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No one injured in shooting near Eustis campus Tuesday

EUSTIS, Fla.—No one was injured in a shooting near Eustis High School’s Curtright Campus Tuesday, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday. What deputies are calling an “aggravated assault” occurred on Harlem Avenue just outside Eustis city limits, and about a half of a mile away from the campus, causing the school to be placed on lockdown for more than an hour Tuesday morning. Crime scene tape and Eagle One circling overhead prompted concern from nearby residents, several of whom reached out to Inside Lake for information. At press time, a suspect had not been located or arrested, Deputy Stephanie […]

No one injured in shooting near Eustis campus Tuesday Read More »

Fatal crash shuts down southbound Turnpike near Clermont

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

Fatal crash shuts down southbound Turnpike near Clermont Read More »

Deputies and police search for shooting suspect near Eustis Tuesday

EUSTIS, Fla.— The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Eustis Police Department are searching for a suspect involved in a shooting that occurred Tuesday morning. Deputies cordoned off Harlem Avenue just outside of Eustis city limits with crime scene tape, and LCSO’s helicopter, Eagle One, was flying over the area searching for the suspect, witnesses said. Harlem Avenue is just over a half-mile from the Eustis High School Curtright Campus, and the incident caused the campus to be placed on lockdown from 10:38 a.m. until 11:43 a.m. Tuesday, EPD Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake.   No other information was released

Deputies and police search for shooting suspect near Eustis Tuesday Read More »

Wrong-way crash kills man, injures another near Clermont

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

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

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

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

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

1 dead, 1 seriously injured in crash near Umatilla Friday night

UMATILLA, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a single-car crash that killed one man and seriously injured another man Friday night. A 10 p.m., a 28-year-old Belleview man was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette northbound on County Road 439 approaching Live Oak Ranch Road when he ran off the road for unknown reasons, FHP said. The Corvette went airborne and struck a tree, killing the driver and seriously injuring his passenger, a 29-year-old Crestview man. The Belleview man was pronounced deceased on the scene, and the Crestview man was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment. The crash remains

1 dead, 1 seriously injured in crash near Umatilla Friday night Read More »

Deputies: Brother-in-law accused of killing Eustis woman, held on federal immigration warrant

TAVARES, Fla.—An arrest warrant has been obtained for the brother-in-law of a Eustis woman found murdered in May. Monica Islam, 44, was found shot to death near Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road outside of Mount Dora around 7:30 a.m. May 2 after vanishing from Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis around 6 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. May 2. She told Eustis Police Department they left their home around 5:30 a.m. and arrived at Shell shortly after. She

Deputies: Brother-in-law accused of killing Eustis woman, held on federal immigration warrant Read More »

Eustis man sentenced to 15 years in prison in ‘23 drug trafficking case

TAVARES, Florida— A man arrested many times for multiple felonies but seldom convicted in past cases, was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 15 years in prison stemming from a 2023 case, according to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. Emmanuel Cazeau, now 41, of Eustis, was pulled over in June 2023 by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies for a minor traffic offense as he pulled out of Circle K, at the corner of County Road 44 and County Road 473 in unincorporated Leesburg, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies asked for consent to search Cazeau’s vehicle, which

Eustis man sentenced to 15 years in prison in ‘23 drug trafficking case Read More »

Astatula woman airlifted following head-on crash with heavy-duty truck Monday night near Umatilla

UMATILLA, Fla.— A head-on crash with a heavy-duty commercial truck sent an Astatula woman to an Orlando hospital by helicopter Monday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 9:45 p.m. Monday, Tammie Mast, 48, of Astatula, was driving a 2010 Honda Insight northbound on State Road 19 leaving the intersection of McKinley Road when she drove into the grass median and into the southbound lanes of State Road 19, between Umatilla and Eustis, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told Inside Lake. Mast failed to see a 2016 Dodge RAM 5500 approaching McKinley Road traveling southbound and the vehicles collided head-on, Garcia

Astatula woman airlifted following head-on crash with heavy-duty truck Monday night near Umatilla Read More »

Astatula man killed after crashing into tree near Umatilla early Sunday

UMATILLA, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a man Sunday. Shortly after 1:15 a.m., a 51-year-old Astatula man was driving a 2000 Ford F-250 westbound on County Road 450 near Babb Road when he failed to negotiate a curve, FHP said. He ran off the road into the tree line, the truck rotated, and the right side struck a tree. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected, according to FHP. He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Astatula man killed after crashing into tree near Umatilla early Sunday Read More »

Alleged Leesburg drunk driver returned to deadly scene by family member, FHP says

LEESBURG, Fla.— A elderly Leesburg man is dead, and another Leesburg man is facing charges in his death after a hit-and-run on Radio Road Monday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 9:10 p.m., Kevin Custer, 37, was driving a 2012 Toyota Tacoma northbound on Radio Road, approaching Patrick Drive, when he struck a 75-year-old man walking on Radio Road. Custer fled the scene, and the pedestrian was transported to UF Health Leesburg Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, FHP said. Custer was returned to the scene by a family member and arrested for hit-and-run involving death and DUI

Alleged Leesburg drunk driver returned to deadly scene by family member, FHP says Read More »

Suspected dog fighter loses ownership of dogs after court ruling

TAVARES, Fla.—A suspected dog fighter arrested last month has lost ownership of the 29 dogs taken from him during a search at his home in east Lake County, after a Lake County judge granted an injunction Thursday, filed by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Jason Biggers, 48, is facing 29 counts of animal cruelty and 29 counts baiting and fighting animals after a search warrant at his home in the DeLand area of Lake County by the Lake County Sheriff’s office Agriculture and Marine Unit July 23. Deputies arrived at the home at 31938 3rd Avenue in the DeLand area

Suspected dog fighter loses ownership of dogs after court ruling Read More »

