Unincorporated Lake Archives

Murder suspect captured in Leesburg, police say

LEESBURG, Fla. — A man wanted for murder in a fatal shooting Friday morning has been taken into custody, according to Leesburg Police Department. Matthew Pasco, 43, was apprehended Sunday on North Citrus Boulevard by LPD Officer Kira Smith, the department said in a social media post. Lake County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jim Vachon confirmed Pasco was in custody in an email. Pasco was wanted for first-degree murder after deputies said he attempted to shoot a dog attacking a woman and instead shot the dog’s owner in the area of 1904 Griffin Road near a homeless encampment Friday. The man […]

Murder suspect captured in Leesburg, police say Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 19, 2026

Man wanted for murder in Leesburg shooting remains on the run

LEESBURG, Fla. — A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a man deputies say fatally shot a dog owner Friday. Matthew Pasco, 43, is considered “armed and dangerous,” Lake County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jim Vachon said. Witnesses told deputies a woman was being attacked by a large dog in the area of 1904 Griffin Road near a homeless encampment when Pasco attempted to shoot the dog Friday morning, LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The dog’s owner was shot. He was airlifted to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has

Man wanted for murder in Leesburg shooting remains on the run Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 18, 2026

Dog attack leads to fatal shooting in Leesburg; deputies seeking person of interest

LEESBURG, Fla. — A man is dead and a woman is injured after a dog attack led to a shooting Friday morning in Leesburg, prompting a nearby school to be placed on lockdown. Witnesses told deputies a woman was being attacked by a large dog in the area of 1904 Griffin Road near a homeless encampment when Matthew Pasco, 43, attempted to shoot the dog to help her, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The dog’s owner was shot, Earley told Inside Lake. He was airlifted to an area hospital, where he was

Dog attack leads to fatal shooting in Leesburg; deputies seeking person of interest Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 17, 2026

Emaciated cows surrendered to deputies Monday near Tavares

TAVARES, Fla. — A livestock welfare complaint led authorities to a Tavares pasture where multiple cattle were found severely emaciated Monday, launching an animal neglect investigation, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Around 1:15 p.m., Lake County Agricultural/Marine Unit and Animal Enforcement officers responded to 28304 Atlantis Road in unincorporated Tavares. From the roadway, deputies could see several zebu-type cattle in an enclosed pasture in poor condition, with ribs, spines and pelvic bones clearly visible, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The pasture consisted largely of bare sand and appeared to lack

Emaciated cows surrendered to deputies Monday near Tavares Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 13, 2026

Bodycam, 911 call released in Leesburg deputy-involved shooting

Editor’s note: The 911 call and body camera footage included in this story contain explicit language and graphic content that may be disturbing to some readers. LEESBURG, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office released body camera footage and a 911 call Monday in connection with the death of a man Sunday. At 6:19 a.m., a 911 caller reported a man had been stabbed in the neck, according to audio released Monday. Deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and officers with Leesburg Police Department responded to 2415 Montclair Road, LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley said Sunday afternoon.

Bodycam, 911 call released in Leesburg deputy-involved shooting Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 15, 2026

BREAKING NEWS: Man shot, killed by deputy in Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla. — A man is dead after he was shot by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy before daybreak Sunday. At approximately 6:19 a.m., a 911 caller reported someone had been stabbed multiple times. Deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and officers with Leesburg Police Department responded to 2415 Montclair Road, LCSO Public Information Officer Stephanie Earley said. Bystanders pointed in the direction the alleged suspect fled on foot, and a deputy located Timotheus Reed, 38, Earley said. During the encounter, the deputy shot Reed. He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

BREAKING NEWS: Man shot, killed by deputy in Leesburg Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 12, 2026

