Monday through Friday at LifePointe Church, 2551 East Orange Avenue, Eustis; and the Salvation Army will open a warming station from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 2605 South

Cold weather shelter and warming station scheduled to open this week Read More »

Clermont teen killed in collision with tree early New Year’s Day

CLERMONT, Fla.—A teenager was killed early Wednesday after running off the road and hitting a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 1:30 a.m., a 17-year-old male was driving a 2003 Chevy S-10 eastbound on County Road 474, west of Hilochee Ridge Road in unincorporated Clermont when he left the road for an unknown reason, FHP said. The pickup truck struck a tree, and the teen was pronounced deceased on the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

Clermont teen killed in collision with tree early New Year’s Day Read More »

BREAKING NEWS: Santa Claus is coming to town

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—At press time Christmas Eve, the jolly fellow best known as Santa Claus was last spotted in Lithuania and had delivered more than 3 billion gifts, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD.) Little boys and girls can track the big guy’s movements online as he makes his way across the world with his trusty reindeer crew, by visiting NORAD Tracks Santa. NORAD began tracking Santa in 1958 after taking over the duty from the U.S. Air Force.

BREAKING NEWS: Santa Claus is coming to town Read More »

Police: Leesburg High principal arrested for DUI, refused breath test

CLERMONT, Fla.—A Lake County Schools principal is facing a DUI charge after a Clermont Police Department officer pulled him over for failing to maintain his lane, according to an arrest affidavit. Michael Randolph, 38, principal of Leesburg High School, was spotted by CPD swerving and speeding on State Road 50 near Citrus Tower Boulevard in a white pickup truck shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday and officers pulled Randolph over less than three miles from his home. He provided his driver license and when asked for his registration and proof of insurance, he provided his registration and then handed an officer

Police: Leesburg High principal arrested for DUI, refused breath test Read More »

Lake County prepares for Helene

Publisher’s note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available. LAKE COUNTY, Fla.— Tropical Storm Helene, expected to make landfall Thursday as Hurricane Helene, is expected to bring wind and rain to Lake County and residents should finish storm preparations by Wednesday afternoon. How to get information and sandbags, along with closures are listed below.   Citizens Information line: 352-253-9999 AlertLake Notification System: sign up at https://alertlake.com/ or text ALERTLAKE to 888777   Closures: Butler Street Boat Ramp, 55400 Butler Street, Astor, 5 a.m. Wednesday City of Eustis, Thursday City of Groveland, Thursday Lake County Board of County Commissioners,

Lake County prepares for Helene Read More »

Driver killed after tree falls on truck and causes crash near Clermont, 2 passengers hospitalized

CLERMONT, Fla.—A Groveland man was killed, and his two passengers injured, after a tree fell on the truck he was driving, causing him to crash into a dump truck Tuesday afternoon near Clermont, according the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 4:30 p.m., the 58-year-old Groveland man was westbound on County Road 474 in a 2017 Ford F-350 with a trailer attached, when a tree from the north shoulder fell on the truck, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. The impact of the tree caused the Ford to enter the eastbound lane, and the left side of the Ford collided with the left

Driver killed after tree falls on truck and causes crash near Clermont, 2 passengers hospitalized Read More »

LCSO Master Deputy Bradley Link to be honored with run Wednesday night

TAVARES, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link is scheduled to be honored Wednesday night by a young man who will run his 1,550th mile in support of fallen first responders. Zechariah Cartledge founded Running 4 Heroes Inc., a non-profit organization in 2019, to raise funds for fallen first responders. Cartledge is scheduled to run the mile at 8 p.m. Wednesday, at Tavares Middle School, 13032 Lane Park Cutoff Road, Tavares. Attendees are asked to arrive between 7 and 7:30 p.m.

LCSO Master Deputy Bradley Link to be honored with run Wednesday night Read More »

Celebration of Life and Service for fallen LCSO deputy held Saturday

CLERMONT, Fla.— “Let us remember Bradley as a true hero for his courageous actions.” Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephanie Earley spoke about her dear friend and field training officer Master Deputy Bradley Link at his Celebration of Life and Service Saturday. Thousands of people were in attendance. Earley spoke about the relationship she and her husband had with Link, and his wife, Brittany. The times they spent together playing Catch Phrase and, “our beach days together were the best,” she said. Deputy Matthew Layman, who was Link’s zone partner when he was in the road patrol unit, spoke about

Celebration of Life and Service for fallen LCSO deputy held Saturday Read More »

Celebration of life and service for fallen deputy livestream available for those who cannot attend

CLERMONT, Fla.—A celebration of life and memorial service for fallen Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link will livestream at 11 a.m. today. The livestream will be available for those who cannot attend in person. You may watch by clicking here. Hundreds of people are attending the service, including community members, dignitaries and law enforcement officers from across the country, in addition to family and friends. Link, 28, was a 2015 graduate of Lake Minneola High School, served in the Army Reserves and became a deputy sheriff for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 2017. He was hired at

Celebration of life and service for fallen deputy livestream available for those who cannot attend Read More »

VIDEO: Hundreds of people line U.S. Highway 27 in support of fallen deputy Monday morning

LEESBURG, Fla.—Hundreds of residents, law enforcement officers and firefighters lined U.S. Highway 27 to pay their respects and show their support for Master Deputy Bradley Link and his coworkers at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Monday morning. Residents stood in the rain along the 15-mile trek from Leesburg to Minneola, waving flags and saluting Link as he was transported to the funeral home handling his arrangements, bringing tears to the eyes of deputies and residents alike.  

