Mount Dora

Knife-wielding man shot at Mount Dora bus stop Thursday

MOUNT DORA, Fla.— A Winter Park man, arrested multiple times in Lake County, was shot in the leg at a Mount Dora bus stop Thursday morning and arrested, after accosting a man who first pepper-sprayed him, according to a report.

William Tyler Barrett, 29, is facing a charge of aggravated assault on a person over 65 years old and is being held on $10,000 bond. Curtis Roberson, 67, of Eustis, told Mount Dora Police Department he was leaving the parking lot of Walmart Supercenter, 17030 U.S. Highway 441, around 10 a.m. when Barrett approached him and made a comment he couldn’t make out. Roberson ignored him and kept walking to the bus stop located at U.S. Highway 441 and Spring Harbor Boulevard.

Barrett approached Roberson again at the bus stop, “behaving erratically” and accused Roberson of being at “his house,” the report states.

Barrett approached Roberson in an “aggressive manner” and Roberson emptied a canister of pepper spray and Barrett continued to approach him, now armed with a knife. Roberson told Barrett to “stop,” and “stay back,” multiple times and as Barrett advanced toward Roberson, he fired a single shot that struck Barrett in the leg, according to the report.

William Barrett is seen here in an October 2024 mugshot when he was picked up for a violation of probation. His most recent mugshot was not available at press time.

Barrett then left the scene and Roberson called police, along with an independent witness who saw the attack.

While officers and Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with Roberson, Barrett was located in the bushes at nearby Regions Bank. Mucus running from his nose and limping, Barrett told an MDPD officer he couldn’t see, and his eyes were hurting because he had been pepper-sprayed. The officer observed a knife and multiple bags around Barrett and once a deputy arrived, Barrett was detained, and the officer and deputy provided first aid to him, and they waited for EMS to arrive.

Barrett was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares for treatment, where he refused to cooperate with an officer at the hospital, only revealing his first name. He spoke in the third person about himself multiple times and told the officer he was preaching and repenting for his church. When asked who he was speaking to, Barrett reportedly said, the “spirit in the room.”

Later, Barrett told MDPD detectives he located Roberson and Roberson was a murderer and confronted him about why he was at his house. He said Roberson pulled out pepper spray and he pulled out a knife; and Roberson sprayed him and shot him in the leg. Barrett refused to answer any more of the detectives’ questions because he “did not like them,” according to the report. Barrett was placed under arrest and an emergency room doctor told police he would be initiating a Baker Act.

Knife-wielding man shot at Mount Dora bus stop Thursday Read More »

Tavares cleaning company eases the burden for cancer patients

TAVARES, Fla.— A local cleaning company is continuing its mission of giving back to residents who are fighting cancer—and to them, the mission is personal.

For the third year running, Bright Side Services Inc. of Tavares has partnered with Cleaning for a Reason, a non-profit organization that pairs residents who are undergoing cancer treatment with local cleaning companies that donate two free house cleaning sessions. Founded by Debbie Sardone of Buckets & Bows Maid Service in Texas, cleaning companies from across the country participate, including Tavares-based Bright Side Services Inc., owned by Michelle and Mike Krueger. They have participated in the program since 2022 and the mission has a deep personal meaning to them, Michelle Krueger said.

Michelle and Mike Krueger

“This cause is close to my heart,” she said. “I clean in memory of two extraordinary individuals, Judy Weikel and John Brian Kaup—who showed me what strength and generosity really look like.”

Krueger shared why Weikel and Kaup are so important to her.

“Judy was one of my earliest supporters, always lifting me up and sharing my business with others. I remember confiding in her once about a slow week on the schedule, and she simply said, ‘There will come a day when you wish for a day off.’ She was right—and her faith in me carried me through.”

“John is a fellow cleaning business owner whose positivity is unmatched. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, he continued to serve others with grace and grit. His resilience is a reminder of why this work matters. Thankfully, he has since recovered, and I’m honored to recognize his journey through this effort.”

Serving the community since 2007, Bright Side Services Inc. donates two cleanings for each cancer patient, and donates services to two patients each month. This service is available to residents fighting cancer in Tavares, Mount Dora, Eustis, Leesburg, Howey in the Hills, and Yalaha. Anyone undergoing cancer treatment—regardless of age, gender, or cancer type—can apply for free house cleaning services. To date, 30 cancer patients have received free cleanings from Bright Side Services Inc. Krueger said. Patients in need of services can apply here.

“Cleaning for a Reason understands the impact that a clean home has on a cancer patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When cancer makes life at home difficult, our network of residential cleaners and volunteers support are here to support you or your loved ones battling cancer,” according to its website.

