Around the County Archives - Page 9 of 15

9-Month Investigation Uncovers Conspiracy to Smuggle Drugs into Jail, 3 Arrested, Including Siblings

TAVARES, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has arrested three people and is looking for a fourth person, it says conspired to smuggle drugs into the Lake County Detention Center, better known as the Lake County Jail or LCJ. LCSO announced Friday it arrested Victoria Morrison, 24, of Lady Lake, Robert Morrison, 28, of Leesburg, and Anthony Arnold, 37, of Fruitland Park and a warrant has been issued for the arrest Patrick White, 40, of Okahumpka, according to a press release. Victoria Morrison and Robert Morrison are brother and sister, LCSO Lt. Fred Jones told Inside Lake. According to LCSO, Victoria […]

9-Month Investigation Uncovers Conspiracy to Smuggle Drugs into Jail, 3 Arrested, Including Siblings Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 17, 2023

Motorcyclist Killed in Head-On Crash, Paisley Woman Airlifted Thursday

PAISLEY, Florida—A Daytona Beach man was killed Thursday afternoon when the motorcycle he was riding drifted into oncoming traffic and struck a car head-on, seriously injuring a Paisley woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 72-year-old man was riding a 2007 Harley-Davidson eastbound on County Road 42 west of 4th Street when he entered the westbound lane and struck a 2017 Hyundai Veloster being driven by a 23-year-old woman shortly before 2 p.m. The impact caused the Hyundai to run off the road and strike several trees, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The motorcycle rider

Motorcyclist Killed in Head-On Crash, Paisley Woman Airlifted Thursday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 16, 2023

Hours After Alleged Crime, Eustis Attempted Rape Suspect Bitten by LCSO K9 and Taken into Custody Thursday

EUSTIS, Florida—The man accused of attempting to rape a woman at a Eustis massage business was bitten by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office K9 and taken into custody just hours after the crime, according to Eustis Police Department Capt. Dave Carney. Surveillance video from a nearby business clearly showed the license plate of the vehicle the suspect was driving, and he was quickly identified as Timothy Paul Taylor, 35, by EPD. They went to his last known address in Eustis and neighbors told police he moved to Palmetto Street. Officers arrived at the home he shares with his mother and

Hours After Alleged Crime, Eustis Attempted Rape Suspect Bitten by LCSO K9 and Taken into Custody Thursday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 16, 2023

Eustis Police Searching for Armed Suspect Accused of Assaulting and Battering Woman Thursday

EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department is searching for an armed man, accused of assaulting and battering a woman at massage business Thursday morning. A “younger” white male, approximately 5 feet 7 inches, wearing tan pants, a black hoodie, a red medical mask and armed with a gun entered the back door of A-1 Massage and Spa, 1316 South Bay Street, Thursday morning, EPD Capt. Dave Carney told Inside Lake. He pulled his pants down, grabbed a female employee by the hair, put the gun to her head, pushed her head down and demanded a sex act. The woman was able to

Eustis Police Searching for Armed Suspect Accused of Assaulting and Battering Woman Thursday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 16, 2023

Man Accused of Killing Family in 2019 DUI Christmas Eve Crash Leaves Trial for Lunch and Never Comes Back, Found Guilty in Absentia

TAVARES, Florida—A man on trial this week for killing three members of the same family on Christmas Eve 2019 is on the run after leaving his trial during a lunch break and never coming back—and was convicted the same day, according to Lake County Clerk of Court docket information. Zachery Maurice Waldo, 36, is accused of killing Christopher Smith, 44, his wife, Jessica Smith,35, and their daughter Hailey Smith, 13, all of Eustis. Their son Hunter, just 11 years old, was the sole survivor in the vehicle his family was riding in. Christopher and Jessica died on the scene of

Man Accused of Killing Family in 2019 DUI Christmas Eve Crash Leaves Trial for Lunch and Never Comes Back, Found Guilty in Absentia Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 15, 2023

Mount Dora Police Arrest Armed Man Accused of Shooting Woman Twice Sunday Night

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Mount Dora man is being held on no bond after a woman told Mount Dora Police he shot her at least twice Sunday night, according to an arrest affidavit. Shortly before 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Mount Dora Police Department responded to the 1500 block of Pine Avenue in reference to a shooting and when they arrived they found a woman in a 2010 Nissan passenger vehicle suffering from at least two gunshot wounds. The victim told police “Jason,” later identified as Jason Jameel Ganga shot her while she was attempting to leave and he was inside. There were

Mount Dora Police Arrest Armed Man Accused of Shooting Woman Twice Sunday Night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 15, 2023

Another $1 Million Scratch-Off Ticket Sold in Lake County

ASTATULA, Florida—An Astatula man is more than $800,000 richer after claiming a $1 million prize on a scratch-off ticket, the Florida Lottery announced Tuesday. William Rundall, 69, claimed the prize at the Florida Lottery’s Orlando District Office and chose a one-time, lump sum payment of $820,000, lottery officials said. Rundall bought the 500X THE CASH ticket for $50 at Food Mart, 13512 Georgia Avenue, Astatula; the store will receive $2,000 bonus commission for selling the ticket. Just last month, Cynthia Jackubowski, 56, of Groveland claimed her $1 million prize from a ticket she purchased in Leesburg. She also chose a

Another $1 Million Scratch-Off Ticket Sold in Lake County Read More »

Astatula, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 15, 2023

Woman Arrested For Neglect After Leaving 2 Children with Store Employee Overnight

LADY LAKE, Florida—A woman is in the Lake County Jail after leaving two children overnight with a gas station employee she did not know, according to an arrest affidavit. Around 6 a.m. Sunday, Lady Lake Police Department responded to Circle K, 3 La Grande Boulevard, Lady Lake on a report of two abandoned children. When they arrived, an employee told officers an unknown woman, later identified as April Maxwell, 39, came into the store around 10 p.m. Saturday and left the children, aged 7 and 13. The employee said he believed the woman was under the influence of narcotics due

Woman Arrested For Neglect After Leaving 2 Children with Store Employee Overnight Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 14, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 13, 2023

Man Swerves to Avoid Vehicle Sunday morning, Crashes Through Eustis Guardrail

EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department is investigating a crash that sent a vehicle into a ditch near David Walker Drive and U.S. Highway 441 Sunday morning. Yash Patel told Eustis Police Department he was traveling down U.S. Highway 441 when a vehicle pulled out in front of him from the 7-Eleven/Dunkin Donuts exit, and he swerved to avoid it. He lost control, crashed through the guardrail and went down the embankment. He was not injured. He told EPD the other vehicle fled towards Tavares, and a description of the vehicle was not available. If you have information on Sunday’s crash, call

Man Swerves to Avoid Vehicle Sunday morning, Crashes Through Eustis Guardrail Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 13, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 13, 2023

Montverde Man Arrested on Multiple Child Pornography Charges, More than 1,000 Images Found