VIDEO: Hundreds of people line U.S. Highway 27 in support of fallen deputy Monday morning Read More »

Fallen deputy to be transported Monday morning

LEESBURG, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office fallen deputy Bradley Link will be transported to the funeral home handling his arrangements Monday morning. Link will be escorted by his unit, LCSO Agriculture and Marine, from the Medical Examiner’s Office in Leesburg at 10 a.m. Monday. The public may show their support for Link and LCSO by standing anywhere along U.S. Highway 27, south of Dixie Avenue in Leesburg to the city limits of Minneola.

Fallen deputy to be transported Monday morning Read More »

Deputies searching for man accused of robbing South Lake pharmacist at gunpoint

CLERMONT, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies are searching for a man who robbed a pharmacist of prescription pills at gunpoint in the Four Corners area of unincorporated Clermont Tuesday morning. The suspect, described as a white male, weighing 170 to 180 pounds, with balding red hair and a beard, entered Walgreens,1600 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont, shortly before 9 a.m. and went to the pharmacy area of the store. He displayed a gun and robbed the pharmacist of prescription pills, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. No one was injured, and the man, who had tattoos on at least one of his

Deputies searching for man accused of robbing South Lake pharmacist at gunpoint Read More »

Ham Radio Field Day set for this weekend

TAVARES, Fla.—Each June, more than 40,000 amateur radio operators, known as “hams” set up temporary transmitting stations in public places  throughout North America to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill, and service to our communities and nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933 and remains the most popular event in ham radio. The competitive aspect of Field Day is to contact as many other amateur stations as possible between 2 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The public is invited to attend the

Ham Radio Field Day set for this weekend Read More »

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

FWC: License-free freshwater fishing this weekend Read More »

Deputies OK after Clermont woman sprays them with chemical during well-being check

CLERMONT, Fla.—Four Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies are OK after being doused with a substance Friday by a woman while they performed a well-being check, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies arrived at an apartment in unincorporated Clermont after a father requested a well-being check on his small child. The child’s age and address are redacted from the affidavit. They attempted to contact Crystal Lorraine Velez, 36, at her apartment and she did not answer the door. They found the door was unlocked but barricaded and “due to concerns for persons inside the apartment” they removed the barricade, entered the

Deputies OK after Clermont woman sprays them with chemical during well-being check Read More »

National Safe Boating Week kicks off Saturday

LITTLE LAKE HARRIS, Fla.—The unofficial start to summer is upon us and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters to stay safe during National Safe Boating Week that begins Saturday. Inside Lake had the opportunity to speak with FWC’s Kristen Turner and Chad Weber, along with Hunter Bland of the National Safe Boating Council Friday about staying safe on the waterways. Florida is the “Boating Capital of the World,” with more than 1 million vessels registered in the state, according to FWC. Florida does have some requirements for boating but common sense and taking simple precautions

National Safe Boating Week kicks off Saturday Read More »

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

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

Head-on collision kills Clermont man Wednesday morning

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—A Clermont man was killed Wednesday morning after the car he was driving hit an SUV head-on near Clermont, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Clermont man, 52, was driving a 2018 Nissan Maxima eastbound on Schofield Road when he failed to maintain his lane and struck a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee head-on that was traveling westbound on Schofield Road near Five Mile Road, around 6:30 a.m. The impact caused both vehicles to overturn several times, FHP said. The Clermont man was pronounced deceased on the scene. The Grand Cherokee’s driver, a 39-year-old Orlando man, was airlifted

Head-on collision kills Clermont man Wednesday morning Read More »

5th Annual Lake County Back the Blue (and Red) Walk scheduled for Saturday; Firefighters added this year

TAVARES, Florida—For the fifth year in a row, law enforcement and supporters will join forces for the annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk at Wooton Park Saturday morning, and this year firefighters will join the fun.  Scheduled for 9 a.m., this is one of many law enforcement events around Lake County held in May during Law Enforcement Appreciation Month and this year, Organizer Shannon Cook wanted to add firefighters to the appreciation walk to coincide with the Lake County Board of County Commissioners proclaiming May 4 “International Firefighters’ Day” in Lake County, she told Inside Lake. “I figured what

5th Annual Lake County Back the Blue (and Red) Walk scheduled for Saturday; Firefighters added this year Read More »

Orlando Health South Lake Hospital receives 12th consecutive “A” grade for patient safety

CLERMONT— Orlando Health South Lake Hospital has earned its 12th consecutive ‘A’ grade from the Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety and transparency in the U.S. health system. “Providing a safe, quality experience for patients is at the core of what our team does every day, no matter the unit or department,” said Lance Sewell, senior vice president, Orlando Health North Central Region and president, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. “To achieve 12 ‘A’ grades in a row is a gratifying recognition of the seamless collaboration and teamwork that occurs between our providers, clinicians and

Orlando Health South Lake Hospital receives 12th consecutive “A” grade for patient safety Read More »

Clermont woman who was “acting strange and talking about having premonitions” arrested for killing husband

CLERMONT, Fla.—A woman is facing a first-degree murder charge after shooting and killing her husband late Sunday night, according to an arrest affidavit. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to 10649 Lake Ralph Drive in unincorporated Clermont just before 10:10 p.m. on a report of a homicide and when they arrived, the complainant whose name is redacted from the affidavit, escorted a deputy into the home where Maria Jose Rodriguez, 40, was sitting in the dining room. She was secured in handcuffs and placed in a patrol vehicle and deputies then found her husband, Andrew Rodriguez, 40, lying on his

Clermont woman who was “acting strange and talking about having premonitions” arrested for killing husband Read More »

Man arrested last year for multiple thefts in Eustis nabbed by deputies after bailing out of stolen SUV in South Lake early Monday

CLERMONT, Fla.—A man wanted for failure to appear in court for crimes in 2023 and now suspected of committing recent thefts in Eustis and Mount Dora, was apprehended after a Polk County license plate reader hit on the stolen SUV he was driving early Monday morning. According to an arrest affidavit, around 4:45 a.m. Monday, the Polk County license plate reader hit on a black Honda SUV that was stolen in Mount Dora and Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies located it traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 27 near U.S 192, approaching the Lake County line. PCSO’s Aviation Unit observed