Suspected dog fighter arrested; 29 dogs found at east Lake County home

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story misstated Jason Biggers’ bond and did not list two charges because he had not completed the booking process. The story has been updated with the correct information.  DeLAND, Fla.—A suspected dog fighter has been arrested and is facing 29 counts of animal cruelty and 29 counts baiting and fighting animals following the execution of search warrant by the Lake County Sheriff’s office Agriculture and Marine Unit early Wednesday morning. Deputies arrived at the home at 31938 3rd Avenue in the DeLand area of Lake County shortly after 4:45 a.m. and found 29

Suspected dog fighter arrested; 29 dogs found at east Lake County home Read More »

Fatal crash closes CR 439 near Eustis Friday

EUSTIS, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol in investigating a crash that killed a Eustis man Friday afternoon. According to FHP, a 2013 Freightliner tractor-trailer being driven by a 78-year-old Orlando man was westbound on County Road 44A when it collided with a Dodge Ram just after 2 p.m. A witness told troopers the Freightliner ran the red light to turn left on County Road 439, in the direct path of a 56-year-old Eustis man driving the Dodge. The Eustis man was transported to HCA Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. The Orlando man was transported to AdventHealth

Fatal crash closes CR 439 near Eustis Friday Read More »

LCSO: “Pastor Pete” strikes again

UMATILLA, Fla.— A local man well-known in the community and to law enforcement has been arrested again, accused of battering an elderly woman at a group home in unincorporated Umatilla. Earlier this month, Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a group home in unincorporated Umatilla on a report of a sex offense complaint but the incident was later was found to be a battery, according to a probable cause affidavit. For safety reasons, the responding deputy transported two women, one a victim and the other a witness, to Umatilla Police Department to be interviewed. During the interview, both women

LCSO: “Pastor Pete” strikes again Read More »

More details released in deputy-involved shooting, suspect has history of domestic violence

DeLAND, Fla.—The suspect shot by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies Tuesday night pointed a rifle at deputies before he was shot, according to LCSO. Around 8:10 p.m., LCSO responded to a domestic battery at 31801 Division Street in the DeLand area of Lake County. A woman reported her husband, Harold Malcolm Hughes, 62, was drunk and threw a hot coffee pot at her. The victim was able to escape the home and spoke with deputies at an undisclosed location near her home, LCSO said. Deputies went to the home to attempt to speak with Hughes, who exited the residence holding

More details released in deputy-involved shooting, suspect has history of domestic violence Read More »

Officials on scene of deputy-involved shooting in east Lake County

DeLAND, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies are on the scene of a deputy-involved shooting that occurred in the DeLand area of Lake County around 9 p.m. Tuesday. Limited information was released late Tuesday night; LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake no deputies were injured in the shooting on Division Street, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will be investigating the shooting, which is standard procedure in deputy-involved shootings. More information is expected to be released Wednesday.

Officials on scene of deputy-involved shooting in east Lake County Read More »

BREAKING NEWS: 911 down across Central Florida

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

BREAKING NEWS: 911 down across Central Florida Read More »

Collision with truck kills Sorrento motorcyclist Wednesday

SORRENTO, Fla. —A Sorrento man was killed early Wednesday evening after a pickup truck turned in front of him, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 65-year-old man was riding a 2001 Yamaha motorcycle eastbound on State Road 46, also known as Sorrento Avenue, when a 49-year-old Apopka man driving a 2020 Chevy Silverado attempted to make a left turn into a parking lot near 4th Street. The front of the motorcycle collided with the Silverado and the impact killed the motorcyclist just after 6 p.m., FHP said. The driver of the Silverado was not injured.

Collision with truck kills Sorrento motorcyclist Wednesday Read More »

Deputies break up large party outside Eustis Thursday night

EUSTIS, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies and surrounding law enforcement agencies broke up a large party Thursday night after receiving information from a law enforcement agency in a neighboring county, according to a report. Around 10:20 p.m., Apopka Police Department (APD) shared information with LCSO it received about a large party of more than 200 teenagers who were reportedly coming from Aquatica in Orlando and headed to a party at a home at 34500 Tree Frog Lane in unincorporated Eustis. Some of that information included tips about weapons in multiple vehicles headed to the party that was promoted on social

Deputies break up large party outside Eustis Thursday night Read More »

Motorcyclist killed trying to pass truck in no-passing zone near Groveland Monday

GROVELAND, Fla.— A Lakeland motorcyclist was killed Monday afternoon while attempting to pass a truck in a no-passing zone on State Road 33 near Groveland, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just after noon, the 28-year-old Lakeland man was riding a 2024 Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle southbound on State Road 33 approaching Pine Island Road when he attempted to pass a 2019 Ford F250 that began to make a left turn onto Pine Island Road. The motorcycle crashed into the side of the truck, throwing the Lakeland man from the bike, FHP said. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene

Motorcyclist killed trying to pass truck in no-passing zone near Groveland Monday Read More »

Fatality shuts down SR 33 near Groveland

GROVELAND, Fla.— State Road 33 near Groveland is shutdown while the Florida Highway Patrol investigates a crash that killed at least one person. The crash occurred shortly after noon near the intersection of Pine Island Road. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, motorists traveling south on State Road 33 will be rerouted to Redwing Road, motorists traveling north on State Road 33 will be rerouted to Florida Boys Ranch Road and motorists traveling west on Pine Island Road will be rerouted to Montevista Road. This is developing story.