“When someone you care about is facing cancer, you want to do something—anything—to help,” said Krueger. “Offering a clean, peaceful home is one small way we can lighten their load. It’s a heartfelt tribute to Judy and John, and a promise to keep showing up for those who need it most.”

Want to help Cleaning for a Reason?

To register your organization, click here.

To register your cleaning company, click here.

To donate, click here.

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Candlelight vigil scheduled for Eustis mom found murdered last week

EUSTIS, Fla.—The community is scheduled to come together Friday night to remember Monica Islam, the woman who was found murdered near Mount Dora last week.

Islam, 44, was found shot to death near Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch around 7:30 a.m. May 2 after vanishing from Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis approximately 6:10 a.m. the same morning.

According to the missing person report obtained by Inside Lake, Islam’s daughter, Rimi Islam, reported her mother missing around 8:30 a.m. Friday. She told Eustis Police Department they left their home around 5:30 a.m. and arrived at Shell shortly after. She said her mom helped her with opening the store and then she went outside to take a walk around the parking lot, which was normal behavior. Rimi Islam told police she got busy and lost track of where her mom was. Another employee told Rimi Islam she saw Monica Islam in the parking lot as she arrived at work, around 6:10 a.m. Rimi Islam tried calling her mom, who had left her purse behind at the store, and was unable to reach her. After going back to the home they shared and looking for Monica Islam and checking security cameras for her with no success, Rimi Islam reported her missing to EPD.

While investigating Monica’s disappearance, EPD was made aware of a body found near Mount Dora; later identified as Monica Islam. LCSO has been tight-lipped about its investigation, releasing very little information over the past week. LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin said detectives do not believe Monica Islam’s murder was a random act, and said earlier this week, they were following up on potential leads.

A large photo of Monica Islam is posted on the window next to the front door of Shell, asking anyone with information to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

A photo of Monica Islam posted next to the front door of Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis.
PHOTO: Marilyn M. Aciego/Inside Lake

The candlelight vigil, organized in-part by family friend, Alisha Curtin, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis. Overflow parking is available across Bay Street from Shell at First Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 1724 South Bay Street, Eustis; parking will not be available at Harden-Pauli Funeral Home, 1617 South Bay Street due to a previously scheduled, unrelated service.

“This (candlelight vigil) is not being organized by just one person,” Curtin told Inside Lake. “There is a village of people that are contributing to the memory of Monica, including local businesses, such as Publix.”

Amanda Hall, a Lake County native who works nearby, has also assisted with planning the candlelight vigil. Hall lost her own mother three years ago and knows the pain of losing a parent all too well. “(I know how Rimi feels) right now…lost without Mommy.”

Hall said the tight-knit community of Eustis wants “justice for Monica and our hearts and prayers are with Rimi.”

“When something like this happens in our community, we here in Eustis show our support and gather round the ones that need us most,” Curtin said. “A good person was taken from this Earth, and an amazing friend lost her best friend and mother. This is being organized to show our love and kindness throughout this community.”

Previous stories: Woman found dead near Mount Dora is a homicide victim, deputies say – Inside Lake

LCSO treating death of woman reported missing from Eustis as “potential” homicide investigation – Inside Lake

Deputies conducting death investigation near Mount Dora; Eustis police working missing person case, unconfirmed if cases are related – Inside Lake

Candlelight vigil scheduled for Eustis mom found murdered last week Read More »

Woman found dead near Mount Dora is a homicide victim, deputies say

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The woman found dead Friday was shot to death and detectives believe it was not a “random act,” according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road Friday morning after someone reported they found a woman’s body. Deputies responded and found the woman, later identified as Monica Islam, 44, who was reported missing from Eustis, Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake Friday.

According to the missing person report obtained by Inside Lake, Islam’s daughter, Rimi Islam, reported her mother missing around 8:30 a.m. Friday. She told EPD they left their home around 5:30 a.m. and arrived at Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, shortly after. She said her mom helped her with opening the store and then she walked outside to take a walk around the parking lot, which was normal behavior.

Rimi Islam said she got busy and lost track of where her mom was and asked another employee if she had seen her, the report states. The employee said she saw Monica Islam walking in the parking lot as she arrived at work, around 6:10 a.m. Rimi Islam tried calling her mom and was unable to reach her, and she went home to look for her. After checking her security cameras, she confirmed Monica Islam did not go back home. She called her mom multiple times, and was unable to reach her, so she called police.