Barricaded subject surrenders in Fruitland Park, brother also arrested

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. — A man who barricaded himself inside a home following an armed confrontation with a neighbor on Easter Sunday has surrendered, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a home near Sunnyside Drive after Alexander Barrios Ozorio Walfre allegedly threatened a neighbor with a gun, LCSO Public Information Officer Stephanie Earley said. VIDEO: Eddie Allard/Inside Lake Walfre remained barricaded inside the home for several hours before surrendering to the Lake County Crisis Negotiations Team. He was taken into custody without incident, Earley said. Walfre was arrested along with his brother, Walter Emanuel Berrios Ozorio,

Barricaded subject surrenders in Fruitland Park, brother also arrested Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 5, 2026

Barricaded subject prompts large law enforcement response in Fruitland Park

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is on scene and attempting to negotiate with a barricaded subject in Fruitland Park, officials said Sunday morning. Deputies responded to 4522 Sunnyside Drive after an individual allegedly threatened a neighbor with a gun, LCSO Public Information Officer Stephanie Earley said. LCSO’s negotiations unit is on scene attempting to make contact with the individual, Earley said. This is a developing story.

Barricaded subject prompts large law enforcement response in Fruitland Park Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 5, 2026

Fatal motorcycle crash closes road near Eustis

EUSTIS, Fla. — A fatal motorcycle crash has closed Calhoun Road near Eustis, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 5:30 p.m., a 59-year-old Umatilla man was driving a 2016 Ford F-150 northbound on Calhoun Road when he attempted to make a left turn onto Kine Drive, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Ford turned into the direct path of a motorcycle being ridden by a man who had not been identified at press time. The motorcycle collided with the right side of the Ford, and the impact caused it to hit a 2023 Ram ProMaster 3500 van driven by

Fatal motorcycle crash closes road near Eustis Read More »

Clermont, Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 23, 2026

No serious injuries in Paisley crashes Monday

PAISLEY, Fla. — Foggy conditions led to two crashes involving multiple vehicles Monday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 6:30 a.m., a crash occurred on County Road 42, west of George Street in Paisley, FHP said. “There was a multi-vehicle crash involving a marked Lake County Sheriff’s patrol car and six other vehicles due to fog in the area,” Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told Inside Lake. “There were no serious injuries reported.” A Lake County Fire Rescue vehicle responding to the crash was rear-ended by a Dodge Ram, causing a secondary crash in the area, Garcia said. No

No serious injuries in Paisley crashes Monday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 23, 2026

SUV crash near Leesburg kills passenger, driver airlifted

LEESBURG, Fla. — A woman was killed and a man was seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash near Leesburg Thursday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 2:10 p.m., a 69-year-old New Boston, Michigan man was driving a 2023 Ford Explorer northbound on County Road 473 near Allyson Road when the SUV ran off the roadway for an unknown reason and struck a tree, FHP said. The driver was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. His passenger, a 69-year-old woman, also of New Boston, Michigan, was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where she was pronounced

SUV crash near Leesburg kills passenger, driver airlifted Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 19, 2026

Crash near Groveland leaves car engulfed in flames, kills two Mascotte teens

GROVELAND, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed two Mascotte teens early Sunday morning. A 19-year-old Mascotte man was driving a 2018 Dodge Challenger southbound on County Road 565 in the area of Sloans Ridge Road near Groveland when he lost control, troopers said. The Dodge left the roadway, struck multiple trees and became engulfed in flames around 12:45 a.m. The driver and his passenger, a 17-year-old Mascotte boy, were both killed, FHP said. The crash was the second fatal crash involving fire in Lake County in just a few hours. Around 8 p.m. Saturday,

Crash near Groveland leaves car engulfed in flames, kills two Mascotte teens Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Mascotte, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 8, 2026

Motorcyclist killed in fiery head-on crash in Sorrento

SORRENTO, Fla. — A Tavares man was killed Saturday night when a large truck struck the motorcycle he was riding head-on, throwing him into the path of another vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 8 p.m., a 27-year-old Hobe Sound man was driving a 2008 Ford F-650 eastbound on State Road 44 near Huff Road when he crossed into the westbound lane for an unknown reason, FHP said. The Ford hit a 2023 Indian Roadmaster motorcycle head-on, causing it to burst into flames and throwing the rider, a 39-year-old Tavares man, into the direct path of a