Fatality shuts down SR 33 near Groveland Read More »

Grandmother seeks life insurance payout for suspects in deputy ambush

TAVARES, Fla.— The grandmother of two young women involved in the ambush of Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies last year has filed a claim on their life insurance policies, Inside Lake uncovered in a recent court filing. According to a complaint for interpleader filed by the Gerber Life Insurance Company (GLIC,) Linda Jefferson, mother of Julie Sulpizio and grandmother of Cheyenne and Savannah Sulpizio, is attempting to collect a total of $50,000 on two life insurance policies — $30,000 for Cheyenne Sulpizio and $20,000 for Savannah Sulpizio. An interpleader is a legal tool that allows someone involved in a lawsuit—usually

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Woman accused of murdering deputy, attempted murder of 2 others, found incompetent again

TAVARES, Fla.—The woman accused of plotting to kill Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies last year has been found incompetent to proceed to trial for the second time in three months. In an order by Circuit Judge Brian Welke, he states Julie Ann Sulpizio, “The Defendant is not competent to proceed due to Psychotic Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder, r/o Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar type.” Sulpizio, 49, will be involuntarily committed to the Department of Children and Families, because she “…is manifestly incapable of surviving alone or with the help of willing and responsible family or friends, including available alternative services,

Woman accused of murdering deputy, attempted murder of 2 others, found incompetent again Read More »

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

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

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

Mom accused of kidnapping daughters from Sorrento foster home pleads no contest, sentenced to prison

TAVARES, Fla.—The mom accused of kidnapping her two daughters from a Sorrento foster home in January 2024 pleaded no contest last month to her charges and was sentenced to three years in prison, followed by five years of probation, according to Lake County Clerk of Court online records. Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives began investigating the case after Tilli and Natalia Williams’ foster mother reported them missing around 7 a.m. Jan. 25, 2024. Authorities quickly named their mother, Dixie K. Williams, as a suspect and issued an Amber Alert. They were found the next day in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana after

Mom accused of kidnapping daughters from Sorrento foster home pleads no contest, sentenced to prison Read More »

LCSO deputy shot in rescue attempt of murdered deputy returns to light duty

TAVARES, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stefano Gargano returned to temporary light duty Monday, a little more than nine months after he was shot multiple times. On Aug. 2, 2024, Gargano was shot, suffering traumatic injuries, during a rescue attempt of Master Deputy Bradley Link. Link and K9 Master Deputy Harold Howell, along with several other deputies, were performing a well-being check at the home Julie and Michael Sulpizio shared with their adult daughters, Savannah and Cheyenne Sulpizio, located 38144 Brookside Drive in unincorporated Eustis, following a Baker Act of Julie Sulpizio. After finding two dead dogs in the yard,

LCSO deputy shot in rescue attempt of murdered deputy returns to light duty Read More »

Eustis bicyclist killed near Leesburg Sunday

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Eustis man was killed while riding a bicycle when he swerved in front of a pickup truck Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just after 6:30 p.m., a 61-year-old Leesburg man was driving a 2020 Toyota Tacoma southbound on County Road 473 near Fountain Lake Boulevard in the Bassville Park area of Leesburg, when a 69-year-old man riding a bicycle northbound in the southbound lane, swerved in front of the truck, FHP said. The truck collided with the bicycle, and the Eustis man was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the Tacoma was not injured.

Eustis bicyclist killed near Leesburg Sunday Read More »

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

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

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

Wrong way crash near Groveland kills Altamonte Springs woman, injures 2 Leesburg women

GROVELAND, Fla.—A woman driving the wrong way down U.S. Highway 27 was killed Wednesday and two other women were injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 9:45 p.m., a 30-year-old Altamonte Springs woman was driving a 2017 Dodge Charger southbound in the northbound inside lane north of Adkins Lane near Groveland when she struck a 2017 Toyota Corolla head-on. The Charger rotated clockwise, causing a 2016 Jeep Renegade to collide with the left side of the Charger. The driver of the Charger was pronounced deceased on the scene, the driver of the Corolla, a 45-year-old Leesburg woman, suffered minor

Wrong way crash near Groveland kills Altamonte Springs woman, injures 2 Leesburg women Read More »

Troopers looking for driver who killed pedestrian and fled Tuesday morning

DeLAND, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for the driver who hit and killed a 40-year-old DeLand man before daybreak Tuesday. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the man was walking in the roadway on Lake Mack Drive in the DeLand area of Lake County shortly before 6 a.m. when he was hit by an unknown vehicle traveling southbound. The vehicle fled the scene and may have turned right on Inez Street, troopers said. Witnesses contacted law enforcement after finding the victim lying in the road; emergency personnel responded to the scene, and the man was pronounced deceased. FHP is

Troopers looking for driver who killed pedestrian and fled Tuesday morning Read More »

Head-on crash kills Clermont woman Tuesday afternoon

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

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

School bus crash in Umatilla sends driver to the hospital, children uninjured

UMATILLA, Fla.—A crash Thursday morning sent a Lake County Schools bus driver to the hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.   At 7:52 a.m. an LCS school bus transporting multiple children was westbound on County Road 44A east of Blanchester Court when a 2024 Chevy Silverado traveling eastbound veered into the westbound lane and struck the bus head-on, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake. The school bus driver was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Chevy, a 57-year-old Umatilla woman, was not injured.   Fourteen Umatilla Elementary School students were on

School bus crash in Umatilla sends driver to the hospital, children uninjured 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

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

Davenport motorcyclist killed in crash near Clermont

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

Davenport motorcyclist killed in crash near Clermont Read More »

Fatal crash shuts down Lake Erie Road near Groveland, Mascotte man killed

GROVELAND, Fla.—Lake Erie Road is closed in both directions near County Road 565 outside of Groveland, as the Florida Highway Patrol investigates a fatal crash. A 31-year-old Leesburg man was driving a 2020 Ford F350 westbound on Lake Erie Road and failed to maintain his lane while negotiating a curve. He went off the road and hit a tree around 5:20 p.m. Monday, according to FHP. The driver was transported to Orlando Health – South Lake Hospital with serious injuries and his passenger, a 27-year-old Mascotte man, was pronounced deceased on the scene. The crash remains under investigation.  