Man arrested last year for multiple thefts in Eustis nabbed by deputies after bailing out of stolen SUV in South Lake early Monday Read More »

Clermont man accused of exposing himself to minor in store parking lot in February

CLERMONT, Fla.—An 18-year-old man is scheduled to be arraigned later this month on a charge of lewd and lascivious exhibition after being accused of exposing himself to a minor female in the parking lot of a busy store in February. On Feb. 23, the girl told a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy she walked up to the vehicle she was riding in the parking lot of Kohl’s, 12305 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont when Ismael Torres Marchany, of Clermont, “startled her.” She said Marchany was making a “hissing” sound and when she turned around, he was exposing and touching himself, according

Clermont man accused of exposing himself to minor in store parking lot in February Read More »

Georgia Man Accused of Shooting Friend as they Travel on the Turnpike near Clermont Sunday Night

CLERMONT, Fla.—A Georgia man is being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond after being accused of shooting his friend as they traveled on Florida’s Turnpike late Sunday night. The Florida Highway Patrol asked for assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office around 10:30 p.m. Sunday in reference to a man stopping vehicles and asking for help. Not long after, LCSO received a 911 call from an unnamed individual stating someone was banging on their door and asking for help in unincorporated Clermont, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies responded to the home and found Bounmy Xayavong, who

Georgia Man Accused of Shooting Friend as they Travel on the Turnpike near Clermont Sunday Night Read More »

Man who Killed French Bulldog in 2021 Clermont Botched C-Section Headed to Prison

CLERMONT, Fla.—One of the men arrested after a botched C-section killed Lyla the French bulldog in Clermont in 2021, is headed to prison after pleading no contest to numerous charges last week, according to Lake County Clerk of Court online records. Frankie Huertas Rivera, 36, pleaded no contest Friday—exactly three years to the day Lyla lost her life. In 2021, Larry Colon, then 50, paid Rivera $650 to perform a C-section on Lyla in Colon’s living room and Colon’s daughter filmed the horrific surgery and posted it to TikTok Feb. 9, 2021. According to a probable cause affidavit in the

Man who Killed French Bulldog in 2021 Clermont Botched C-Section Headed to Prison Read More »

Lake County Schools to Follow Wednesday Schedule in Anticipation of Severe Weather Tuesday, After School Activities Canceled

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—Lake County Schools will follow Wednesday schedules on Tuesday in anticipation of severe weather, according to an LCS spokesperson. “Severe thunderstorms are in the forecast for tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024) in Lake County, particularly in areas on the northern end. In an effort to get as many students home before the worst of the storm begins, Lake County Schools will follow our Wednesday early dismissal schedule on Tuesday,” LCS Communications Coordinator Sherri Owens said in an email Monday night. LCS will excuse weather-related absences and all after school outdoor activities are canceled. Extended Learning Centers (ELC)

Lake County Schools to Follow Wednesday Schedule in Anticipation of Severe Weather Tuesday, After School Activities Canceled Read More »

Fentanyl, Cocaine, Marijuana, Stolen Gun Found During Umatilla Search Warrant, Trio Arrested

UMATILLA, Fla.—Three people are behind bars and $50,000 worth of drugs are off the streets following a search warrant at a Umatilla home early Wednesday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Acting on Crimeline tips and complaints, LCSO’s SWAT team, along with detectives from LCSO, Clermont Police Department, Eustis Police Department, Leesburg Police Department, Mount Dora Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security wrapped up a six-month long investigation Wednesday with the execution of the search warrant at 38945 Pine St., in unincorporated Umatilla. Law enforcement detained three people found inside the home, Robert Donaldson, 46, Joana Silva, 22,

Fentanyl, Cocaine, Marijuana, Stolen Gun Found During Umatilla Search Warrant, Trio Arrested Read More »

BREAKING NEWS: Santa Claus is coming to town

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—At press time Christmas Eve, the jolly fellow best known as Santa Claus was last spotted in Lithuania and had delivered more than 3 billion gifts, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD.) Little boys and girls can track the big guy’s movements online as he makes his way across the world with his trusty reindeer crew, by visiting NORAD Tracks Santa. NORAD began tracking Santa in 1958 after taking over the duty from the U.S. Air Force.

BREAKING NEWS: Santa Claus is coming to town Read More »

Motorcyclist Struck by 8 Vehicles after Falling from Bike near Clermont, FHP Says

CLERMONT, Fla.— A 26-year-old Kissimmee man was killed Sunday night after he fell from his Kawasaki motorcycle and was struck by eight vehicles on U.S. Highway 27, near Clermont, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 6:20 p.m. Sunday, the motorcyclist was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 27 near Frank Jarrell Road when he lost control, fell from the bike, and landed in the center lane, FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. The rider was then struck by eight vehicles that were traveling behind him, including a Chevrolet Trax, a Nissan Armada, a Toyota Camry, a Chevrolet

Motorcyclist Struck by 8 Vehicles after Falling from Bike near Clermont, FHP Says Read More »

Motorcyclist Killed in 3-Vehicle Crash near Clermont Sunday Night

CLERMONT, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is on scene of a fatal crash at U.S. Highway 27 and Frank Jarrell Road, near Clermont. A 26-year-old Kissimmee man riding a 2024 Kawasaki motorcycle was involved in a crash with 2020 Chevrolet Trax and a 2023 Dodge Challenger around 6:20 p.m. Sunday. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene. There is a roadblock in the area and motorists are asked to use caution.