MONTVERDE, Florida—A Montverde man is being held on no bond after a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) resulted in a search warrant that revealed more than 1,000 digital child pornography images, some with children younger than 4 years old, according to a probable cause affidavit. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) began investigating Joseph A. Greene, 64, after NCMEC reported Greene had uploaded approximately 500 child pornography images to his Google account between Feb. 18, 2022 and Oct. 25, 2022. FDLE executed a search warrant for his account and found graphic images depicting

Montverde Man Arrested on Multiple Child Pornography Charges, More than 1,000 Images Found Read More »

Inside Scoop, Montverde / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 11, 2023

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, Inside Scoop, Uncategorized / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 13, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 9, 2023

Lady Lake Police Release More Details in Applebee’s Shooting, Victim Identified

LADY LAKE, Florida—Lady Lake Police Department continues to investigate a shooting that left a man dead early Tuesday morning. In a press release late Wednesday afternoon, LLPD Deputy Chief Jason Brough said a man, identified as Dishaun Marquis Hudson, 38, of Leesburg was seated outside at a patio table with a group of people at Applebee’s, 1009 Bichara Boulevard, Lady Lake. Hudson walked into the parking lot where at least three gunshots were fired and vehicle left. After the shots were fired, several customers of the restaurant fled out the back door and Hudson walked around to a side door

Lady Lake Police Release More Details in Applebee’s Shooting, Victim Identified Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 8, 2023

Deputies Shut Down State Road 44 After Tragic Incident Monday Afternoon

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story stated the incident happened on Tuesday; the incident happened on Monday and the story has been corrected. Publisher’s Note: The following story contains details about an incident involving a suicide on State Road 44 Tuesday afternoon. Inside Lake determines if we will cover a suicide on a case-by-case basis. Generally, we only cover a suicide if it is in a public place, as in this case. We also want to share resources that are available to our readers if they need help. Locally, the M.I.K.E. Endowment is available, visit https://www.themikeendowment.org/ and the National

Deputies Shut Down State Road 44 After Tragic Incident Monday Afternoon Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 9, 2023

Unidentified Man Dead After Multiple Altercations at Lady Lake Restaurant

LADY LAKE, Florida—Lady Lake Police Department is investigating an incident that left a man dead early Tuesday morning, according to LLPD Deputy Chief Jason Brough. The man, who has not been identified, arrived at Applebee’s, 1009 Bichara Boulevard just after 1 a.m. Tuesday and was involved in an altercation outside, where at least three gunshots were fired, Brough said in a press release. Employees of the restaurant locked the doors and called 9-1-1. The man attempted to enter through the front door, found it locked, and a female who was inside the restaurant opened a side door and let him

Unidentified Man Dead After Multiple Altercations at Lady Lake Restaurant Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 7, 2023

Accused Bank Robber Nabbed by Leesburg Police Several Blocks from the Scene of the Crime

LEESBURG, Florida—A man is custody after Leesburg Police Department found him running several blocks from a busy bank that was robbed Monday morning, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. Brandon J. Hooks, 38, of Lady Lake is accused of giving a teller a note indicating he was robbing Wells Fargo, 2271 Citrus Boulevard just after 9:30 a.m. Monday. Hooks, who was wearing all black, did not brandish a gun, Iozzi said. The teller complied and LPD responded to the scene after receiving multiple robbery alarms and confirming the robbery with a bank employee by phone. Hooks fled the scene

Accused Bank Robber Nabbed by Leesburg Police Several Blocks from the Scene of the Crime Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 6, 2023

Tavares Police: Man in Custody After Firing Shots in Tavares Backyard

TAVARES, Florida—A man is in custody after he fired shots in the backyard of a home on Pineway Street, according to Tavares Police Department Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan. TPD responded to the 1000 block of Pineway Street around 7 p.m. Friday night on a report of shots fired, Sullivan told Inside Lake. Officers arrived and found the shooting occurred in the backyard of a home and after a foot pursuit, took Craig Austin Campbell, 31, of Weirsdale into custody. No one was injured in the shooting. Campbell complained he had a medical issue and was transported to AdventHealth Waterman

Tavares Police: Man in Custody After Firing Shots in Tavares Backyard Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 3, 2023

Fruitland Park First Friday Market Set to Begin this Week

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida—A new, daytime monthly market is set to begin this Friday in Fruitland Park. Orange Blossom Market Co. has partnered with the City of Fruitland Park to create the Fruitland Park First Friday Market. The market is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Friday of each month at Fruitland Park City Hall, 506 West Berckman Street and will run through May, taking a break during the sweltering summer months and kicking back off in September, Orange Blossom Market Co. Founder and Organizer Sheena Willis told Inside Lake. “The market will be a place where locals

Fruitland Park First Friday Market Set to Begin this Week Read More »

Features, Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 28, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 27, 2023

Man, Angry Over a Ride, Accused of Slapping Deputy’s Hand and Disorderly Intoxication

LEESBURG, Florida—A man apparently angry that a pair of Uber delivery drivers would not take him anywhere, slapped a deputy’s hand, got tased and went to jail Saturday night, according to an arrest affidavit. A Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy was flagged down in the 11000 block of Huggins Street in the Bassville Park area of Leesburg by two females around 10:30 pm. Saturday. The pair told the deputy they arrived at a home on Huggins to pick up a package and they were approached by Jemerh Tyrik Cosby, 26, who lived at the home. Cosby, who they said appeared

Man, Angry Over a Ride, Accused of Slapping Deputy’s Hand and Disorderly Intoxication Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 27, 2023

FHP: Suspect Fleeing Lady Lake Police Crashes Into SUV, Sends Woman, 2 Teens to the Hospital

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol has released information on the crash that killed a suspect and sent three people to the hospital Saturday afternoon. A 35-year-old Orlando man driving a black Hyundai Elantra fled Lady Lake Police Department just after 4 p.m. Saturday and “due to its recklessness and speeds Lady Lake PD lost sight of (the car,) FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said. The Hyundai continued to drive recklessly and began driving southbound in the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 27/441 near 466A in Fruitland Park. The Hyundai struck a silver Kia Sportage being driven by a 43-year-old woman

FHP: Suspect Fleeing Lady Lake Police Crashes Into SUV, Sends Woman, 2 Teens to the Hospital Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 26, 2023

Man, 21, Killed in ATV Crash

LEESBURG, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating an ATV crash that killed a Leesburg man Saturday afternoon. The 21-year-old man struck a pole while riding an ATV around 5:15 p.m. and was pronounced dead on the scene at Veech Road and Pruitt Street near Leesburg, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. It is unknown if the man was riding the ATV on the roadway, or if he was wearing a helmet. There was no other information available at press time because FHP’s traffic homicide investigator was sent to additional fatal crashes that occurred soon after the ATV

Man, 21, Killed in ATV Crash Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 26, 2023

Suspect Flees Lady Lake Police Wrong Way Down U.S. 27, Crashes into Vehicle, Suspect Dead, 3 Airlifted

