Unincorporated Lake Archives - Page 3 of 5

VIDEO: Suspect in Sorrento Missing Children Case Arrested in ’22, Claimed She was “Traveling” and Did Not Need a License

EUSTIS, Fla.—Inside Lake has obtained body cam video from the 2022 arrest of a woman suspected of taking her children from a Sorrento foster home. Dixie Williams, 41, was arrested Dec. 4, 2022, by Eustis Police Department after a sergeant spotted her not wearing a seatbelt and pulled her over. After stopping Williams, EPD found she did not have a driver license and she claimed she did not need one because she was ”traveling” and not “driving.” The Michigan license plate attached to the maroon Chevy truck she was driving was not registered and as officers took Williams into custody, […]

VIDEO: Suspect in Sorrento Missing Children Case Arrested in ’22, Claimed She was “Traveling” and Did Not Need a License Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 25, 2024

Amber Alert Issued for Girls Missing from Sorrento

SORRENTO, Fla.—An Amber Alert has been issued for two children missing from Sorrento. At 7 a.m. Thursday, the foster mother of Tilli and Natalia Williams reported the girls missing from her home at 23419 Companero Drive in Sorrento. She told the Lake County Sheriff’s Office she last saw the girls at 11 p.m. Wednesday, according to LCSO Lt. John Herrell. According to the Amber Alert, the girls may be in the company of Dixie Williams, 41. Williams is described as a white female, 5 feet, 2 inches tall, with brown hair and brown eyes, and weighs approximately 200 pounds. She

Amber Alert Issued for Girls Missing from Sorrento Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 25, 2024

Deputies Searching for Sisters Who Disappeared from Sorrento Foster Home

SORRENTO, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a pair of young sisters who disappeared from their Sorrento foster home overnight. At 7 a.m. Thursday, the foster mother of Tillie and Natalia Williams reported the girls missing from her home at 23419 Companero Drive in Sorrento. She told LCSO she last saw the girls at 11 p.m. Wednesday, according to LCSO Lt. John Herrell. “Lake County Sheriff’s detectives are on scene and actively investigating. Detectives are looking into the possibility that the juveniles are with their biological mother and father, or if they have any information,” Herrell said in

Deputies Searching for Sisters Who Disappeared from Sorrento Foster Home Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 25, 2024

Umatilla Man Killed in Early Morning Crash Identified

EUSTIS, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed the identity of the man killed after he crashed into a tree Saturday morning. Tyler Evans, 27, of Umatilla, was driving a 2016 Nissan Versa northbound on County Road 439 near Dairy Road in unincorporated Eustis when he lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree around 5:15 a.m., FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. Evans was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. According to a gofundme created to benefit Evans’ family, Tyler

Umatilla Man Killed in Early Morning Crash Identified Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 14, 2024

Umatilla Man Killed after Losing Control of Car and Crashing into a Tree

EUSTIS, Fla.—A Umatilla man was killed before daylight Saturday morning after losing control of his car and striking a tree, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The 27-year-old man was driving a 2016 Nissan Versa north on County Road 439 near Dairy Road, in unicorporated Eustis, shortly before 5:15 a.m. when he lost control for an unknown reason, left the roadway and struck a tree, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The man was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash closed County Road 439 for more than five hours and remains under

Umatilla Man Killed after Losing Control of Car and Crashing into a Tree Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 13, 2024

Single-Vehicle Crash Takes Out Wall in Eustis Neighborhood Early Monday

EUSTIS, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate a single-vehicle crash that took out a wall in a Eustis neighborhood early Monday morning. A 32-year-old Sorrento man was driving a 2014 Jeep Compass westbound on State Road 44 near Estes Road when he lost control, ran off the road and crashed into a wall at the Brookshire neighborhood just before 2 a.m. Monday, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake. A resident of Brookshire, who wished to remain anonymous, told Inside Lake the damage to the wall is estimated at $50,000. The Sorrento man was not injured, and the crash

Single-Vehicle Crash Takes Out Wall in Eustis Neighborhood Early Monday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 10, 2024