Motorcyclist Killed in 3-Vehicle Crash near Clermont Sunday Night Read More »

Fatal Crash Shuts Down U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla.—A fatal crash has shutdown several lanes of U.S. Highway 27 at Schofield Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at 5:10 p.m. Friday and involves a vehicle and a motorcycle; the motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene, FHP said. All northbound lanes and one southbound lane of U.S. Highway 27 are shutdown. This is a developing story. 

Fatal Crash Shuts Down U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont Read More »

Lake-Sumter State College Foundation Honors Hall of Fame Recipients and Distinguished Alumni Tuesday Night, Including Inside Lake’s Own Marilyn Aciego

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Lake-Sumter State College Foundation honored its Distinguished Alumni and Hall of Fame recipients Tuesday night in a ceremony held at the Everett A. Kelly Convocation Center at the college’s Leesburg campus. Nine individuals and a community organization were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the community in front of a large crowd that enjoyed a three-course dinner and video testimonials from the recipients. Each year, the LSSC Foundation Board of Directors select the recipients from nominations made by the public to receive distinguished alumni awards. For the first time its 12-year history, two people were awarded the

Lake-Sumter State College Foundation Honors Hall of Fame Recipients and Distinguished Alumni Tuesday Night, Including Inside Lake’s Own Marilyn Aciego Read More »

Turnpike Crash Claims 2 Lives Saturday

CLERMONT, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol in investigating a crash that killed two people Saturday afternoon on Florida’s Turnpike in Clermont. The crash, involving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, occurred at 2:30 p.m. near mile marker 280 in the southbound lanes and killed the driver and one passenger; a second passenger was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries, according to Trooper Migdalisis Garcia. This is a developing story.

Turnpike Crash Claims 2 Lives Saturday Read More »

FWC Launches Online Reporting Tool to Help Combat Deadly Turtle Virus

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has launched a public reporting tool to help in its research on a virus that is killing Florida freshwater turtles. FWC has been studying turtle fraservirus (TFV1) since 2018 and is now asking the public to report any sick or dead turtles to help them combat and understand this deadly virus. TFV1 has been found in Lake County, in addition to several other counties in Central Florida, but it could be present throughout the state, FWC warns; it has been identified in softshells, cooters, sliders and snapping turtles. Signs a turtle

FWC Launches Online Reporting Tool to Help Combat Deadly Turtle Virus Read More »

Operation Poison Control Results in 21 Arrest Warrants, 50 Charges

TAVARES, Florida—A six-month long undercover drug investigation targeting fentanyl traffickers has wrapped up with the arrests of 15 people and six more are on the run, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. A joint operation between LCSO’s Special Investigations Bureau, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City County Investigation Bureau— which includes police officers from Clermont, Eustis, Leesburg and Mount Dora—uncovered a variety of illegal narcotics being distributed throughout the county, including trafficking amounts of deadly fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA.   Law enforcement developed information from the public to aid in the

Operation Poison Control Results in 21 Arrest Warrants, 50 Charges Read More »

Clermont Police Bust Tampa Man with “Blatantly Counterfeit” $100 Bills

CLERMONT, Fla.—A man wanted in Tennessee for passing counterfeit money and already on probation in Hillsborough County, was arrested Tuesday, along with a teenager, after Clermont Police Department found him with counterfeit $100 bills, according to an arrest affidavit. Shortly before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, CPD responded to Advance Discount Auto Parts, 2655 East Highway 50, on a report of people passing counterfeit bills. The caller described one of the suspects, the affidavit states. About 20 minutes later, members of CPD’s Crime Suppression Unit spotted a white Nissan pull into the parking lot of Auto Zone, 200 West Highway 50, bypass

Clermont Police Bust Tampa Man with “Blatantly Counterfeit” $100 Bills Read More »

Man, 18, Struck and Killed on Busy Road Near Clermont

FOUR CORNERS, Fla.—A Davenport man was killed while walking in the westbound lanes of U.S. 192 late Monday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just after 10 p.m. Monday, a 2014 Toyota Camry being driven by a 58-year-old Clermont woman was traveling westbound on U.S. 192 approaching Town Center Boulevard in the outside lane when the Davenport man walked into the westbound lanes, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The Camry struck the teen, and he was pronounced deceased on the scene. The Clermont woman was transported to AdventHealth Four Corners ER with minor injuries. The

Man, 18, Struck and Killed on Busy Road Near Clermont Read More »

Man Arrested for Murder Last Week by Eustis Police Stabbed by Inmate also Being Held for Murder

TAVARES, Florida—Austin Hill, the man arrested last week in the murder of Wseni “Haitian Black” Laguerre, was stabbed multiple times by another inmate at the Lake County Jail Sunday; and the man accused of stabbing him is well-known to Lake County law enforcement. Around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office detective responded to the jail after detention staff reported an inmate had been stabbed. Hill, 26, was stabbed multiple times in the back, neck and face and video surveillance clearly showed his attacker was Dustin “Chico” Perdue, 27, according to an arrest affidavit. Only Inside Lake extensively covered

Man Arrested for Murder Last Week by Eustis Police Stabbed by Inmate also Being Held for Murder Read More »

Search Warrant Nets Trafficking Amounts of MDMA, Cocaine; Squatter Arrested

CLERMONT, Florida—A squatter is in the Lake County Jail after Clermont Police Department executed a search warrant at a vacant home Thursday. After receiving a report of suspicious activity at the vacant home located at 657 Winding Lake Drive, CPD responded to the home and found several individuals who could not provide proof they lived in the home, including D’angel Terry Pugh, 20, according to CPD. Officers spotted narcotics and a gun in plain view and the CPD Crime Suppression Unit secured a search warrant for the home. During their search they found copious amounts of drugs, including 361 grams

Search Warrant Nets Trafficking Amounts of MDMA, Cocaine; Squatter Arrested Read More »