FRUITLAND Park, Florida—A theft suspect is dead after fleeing from Lady Lake Police Department Saturday afternoon, crashing into an unsuspecting vehicle and sending three people to the hospital, according to Fruitland Park Police Chief Erik Luce. FPPD was notified that Lady Lake Police Department was pursuing a vehicle into the city limits of Fruitland Park after a LLPD officer stated on the radio a suspect attempted to use their vehicle to run into an officer, Luce said in a press release. The officer was investigating a theft at Home Depot, 871 U.S. Highway 27, Lady Lake when the incident

Suspect Flees Lady Lake Police Wrong Way Down U.S. 27, Crashes into Vehicle, Suspect Dead, 3 Airlifted Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 26, 2023

State to Seek Death Penalty in Brutal Murders of Elderly Mount Dora Couple

TAVARES, Florida—The woman accused of brutally stabbing an elderly Mount Dora couple in their Waterman Village home may pay for the crimes with her life. On Thursday morning, Assistant State Attorney Jamie McManus e-filed a “notice of intent to seek the death penalty,” in the case against Vickie Lynn Williams, 50, for the murders of Darryl Getman, 83, and Sharon Getman, 80. The married couple was murdered in their home sometime between the hours of 11 p.m. Dec. 30, 2022, and 2 a.m. Dec. 31. The Getmans’ bodies were found by Mount Dora Police officers after they received two 9-1-1

State to Seek Death Penalty in Brutal Murders of Elderly Mount Dora Couple Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 25, 2023

Troopers Investigating Fatal ATV Crash Near Leesburg

LEESBURG, Florida—An ATV crash has killed at least one person Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers are investigating the crash at Veech Road and Pruitt Street that occurred around 5:20 p.m., FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in an email; no other information has been released. There is a roadblock in the area. This is a developing story.

Troopers Investigating Fatal ATV Crash Near Leesburg Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 25, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 25, 2023

Pedestrian Killed on CR 473 Near Leesburg Late Thursday Night

LEESBURG, Florida—A 41-year-old Groveland man was killed Thursday night while walking in the southbound lane of County Road 473 near Lake Drive, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi. Shortly after 10:30 p.m., a 2012 GMC Acadia being driven by a 38-year-old Leesburg man was traveling southbound on County Road 473 when it struck the Groveland man, killing him. The Leesburg man told troopers he did not see the man walking in his lane, Crescenzi said in a press release. The Groveland man was pronounced deceased on the scene and the Leesburg man suffered minor injuries. The crash remains

Pedestrian Killed on CR 473 Near Leesburg Late Thursday Night Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 24, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 24, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 24, 2023

Polk County Detention Deputy Killed in Groveland Crash Wednesday

GROVELAND, Florida—The young man killed in the head-on crash with a semi on State Road 33 in Groveland Wednesday has been identified as a Polk County detention deputy, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO.) Drake Sawyer Perry, 22, of Ocoee, was driving a 2014 Mazda 3 northbound on State Road 33 near Double H Lane when he veered into the southbound lane and struck a 2014 Volvo semi-truck head-on being driven by a 32-year-old man from Duluth, Georgia at 11:20 a.m. Wednesday. The semi then hit the rear left of a 2018 Hyundai Elantra, being driven by a 34-year-old

Polk County Detention Deputy Killed in Groveland Crash Wednesday Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 23, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 22, 2023

Bushnell Motorcyclist Killed in Crash With Villager

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—A motorcyclist was ejected from his motorcycle and killed Wednesday morning after a sedan rear-ended him on State Road 44 near County Road 44A in Sumter County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 65-year-old motorcyclist of Bushnell, was westbound on State Road 44, when a sedan being driven by a 44-year-old man of The Villages, “overtook and collided with the rear of the motorcycle,” shortly before 6 a.m. Wednesday, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. The motorcyclist was ejected and suffered fatal injuries; the driver of the sedan was not injured, Gaskins said.

Bushnell Motorcyclist Killed in Crash With Villager Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 22, 2023

FWC Releases Name of Man Found in Lake Griffin Tuesday

LEESBURG, Florida— The man found in Lake Griffin Tuesday has been identified, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC.) Around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported finding an empty boat on Lake Griffin near Herlong Park in Leesburg, FWC Public Information Officer Chad Weber told Inside Lake. FWC responded to the scene and the body of an adult male was found in the water nearby where the empty boat was found, and Leesburg Fire Rescue recovered the body of Thomas G. Eichelberger, 80. Eichelberger was brought to the boat ramp, where he was pronounced

FWC Releases Name of Man Found in Lake Griffin Tuesday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 22, 2023

Body, Unmanned Boat Found in Lake Griffin Tuesday, FWC Investigating

LEESBURG, Florida—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating after the body of an adult male was found near an unmanned boat around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, FWC Public Information Officer Chad Weber told Inside Lake. The name of the man has not been released pending notification of his next of kin, Weber said. There was no obvious cause of death, and the man was turned over to the medical examiner. Weber responded to the scene along with Leesburg Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office marine unit. “It’s an active investigation,” Weber said, and an update is

Body, Unmanned Boat Found in Lake Griffin Tuesday, FWC Investigating Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 21, 2023

$1 Million Winning Scratch-Off Ticket Purchased in Leesburg

LEESBURG, Florida—A Groveland woman has claimed a $1 million prize from a winning scratch-off ticket she purchased in Leesburg, the Florida Lottery announced Monday. Cynthia Jackubowski, 56, bought the 500X THE CASH ticket for $50 at Quick Stop, 1200 West Main Street, Leesburg; the store will get $2,000 commission for selling the ticket, the Florida Lottery said. Jackubowski claimed her prize at lottery headquarters in Tallahassee, and chose to take her winnings as a one-time, lump sum payment of $820,000.

$1 Million Winning Scratch-Off Ticket Purchased in Leesburg Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 21, 2023

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, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 21, 2023

Man Accused of Smoking Marijuana and Yelling in Popular Town Square, Fights Cops as They Try to Arrest Him Thursday

THE VILLAGES, Florida—A man who was causing a disturbance at a popular town square resisted Lady Lake Police officers and tried to fight them as they took him into custody, according to an arrest affidavit. LLPD responded to Main Street and Paige Place in Spanish Springs Town Square on a report of a man yelling and disturbing the peace around 11 a.m. Thursday. They found Eric Alan Feliciano, 29, at the scene and attempted to speak to him, the affidavit states. Feliciano, of Oxford, refused to identify himself and began yelling at officers, causing patrons to stop and see

Man Accused of Smoking Marijuana and Yelling in Popular Town Square, Fights Cops as They Try to Arrest Him Thursday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 21, 2023

Leesburg Man Loses Control of SUV on Interstate 75, Dies in Pasco County Crash

PASCO COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man was killed and his passenger seriously injured, after he lost control of the SUV he was driving on Interstate 75 Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 75-year-old man was driving northbound on Interstate 75, near mile marker 279, when he lost control, left the roadway, struck a fence and collided with a tree shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. The Leesburg man suffered fatal injuries, and his passenger, a 73-year-old woman, also of Leesburg, suffered serious injuries. Her condition was unknown at press time.