Motorcyclist killed in fiery head-on crash in Sorrento Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 7, 2026

Man sentenced to life in prison for 2022 double murder at RV resort near Clermont

TAVARES, Fla. — A man convicted of murdering a teenager and a woman inside an RV at a Clermont campground in 2022 will spend the rest of his life in prison. Justin Lamar Jones was convicted last week of murdering Tyvionte Finister, 17, and Sandra Gaudino, 38, on Aug. 31, 2022, according to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. On Thursday, he learned he will spend the rest of his life in prison. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Thousand Trails Orlando RV Park near Clermont on Aug. 31, 2022, in reference to a sexual battery and a

Man sentenced to life in prison for 2022 double murder at RV resort near Clermont Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 5, 2026

Lady Lake man struck and killed on Rolling Acres Road

LADY LAKE, Fla. — A pedestrian walking on Rolling Acres Road was killed Monday after being struck by a vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 25-year-old Lady Lake man was walking south near Abeble Road shortly before 12:45 p.m. when he was hit by a 2008 Ford Edge being driven southbound by an 18-year-old Lady Lake woman, FHP said. The impact caused the man to collide with a fence, and he was pronounced deceased on the scene. The woman was not injured.

Lady Lake man struck and killed on Rolling Acres Road Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 3, 2026

Steamroller overturns, kills Ocala man near Clermont, FHP says

CLERMONT, Fla. — A man was killed after a construction steamroller overturned and struck him, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 35-year-old Ocala man was operating the steamroller on private property near County Road 455, west of Hancock Road, around 11:30 a.m. Monday, FHP said. He was attempting to drive the steamroller up an embankment when it overturned. He was struck during the rollover and suffered fatal injuries, FHP said. The incident remains under investigation.

Steamroller overturns, kills Ocala man near Clermont, FHP says Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 2, 2026

Pair charged in deadly Leesburg park shooting

LEESBURG, Fla.— The two persons of interest in the murder of a Grand Island teen have been formally charged, according to Leesburg Police Department. D’Yuntre Wright has been charged with second degree murder and James Fenderson IV has been charged with principle to murder in the third degree and unlawful possession of a firearm by a delinquent, in the death of Juan Gomez Jr., LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. Gomez Jr., 18, of Grand Island, was found dead shortly before 1 p.m. Dec. 14, 2025 in a vehicle at Berry Park, 2121 Johns Avenue, after LPD responded to a report

Pair charged in deadly Leesburg park shooting Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 2, 2026

High fire danger Thursday, officials say

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.— Lake County is under a Red Flag Warning from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday due to high fire danger conditions, according to Lake County Fire Rescue. Dry air, combined with strong winds and dry vegetation, can cause fires to spread and become dangerous quickly, LCFR said. They are asking residents to avoid outdoor burning and use caution with anything that could create sparks. LCFR is monitoring conditions closely, they said, and will provide updates as needed. If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.

High fire danger Thursday, officials say Read More »

Around the County, 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 Staff Report / February 26, 2026

Paisley teen dies after being found unresponsive in Indian River

EDGEWATER, Fla. — The Volusia Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 16-year-old Paisley boy who was found unresponsive in the Indian River on Saturday. Hunter McKelvin was discovered face-down near an island east of Menard-May Park in Edgewater on Saturday morning, VSO said Sunday. He was on a camping and fishing trip with friends, who performed CPR and transported him by boat to the park. Edgewater police and EMS personnel took over life-saving efforts there and transported McKelvin to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 9:30 a.m. McKelvin had no visible injuries, and the circumstances

Paisley teen dies after being found unresponsive in Indian River Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 22, 2026

One killed in fiery crash near Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fiery crash that killed one person early Sunday morning. At 2:45 a.m., a 2008 Mazda 3 was traveling westbound on County Road 474 east of Bruno Road in unincorporated Clermont when, for unknown reasons, it ran off the roadway, overturned and became engulfed in flames, according to FHP. The driver, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers are awaiting identification from the medical examiner.