Fatal crash shuts down Lake Erie Road near Groveland, Mascotte man killed Read More »

Crash near Howey-in-the-Hills kills Dunnellon man late Saturday, injures 2 Groveland teens

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 30-year-old man and injured two teens Saturday night. Shortly before 11:45 p.m., a 17-year-old male of Groveland, was driving a 2020 Audi A3 southbound on State Road 19 near Arrowtree Boulevard, outside of Howey-in-the Hills, when he veered into the northbound lane. The A3 sideswiped a 2013 Ford Mustang traveling northbound, sending the Mustang off the right side of the road, where it struck a ditch, according to FHP. The driver of the Mustang, a Dunnellon man, was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the A3,

Crash near Howey-in-the-Hills kills Dunnellon man late Saturday, injures 2 Groveland teens Read More »

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

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

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Man arrested for crash that killed Leesburg man in 2023

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Leesburg man has been arrested in the death of a 94-year-old man killed in a crash in December 2023. Donald Urban Jass, also of Leesburg, was driving a 2015 Subaru Forester eastbound on Plantation Boulevard when a 2017 Chevy Malibu slammed into him at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27. The Malibu was traveling between 62 and 74 miles per hour at impact, and was traveling at 81 miles per hour just 1.5 seconds before the crash, the vehicle’s data later showed. The Malibu’s driver, Graedonn Humphrey, was southbound on U.S. Highway 27 when he ran the light

Man arrested for crash that killed Leesburg man in 2023 Read More »

Social media monitoring sparks investigation: Multiple tips result in Eustis man’s arrest

EUSTIS, Fla.— A Eustis man is facing 10 counts of possession of obscene and lewd materials, following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The suspect was identified and arrested after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received multiple tips about accounts linked to a man, later identified as Randall Lee Small II, 38. According to a probable cause affidavit, FDLE began investigating tips that came into NCMEC’s CyperTipline (CT) from multiple social media platforms last year, including Facebook, TikTok and Snapchat.  A tip came from Facebook in May 2024, regarding one of its users

Social media monitoring sparks investigation: Multiple tips result in Eustis man’s arrest Read More »

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

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

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

Suspected Sorrento murderer in custody

SORRENTO, Fla.—The man accused of killing a man in Sorrento Thursday, is in custody according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “… Justin Fout has been located and taken into custody by law enforcement. As the situation is still under investigation, additional details are not yet available,” LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin said late Friday afternoon.  Deputies were also attempting to locate Patricia Neeley, as person of interest in the murder of Justin Kates, 37. LCSO has not released any new information on her whereabouts. Fout is suspected of murdering Kates during an altercation Thursday at 31504 Colby Place in Sorrento.

Suspected Sorrento murderer in custody Read More »

Deputies searching for Sorrento murder suspect

SORRENTO, Fla.—A man is on the run, accused of killing a man in Sorrento Thursday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Witnesses said Justin Kates, 37, and Justin Joseph Raymond Fout, 31, engaged in a verbal argument Thursday at 31504 Colby Place in Sorrento. The argument apparently escalated and Fout shot Kates, killing him, LCSO said. He was found dead lying in the roadway when deputies arrived on scene. Fout fled the scene, along with Patricia Neeley, in an older model white Dodge Ram van. The van should have front and rear end damage and red transfer paint on

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Summerfield man facing murder charges in deaths of victim and alleged accomplice in 2022 gunfight outside Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—A man on the run for nearly a year is in custody facing murder charges in the deaths of his intended home invasion victim – and his alleged accomplice. Dieuseul Charlemon, 22, was taken into custody on multiple warrants including first- and second-degree murder on Jan. 31 by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Police Department and US Marshals at 10131 SE 169th Lane, Summerfield after a months-long investigation, MCSO said. On Feb. 16, 2022, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to 804 Montclair Road in unincorporated Leesburg on a report of a shooting around 4:30 a.m. There were

Summerfield man facing murder charges in deaths of victim and alleged accomplice in 2022 gunfight outside Leesburg Read More »

CAPTURED: NY double murder suspect spotted near Lake County taken into custody in Daytona Beach

2 p.m. Update: Scott Mitchell has been taken into custody in Daytona Beach. DeLAND, Fla.—A man suspected of killing two men in New York was spotted in DeLand Tuesday, just a few miles outside of Lake County, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Scott C. Mitchell is wanted for the murders of Daniel McCloe, 58, and Marshall VanOven 55, after they were found dead in a Binghampton, New York home earlier this month. Binghampton is located about 180 miles northwest of New York City. Mitchell is believed

CAPTURED: NY double murder suspect spotted near Lake County taken into custody in Daytona Beach Read More »

Charge dismissed against dentist in 2023 golf course altercation, “Stand Your Ground” motion granted

TAVARES, Fla.—An aggravated battery charge a Leesburg dentist was facing has been dismissed after a Lake County Circuit judge granted a motion, based on Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law filed by his defense attorney last year. Dr. Eddie Orobitg was arrested following an altercation on the Harbor Hills golf course in unincorporated Leesburg in April 2023, accused of beating another man with a golf club. The altercation began when Orobitg yelled at Dr. Joseph Sivak and his wife as they walked on the 11th fairway, approximately 60 yards away from where Orobitg was golfing with his minor son, according to

Charge dismissed against dentist in 2023 golf course altercation, “Stand Your Ground” motion granted Read More »

One dead, one injured in early morning crash near Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a man outside of Leesburg early Sunday morning. A 26-year-old man of Puerto Rico was driving a 2024 Chevy Malibu eastbound on County Road 48 approaching County Road 33, shortly before 2:30 a.m. He ran the stop sign at County Road 33, went off the roadway, became airborne over a ditch, struck a tree and overturned, FHP said. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to UF Health Leesburg Hospital; his passenger, a 41-year-old male, also of Puerto Rico was also transported and pronounced deceased. The crash remains