Leesburg Man Loses Control of SUV on Interstate 75, Dies in Pasco County Crash Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 20, 2023

Hundreds of People Come Out for Eustis African American Heritage Celebration

EUSTIS, Florida—The crowds were large Saturday and the weather was beautiful for the 28th Annual Eustis African American Heritage Celebration. Beginning with a parade of nearly 150 entries, paradegoers were treated to candy and appearances by Parade Marshal Verma Evans, the Eustis African American Heritage Festival Committee, Eustis Junior Panthers players and cheerleaders, Magic Boyz, along with Eustis City Commissioners, Eustis Police Department, Eustis Fire Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. For the second year running, Inside Lake participated in the parade. The fragrance of all the scrumptious food available at the festival wafted through the air during the

Hundreds of People Come Out for Eustis African American Heritage Celebration Read More »

Eustis, Features, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 20, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 19, 2023

Fundraiser Created for Man, 71, Left Paralyzed from January Head-On Crash

ORLANDO, Florida—A fundraiser has been created for the elderly man who was airlifted following a head-on collision in January at a Eustis intersection notorious for crashes. A 19-year-old Leesburg man was driving a Dodge Ram south on County Road 452 when he attempted to make a left turn on County Road 44 and turned into the path of a black Toyota sedan being driven by Bernard Perry, 71, of Zellwood around 6:30 a.m. Jan. 19. The front of the truck struck the front of the sedan, seriously injuring Perry and he was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center, Eustis Police

Fundraiser Created for Man, 71, Left Paralyzed from January Head-On Crash Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 17, 2023

Lake County Tigers Secretary Turns Herself In After Being Accused of Stealing Thousands of Dollars

MOUNT DORA, Florida—For the second time in as many months a board member of a Lake County youth sports organization has been arrested for stealing funds meant to benefit the children. Tamara Lamar Jones, 38, of Leesburg, is accused of stealing nearly $13,000 from Lake County Tigers Inc., a Mount Dora based youth softball organization, while she served as secretary, according to a probable cause affidavit. From January 2022 through September 2022, Jones is accused of diverting $7,544 to her personal Venmo account and $5,274 to her Cash App account for a total of $12,818, the affidavit states. The Lake

Lake County Tigers Secretary Turns Herself In After Being Accused of Stealing Thousands of Dollars Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 17, 2023

Sorrento Woman Killed, Eustis Man Seriously Injured in Volusia County Crash

De LEON SPRINGS— A Sorrento woman was killed Thursday afternoon after the car she was riding in rear-ended a Ford F-350 on U.S. Highway 17 in Volusia County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 2013 Hyundai Elantra being driven by a 41-year-old Eustis man, was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 17 approaching West Davis Street near De Leon Springs in Volusia County, when he failed to slow for a Ford F-350 pickup truck shortly after 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The Hyundai rear-ended the Ford, seriously injuring the Eustis man. His passenger, a 40-year-old woman from Sorrento, was transported to AdventHealth

Sorrento Woman Killed, Eustis Man Seriously Injured in Volusia County Crash Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 17, 2023

Leesburg Man Arrested After Fleeing Eustis Valentine’s Day Crash and Critically Injuring Man in Second Crash

EUSTIS, Florida—A man without a license who police say fled a chain-reaction crash he caused, ran two stop signs and then slammed into the side of a Ford Focus on Valentine’s Day is facing three charges related to the crashes, according to an arrest affidavit. Gustavo Miguel Garcia, 29, of Leesburg was driving a white Ford flatbed pickup truck when he rear-ended a black Dodge SUV at Grove Street and Floral Avenue and fled the scene just before 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, witnesses told Eustis Police Department. The witnesses followed Garcia and he turned onto Wilt Avenue, and ran the stop

Leesburg Man Arrested After Fleeing Eustis Valentine’s Day Crash and Critically Injuring Man in Second Crash Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 16, 2023

Thirsty Shirtless Man Arrested After Allegedly Smashing Windows, Doors and Coolers at Leesburg Subway

LEESBURG, Florida –A Leesburg man was nabbed at a local sub shop early Saturday morning after a passerby reported seeing him throwing rocks at the restaurant, according to an arrest affidavit. Leesburg Police Department responded to Subway, 1320 South 14th Street, Leesburg at 3:12 a.m. after someone reported seeing a man, later identified as Frederick Charles McPherson, throwing rocks at the shop and breaking the windows. When LPD arrived at the restaurant, an officer observed two large windows and both front doors smashed out, with a shirtless McPherson on the scene. McPherson was detained and the officer found several rocks

Thirsty Shirtless Man Arrested After Allegedly Smashing Windows, Doors and Coolers at Leesburg Subway Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 13, 2023

Couple Killed in Umatilla Rollover Crash

UMATILLA, Florida—A married couple was found deceased Saturday morning after crashing their car and being found by the owner of the property where they crashed, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Marquis Timmerman, 24, of Paisley, was driving a blue Chevy Malibu north on County Road 439 near Live Oak Ranch Road in unincorporated Umatilla, when she lost control and traveled onto the east shoulder, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. The Malibu collided with a drainage ditch and several trees before becoming airborne, overturning coming to a final rest in the wooded area on the east

Couple Killed in Umatilla Rollover Crash Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 11, 2023

Pedestrian Succumbs to Injuries Following Crash in Paisley Friday Morning

PAISLEY, Florida—A Paisley woman was killed after she stepped into the path of a car on County Road 42 in Paisley Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 42-year-old woman was crossing County Road 42 at the intersection of Crooked Mile Road, near Dollar General, when she was struck by 2001 beige Toyota Camry being driven by a 38-year-old Paisley man around 6:45 a.m. She was not in a crosswalk. She was flown to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford where she succumbed to her injuries, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. The Toyota

Pedestrian Succumbs to Injuries Following Crash in Paisley Friday Morning Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 11, 2023

FHP Investigating Double Fatality Near Umatilla

UMATILLA, Florida— The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed two people Saturday morning in unincorporated Umatilla, according to FHP Lt. Channing Taylor. The crash was reported shortly after 8:30 a.m. and two occupants were found deceased inside the vehicle on Live Oak Ranch Road near County Road 439. Troopers are still on scene and working to determine the sequence of events and identify the victims of the crash, Taylor said. This is a developing story.