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

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

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

Astatula, Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde, Mount Dora, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 8, 2024

Pedestrian Killed Near Leesburg Wednesday Morning

LEESBURG, Fla.—A pedestrian walking in the road was struck and killed in Leesburg Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 6:30 a.m., a 63-year-old Leesburg man was driving a 2020 Volkswagen Passat eastbound on Griffin Road near Pioneer Trail when he struck a 55-year-old Leesburg man who was walking in the eastbound lane of Griffin Road, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The pedestrian was transported to UF Health Leesburg Hospital and pronounced deceased; the driver of the Passat was not injured. He remained on scene and told troopers he did not see the man walking in the road.

Pedestrian Killed Near Leesburg Wednesday Morning Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 3, 2024

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

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

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

Clermont, Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 28, 2023

Leesburg Woman Arrested for Attempted Murder Held on No Bond

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Leesburg woman is being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond after she admitted she stabbed another woman, according to an arrest affidavit. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call early Wednesday morning stating a person had been stabbed at home in unincorporated Leesburg. The address where the stabbing occurred is redacted from the affidavit, but sources told Inside Lake it occurred on Kaylee Way, near Radio Road. The victim, whose name is also redacted from the affidavit, had approximately seven injuries “consistent with being stabbed with a knife or other edged implement,” and

Leesburg Woman Arrested for Attempted Murder Held on No Bond Read More »

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

BREAKING NEWS: Santa Claus is coming to town

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

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

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

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

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

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 24, 2023

Motorcyclist Killed in 3-Vehicle Crash near Clermont Sunday Night

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

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

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 17, 2023

Details Released on Triple Fatality Near Groveland

GROVELAND, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate a crash that killed a man and two women near Groveland Tuesday. Around 2 p.m., a 2018 Ford Explorer, being driven by a 47-year-old Grand Island man was stopped, facing east on Bridges Road at County Road 33 when it pulled into the direct path of a 1997 Ford dump truck being driven northbound on County Road 33, by a 63-year-old man of Mount Vernon, Maine. The front of the dump truck collided with the right side of the Explorer. The impact caused both vehicles to leave the roadway and travel into

Details Released on Triple Fatality Near Groveland Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 12, 2023

3 Killed in Groveland Crash with Dump Truck Tuesday, CR 33 Shut Down

GROVELAND, Fla.—Three people were killed in a crash Tuesday afternoon in Groveland, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at County Road 33 and Bridges Road just before 2 p.m. and involves an SUV and a dump truck. County Road 33 is shut down, FHP said. No other information was available at press time. This is a developing story.

3 Killed in Groveland Crash with Dump Truck Tuesday, CR 33 Shut Down Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 12, 2023

Umatilla Man Killed in CR 452 Crash Tuesday

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Umatilla motorcyclist was killed Tuesday when a sedan made a left turn and collided with him, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 2013 Hyundai Sonata, being driven by a 91-year-old Apopka man, was eastbound on County Road 452, in the left turn lane, at Sandpiper Drive, near Leesburg, shortly before noon when it made a left turn in the direct path of a 2002 Kawasaki motorcycle being ridden by a 56-year-old Umatilla man, FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. The Umatilla man was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he was pronounced deceased,

Umatilla Man Killed in CR 452 Crash Tuesday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 5, 2023

Motorcycle Fatality Shuts Down CR 452 Near Leesburg Tuesday

Update: Umatilla Man Killed in CR 452 Crash Tuesday – Inside Lake LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a motorcyclist late Tuesday morning near Leesburg and shut down County Road 452. The crash occurred on County Road 452 near Sandpiper Drive, shortly before noon, and involved a Hyundai Sonata and a 2002 Kawasaki motorcycle, FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in an email. The driver and the passenger in the Sonata were not injured and the motorcyclist was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares and pronounced deceased. County Road 452 remained closed at press time.