One dead, one injured in early morning crash near Leesburg Read More »

CR 439 shut down near Eustis as FHP investigates fatal crash involving dump truck

EUSTIS, Fla.—An Altoona woman was killed Tuesday morning after a dump truck veered into her lane and slammed into her head-on outside of Eustis, shutting down County Road 439. Just before 8:30 a.m., a 1994 dump truck was northbound on County Road 439, when the driver, a 28-year-old Leesburg man, attempted to brake for traffic stopped ahead near County Road 44A. He veered into the southbound lane and hit a 2019 Toyota Corolla head-on. The driver of the Toyota, a 23-year-old Altoona woman, was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where she was pronounced deceased. The Leesburg man was not

CR 439 shut down near Eustis as FHP investigates fatal crash involving dump truck Read More »

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

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

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

Man accused of syphoning gas in Eustis gets free ride to Tavares Thursday night

EUSTIS, Fla.—A boat owner timed a trip to get dinner just right when he spotted a man syphoning gas out of his boat as he drove by a Eustis storage facility Thursday night. Around 5:15 p.m. Thursday, the boat owner was driving by Campus Storage, 36622 County Road 19A when he saw a man at the rear of his boat syphoning gas. He circled back around to the storage facility and the man was gone, he told Eustis Police Department. He checked his boat and found the motor cover lifted and the fuel line removed and dripping gas, according to

Man accused of syphoning gas in Eustis gets free ride to Tavares Thursday night Read More »

Valrico man killed in CR 42 crash

ALTOONA, Fla.—A Valrico man was killed before daybreak Wednesday when he failed to negotiate a curve and struck a car head-on on County Road 42, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 6:10 a.m., the 21-year-old man was driving 2016 Chevy Cobalt eastbound on County Road 42 and failed to negotiate a curve east of State Road 19 in Altoona. He entered the westbound lane and struck a 2019 Subaru WRX head-on being driven by a 20-year-old Port Orange man. A 28-year-old man driving a 2018 Ford F-150 behind the Subaru, swerved to the right in attempt to avoid a

Valrico man killed in CR 42 crash Read More »

Another fatal crash shuts down CR 42 in Altoona Wednesday

ALTOONA, Fla.—A fatal three-vehicle crash has completely shut down County Road 42 in Altoona, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 6:10 a.m. Wednesday on County Road 42 near Hinson Road, east of State Road 19, and involves a 2006 Chevy Cobalt, a 2019 Subaru WRX and 2018 Ford F-150; the driver of the Cobalt was killed, and the other two drivers, a 20-year-old male of Port Orange and a 28-year-old male of DeLand were not transported for treatment, FHP said. The details of how the crash occurred have not been released. Just last week, two Paisley

Another fatal crash shuts down CR 42 in Altoona Wednesday Read More »

Cold weather shelter and warming station scheduled to open this week

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

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

2 Paisley residents killed after speeding car slams into them on CR 42 Friday night

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—A Paisley man and woman were killed Friday night after a speeding Mustang slammed into them head-on, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 46-year-old Paisley man was driving a 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 westbound on County Road 42 approaching Lazy Lake Road, near Paisley, when a 2015 Ford Mustang traveling eastbound attempted to pass another vehicle in a curve, shortly after 7 p.m., FHP said.  The Mustang hit the Mirage head-on, killing the driver of the Mirage, and his passenger, a 56-year-old Paisley woman. The Mustang left the roadway and entered the tree line and the driver,

2 Paisley residents killed after speeding car slams into them on CR 42 Friday night Read More »

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

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

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

VIDEO: New Year’s Eve explosion rocks neighbors near Mount Dora, sends resident to the hospital

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—A home was reduced to rubble and trapped a resident New Year’s Eve night after an explosion in unincorporated Mount Dora, a neighbor told Inside Lake. The home on West Main Street in Mount Dora Estates, formerly known as Riley’s Park, “exploded,” around 9:30 p.m. with the resident inside, according to a neighbor, Jeremy Jenkins. The man was initially trapped by rubble and debris but was able to get out and he was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Jenkins provided video to Inside Lake that showed the aftermath and described what he saw. Video courtesy of

VIDEO: New Year’s Eve explosion rocks neighbors near Mount Dora, sends resident to the hospital Read More »

BREAKING NEWS: Santa Claus is coming to town

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

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

Fruitland Park man admits to robbing grandparents at knifepoint

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla.—A Fruitland Park man remains in the Lake County Jail on $28,500 bond, accused of robbing his grandparents and threatening to slice their throats. Shortly before 4 p.m. Sunday, Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home in unincorporated Fruitland Park on a report of a robbery that occurred Friday night. Richard French told a deputy his wife, Shirley, had just left the home with his grandson Kyle Davis Blowers, 36, to get gas. French said around 9 p.m. Blowers came into their bedroom, approached them with a knife and reportedly said, “I want the money, I

Fruitland Park man admits to robbing grandparents at knifepoint Read More »

Head-on collision kills Leesburg woman Monday

GROVELAND, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a Leesburg woman and seriously injured a Mascotte woman Monday afternoon. Shortly before 12:15 p.m., a 36-year-old Leesburg woman was driving a 2008 Chevrolet HHR southbound on County Road 33 near Soto Road in unincorporated Groveland when she failed to maintain her lane and hit and 2015 Ford Fusion being driven by a 43-year-old Mascotte woman, head-on, seriously injuring her. Both drivers were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where the Leesburg woman succumbed to her injuries. The crash closed County Road 33 for nearly seven hours.