One killed in fiery crash near Clermont Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 22, 2026

Second person of interest in deadly Leesburg park shooting now in custody

LEESBURG, Fla.— A second person of interest in the murder of Juan Gomez Jr., has been taken into custody, according to Leesburg Police Department. The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force took D’Yuntre Wright into custody late Thursday morning and detectives with LPD conducted interviews at the Orange County Jail, LPD said. Gomez Jr., 18, of Grand Island, was found dead shortly before 1 p.m. Dec. 14, 2025 in a vehicle at Berry Park, 2121 Johns Avenue, after LPD responded to a report of a shooting victim, LPD Chief Joe Iozzi said in December. After the murder, LPD quickly identified two

Second person of interest in deadly Leesburg park shooting now in custody Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 20, 2026

FHP: Preliminary findings indicate woman fell from SR 429

SORRENTO, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a woman’s body Wednesday after preliminary findings indicated she fell from State Road 429. Around 7:15 a.m., the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a body found in a grassy area near State Road 46 and Sleepy Bear Lane, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley said. Deputies responded, and found a 49-year-old DeBary woman, who was pronounced deceased by Lake EMS/Fire Rescue. LCSO detectives and crime scene investigators responded, and the case was later turned over to FHP. The preliminary investigation determined the woman fell

FHP: Preliminary findings indicate woman fell from SR 429 Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 18, 2026

FHP takes over death investigation near SR 46

Correction: Based on initial information provided to Inside Lake, an earlier version of this story reported the body was found on State Road 429. The correct location is State Road 46. SORRENTO, Fla. — The investigation into the body found near State Road 46 Wednesday morning has been turned over to the Florida Highway Patrol, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Around 7:15 a.m., LCSO received a report of a body found in a grassy area along State Road 46 near State Road 29 and Sleepy Bear Lane, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley said. Deputies and Lake EMS/Fire Rescue responded

FHP takes over death investigation near SR 46 Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 18, 2026

Deputies investigating after body discovered near SR 46

Correction: Based on initial information provided to Inside Lake, an earlier version of this story reported the body was found on State Road 429. The correct location is State Road 46. Update: FHP takes over death investigation near SR 46 – Inside Lake SORRENTO, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a body was discovered Wednesday morning. Deputies are on scene off State Road 46 and the investigation remains active, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. No other information has been released.

Deputies investigating after body discovered near SR 46 Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 18, 2026

Deputies pick up sex predator on 2013 warrant before prison release

TAVARES, Fla.—A convicted Volusia County sexual predator is back in Lake County to face similar crimes he’s accused of committing 20 years ago. Stanley Puckett, now 63, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2014 after pleading no contest to several child sex crimes that involved multiple children as young as 9, some he molested for nearly a decade, according to Volusia County court records. Puckett was incarcerated at Madison Correctional Institution, near the Florida-Georgia border, nearly finished with serving his sentence for his Volusia crimes, when he was picked up on 2014 detainers from Lake and Marion counties.

Deputies pick up sex predator on 2013 warrant before prison release Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 16, 2026

Technology leads Georgia deputies to missing 12-year-old Paisley girl

LAURENS COUNTY, Ga.— A 12-year-old Paisley girl is safe after being found in Georgia with a 19-year-old Illinois man, with the help of Georgia license plate readers (LPRs.) Juliette Delgado was reported missing Thursday after taking personal belongings with her, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephanie Earley said. “Based on prior knowledge of Juliette Delgado’s history and information that was gathered on scene, deputies determined that Juliette Delgado had met 19-year-old male, Alex Lindsley, online via TikTok,” according to Earley, and Lindsley made the drive to Florida to meet the girl. Deputies determined Lindsley was driving a silver Dodge truck

Technology leads Georgia deputies to missing 12-year-old Paisley girl Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 6, 2026