FHP Investigating Double Fatality Near Umatilla Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 11, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 11, 2023

K9 Sniffs Out More Than a Pound of Meth Monday Afternoon

EUSTIS, Florida— Two people are in the Lake County Jail on more than $100,000 bond for drug charges, including trafficking in methamphetamine, after Eustis Police Department’s K9 Mya sniffed out more than a pound of the drug. Shortly after 2:45 p.m. Monday, Jamie Leigh Gregory, 36, drove past EPD on South Bay Street with her passenger, Robert L. Mullins, 48; Mullins was not wearing his seatbelt. Officers pulled the red pickup truck over and it stopped in the parking lot of a nearby funeral home, according to an arrest affidavit. Gregory, of Eustis, and Mullins, of Dona Vista, abruptly jumped

K9 Sniffs Out More Than a Pound of Meth Monday Afternoon Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 8, 2023

Woman Flees Deputies in Stolen Car, Drives Herself to the Lake County Jail

TAVARES, Florida—An Astor woman is in the Lake County Jail after fleeing deputies in a stolen car in unincorporated Leesburg and ending her escapade outside the sallyport doors at the jail Saturday night, according to an arrest affidavit. An LCSO deputy observed a gray car roll the stop sign at Harbor Shores Road and Pine Island Drive and attempted to perform a traffic stop, the affidavit states. The car, being driven by Connie Ellene Adams, 31, passed another deputy who was outside his vehicle and failed to follow his commands to stop, fleeing at a high rate of speed. The

Woman Flees Deputies in Stolen Car, Drives Herself to the Lake County Jail Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 6, 2023

Marion County Deputy Flips Stolen Truck with PIT Maneuver, Finds 2 Eustis Teens Inside

OCALA, Florida—Two Eustis teens, well-known to Lake County law enforcement were arrested Wednesday after fleeing from a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy in a truck stolen from Lake County earlier this week. Robert “Swag” Sharp, 16, was driving the stolen 2010 white Ford F150 truck when a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy located it near Dogwood Road and Southeast 58th Avenue Wednesday night. The truck, reported stolen from Grand Island, contained a firearm, according to MCSO. The deputy attempted to pull the truck over, and Sharp fled, running several stop signs and red lights and driving into oncoming traffic. The

Marion County Deputy Flips Stolen Truck with PIT Maneuver, Finds 2 Eustis Teens Inside Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 4, 2023

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, Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 3, 2023

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, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 2, 2023

Memorial Planned for Well-Known Homeless Man Who Passed Away Last Month

EUSTIS, Florida—A memorial has been set for a well-known homeless man who passed away last month. Clyde “Eddie” Brooks, a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan, was found unresponsive Jan. 10 in Tavares by a mail carrier and transported to AdventHealth Waterman, where he died from an apparent medical episode. Known to most as “Clyde” he was well-liked and an earlier story about his death was shared more than 100 times and dozens of people commented and shared personal stories about Clyde. “There were many people who touched his life, and he touched ours,” Jan Glessner told Inside Lake. Glessner was a

Memorial Planned for Well-Known Homeless Man Who Passed Away Last Month Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 1, 2023

Woman, 70, Hits Woman Blowing Leaves and Flees Because She Didn’t Want to be Late for Her Appointment, Suspect Tells FHP

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Mount Dora woman was arrested Monday after hitting a woman blowing leaves and fleeing the scene, according to an arrest affidavit. Florida Highway Patrol responded to Sullivan Ranch just before 11 a.m. Monday on a report of a hit-and-run crash. The victim, a 49-year-old woman, told a trooper she was blowing leaves on Sullivan Ranch Boulevard in unincorporated Mount Dora when an elderly woman hit her in a gray Toyota. The victim said she attempted to speak to the woman, but she said, “she did not have time to sit there and wait for someone to show

Woman, 70, Hits Woman Blowing Leaves and Flees Because She Didn’t Want to be Late for Her Appointment, Suspect Tells FHP Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 1, 2023

Man Murdered During Confrontation Identified, Eustis Police Announce $10K Reward

EUSTIS, Florida—The man shot in Eustis Monday night has been identified. Wseni “Haitian Black” Laguerre, 39 was shot multiple times around 8:20 p.m. Monday following a confrontation with an unknown individual, Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri said. EPD responded to the shooting at 202 Palm Ave near Grove Street and found Laguerre with multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses told police an individual had some sort of confrontation with Laguerre and then shot him multiple times and fled the scene. Detectives are currently interviewing witnesses and following up on leads, Capri said. Laguerre was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, causing

Man Murdered During Confrontation Identified, Eustis Police Announce $10K Reward Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 31, 2023

Man Dies After Being Shot in Eustis Monday Night

EUSTIS, Florida—The man shot in Eustis Monday night has died. Eustis Police Department responded to a shooting on Palm Ave near Grove Street, just before 8:30 p.m. Monday, EPD Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. The man was rushed to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, causing the hospital to be placed on lockdown, standard procedure when a victim of violence is brought in for treatment. He was pronounced dead a short time later, according to Capri. His name has not been publicly released. It appears the man was targeted, and there was no information available on a suspect at press

Man Dies After Being Shot in Eustis Monday Night Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 31, 2023

BREAKING NEWS: Man Shot in Eustis Monday Night

EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department is on the scene of a shooting on Palm Ave near Grove Street, EPD Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. One man was shot and was rushed to a local hospital around 8:30 p.m. Monday. EPD detectives are enroute and road patrol officers are securing the crime scene, Capri said. There was no information available on the suspect(s) at press time. Capri is headed to the scene and will update Inside Lake as soon as more information is available. This is a developing story.

BREAKING NEWS: Man Shot in Eustis Monday Night Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 30, 2023

Eustis Man Nabbed After Exposing and Touching Himself at Laundromat While Watching 8-year-old Girl, Police Say

EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis man is in the Lake County Jail accused of masturbating while watching a young girl as her mother did laundry late Friday night, according to an arrest affidavit. Just before midnight Saturday morning, a woman called Eustis Police Department and reported a man was masturbating while looking at her daughter at Spin City, 320 Ardice Avenue, Eustis. The girl’s father told police he was sitting in his vehicle while his wife and daughter – who is only 8 years old – were inside doing laundry. He said his daughter was playing near the vending machines when he

Eustis Man Nabbed After Exposing and Touching Himself at Laundromat While Watching 8-year-old Girl, Police Say Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 30, 2023

City of Mount Dora Creates Controversy with New Social Media Policy

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A new social media policy enacted by the City of Mount Dora is creating quite a stir. Officially beginning Friday, comments are no longer permitted on any of the city’s social media pages, according to posts on the city’s official Facebook page and Mount Dora Police Department’s Facebook page Wednesday. The posts (identical on both pages) stated, “To better serve City of Mount Dora residents and visitors, we have made the conscious decision to turn off the commenting and messaging features on all of our social media accounts beginning Friday, January 27th, 2023. Moving forward each of our

City of Mount Dora Creates Controversy with New Social Media Policy Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 27, 2023

Restaurant Manager Locked Up for Stealing $1,300 Cash from Elderly Customer’s Purse and $180 from her Job

TAVARES, Florida—The general manager of a Tavares sub shop is in the Lake County Jail accused of stealing cash from an elderly customer’s purse, she mistakenly left behind. Tavares Police Department responded to Jimmy John’s, 458 East Burleigh Boulevard shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday on a report of a missing purse, according to an arrest affidavit. The victim told TPD she stopped in the restaurant on her way home at approximately 7 p.m. Friday and when she arrived home, she realized she had left her purse at the restaurant. She called Jimmy John’s and was told the purse would be