Ham Radio Field Day at Lake County Institute of Public Safety Showcases Lake Amateur Radio Association’s Ham Communication

TAVARES, Florida—The Lake Amateur Radio Association (LARA) hosted its annual Ham Radio Field Day event June 24 and 25 at the Lake County Institute of Public Safety, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide. The event, captured in a captivating photo, featured the club’s president, Glenn Casselman, and his spouse, Laura, who is also a Ham radio enthusiast. The picturesque location provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with showcasing mobile command vehicles from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Fire Rescue, and, of course, the Lake Amateur Radio Association. Established in 1952 by a group of Lake County/City

Ham Radio Field Day at Lake County Institute of Public Safety Showcases Lake Amateur Radio Association’s Ham Communication Read More »

Minneola Man Captured on Video Stealing from Several Downtown Clermont Businesses

CLERMONT, Florida—A Minneola man is behind bars after video surveillance captured him stealing from several businesses at the Montrose Street Market early Monday. Clermont Police responded to 793 West Montrose Street after the victim reported his security cameras caught a man, later identified as Michael Jacob Mathis, 21, entering the business around 2:30 a.m. through a door that was accidentally left unlocked by a cleaner, according to an arrest affidavit. Mathis, wearing a white hoodie and dark pants, did not cover his face or wear gloves as he made his way through the market, which houses several vendors. He stole

Minneola Man Captured on Video Stealing from Several Downtown Clermont Businesses Read More »

“Bad Choice” and Lake County Arrest Leads to Orange County Deputy’s Termination

GROVELAND, Florida—An Orange County deputy sheriff has been fired after getting arrested by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy Wednesday. Juan Alberto Morales-Padilla, 44, of Groveland, was arrested after fleeing an LCSO deputy when the deputy attempted to stop him on his yellow motorcycle on State Road 50 in Clermont, around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to an arrest affidavit. The deputy was behind the motorcycle when it passed a vehicle in the median and the deputy attempted a traffic stop. Padilla failed to slow down, and the deputy activated his sirens and Morales-Padilla turned around and looked at him and

“Bad Choice” and Lake County Arrest Leads to Orange County Deputy’s Termination Read More »

Pickup Truck Hits Tractor-Trailer and Asphalt Truck Head-on Friday Morning, Killing 3 Mascotte Residents

CLERMONT, Florida—Three Mascotte residents were killed early Friday morning after the pickup truck they were in struck a tractor-trailer and an asphalt truck head-on, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 21-year-old woman was driving a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado southbound on State Road 33 near Bakers Lane shortly after 5:30 a.m., when it entered the northbound lane and struck a 1999 Freightliner tractor-trailer head-on, causing the tractor-trailer to run off the road and overturn on its right side, FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. The Silverado continued to travel in the northbound lane and struck a 2018 Kenworth asphalt truck head-on,

Pickup Truck Hits Tractor-Trailer and Asphalt Truck Head-on Friday Morning, Killing 3 Mascotte Residents Read More »

SR 33 Crash Kills 3 Early Friday Morning

CLERMONT, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed three people early Friday morning. The crash occurred at 5:36 a.m. at State Road 33 and Bakers Lane in unincorporated Clermont and involved an overturned asphalt truck; Lake County Fire Rescue has confirmed three fatalities on the scene, according to FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia. “There is currently roadblock in the area,” Garcia said in an email. This is a developing story.

SR 33 Crash Kills 3 Early Friday Morning Read More »

Clermont Man Arrested for DUI Following Head-On Collision

CLERMONT, Florida—A man involved in a head-on crash at a busy intersection Saturday refused to participate in field sobriety exercises and was arrested for DUI, according to an arrest affidavit. Clermont Police Department responded to the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and Hammock Ridge Road around 8:30 p.m. Saturday on a report of a head-on collision and spoke to Adrian Sanchez, 42, of Clermont. Sanchez told police he was driving a silver Hyundai involved in the crash, but refused to speak with CPD any further, the affidavit states. Sanchez, who had his niece in the vehicle with him, had glassy

Clermont Man Arrested for DUI Following Head-On Collision Read More »

Clermont Man Accused of Exposing Himself to Teen Last Year Turns Himself In

CLERMONT, Florida—A man accused of exposing himself to a teenager last year when she dropped off a food delivery turned himself in on a warrant Thursday. Last May, a 17-year-old girl was helping her mom deliver food for a delivery service when they went to an apartment at Sundance at Clermont Apartments on Johns Lake Road. The girl went upstairs to deliver an order to a customer named “Cody,” according to a probable cause affidavit. The man, later identified as Cody Ray Baker, 28, opened the door and took the food from the girl and she noticed his penis sticking

Clermont Man Accused of Exposing Himself to Teen Last Year Turns Himself In Read More »

Fourth Annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk Scheduled for Saturday

TAVARES, Florida—Law enforcement and supporters will join forces for the fourth annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk at Wooton Park Saturday morning. Scheduled for 9 a.m., this is one of many law enforcement events around Lake County held in May during Law Enforcement Appreciation Month. In its fourth year, the walk began in 2019 to show support for law enforcement during a time when the “defund the police” movement was making its way across the country, event organizer Shannon Cook told Inside Lake. Representatives from several law enforcement agencies and numerous public officials are expected to be in attendance. “The good

Fourth Annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk Scheduled for Saturday Read More »

Clermont Man Wins Big on Scratch-Off Ticket

CLERMONT, Florida—A Clermont man claimed a $1 million prize from a winning scratch-off ticket, the Florida Lottery announced Tuesday. John McPherson, 38, bought his $50 winning ticket, 500X THE CASH at Publix, 4351 South U.S. Highway 27, Clermont and chose to take his winnings in a one-time, lump sum payment of $820,000, the Florida Lottery said. The Publix location will receive $2,000 bonus commission for selling the ticket. This is the fourth $1 million dollar winning scratch-off ticked purchased in Lake County this year.