Head-on collision kills Leesburg woman Monday Read More »

FHP finds driver who caused deadly crash outside Eustis, charges pending

EUSTIS, Fla.—A tractor-trailer driver who caused a deadly crash Wednesday and left the scene told the Florida Highway Patrol he did not know he hit anyone, according to a press release. Just after 1:45 p.m., a 58-year-old Miami man was driving a 2017 Volvo tractor-trailer eastbound on State Road 44 and attempted to slow down for traffic. The driver lost control of the trailer, causing it to veer into the westbound lane of State Road 44 near Forest Ridge Road in unincorporated Eustis. The trailer struck a 2014 Nissan Sentra being driven westbound by an 89-year-old Eustis woman, and the

FHP finds driver who caused deadly crash outside Eustis, charges pending Read More »

Hit-and-run crash causes head-on collision, kills woman, and shuts down SR 44 Wednesday

Update: FHP finds driver who caused deadly crash outside Eustis, charges pending – Inside Lake   EUSTIS, Fla.—A hit-and-run driver caused a chain reaction crash that killed a woman Wednesday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just after 1:45 p.m., a tractor-trailer with a blue cab and silver trailer was eastbound on State Road 44, and attempted to slow down for traffic. The driver lost control of the trailer, causing it to veer into the westbound lane of State Road 44 near Forest Ridge Road in unincorporated Eustis. The trailer struck a 2014 Nissan Sentra being driven by a

Hit-and-run crash causes head-on collision, kills woman, and shuts down SR 44 Wednesday Read More »

Argument about infidelity leads to shooting in Altoona

ALTOONA, Fla.—An argument about infidelity left one man shot and sent another to jail Thursday afternoon, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Shortly before 4:15 p.m. Thursday, LCSO responded to 19331 East Altoona Road on a report of a verbal altercation, and when a deputy arrived, he found James Andrew Carroll 48, lying on his side suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower torso. The deputy rendered aid to Carroll until EMS arrived and Carroll was airlifted to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. His condition is currently unknown, LCSO Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake. Carroll’s girlfriend, Shana Cottle,

Argument about infidelity leads to shooting in Altoona Read More »

Head-on crash kills Umatilla man Wednesday

ALTOONA, Fla.—A head-on crash claimed the life of a Umatilla man Wednesday afternoon and a seriously injured a Umatilla woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly after 3 p.m., the 42-year-old Umatilla woman was driving a 2018 Honda Accord westbound on County Road 42, approaching Penley Lane in Altoona and traveled into the eastbound lane, striking a 2021 GMC Sierra head-on. The woman was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares with serious injuries; her passenger, a 45-year-old Umatilla man, was also transported to AdventHealth Waterman, where he was pronounced deceased. An earlier report by Inside Lake stated the man

Head-on crash kills Umatilla man Wednesday Read More »

Fatal crash shuts down CR 42 in Altoona

ALTOONA, Fla.—A Umatilla man has died following a crash on a busy Altoona road Wednesday afternoon. The Umatilla man, 45, was driving a 2018 Honda Accord and collided with a 2021 GMC Sierra on County Road 42 at Penley Lane around 3 p.m. The details on how the crash occurred have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Umatilla man was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he was pronounced deceased. County Road 42 remained shut down between State Road 19 and County Road 450 at press time, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies are

Fatal crash shuts down CR 42 in Altoona Read More »

Ocala woman, 25, dies after crashing into pond near Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—An Ocala woman was found dead Monday morning in a retention pond, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The woman, 25, was traveling northbound on County Road 452 in a 2019 Dodge Challenger when she ran of the right side of the road, hit a pole, crashed through a chain link fence and drove into a retention pond, fully submerging the car. The pond is located at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center, 39034 County Road 452, Leesburg. “The exact time of the crash is under investigation,” Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. FHP responded to the scene around 8 a.m. Monday

Ocala woman, 25, dies after crashing into pond near Leesburg Read More »

Vehicle found in pond Monday morning in unincorporated Leesburg, one confirmed fatality, FHP says

Update: Ocala woman, 25, dies after crashing into pond near Leesburg – Inside Lake LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating after a deceased person was found in vehicle at the bottom of a pond Monday morning. The vehicle was found in a small pond at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center, 39034 County Road 452, Leesburg around 7:45 a.m. Monday. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team is on scene and assisting FHP with recovery, LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin told Inside Lake. Inside Lake was on the scene and a large portion of fence was broken in front of the

Vehicle found in pond Monday morning in unincorporated Leesburg, one confirmed fatality, FHP says Read More »

Affidavit: Man accused of child sex crimes admits misdeeds in texts, controlled phone call and interview

UMATILLA, Fla.—A 29-year-old man who has ties to Eustis and Umatilla is in the Lake County Jail on no bond accused of multiple sex crimes against children. Arsenio Quinones, who lives in Umatilla, but has a Eustis mailing address, was arrested by a Lake County Sheriff’s detective Thursday after agreeing to meet with the detective at a home in Umatilla and admitting he committed sex crimes against two separate juvenile victims, according to a heavily redacted arrest affidavit. Both victims’ names, ages and addresses are redacted from the affidavit to protect their identities. In October 2023, victim one reported Quinones

Affidavit: Man accused of child sex crimes admits misdeeds in texts, controlled phone call and interview Read More »

Fatal motorcycle crash shuts down SR 44 outside of Eustis Saturday

EUSTIS, Fla.—A motorcyclist was killed Saturday afternoon after striking a concrete mailbox, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was riding a 2020 Harley-Davidson FXLRS on State Road 44 when he failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the road, and hit the mailbox near Bottany Woods Drive, in unincorporated Eustis, shortly after 5 p.m. He was transported to AdventHealth DeLand, where he was pronounced deceased, FHP said. The crash closed State Road 44 and it was still closed nearly three hours after the crash.