Restaurant Manager Locked Up for Stealing $1,300 Cash from Elderly Customer’s Purse and $180 from her Job Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 26, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 25, 2023

Woman in Stable Condition After Umatilla Crash Tuesday Night

UMATILLA—For the second time in less than a week, the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that resulted in serious injuries near Umatilla. There was little information available Wednesday morning, including how the crash occurred. A 55-year-old Sorrento woman was driving a white 2016 Chevrolet Cruze shortly before 8 p.m. Tuesday when she crashed for an unknown reason, striking a stop sign, street signs and a concrete pillar at State Road19 and Beach Street in front of Silver Beach Heights. The woman was airlifted to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, formerly Central Florida Regional Medical Center, in

Woman in Stable Condition After Umatilla Crash Tuesday Night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 25, 2023

Gas Station Argument Escalates to Stabbing, Victim Airlifted, Suspect Jailed

LEESBURG, Florida—A argument outside a Leesburg gas station Thursday afternoon escalated to a stabbing and landed one man in jail and another in the hospital, according to an arrest affidavit. Leesburg Police Department responded to a stabbing report at Sunoco, 1200 West Main Street and found the victim responsive, but in a lot of pain and “clearly in need of medical attention,” the affidavit states. He was transported to a local hospital and then airlifted to a trauma center for the stab wound on the top, left side of his rib cage. He was not publicly identified. A witness told

Gas Station Argument Escalates to Stabbing, Victim Airlifted, Suspect Jailed Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 22, 2023

Wrong-Way Crash Just North of Eustis Sends 2 to the Hospital Friday

DONA VISTA, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate a serious crash that occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Friday night. A Nissan Versa being driven by a 37-year-old Leesburg man was traveling southbound on State Road 19 in the northbound inside lane, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake. As he approached Orange Avenue, a 36-year-old Umatilla man driving a Ford Taurus southbound on State Road 19 attempted to make a left turn on Orange Avenue and the front of the Nissan struck the left side of the Ford at 9:50 p.m., Crescenzi said. The Umatilla man was airlifted

Wrong-Way Crash Just North of Eustis Sends 2 to the Hospital Friday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Umatilla / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 21, 2023

Tavares Woman Arrested for Child Neglect and Animal Cruelty After Home Found Covered in Roaches, Feces and Urine

TAVARES, Florida—An allegation of poor living conditions to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) led to the arrest of a Tavares woman last week, according to an arrest affidavit. Tavares Police responded to a home on Hunterwood Lane in reference to a DCF call alleging poor living conditions, including animal feces and a roach infestation on Jan. 14. As the arresting officer approached the home, she could “smell the strong odor of rotten meat and cat urine emitting through the closed garage door,” the arresting officer noted in the affidavit. Melody Anne Sargent, 45, met DCF and TPD at

Tavares Woman Arrested for Child Neglect and Animal Cruelty After Home Found Covered in Roaches, Feces and Urine Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 21, 2023

INSIDE LAKE EXCLUSIVE: Daughter of Local Musician Killed in Crash Last Summer and Crash Survivor Tell Their Story Only to Inside Lake

MOUNT DORA, Florida—It has been nearly six months since Emily Lowe got the call that changed her life. In the early morning hours of July 23, 2022, Lowe’s father, beloved local musician Robert Wilson was attempting to push his minivan off a curb on Old U.S. Highway 441 across from Dairy Queen in Mount Dora when good Samaritan Michael Dickey saw him and stopped to help. “I thought, man, somebody is going to hit him,” Dickey told Inside Lake earlier this week, “and I’ll be damned if what I thought happened.” Wilson’s tire was stuck on the curb and

INSIDE LAKE EXCLUSIVE: Daughter of Local Musician Killed in Crash Last Summer and Crash Survivor Tell Their Story Only to Inside Lake Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 21, 2023

Ocoee Man Killed in Astatula Head-On Crash Friday, Man and Young Girl in Stable Condition

ASTATULA, Florida—A head-on crash killed an Ocoee man Friday afternoon and sent a 7-year-old Eustis girl and a 36-year-old Eustis man to the hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 50-year-old Ocoee man was driving a grey Toyota Tacoma southbound on County Road 561, near Georgia Avenue in Astatula, when he traveled into the northbound lane and struck a white Dodge Ram being driven by a 36-year-old Eustis man around 4:15 p.m., FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. The Ocoee man was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased, Taylor said. The

Ocoee Man Killed in Astatula Head-On Crash Friday, Man and Young Girl in Stable Condition Read More »

Astatula, Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 20, 2023

Leesburg Teen Arrested for Manslaughter in December Death of Sumter County Boy, 15

TAVARES, Florida—A Leesburg teenager was arrested Friday by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies for his role in the death of a Sumter County boy who was found dead in Bushnell in December. Jontae Solomon Haywood was reported missing around 1:20 a.m. Dec. 16, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO.) Deputies received information he may have been shot and he was found dead near County Road 557 in Bushnell later the same day. Haywood, an eighth grade student at South Sumter Prep, was just 15 years old. Haywood enjoyed football, basketball, and fishing; and dreamed of becoming a professional

Leesburg Teen Arrested for Manslaughter in December Death of Sumter County Boy, 15 Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 20, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 20, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 20, 2023

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 20, 2023

Longtime Mount Dora Orthodontist Dead in Apparent Seminole County Murder-Suicide Earlier this Month

LONGWOOD, Florida—A longtime Mount Dora orthodontist apparrently killed his ex-wife and then himself in Seminole County earlier this month, according to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO.) Around 4 p.m. Jan. 11, SCSO responded to the 2400 block of Jennifer Hope Boulevard in Jennifer Estates in unincorporated Longwood on a report of a shooting, Public Information Officer Bob Kealing said in a press release. When deputies arrived, they found Sandra Herman, 79, injured in the front yard; she was taken to a local hospital where she died from her injuries. Witnesses told SCSO Herman was shot by an elderly man,

Longtime Mount Dora Orthodontist Dead in Apparent Seminole County Murder-Suicide Earlier this Month Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 20, 2023

Eustis Head-On Collision Sends Man, 71, to the Hospital

EUSTIS, Florida— Only Inside Lake was on the scene of a head-on crash that injured a 71-year-old man early Thursday morning. A Dodge Ram being driven by a 19-year-old Leesburg man collided with a black Toyota sedan being driven by a 71-year-old Zellwood man around 6:30 a.m. Thursday. The report was unavailable at press time, it is unknown how the crash occurred, and the drivers’ names were not released. The Zellwood man was seriously injured and airlifted to a local hospital; he is expected to survive, Eustis Police Department Capt. Jon Fahning told Inside Lake. The driver of the truck

Eustis Head-On Collision Sends Man, 71, to the Hospital Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 19, 2023