Person of interest in deadly Leesburg park shooting taken into custody Thursday

LEESBURG, Fla.— Nearly two months after a Grand Island teen’s murder, Leesburg police have one person of interest in custody, but another remains on the run. According to Leesburg Police Department, the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force took James Fenderson IV into custody early Thursday afternoon. Fenderson IV, is a “person of interest” in the murder of Juan Gomez Jr., 18, who was found dead shortly before 1 p.m. Dec. 14, 2025 in a vehicle at Berry Park, 2121 Johns Avenue, after LPD responded to a report of a shooting victim, LPD Chief Joe Iozzi said in December. Police continue

Person of interest in deadly Leesburg park shooting taken into custody Thursday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 5, 2026

LCSO searching for teen shooting suspect

DeLAND, Fla.— The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a teenager accused of shooting his sister’s boyfriend near DeLand. Jordan Furber, 17, is accused of shooting Euhari Gordon Wednesday morning, shortly before noon, according to a report obtained by Inside Lake. LCSO responded to a report of a shooting at 42215 Dogwood Avenue in the DeLand portion of Lake County and found Gordon sitting outside in a chair, suffering from two gunshot wounds with both entry and exit wounds, the report states. Three people, including his girlfriend, Renique Leopold, were providing aid. The deputy assessed Gordon’s injuries and Lake

LCSO searching for teen shooting suspect Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 29, 2026

Shooting sends one to the hospital Wednesday, LCSO investigating

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the address of the incident. DeLAND, Fla.— The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred in the DeLand portion of Lake County Wednesday afternoon. LCSO responded to 42215 Dogwood Avenue in reference to a shooting, Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to an area hospital and is in stable condition. Deputies have identified the suspect, and the investigation was still active at press time.

Shooting sends one to the hospital Wednesday, LCSO investigating Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 29, 2026

Report: Umatilla man paid for rideshare to transport minor for sex

UMATILLA, Fla.— A months-long investigation involving two counties culminated Tuesday with the execution of a search warrant and an arrest in a case involving sex crimes against a minor, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Jordan Charles Lewis, 30, of Umatilla was arrested Tuesday following an investigation that began in October 2025 when the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office forwarded a report to LCSO alleging a victim had engaged in sexual activity with Lewis. The report, written by a school resource deputy (SRD) at a Citrus County high school, stated the victim disclosed she received Snapchat messages from Lewis soliciting

Report: Umatilla man paid for rideshare to transport minor for sex Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 21, 2026

Police track down man after reported attempted abduction of teen girl in Eustis

EUSTIS, Fla. — Eustis Police Department has arrested a man in connection with the reported attempted abduction of a teenage girl Saturday, authorities said. EPD began their search for the suspect after a teenage girl said a man had approached her while she was walking in the area of East Pinehurst Boulevard and South Grove Street around 3:30 p.m. Saturday. She told police the man began talking to her about places to get drinks in the area and offered her $300 to get in the SUV he was driving. The 17-year-old girl refused and the man grabbed her, EPD Chief

Police track down man after reported attempted abduction of teen girl in Eustis Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 6, 2026

2 killed in crash on SR 33 Friday night; Groveland man arrested for DUI manslaughter

GROVELAND, Fla. — A Groveland man is facing two counts of DUI manslaughter and is being held in the Lake County Jail after a crash that killed two people Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. FHP said around 7 p.m., Seenarine Hardeo, 50, was driving a 2009 Mini Cooper northbound on State Road 33 near Swamp Drive when he crossed into the southbound lane and collided head-on with a 2019 semi-truck driven by a 67-year-old Miramar man. The impact caused the semi-truck to veer into the northbound lane, where it struck a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado head-on that was

2 killed in crash on SR 33 Friday night; Groveland man arrested for DUI manslaughter Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 27, 2025

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 the Czech Republic and had delivered nearly 4 billion gifts, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD.) Girls and boys 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 »