Clermont Man Wins Big on Scratch-Off Ticket Read More »

Dry Conditions Force Countywide Burn Ban

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—Lake County officials imposed a burn ban effective Friday that will last indefinitely, according to a press release. The burn ban is in effect for all of Lake County and prohibits the burning of yard debris, land and recreational fires but does not include outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills and barbecue pits that have a total fuel area of 3 feet or less and 2 feet or less in height. Dry conditions forced the move by county officials and surrounding counties have enacted similar bans. For more than three weeks, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) rating has exceeded 500

Dry Conditions Force Countywide Burn Ban Read More »

Early Morning Clermont Head-on Collision Kills Man, 35

CLERMONT, Florida—A Miami Beach man was killed when the SUV he was driving crashed head-on into an RV early Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 35-year-old man was driving a grey Mitsubishi SUV westbound on County Road 474 when he made a wide right turn on State Road 33, and crossed the center line, striking an RV head-on in unincorporated Clermont just after 3 a.m. Sunday, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. The Miami Beach man was pronounced dead on the scene by Lake County Fire Rescue, Taylor said. The driver of the RV,

Early Morning Clermont Head-on Collision Kills Man, 35 Read More »

Boy, 13, Threatens to “Shoot Up” Rival Lake County School on Snapchat

CLERMONT, Florida—A 7th grade Lake Pointe Academy student was arrested Wednesday after a deputy at a rival school received a tip he threatened to “shoot up” Windy Hill Middle School, according to an arrest affidavit. Inside Lake is not naming the 13-year-old boy due to his age. Windy Hill Middle School’s (WHMS) school resource deputy (SRD) received a tip and screenshot of a snap the Lake Pointe Academy (LPA) student posted on his Snapchat account that reportedly said, “Windy to be shoot up.” The WHMS SRD contacted the LPA SRD and sent her the screenshot, according to the affidavit. The

Boy, 13, Threatens to “Shoot Up” Rival Lake County School on Snapchat Read More »

8-year-old Arrested for Cutting Foster Brother’s Throat, Kicking Deputy in the Stomach

CLERMONT, Florida—An 8-year-old boy was arrested Saturday after his foster brother told deputies he choked him and swung a kitchen knife at his throat, cutting his neck, according to an arrest affidavit. Inside Lake is not naming the boy due to his age. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at a home in unincorporated Clermont after receiving a weapons complaint shorty before 4:30 p.m. Saturday. When they arrived, a witness said the boy cut another child’s throat and was outside without the knife. Deputies found the boy outside banging on the front door of the home, “emotionally crying” and stating

8-year-old Arrested for Cutting Foster Brother’s Throat, Kicking Deputy in the Stomach Read More »

Woman Who Ripped Off Clermont Spa for Cosmetic Procedure Picked up on Warrant More than 2 Years Later

TAVARES, Florida—A Clermont woman wanted for grand theft of a cosmetic procedure she received more than two years ago was finally picked up on the warrant in Hillsborough County and transferred to Lake County last week. In November 2020, The Spa at South Lake, 1900 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont performed a cosmetic procedure on Eboni Nykia Wheeler, 41, and when it was time to pay the $1,098 bill, Wheeler said she did not have her credit card with her and gave The Spa a backup credit card number. Wheeler did not give employees the actual card, a Clermont Police Department

Woman Who Ripped Off Clermont Spa for Cosmetic Procedure Picked up on Warrant More than 2 Years Later Read More »

Accused Fraudsters Scam Elderly Man and Sell His Clermont Home, According to Police

CLERMONT, Florida—After a months-long investigation by Clermont Police Department, two men were arrested this week after scamming an elderly man out of his home and selling it late last year. According to a probable cause affidavit, in November 2022, the victim’s niece filed an online complaint with Clermont Police Department stating she believed her uncle was a victim of foreclosure fraud and she found his house was for sale, which was impossible because he is mentally and physically impaired and was admitted to a rehabilitation facility. She also stated she and her husband had power of attorney (POA) over most

Accused Fraudsters Scam Elderly Man and Sell His Clermont Home, According to Police Read More »

Clermont Woman Arrested for Hate Crime After Spat with Neighbors Involving Baseball Bat, Hockey Stick, Shovel

CLERMONT, Florida—A Clermont woman was arrested after a neighbor’s Ring camera captured a violent altercation between her and another set of neighbors, according to an arrest affidavit. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on Moonflower Court in unincorporated Clermont on a report of a battery shortly before 7 p.m. Tuesday and spoke with a man who said an altercation had occurred between him and his neighbors. The man told a deputy he saw his son get shot in the face by his neighbor’s son with a Nerf gun from about 6 inches away and he walked over

Clermont Woman Arrested for Hate Crime After Spat with Neighbors Involving Baseball Bat, Hockey Stick, Shovel Read More »

Armed Robbery Suspect and Nephew Charged in 2022 Tavares Murder

TAVARES, Florida—Last August, only Inside Lake uncovered a man accused of multiple armed robberies across Lake County was suspected in the murder of Alejandro “Alex” Garcia. On Thursday, Dustin “Chico” Perdue was charged with his murder; and on Monday night his nephew, Octavious Marquis Reed was nabbed by U.S. Marshals and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit, Tavares Police Detective Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. Perdue, 27, and Reed, 23, are accused of shooting Garcia, 29, and Darnell Lester, 31, April 8, 2022 at Caroline Court Apartments, 1000 East Caroline Street in Tavares. Garcia, of Mount Dora, succumbed

Armed Robbery Suspect and Nephew Charged in 2022 Tavares Murder Read More »