Suspect in Mount Dora Double Slayings Indicted by Grand Jury

TAVARES, Florida—The woman accused of stabbing an elderly couple to death and stealing their SUV in December has been indicted by a grand jury for the crimes, State Attorney Bill Gladson announced Wednesday. Vickie Lynn Williams, 50, of Savannah, Georgia is accused of brutally stabbing Darryl Getman, 83, and Sharon Getman, 80, to death sometime between the hours of 11 p.m. Dec. 30 and 2 a.m. Dec. 31. The Getmans’ bodies were found by Mount Dora Police Department after they received two 9-1-1 calls, with one caller stating two people had been killed, according to a probable cause affidavit. Numerous

Suspect in Mount Dora Double Slayings Indicted by Grand Jury Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 18, 2023

Thief Nabbed After Leesburg Resident Spots Her Walking Off with Groceries

LEESBURG, Florida—A stolen grocery bag containing frozen cauliflower, juice and muffins landed a Leesburg woman in jail Tuesday, according to an arrest affidavit. The victim called Leesburg Police Department and said she arrived home around 7:20 p.m. to find April Lee Evans, 37, walking off her front porch with groceries that had just been delivered. The victim parked her car and spotted Evans, along with an unidentified male, walking east on Main Street carrying her groceries. The victim confronted the pair, and they dropped most of the groceries and continued walking, turning on Moss Street, the same street Evans lives

Thief Nabbed After Leesburg Resident Spots Her Walking Off with Groceries Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 18, 2023

Former Police Chief Arrested for Aggravated Stalking of a Child, Facing Child Rape Charges in Sumter

TAVARES, Florida—The former police chief of Center Hill, arrested last month for raping a 14-year-old girl in Sumter County while holding her at gunpoint, is now facing stalking charges in Lake County. William Ray Pruitt, 56, of Weirsdale, was arrested early Friday morning for stalking and aggravated stalking, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office online booking records. Pruitt served as Center Hill Police chief in 1998 and 1999 and currently owns Pruitt Water in Leesburg, according to his booking information. Pruitt is accused stalking the girl beginning in October 2021, when she was just 15 years old and continuing for

Former Police Chief Arrested for Aggravated Stalking of a Child, Facing Child Rape Charges in Sumter Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 17, 2023

“You’ll Remember This,” Granddaughter Tells Grandfather After Setting her Mattress Ablaze, Causing Fire that Destroyed Eustis Home

EUSTIS, Florida—A woman, apparently angry at her grandfather after an argument about money, set her mattress on fire Monday and almost set a vehicle on fire, but changed her mind, she told Eustis Police Department, according to an arrest affidavit. Shortly before 6 p.m. Monday, EPD and Eustis Fire Department responded to a house fire at 2220 Titcomb Street; the victim told EPD he was sitting on the porch following an argument with granddaughter, Autumn Rose Walker, 22, when she came outside and said, “You’ll remember this,” and ran off down the road, the affidavit states. The victim looked inside

“You’ll Remember This,” Granddaughter Tells Grandfather After Setting her Mattress Ablaze, Causing Fire that Destroyed Eustis Home Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 17, 2023

Oviedo Man Killed in SR 46 Crash Sunday Night

SORRENTO, Florida—A 23-year-old Oviedo man was killed Sunday night after he ran off State Road 46, struck a fence and collided with a bridge support, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was driving a Ford F-450 eastbound on State Road 46, east of State Road 453 around 7:35 p.m. Sunday, when he ran off the road for an unknown reason, struck a fence, continued on and struck a bridge support, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The man was entrapped, and Lake County Fire Rescue and Mount Dora Fire Department responded to assist, sources told

Oviedo Man Killed in SR 46 Crash Sunday Night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 16, 2023

Accused 2020 Light-Up Eustis Shooter Now Accused of Pushing Woman, 76, and Snatching Her Purse

CASSELBERRY, Florida—The teenager accused of opening fire at the Light-Up Eustis event in 2020 is in the Seminole County Jail, accused of pushing an elderly woman to the ground and snatching her purse, according to affidavit filed by Casselberry Police Department in Seminole County earlier this month. Brycen Williams, 19, is accused of following a 76-year-old woman out of a device repair store on Howell Branch Road in Casselberry, pushing her to the ground and snatching her purse around 6:45 p.m. Dec. 30. The elderly woman suffered cuts to her thumb and arm and was bleeding when Casselberry Police Department

Accused 2020 Light-Up Eustis Shooter Now Accused of Pushing Woman, 76, and Snatching Her Purse Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 16, 2023

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 »

Astatula, Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde, Mount Dora, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 15, 2023

BREAKING NEWS: FHP Investigating Fatal Crash on SR 46

SORRENTO, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol in investigating a fatal crash on State Road 46 at State Road 453 in Sorrento, sources told Inside Lake Sunday night. Sources said a box truck hit a guardrail and the driver became entrapped and was pronounced dead on the scene just after 7: 45 p.m. Sunday. FHP, Lake County Fire Rescue and Mount Dora Fire Department all responded to the scene. According to FHP’s website there is no roadblock in the area. This is a breaking story.

BREAKING NEWS: FHP Investigating Fatal Crash on SR 46 Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 15, 2023

Man Pulls Gun on Roommate During Argument Over Living Conditions, Girlfriend

SORRENTO, Florida—A man pulled a gun on his roommate last week after the roommate confronted him about his dirty living conditions and inviting his girlfriend over, according to a Lake County Sheriff’s Office report. LCSO responded to Desoto Avenue, located in the Oak Springs mobile home community in Sorrento around 8 p.m. Wednesday in reference to an argument involving a firearm. When deputies arrived, they found the victim passed out on a sidewalk and his girlfriend sitting in a wheelchair on the back porch, the report states. The victim’s girlfriend said her boyfriend confronted his roommate, “Mark” about his dirty

Man Pulls Gun on Roommate During Argument Over Living Conditions, Girlfriend Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 15, 2023

Leesburg Man Dead After Striking Guardrail on SR 429, Eustis Woman Seriously Injured

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man is dead after running off the road, striking a guardrail and overturning in the truck he was driving Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 77-year-old man was driving a 2022 Toyota Tundra southbound on State Road 429, when he lost control for an unknown reason at mile marker 28, shortly before 10:30 a.m. Sunday. He ran off the road, struck a guardrail and overturned, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. He and his 73-year-old passenger, a Eustis woman, were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where the man was

Leesburg Man Dead After Striking Guardrail on SR 429, Eustis Woman Seriously Injured Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 15, 2023

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

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

Homeless Man Known to Many Passes Away Earlier this Week

TAVARES, Florida—A homeless man known to many in Eustis and Tavares and described as a “nice guy” has passed away. Clyde Edmond Brooks, 60, was well known to law enforcement and had been trespassed from many businesses but he was a “nice guy,” several law enforcement officers in Lake County told Inside Lake. When in Eustis he often could be seen in the area of the post office and officers said even when they had to arrest Clyde for trespassing after warning, he never gave them trouble and was always polite. Known to many as just “Clyde,” he loved football,

Homeless Man Known to Many Passes Away Earlier this Week Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 12, 2023

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

Woman Takes Daughter, 12, on Shoplifting Spree at Clermont Walmart Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 11, 2023