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 / December 24, 2025

Leesburg man killed, passenger airlifted after crashing into semi-trailer blocking roadway Monday

LEESBURG, Fla. — A Leesburg man was killed and his passenger seriously injured after the pickup truck they were in crashed into a semi-truck’s trailer as it backed into a private driveway before daybreak Monday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly after 5:45 a.m., the 57-year-old man from Leesburg was driving a 2005 Ford F-150 southbound on County Road 473, near Lake Eustis Drive, when he struck the left side of the trailer of a 2016 semi-truck that was blocking the roadway while backing into a private driveway, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Leesburg man was pronounced

Leesburg man killed, passenger airlifted after crashing into semi-trailer blocking roadway Monday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 22, 2025

Fatal crash closes CR 473 Monday morning

LEESBURG, Fla. — County Road 473 is shut down as the Florida Highway Patrol investigates a fatal crash that occurred shortly before 6 a.m. Monday. The crash at County Road 473 and Lake Eustis Drive involves a 2016 semi-truck and a 2005 Ford F-150. The driver of the F-150 was killed and had not been identified at press time, according to FHP. A passenger in the F-150 was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The occupants of the semi-truck, a 67-year-old man and a 63-year-old man, both from Arkansas, were not injured.

Fatal crash closes CR 473 Monday morning Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 22, 2025

Police search for persons of interest in deadly Leesburg park shooting

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is on the hunt for two persons of interest in the death of a Grand Island teen Sunday. Tuesday, LPD released the names and photos of two people they are calling “persons of interest” in the shooting death of Juan Gomez Jr. “The Leesburg Police Department is actively seeking information regarding the whereabouts of James Fenderson IV and D’Yuntre Wright, who are persons of interest in an ongoing homicide investigation,” LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. Gomez, 18, was found dead shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday in a vehicle at Berry Park, 2121 Johns Avenue, after LPD

Police search for persons of interest in deadly Leesburg park shooting Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 16, 2025

Grand Island teen found shot to death in vehicle at Leesburg park Sunday

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is investigating the death of teenager found Sunday. LPD patrol officers responded to Berry Park on a report of a possible shooting victim, shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday, LPD Chief Joe Iozzi said. When they arrived, they found Juan Gomez, 18, of Grand Island, with at least one gunshot wound. Leesburg Fire Rescue and EMS responded, and Gomez was pronounced dead on the scene, Iozzi said. Crime scene investigators and LPD detectives responded and detectives are following up on leads. The West Leesburg Community Development Corporation released a statement Sunday. “We are aware of the situation

Grand Island teen found shot to death in vehicle at Leesburg park Sunday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 14, 2025

Winter Haven man killed in Thanksgiving Day crash in South Lake County

FOUR CORNERS, Fla.—A Winter Haven man died Thursday afternoon after a possible medical episode caused him to crash his Jeep Wrangler, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just before 5:30 p.m., the 72-year-old man was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 27, south of Ruby Red Boulevard, in a 2015 Jeep Wrangler, when he ran of the road, hit an electrical box and entered a ditch, FHP said. Troopers said the man may have suffered a medical episode prior to the crash. He was transported to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.

Winter Haven man killed in Thanksgiving Day crash in South Lake County Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 28, 2025

Driver says, “I’m not going to lie, bro, I’ve got to go,” and attempts to flee traffic stop near Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla.—A man who told a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy he made a bad choice and regretted his decision is facing two felony charges, according to an arrest affidavit. An LCSO deputy spotted a Hyundai SUV make an illegal U-turn on U.S. Highway 27 at High Grove Boulevard shortly after midnight Wednesday and initiated a traffic stop. The driver pulled into a nearby parking lot, and the deputy approached the SUV and asked for his license. As the driver searched for it, he reportedly said, “I’m not going to lie, bro, I’ve got to go,” and put the SUV

Driver says, “I’m not going to lie, bro, I’ve got to go,” and attempts to flee traffic stop near Clermont Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 25, 2025