2 Killed in 6-Vehicle Crash on Turnpike Friday Morning

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Florida—The crash that shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike most of the day Friday resulted in the deaths of two people, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. At 7:15 a.m. Friday, a 2020 Toyota Corolla being driven by a 23-year-old Tallahassee woman was traveling southbound on Florida’s Turnpike in the inside lane near mile marker 286 when she failed to stop for traffic ahead. She rear-ended a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by a 69-year-old Ocala man. The Chevrolet left the roadway and the right rear of the Chevrolet struck the left rear of a 2014 Jeep

2 Killed in 6-Vehicle Crash on Turnpike Friday Morning Read More »

Leesburg Woman Accused of Keeping Loaner SUV for More than a Month

CLERMONT, Florida—A woman who police say kept a loaner vehicle for more than a month, turned herself in at the Lake County Jail Thursday on a warrant for failure to redeliver a hired vehicle, according to an arrest affidavit. Tamera Shania Pollard, 26, of Leesburg, dropped off her vehicle, a silver 2014 Mazda 6 for service at Headquarter Mazda, 17500 State Road 50, Clermont, and was given a white 2022 Mazda CX-30 as a loaner vehicle on July 15, 2022, a representative of the dealership told Clermont Police Department on Aug. 19, 2022. Pollard failed to return the vehicle and

Leesburg Woman Accused of Keeping Loaner SUV for More than a Month Read More »

FHP: Multivehicle Crash Kills 2, Shuts Down Southbound Turnpike Lanes, Delays Expected for Hours

LEESBURG, Florida—Two people are dead following a multivehicle crash that shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Channing Taylor. The crash involves four passenger vehicles and two tractor-trailers and two people were pronounced dead at the scene, Taylor said. Southbound traffic is being diverted at mile marker 289 and travelers should expect heavy traffic and delays for several hours, according to Taylor.

FHP: Multivehicle Crash Kills 2, Shuts Down Southbound Turnpike Lanes, Delays Expected for Hours Read More »

Separate Crashes Shut Down 2 Major Roads in Groveland Wednesday

GROVELAND, Florida—Two major roads were shut down Wednesday as both Groveland Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol simultaneously worked traffic crashes. GPD shut down State Road 19 between Bible Camp Road and Laviance Boulevard due to a crash at State 19 and Cherry Lake Road around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Cherry Lake Road was also shut down at Cherry Lake Landing, according to a GPD social media post. No other details were available at press time. FHP shut down State Road 33 north of Double H Lane following a fatal crash that occurred at 11:20 a.m. Wednesday. A man driving

Separate Crashes Shut Down 2 Major Roads in Groveland Wednesday Read More »

Witnesses: Man Slapped Woman, 68, During Altercation on Clermont Lake

CLERMONT, Florida—A day on the water ended in a trip to jail for a St. Cloud man after a 68-year-old woman reported he slapped her across the face and witnesses backed her claim, according to an arrest affidavit. Clermont Police Department responded to a report of a physical altercation shortly after 4:45 p.m. Sunday. The victim told police she was boating with her family on Lake Palatlakaha and a man, later identified as Juan Carlos Pareja, 45, drove a jet ski close to the boat. A verbal altercation ensued and multiple people on jet skis aggressively surrounded to boat, she

Witnesses: Man Slapped Woman, 68, During Altercation on Clermont Lake Read More »

Clermont Woman Accused of Diverting Thousands of Dollars Intended for Her Employer to Herself

CLERMONT, Florida—A woman already convicted of fraud and on federal work release is accused of diverting funds intended for her employer to various money exchange apps, according to a probable cause affidavit. Jenifer Elizabeth Hoffman, 46, of Clermont, misrepresented herself as a partner in K&S Cleaning, the owner of the company told Clermont Police Department in August 2022. She told police Hoffman began working for her in September 2020 as an hourly employee and worked her way up to a marketing and networking associate. In June 2022, the owner discovered Hoffman had been embezzling money since March 2021 by introducing

Clermont Woman Accused of Diverting Thousands of Dollars Intended for Her Employer to Herself Read More »

Man Accused of Ramming Deputies, Carjacking and Crashing into School Bus Earlier this Month Facing More Charges 

GROVELAND, Florida—The man who deputies say rammed three patrol vehicles in a stolen truck, carjacked a citizen and crashed into a school bus is facing five new charges, including three counts of felony criminal mischief, according to a new arrest affidavit. Joseph Anthony Dale Crawford, 23, of Clermont is in the Lake County Jail on no bond after his two-county crime spree on Feb. 3 ended with him crashing a stolen Ford Bronco into a Lake County Schools bus. Around 6 a.m. Feb. 3, a woman called the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and reported her white 2019 Ford F-250 had

Man Accused of Ramming Deputies, Carjacking and Crashing into School Bus Earlier this Month Facing More Charges  Read More »

Suspect Rams 3 Deputies in Stolen Truck, Flees Across 2 Counties, Carjacks SUV and Crashes into School Bus in Groveland Friday  

GROVELAND, Florida—A man is facing a slew of charges in Lake and Orange counties after stealing a struck, ramming three Lake County Sheriff’s Office patrol cars, carjacking a citizen and crashing into a school bus Friday morning, according to LCSO Lt. Fred Jones. LCSO received a call from the owner of the truck around 6 a.m. and she said her truck had been stolen in the middle of the night. She provided GPS coordinates to LCSO, and deputies tracked to truck to a gas station near Hartle Road in Clermont, Jones said. They found Joseph Crawford, 23, of Groveland, pumping

Suspect Rams 3 Deputies in Stolen Truck, Flees Across 2 Counties, Carjacks SUV and Crashes into School Bus in Groveland Friday   Read More »