Fatal motorcycle crash shuts down SR 44 outside of Eustis Saturday Read More »

Mom accused of Sorrento kidnapping extradited to Lake County

TAVARES, Fla.—The mom accused of kidnapping her two daughters from a Sorrento foster home in January is back in Lake County to face her charges. Dixie Krista Williams, 42, is accused of kidnapping her two daughters, Tilli and Natalia, in the early morning hours of Jan. 25 from their foster home in Sorrento, triggering an Amber Alert and large law enforcement response. The girls were missing for more than a day, until Williams was captured in Louisiana on Jan. 26. Through its investigation, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office discovered information that Williams may be traveling in a silver Nissan Rogue

Mom accused of Sorrento kidnapping extradited to Lake County Read More »

Sorrento man killed after crashing dirt bike in forest Sunday

  OCALA NATIONAL FOREST—A Sorrento man has died after crashing a dirt bike Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 11:10 a.m., the 59-year-old man was riding a 2022 KTM Dirt Bike on a dirt road in the Ocala National Forest when he crashed into two trees and was thrown from the bike, FHP said. Troopers did not release an exact location. The man was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he was pronounced deceased.

Sorrento man killed after crashing dirt bike in forest Sunday Read More »

State to seek death penalty in August ambush attack on deputies

TAVARES, Fla.—The woman accused of helping mastermind an ambush attack on Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies may pay for her alleged crimes with her life. Fifth Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney Kenneth Nunnelley filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty late Tuesday afternoon in the case against Julie Sulpizio. Sulpizio, 48, is accused of starting an altercation with her neighbors on Brookside Drive in unincorporated Eustis on Aug. 2. LCSO responded to the altercation and during a well-being check at her home, just down the street from the original call, Master Deputy Bradley Link was shot and

State to seek death penalty in August ambush attack on deputies Read More »

Lake County prepares for Helene

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

Lake County prepares for Helene Read More »

Mount Dora lifts boil water notice

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The City of Mount Dora has lifted its precautionary boil water notice, according to spokesperson Misty Sommer. “Lab results have confirmed that no contaminates were found in our water supply, and it’s safe for all normal use,” Sommer said in an email shortly before 1 p.m. Friday. Around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, an independent contractor struck a water main while working on a development at U.S. Highway 441 and Natoma Boulevard. Residents and businesses lost water, and most were restored by 11 p.m. Tuesday. The city issued a boil water notice following restoration and expected it to be lifted

Mount Dora lifts boil water notice Read More »

Eustis police chief rides for fallen deputy

MARYLAND—For 13 years, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri has been riding his bicycle to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and fallen law enforcement officers around the country during the Tour de Force 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride, and this year the ride means a bit more— he is riding for fallen Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link. The memorial ride started in 2002 and has since evolved into honoring both the victims of 9/11 and law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. “This year I’m dedicating my ride to Master Deputy Link,

Eustis police chief rides for fallen deputy Read More »

LCSO deputy released from the hospital Monday

TAVARES, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stefano Gargano has been released from the hospital. More than 100 fellow law enforcement officers, friends and family members lined the sidewalk to welcome Gargano as he was released from HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, exactly one month after he was shot while attempting to rescue Master Deputy Bradley Link Aug. 2 from a home outside of Eustis. He was escorted to Lake County by multiple law enforcement agencies across Central Florida under a bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds. Gargano was shot multiple times, as he and a team entered

LCSO deputy released from the hospital Monday Read More »

Woman killed after crashing into concrete barrier on Florida’s Turnpike late Saturday, Fruitland Park man not injured

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—A Crystal River woman has died after crashing into a concrete barrier on Florida’s Turnpike Saturday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 11 :15 p.m., the 66-year-old Crystal River woman was driving a 2021 Buick Enclave northbound near mile marker 283 in the South Lake County area, when she failed to negotiate a slight curve and entered the inside paved shoulder. The Enclave struck a barrier, rotated and collided with the outside shoulder barrier and then struck a 2015 Toyota Rav4 being driven by an 82-year-old Fruitland Park Man, FHP said. The Crystal River woman

Woman killed after crashing into concrete barrier on Florida’s Turnpike late Saturday, Fruitland Park man not injured Read More »

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

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

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

BREAKING NEWS: Matriarch indicted for ambush of deputies

TAVARES, Fla.—A Lake County grand jury has indicted Julie Sulpizio for her role in the death of one Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy and the attempted murder of two others on Aug. 2. Sulpizio is now officially charged with principal to premeditated murder of a law enforcement officer, three counts of  principal to attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, conspiracy to commit murder, battery on law enforcement officer, three counts of battery. The battery charges stem for her original altercation with neighbors. Sulpizio has been held on no bond since her arrest Aug. 5 after she was medically cleared

BREAKING NEWS: Matriarch indicted for ambush of deputies Read More »

FHP confirms identity of man killed on SR 44 early Sunday

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed the identity of the man killed while walking across State Road 44 Sunday morning. Robert Hawkins Jr., 32, was walking north across the westbound lane of State Road 44 near Lakeview Drive when he was struck by a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan being driven by a 43-year-old DeLand woman, around 3:45 a.m.; Hawkins was not in a marked crosswalk, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. Hawkins was pronounced deceased on the scene; the DeLand woman was not injured.

FHP confirms identity of man killed on SR 44 early Sunday Read More »

Eustis man killed walking across SR 44 early Sunday

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—A Eustis man was struck and killed early Sunday morning while walking across State Road 44, outside of Eustis, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly after 3:45 a.m., the 32-year-old man was walking north across the westbound lane of State Road 44 near Lakeview Drive when he was struck by a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan being driven by a 43-year-old DeLand woman. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene; he was not in a marked crosswalk. The DeLand woman was not injured, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said.