FHP searching for Clermont hit-and-run suspect

CLERMONT, Fla.— The Florida Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s assistance with identifying a driver who fled the scene after hitting a bicyclist last week. Around 8 a.m. Saturday, a 35-year-old Clermont woman was riding a bicycle eastbound on the edge of County Road 455 near County Road 561 when an unknown vehicle sideswiped her and fled, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The unknown vehicle left the scene eastbound on County Road 455; there were no witnesses, Crescenzi said. The bicyclist was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. If you have information on the crash, call *FHP or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS,

FHP searching for Clermont hit-and-run suspect Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 20, 2025

80-year-old woman killed after being struck by SUV at Altoona retirement community

ALTOONA, Fla.— A woman was killed Wednesday afternoon after another woman backed into her with an SUV, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. An 80-year-old woman was walking in a southeast direction the parking lot of the front clubhouse at the Lakeview Terrace community shortly after 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. A 96-year-old woman driving a 2008 Ford Edge reversed out of a parking space and failed to see the pedestrian, striking her and severely injuring her. The victim was airlifted to HCA Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where she was later pronounced deceased. The driver was

80-year-old woman killed after being struck by SUV at Altoona retirement community Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 19, 2025

Teens killed, 6-year-old seriously injured in Saturday night crash near Groveland

GROVELAND, Fla.— An attempt to pass in a no-passing zone killed two South Lake County teens Saturday night, shutting down a major road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly after 6 p.m., a 16-year-old Groveland girl was driving a 2008 Toyota Scion southbound on State Road 33 when she attempted to pass a vehicle in a no-passing zone near Groveland Farms Road. She entered the northbound lane when she apparently saw a 2021 Lincoln Aviator traveling northbound. She swerved back into the southbound lane, lost control, rotated and again entered the northbound lane, FHP said. The Lincoln struck the

Teens killed, 6-year-old seriously injured in Saturday night crash near Groveland Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 15, 2025

Fatal crash shuts down SR 33 south of Groveland

11:45 p.m. update: Teens killed, 6-year-old seriously injured in Saturday night crash near Groveland – Inside Lake GROVELAND, Fla.— A fatal crash Saturday night has shut down State Road 33, south of Groveland, according to multiple law enforcement agencies. According to the Florida Highway Patrol’s website, the fatal crash occurred around 6:15 p.m. on State Road 33 near Groveland Farms Road. State Road 33 is closed between Millstream Road and Pine Island Road, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post. Sources told Inside Lake two people were killed. This is a developing story.

Fatal crash shuts down SR 33 south of Groveland Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 15, 2025

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

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

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

Bushnell woman ejected, killed in crash near Lake/Sumter line

GROVELAND, Fla—For the second time in less than a week, a motorist was killed on State Road 50 near Sloans Ridge Road. A 30-year-old Bushnell woman was driving a 2002 GMC Sierra westbound on State Road 50, just before 10 p.m., when she failed to negotiate a curve and drove off the northwest side of roadway. The GMC overturned several times, ejecting the woman, FHP said. She was pronounced deceased on the scene. Multiple agencies responded to the scene to assist, including Groveland Fire Department, Lake County Fire Rescue, Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Mascotte Police Department. This is the

Bushnell woman ejected, killed in crash near Lake/Sumter line Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Mascotte, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 26, 2025

Collision with tow truck kills teen on Turnpike Saturday night

LEESBURG, Fla—A teenager was killed on Florida’s Turnpike Saturday after she hit a tow truck merging into traffic, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 18-year-old woman was driving a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E southbound, north of mile marker 291, when she hit the back of a 2024 Hino tow truck that was merging from the outside shoulder into the outside lane, around 9:45 p.m., FHP said. The impact killed the Southwest Ranches woman; the tow truck driver, a 53-year-old Ocala man, was not injured. Previous story: Two Deadly Crashes Close Major Roads near Groveland and Leesburg – Inside Lake

Collision with tow truck kills teen on Turnpike Saturday night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 26, 2025