Man Accused of Hate Crime and Stalking LGBTQ Couple, Fights Deputies as They Attempt to Arrest Him

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg man is being held in the Lake County Jail on more than $100,000 bond after being accused of stalking his LGBTQ neighbors since at least September, violating an injunction and fighting the deputies who were trying to arrest him Tuesday, according to an arrest affidavit. Frank Randall Norviel, 57, of the Bassville Park area of Leesburg, is accused of a litany of crimes stemming from his alleged stalking of his neighbors beginning in September when he stood in his yard on Marlette Avenue and repeatedly squeaked a rubber chicken at the victims and screamed, “It’s not Adam

Man Accused of Hate Crime and Stalking LGBTQ Couple, Fights Deputies as They Attempt to Arrest Him Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 12, 2023

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

Orange County Carjacking Suspects Flee Cops, Flip SUV in Clermont Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 11, 2023

Police Identify Man Found Dead in Parking Lot Over the Weekend

EUSTIS, Florida—The man found dead of a suspected overdose in a car Sunday afternoon has been publicly identified. William Woodruff, 32, was found around 2 p.m. Sunday in a car at Walgreens, 101 West Ardice Avenue, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. EPD officers found drugs and drug paraphernalia with Williams and his death appeared to be an overdose. There was no evidence of foul play, according to Capri.

Police Identify Man Found Dead in Parking Lot Over the Weekend Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 10, 2023

Mount Dora Couple Brutally Stabbed Multiple Times, Suspect Found at Savannah Amtrak Station, According to Probable Cause Affidavit

Publisher’s note: The following story contains graphic details. Reader discretion is advised. MOUNT DORA, Florida—The Mount Dora couple found dead in their home in Waterman Village on New Year’s Eve was brutally stabbed and it was a gruesome and bloody scene, according to a probable cause affidavit. Vickie Lynn Williams, 50, is accused of murdering Darryl Getman, 83, and his wife, Sharon, 80, sometime between the late hours of Dec. 30 and the early morning hours of Dec. 31. Williams was captured on video surveillance leaving Waterman Village property in the couple’s stolen green Kia Soul at 2:02 a.m. Dec.

Mount Dora Couple Brutally Stabbed Multiple Times, Suspect Found at Savannah Amtrak Station, According to Probable Cause Affidavit Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 10, 2023

Body Found in Car at Eustis Business Sunday, No Foul Play, Police Say

EUSTIS, Florida—A man was found dead in a vehicle Sunday afternoon in the parking lot of a Eustis business, and it appears to be a drug overdose Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. The white male in his 30s, was found around 2 p.m. in a car at Walgreens, 101 West Ardice Avenue, Capri said. A family member of the man asked for a well-being check earlier in the day and EPD officers spotted the vehicle but were unable to pull it over and the car was later found in the parking lot. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were

Body Found in Car at Eustis Business Sunday, No Foul Play, Police Say Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 8, 2023

Mount Dora Murder Suspect in Court Saturday Morning, Judge Appoints Public Defender

TAVARES, Florida—The woman accused of brutally murdering an elderly Mount Dora couple who was found dead in their home Dec. 31 made her first appearance in court Saturday morning, a week after the bodies were found. Vickie Lynn Williams, 50, was soft-spoken as she answered Lake County Judge Emily Curington’s questions Saturday. Williams is facing two first-degree murder charges and a grand theft auto charge after being accused of killing Darryl and Sharon Getman in their home in Waterman Village and stealing their green Kia Soul. Williams was apprehended in Savannah, Georgia Monday and extradited to Lake County Friday. Curington

Mount Dora Murder Suspect in Court Saturday Morning, Judge Appoints Public Defender Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 7, 2023

BREAKING NEWS: Person of Interest in Mount Dora Slayings Now Facing Murder Charges

TAVARES, Florida—Vickie Lynn Williams, the person of interest in the brutal slayings of an elderly Mount Dora couple is now facing murder charges. Williams, 50, stands accused of killing Darryl Getman, 83, and Sharon Getman, 80, in their home in Mount Dora sometime between the late hours of Dec. 30 and the early morning hours of Dec. 31. Williams is suspected of killing the couple and fleeing in their Kia Soul just after 2 a.m. Dec. 31. An alert was issued for the lime green SUV, and she was apprehended in Savannah, Georgia on Monday with the Getman’s vehicle and

BREAKING NEWS: Person of Interest in Mount Dora Slayings Now Facing Murder Charges Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 6, 2023

ONLY ON INSIDE LAKE: Woman Bearing Striking Resemblance to Person of Interest in Murders of Elderly Couple Interacted with Mount Dora Police at Hotel Hours Before Slayings; City Refuses to Confirm or Deny Her Identity

MOUNT DORA, Florida—Only Inside Lake discovered Mount Dora Police officers interacted with a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the person of interest in the slayings of an elderly Waterman Village couple just hours before their stolen SUV was driven off Waterman Village property Saturday, however, City of Mount Dora Spokesperson Vershurn Ford refused to confirm or deny it was her to Inside Lake Friday after multiple calls and emails to the city. The woman, who bears a striking resemblance to Vickie Lynn Williams, 50, walked into Hampton Inn, 19700 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora, shortly before 12:45 p.m.

ONLY ON INSIDE LAKE: Woman Bearing Striking Resemblance to Person of Interest in Murders of Elderly Couple Interacted with Mount Dora Police at Hotel Hours Before Slayings; City Refuses to Confirm or Deny Her Identity Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 6, 2023

Person of Interest in Mount Dora Double Slayings Booked Into Lake County Jail

TAVARES, Florida—Vickie Lynn Williams, the person of interest in the murders of an elderly Mount Dora couple is back in Florida and being held in the Lake County Jail. Williams, 50, was apprehended Monday in Savannah, Georgia driving the couple’s stolen Kia Soul, Mount Dora Police Chief Michael Gibson said earlier this week. She was extradited back to Lake County Friday afternoon, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Fred Jones. Her first appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Jones said. Darryl, 83, and Sharon Getman, 80 were found murdered in their duplex home at 161 Lake Margaret Circle

Person of Interest in Mount Dora Double Slayings Booked Into Lake County Jail Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 6, 2023

BREAKING NEWS: Former Employee of Georgia Senior Living Community Person of Interest in Mount Dora Slayings

SAVANNAH, Georgia—The person of interest in the murders of a Mount Dora couple has been identified. Vickie Lynn Williams, 50, of Savannah, Georgia was arrested just before 11:45 a.m. Monday driving the Kia Soul, owned by Darryl, 83, and Sharon Getman, 80. The couple was found murdered in their duplex home at 161 Lake Margaret Circle Saturday after Waterman Village security personnel called 9-1-1 to report a “suspicious incident,” Mount Dora Police Chief Michael Gibson said earlier this week. MDPD discovered the bodies and launched an investigation, and an alert was issued for the vehicle. Sources told Inside Lake the

BREAKING NEWS: Former Employee of Georgia Senior Living Community Person of Interest in Mount Dora Slayings Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 4, 2023

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