Eustis man killed walking across SR 44 early Sunday Read More »

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

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

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

LCSO: No signs of foul play in Altoona death investigation

ALTOONA, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation after a man was found deceased with his vehicle Wednesday in the area of Kismet Road in Altoona. The man, whose name was not released, is an older man, and a detective investigating the case believes the heat may have contributed to his death while he was stranded with his car that was stuck in in the woods. There are no signs of foul play, LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin said.

LCSO: No signs of foul play in Altoona death investigation Read More »

Man killed in Sorrento crash Monday night

SORRENTO, Fla.—An Orlando man was killed Monday night after losing control of his SUV, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 10 p.m., the 47-year-old man was southbound on County Road 46A, approaching State Road 46 when he ran off the road. He overcorrected, lost control of the SUV, rotated counterclockwise, ran off the road again, overturned several times, and was ejected from the SUV, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. He was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.

Man killed in Sorrento crash Monday night Read More »

Celebration of Life and Service for fallen LCSO deputy held Saturday

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

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

Injured K9 deputy releases first public statement

TAVARES, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office released a video of K9 Master Deputy Harold Howell leaving the hospital, along with his first statement to the public Wednesday. “Hello all— it is bittersweet to finally be home after this event. I would like to thank my Lake County Sheriff’s Office family for their unending love and support,” Howell said. He also had a message for the community that has rallied behind him, Deputy Stefano Gargano and the family of fallen Master Deputy Bradley Link. “To everyone in Lake County, as well as state and even nationwide—I have seen and heard your

Injured K9 deputy releases first public statement Read More »

Matriarch now facing charges in “horrific nightmare” ambush of deputies

TAVARES, Fla.—Julie Sulpizio, the woman who set Friday night’s tragic events in motion, has been arrested and is a facing a litany of charges. Sulpizio is facing charges of principal to premeditated murder of a law enforcement officer, seven counts of attempted murder, battery on law enforcement officer, battery by strangulation, and two counts of battery. She was arrested Monday afternoon at AdventHealth Waterman and transported to the Lake County Jail in Master Deputy Bradley Link’s patrol truck and cuffed with his handcuffs, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said at a press conference following her arrest. Link’s unit, Agriculture and

Matriarch now facing charges in “horrific nightmare” ambush of deputies Read More »

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

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

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

Fallen deputy to be transported Monday morning

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

Fallen deputy to be transported Monday morning Read More »

Fundraisers set up for deputies shot in the line of duty Friday night

TAVARES, Fla.—Fundraisers have been set up to benefit the deputies who were shot Friday night outside of Eustis. Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link, Master Deputy Harold Howell and Deputy Stefano Gargano were shot in the line of duty Friday night. Link and Howell were ambushed while conducting a well-being check related to another call for service. Gargano was shot multiple times while attempting to rescue Link, who was trapped inside the home. Link was rescued and succumbed to his injuries. On Saturday, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said Howell was in stable condition and Gargano was in critical

Fundraisers set up for deputies shot in the line of duty Friday night Read More »

LCSO releases names of deputies who survived ambush Friday night

TAVARES, Fla.—The two Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies who survived after being shot in the line of duty Friday have now been identified. Master Deputy Bradley Link and Master Deputy Harold Howell were shot Friday night while conducting a well-being check at a home on Brookside Drive in unincorporated Eustis. Link was trapped in the home and Deputy Stefano Gargano was part of a rescue team put in place to extract Link from the home. Howell, 41, was shot in the arm and is currently awaiting surgery; he is listed in stable condition. He began working for LCSO in 2005

LCSO releases names of deputies who survived ambush Friday night Read More »

Deputy killed in the line of duty identified

TAVARES, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has identified the deputy killed in the line of duty Friday night. Master Deputy Bradley Michael Link, 28, joined LCSO as an Explorer and after graduating from Lake Minneola High School in 2015, he served in the Army Reserves before becoming a deputy sheriff for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He joined LCSO in 2019, “where he quickly became part of our family and faithfully served our citizens with courage and zeal,” LCSO said in a Facebook post. “Brad, as our Sheriff’s Office family knew him, touched the lives of all who were blessed

Deputy killed in the line of duty identified Read More »

Lake County Sheriff: 3 deputies shot, 1 killed Friday night outside Eustis in a “hail of gunfire”

EUSTIS, Fla.—The collective heart of the community is heavy today after three Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies were shot Friday night, one of them tragically killed. LCSO Sheriff Peyton Grinnell spoke to reporters early Saturday morning, his sorrow apparent, and explained what happened around 8 p.m. Friday, while Major Glenn Hall, Major Todd English, Lt. John Herrell, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson stood close by. Deputies first responded to a disturbance at a home on Brookside Drive in unincorporated Eustis. “While they were conducting their investigation, they were alerted to a home,

Lake County Sheriff: 3 deputies shot, 1 killed Friday night outside Eustis in a “hail of gunfire” Read More »

Sorrento man killed in motorcycle crash Wednesday

SORRENTO, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a Sorrento motorcyclist Wednesday. The 80-year-old Sorrento man was riding a 2014 Harley-Davidson southbound on County Road 435 approaching Dubsdread Drive around 3:10 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the road. He struck two traffic signs and a tree and was thrown from the motorcycle, FHP said. He was transported to AdventHealth Apopka, where he was pronounced deceased.

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ATV crash claims 2 lives near Groveland Wednesday

GROVELAND, Fla.—Two people were killed Wednesday afternoon after they crashed into a tree and were thrown from the ATV they were riding, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 22-year-old Sanford man was operating a 2024 Polaris Sportsman ATV northbound on North Austin Merritt Road, north of Ward Drive in unincorporated Groveland at 3:15 p.m., when he failed to negotiate a curve, lost control, ran off the road and struck a tree, FHP said. He was thrown from the ATV, along with his passenger, a 21-year-old Davenport woman; they were both pronounced deceased on the scene.

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