EPD canvassed the area looking for Monica Islam and and went to the home she shares with her daughter. After officers were unable to find her, she was entered as a missing person and a BOLO (be on the lookout) was generated in an effort to find her.

An EPD officer soon spoke with an LCSO sergeant who said they were working a case involving a deceased female found on the roadside. The sergeant gave EPD details that matched the description of Monica Islam and LCSO responded to Islam’s home, along with EPD detectives, to speak with her daughter. The body was positively identified as Monica Islam later the same day.

An autopsy was performed by the Medical Examiner’s Office, and on Tuesday, LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin said Monica Islam’s cause of death was a gunshot wound, and the manner of death is homicide.

“Detectives believe that this was not a random act, and we expect to release additional details as they continue to follow up on potential leads” Martin said.

If you have information on Islam’s murder, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Woman found dead near Mount Dora is a homicide victim, deputies say 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 agencies and numerous public officials are expected to be in attendance.

“The good ones needed to know they were appreciated,” Cook said in an earlier interview, and this year the walk is especially important to Cook for several reasons – remembering Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link who was killed in an ambush attack in August 2024, and honoring Master Deputy Harold Howell and Deputy Stefano Gargano who were shot in the same attack. This year also marks 20 years since Deputy Wayne Koester was killed in a separate ambush attack 20 years ago.

PHOTOS: Bonnie Whicher/Inside Lake 

Koester was Cook’s close friend, and was killed in the line of duty Feb. 9, 2005. Koester, who was 33 at the time, and two other deputies were ambushed while responding to a domestic violence call. All three deputies were shot, and Koester succumbed to his injuries; the other two deputies recovered. Jason Wheeler was shot and paralyzed during his capture and convicted in Koester’s death. Cook was also close to Chris Daniels, who was serving as Lake County Sheriff when he was tragically killed in a charity bus race in 2006, on his birthday.

Participants will meet at 9 a.m. at Wooton Park, 100 East Ruby Street, Tavares. The first stop will be the Lake County Administration Building, then a stop at the Tavares Public Safety Complex and the walk will end at Kalua Beach Bar with lunch, provided by owner Randy Connor; come a little early to enjoy donuts and coffee.

Shirts, provided by every year by Turf Tech Professional Lawn Maintenance, will be for sale for $10 each at the walk. The money will be used for Lake County Back the Blue & Red’s quest to become a non-profit organization.

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

LCSO treating death of woman reported missing from Eustis as “potential” homicide investigation

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has released the identity of the woman found dead near Mount Dora Friday and Eustis Police Department has confirmed she is the subject of its missing person investigation.

LCSO responded to the area of Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road Friday morning after a caller reported they found a woman’s body. Deputies responded and found Monica Islam, 44, a woman who was reported missing from Eustis, EPD Chief Craig Capri said.

Law enforcement investigates after the body of Monica Islam, 44, was found Friday morning near Mount Dora. PHOTO: Bonnie Whicher/Inside Lake

LCSO detectives are working the investigation as a potential homicide, pending information from the Medical Examiner’s Office, Cpl. Chanel Martin said.

Islam was reported missing to EPD by her daughter Friday morning and detectives and a crime scene investigator were at Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis, the last place Islam was seen, collecting evidence, Capri told Inside Lake.

Islam was at the store visiting with her daughter, an employee, when she walked outside, her daughter told police.

“She walked out of the store and never came back ,” Capri said.

Video surveillance showed Islam walking out of the store, but did not capture any potential suspects, he said. Islam’s body was found a short time later, but the exact time was not available at press time.

If you have information on Islam’s disappearance, or death, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Crimeline callers may be eligible for a reward.

Previous story: Deputies conducting death investigation near Mount Dora; Eustis police working missing person case, unconfirmed if cases are related – Inside Lake

 

 

LCSO treating death of woman reported missing from Eustis as “potential” homicide investigation Read More »

Deputies conducting death investigation near Mount Dora; Eustis police working missing person case, unconfirmed if cases are related

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is in unincorporated Mount Dora conducting a “death investigation” regarding a deceased adult, LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin told Inside Lake Friday.

Multiple tipsters reached out to Inside Lake about the large law enforcement presence near Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road.

Limited information was released late Friday morning.

“The scene is secure and there is no danger to the public,” Martin said. “It doesn’t appear to be a result of natural cause. Detectives are on scene trying to gather more information.”

There is also a large law enforcement presence at Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis; Inside Lake reached out to Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri and he would not confirm if the two scenes are related.

“We are working a missing person case and it’s a fluid and active investigation. I can’t confirm at this time if they are related,” Capri told Inside Lake. 

This is a developing story.