Clermont man killed in fiery head-on crash with semi

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

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

Clermont, Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 20, 2025

Ocklawaha man killed in Astor crash Wednesday

ASTOR, Fla.—A 71-year-old Ocklawaha man was killed after crashing into a tractor-trailer Wednesday night. Shortly before 8:45 p.m., the Ocklawaha man was driving a 2002 Cadillac Escalade westbound on State Road 40, east of Deerfly Road in Astor, when he crossed the centerline and crashed head-on into a 2025 tractor-trailer being driven by a 49-year-old Denver, Colorado man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Ocklawaha man was killed on the scene, and a passenger in the tractor-trailer, a 25-year-old, Los Angeles, California man, suffered minor injuries and was transported to AdventHealth DeLand. FHP said. The driver of the tractor-trailer

Ocklawaha man killed in Astor crash Wednesday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 16, 2025

Woman shot in Grand Island Saturday by man trying to “get answers”

GRAND ISLAND, Fla. —A man who was trying to “get answers” is facing an aggravated battery charge after being accused of shooting a woman Saturday. According to a probable cause affidavit, shortly before 7:15 p.m., Denise Rosa was outside of a home in Grand Island putting her dog in her vehicle when she saw Michael Phillips, 76, and invited him inside for a card game. The address of the residence is redacted from the affidavit. Rosa told deputies she finished with her dog, and when she walked in, she heard Phillips say, “Don’t trust what she says.” Rosa asked him what

Woman shot in Grand Island Saturday by man trying to “get answers” Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 15, 2025

Celebration of life announced for Eustis restaurant owner

EUSTIS, Fla.—A celebration of life has been set for beloved Eustis business owner Aaron Belair, both of his restaurants announced Saturday. The celebration of life is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon, Nov. 1 at LifePoint Church, 3551 E., Orange Avenue, Eustis. It is open to the public. Belair, 57, of Eustis was riding a 2025 Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on State Road 19 near Lake Smith Road outside of Umatilla, when he attempted to make a U-turn and collided with a Ford F-150 being driven southbound by a 51-year-old man of Umatilla, on Sept. 25, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told only

Celebration of life announced for Eustis restaurant owner Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 4, 2025

FHP continues to investigate crash that killed Eustis restaurant owner as community mourns

UMATILLA, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol was on scene Saturday investigating the crash that took the life of a beloved Eustis business owner last week, as the community continues to mourn the loss of the man who quietly touched many lives. Aaron Belair, 57, of Eustis was riding a 2025 Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on State Road 19 near Lake Smith Road when he attempted to make a U-turn and collided with a Ford F-150 being driven southbound by a 51-year-old man of Umatilla, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told only Inside Lake. The crash caused the motorcycle to go underneath the Ford and

FHP continues to investigate crash that killed Eustis restaurant owner as community mourns Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 29, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 24, 2025

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 24, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 23, 2025

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 21, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 6, 2025

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, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 2, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 28, 2025

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, Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 24, 2025

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 »

Astatula, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 24, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 19, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 17, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 23, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 18, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Mount Dora, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 17, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 9, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 8, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 2, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 13, 2025

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 »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 9, 2025

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 »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 9, 2025

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

Grandmother seeks life insurance payout for suspects in deputy ambush Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 6, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 30, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 9, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 6, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 6, 2025

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, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 5, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 4, 2025

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 »

Around the County, Astatula, Clermont, Eustis, Features, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-in-the-Hills, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde, Mount Dora, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 7, 2025

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 »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 24, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 22, 2025

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 8, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 3, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 30, 2025

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 30, 2025

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 »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 24, 2025

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 »

Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 23, 2025

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

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

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

Astatula, Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-in-the-Hills, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde, Mount Dora, News Briefs, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Staff Report / March 19, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 18, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 17, 2025

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 »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 5, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 21, 2025

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

Deputies searching for Sorrento murder suspect Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 21, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 12, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 12, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 7, 2025

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 »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 19, 2025

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 14, 2025

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