Clermont Mom Arrested for DUI After Allegedly Driving Wrong Way Through School Pickup Line Drunk

CLERMONT, Florida—A Clermont mom was arrested Friday for DUI after driving drunk through the pickup line twice at Pinecrest Lakes Academy, according to an arrest affidavit. Staff members at Pinecrest Lakes Academy, 14012 Old Highway 50, Clermont requested their Lake County Sheriff’s Office school resource deputy (SRD) assist with a parent they believed was intoxicated at the school around 2:45 p.m. Friday, according to an arrest affidavit. A witness told the SRD Heather C. Tonnellier, 48, ran over a traffic cone and dragged it under her vehicle in the pickup line and when staff members approached her, they told her

Clermont Mom Arrested for DUI After Allegedly Driving Wrong Way Through School Pickup Line Drunk Read More »

Clermont Motorcyclist Dead in Wednesday Afternoon Crash

CLERMONT—A motorcyclist was killed Wednesday after an SUV turned in front of him, troopers say. Just after 2:45 p.m., a 51-year-old Clermont woman was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 27 near Clermont in a 2015 Cadillac SRX. She attempted to make a left turn on Green Cove Boulevard and turned into the direct path of a 2014 Triumph motorcycle traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 27, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The motorcycle, being ridden by a 51-year-old Clermont man, struck the SUV. The motorcyclist was transported to South Lake Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, Crescenzi said. The

Clermont Motorcyclist Dead in Wednesday Afternoon Crash Read More »

LCSO Identifies Armed Man Killed in Deputy-Involved Shooting Friday

CLERMONT, Florida—The suspect shot by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies Friday has died. Deputies went to 9201 Pine Island Road in unincorporated Clermont to perform a well-being check on Donald Charles Brady, 69, Friday morning according to LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon. Brady, the owner of the home, was armed with a rifle and handgun and confronted deputies who took cover and attempted to communicate with him. “As events unfolded, an officer-involved shooting occurred,” Vachon said Friday afternoon. Brady was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. No other details have been released. Brady was charged with driving

LCSO Identifies Armed Man Killed in Deputy-Involved Shooting Friday Read More »

Barricaded Subject Shot by LCSO, Transported to the Hospital, Officials Say

CLERMONT, Florida—The barricaded man the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was attempting to negotiate with has been shot, according to LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon. “As events unfolded, an officer-involved shooting occurred,” Vachon said. “The suspect has been transported to the hospital for treatment, no law enforcement officials were injured.” Deputies were on a well-being check at 9201 Pine Island Road when they were confronted by the man, who was armed with a rifle and handgun, Vachon said. Deputies took cover and attempted to communicate with the man, but he retreated into the home and refused to speak with deputies Friday morning.

Barricaded Subject Shot by LCSO, Transported to the Hospital, Officials Say Read More »

BREAKING NEWS: LCSO Attempting to Negotiate with Barricaded Subject in Unincorporated Clermont

CLERMONT, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to negotiate with a barricaded subject in unincorporated Clermont, according to LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon. Deputies were on a well-being check at 9201 Pine Island Road when they were confronted by an individual armed with a rifle and handgun, Vachon said. Deputies took cover and attempted to communicate with the man, but he retreated into the home and refused to speak with deputies. “The LCSO Crisis Negotiations Team is working towards a peaceful resolution,” Vachon said. LCSO is asking everyone to avoid the area.

BREAKING NEWS: LCSO Attempting to Negotiate with Barricaded Subject in Unincorporated Clermont Read More »

State Attorney Creates Animal Cruelty Task Force

OCALA, Florida—In an effort to streamline delivering justice to those who hurt animals, State Attorney Bill Gladson has created an Animal Cruelty Task Force for the Fifth Judicial Circuit that includes Lake, Citrus, Hernando, Marion and Sumter counties, his office said in a press release last week. The task force includes the Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC,) county animal services, and local law enforcement agencies and the goal is for law enforcement, animal services and animal protection organizations to work together to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty crimes throughout the circuit, according

State Attorney Creates Animal Cruelty Task Force Read More »

Windchills in the 20s and 30s Expected this Weekend, Cold Weather Shelters Activated

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—For the second time in less than a month, Lake County is scheduled to open two cold weather shelter locations in anticipation of this weekend’s near-freezing temperatures. Both locations open Friday; Trinity Assembly of God, 200 Urick Street, Fruitland Park will open at 5:30 p.m. and remain open through 7 a.m. each day, Friday through Sunday, and LifePointe Church, 3551 East Orange Avenue will be open 5 p.m. through 8 a.m. each day through Sunday, according to Lake County Emergency Management. A warming shelter will also be open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Salvation

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Woman Takes Daughter, 12, on Shoplifting Spree at Clermont Walmart

CLERMONT, Florida—A Kissimmee woman is accused of shoplifting numerous items, some she returned with a found receipt— and she had her 12-year-old daughter with her, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to Walmart, 550 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont on a report of a woman shoplifting with her daughter around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday. A deputy arrived and he and a loss prevention officer took Charlene Melissa Hollister, 32, of Kissimmee, into custody, along with her young daughter. The loss prevention officer told LCSO Hollister walked around the store and selected multiple items, concealing many of them in

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Orange County Carjacking Suspects Flee Cops, Flip SUV in Clermont

CLERMONT, Florida—Three Lake County men were arrested Sunday morning after a license plate reader alerted deputies that a vehicle involved in an Orange County carjacking was in Clermont, according to several arrest affidavits. Shortly before 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Lake County Sheriff’s deputies were alerted that a green Kia Soul involved in an early morning carjacking was in the area of U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont. Deputies began searching the area and located the SUV and attempted a traffic stop. Jason Curtis Marks, 21, of Lady Lake, put the Kia in reverse and “intentionally struck the front push bumper of a

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