Eustis Police Department is on scene investigating a missing person case on Bay Street. Photo courtesy of Carl Fowler

Deputies conducting death investigation near Mount Dora; Eustis police working missing person case, unconfirmed if cases are related Read More »

Husband of missing Mount Dora mom convicted on federal child porn charges

OCALA, Fla.—The husband of missing Mount Dora mom Nicole Baldwin has been convicted of four child pornography charges in federal court.

Late last month, Brett Baldwin was found guilty of one count of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor and three counts of receipt of child pornography by United States District Judge Thomas Barber during a bench trial, according to documents obtained by Inside Lake.

Nicole Baldwin

Investigators seized Baldwin’s phone Nov. 28, 2023 in their search for his missing wife Nicole – the same day they searched the home in Mount Dora they shared with their children. It is unknown if investigators found any evidence pertaining to Nicole, but after being missing for more than 18 months, she has not been found, and no one has been charged in her disappearance.

Investigators did find 31 child pornography images on Baldwin’s phone, and he was arrested Dec. 14, 2023, at his mother’s home in Sumter County. In an interview with investigators, Baldwin admitted possessing the child pornography and said it was for “research purposes.” A second phone belonging to Baldwin was also searched and additional child pornography images were found. He was later indicted on four charges stemming from evidence on both phones and has been held on no bond since his arrest.

Investigators search Brett Baldwin’s mother’s home in Sumter County in December 2023.
Courtesy photo

According to courts documents, Baldwin waived a jury trial, and opted for the case to be decided by Barber. On March 27, Barber found Baldwin guilty after a 10-minute bench trial, according to court documents.

Nicole Baldwin, 41, was last seen Nov. 2, 2023, at her Strathmore Circle home in Mount Dora and reported missing on Nov. 5, 2023. She was originally classified as “missing and endangered,” but a search warrant later stated police were looking for evidence in a second-degree murder investigation. Multiple searches were conducted for Nicole, including one March 24, in the area of Thrill Hill Road and County Road 44A, City of Mount Dora Spokesperson Misty Sommer told Inside Lake last month. No evidence was found. If you have information on Nicole Baldwin’s disappearance, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Brett Baldwin is scheduled to be sentenced in Ocala federal court on the child pornography charges July 25.

Previous stories: Major law enforcement presence in missing Mount Dora mom’s former neighborhood Friday – Inside Lake

Multiple law enforcement agencies search for missing Mount Dora mom Saturday – Inside Lake

Missing Person Advocate Says Law Enforcement Turned on Her in Missing Mount Dora Mom Case – Inside Lake

Feds: More than 2 Dozen Child Porn Images and Videos Found on Phone Seized in Missing Mount Dora Mom Case; Husband Planned to Move to North Carolina – Inside Lake

Husband of Missing Mount Dora Mom Being Held on Federal Charges – Inside Lake

Husband of Missing Mount Dora Woman Taken into Custody Thursday Morning – Inside Lake

Reward Offered for Information Leading to the Whereabouts of Missing Mount Dora Mother – Inside Lake

Community Search and Vigil Planned for Mount Dora Mom Missing a Month – Inside Lake

Major Law Enforcement Activity at Mount Dora Home of Missing Mom – Inside Lake

3 Weeks and Still No Sign of Missing Mount Dora Mom – Inside Lake

Mount Dora Woman Missing a Week, Daughter Wants Answers – Inside Lake

Husband of missing Mount Dora mom convicted on federal child porn charges Read More »

3 killed, 1 critically injured in early morning crash near Howey-in-the-Hills

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla.—Three women were killed and another woman was critically injured after the SUV they were in hit a pole, overturned several times and ejected all four of them Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Just after 3:15 a.m., a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling northbound on State Road 19 near Saint Florian Lane when the driver, a 30-year-old Mount Dora woman, failed to negotiate a curve, FHP said. The Jeep ran off the road, struck a pole and overturned several times, ejecting the driver, and her three passengers, a 32-year-old woman, a 28-year-old woman, and a 26-year-old woman, all of Eustis. None of the women were wearing seatbelts.

The driver and one passenger were pronounced deceased on the scene, and two passengers were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where one of them died. The 26-year-old Eustis woman remains in critical condition.

 

3 killed, 1 critically injured in early morning crash near Howey-in-the-Hills 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:

At the Dec. 2024 commission meeting, the FWC’s Bear Management Program gave commissioners a five-year update on implementing the 2019 Florida Black Bear Management Plan, highlighting recent bear management and research efforts. Following the presentation, the Commissioners directed staff to return to a future Commission meeting to propose options for implementing a potential bear hunt.

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