Motorcycle Fatality Shuts Down CR 452 Near Leesburg Tuesday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 5, 2023

Sunday Afternoon Crash Kills Leesburg Man, 94

LEESBURG, Fla.—A 94-year-old Leesburg man was killed Sunday afternoon when the SUV he was driving was struck by a car that ran a traffic light, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was driving a 2015 Subaru Forester eastbound on Plantation Boulevard and was attempting to make a left turn on U.S. Highway 27 when he collided with a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu that was “unable to stop in time for the traffic signal,” around 4:15 p.m., Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. The front of the Malibu struck the left side of the Forester and injured both

Sunday Afternoon Crash Kills Leesburg Man, 94 Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 3, 2023

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

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

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

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 17, 2023

Event Planned for Sunday to Benefit Children of Sorrento Moms Killed in Connecticut Crash Last Month

EUSTIS, Fla.—A community plans to come together Sunday afternoon to raise money for three children injured in a crash that killed their moms in Connecticut last month. On Oct. 22, Lacey Marie Price, 32, and Rebecca “Becky” Marie Schutte, 36, both of Sorrento, were passengers in a Lincoln Aviator being driven by Kory Watson, 40, of Hillsville, Va. Watson veered into the right lane for an unknown reason on Interstate 91 South in Wethersfield, Conn. and collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer parked on the right shoulder. The collision killed Watson and Price; Schutte was transported to Hartford Hospital

Event Planned for Sunday to Benefit Children of Sorrento Moms Killed in Connecticut Crash Last Month Read More »

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

Candlelight Vigil Held for Umatilla Teen Killed in Crash Monday

LEESBURG, Fla.—Dozens of vehicles lined both sides of Goose Prairie Road Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil held in remembrance of a teen who was killed in a crash Monday. The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the names of both teens to Inside Lake Tuesday afternoon and loved ones and friends gathered to honor Michael Pasternak, 16, of Umatilla, who was the passenger in a Jeep Wrangler that overturned several times, killing him and the driver shortly before 8 p.m. Monday. Lane Johnson, 17, of Leesburg, was driving the 2016 Wrangler eastbound on Goose Prairie Road near Felkins Road when he

Candlelight Vigil Held for Umatilla Teen Killed in Crash Monday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 7, 2023

FHP Releases More Information on Rollover Crash that Killed 2 Teens Near Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol has released more information on a crash that killed two teens near Leesburg Monday night. FHP said two adult males were killed Monday night, but an early Tuesday morning press release stated the crash victims were a 17-year-old male of Leesburg and a 16-year-old male of Umatilla. The 17-year-old male was driving a 2016 Jeep Wrangler eastbound on Goose Prairie Road when it attempted to pass a 2005 Ford F-150 in a no-passing zone shortly before 8 p.m. Monday, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Wrangler entered the westbound lane and then tried to reenter

FHP Releases More Information on Rollover Crash that Killed 2 Teens Near Leesburg Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 7, 2023

Crash Kills 2 Near Leesburg Monday Night

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed two men shortly before 8 p.m. Monday night. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was eastbound on Goose Prairie Road when it attempted to pass a 2005 Ford F-150 in a no-passing zone near Felkins Road, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Wrangler entered the westbound land and then tried to reenter the eastbound lane due to oncoming traffic. The right rear of the Wrangler collided with the front left of the F-150 and the Wrangler overcorrected, traveled across both lanes, overturned several times and struck a wire fence. The driver

Crash Kills 2 Near Leesburg Monday Night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 7, 2023

Suspected Thief Nabbed at Sorrento Home Where Explosives were Found Last Month

SORRENTO, Fla.—A suspected thief was arrested on Halloween after a victim located his belongings on Craigslist for sale and sent the Lake County Sheriff’s Office photos of his items with the suspected thief in front of a Sorrento home, according to an arrest affidavit. After receiving the photos, LCSO detectives responded to 31624 Orange Street in Sorrento—the same home where explosives were found last month in the case against David Flores. Flores was arrested near that home after being on the run for several days stemming from an incident that began with an armed sexual battery. When detectives arrived at

Suspected Thief Nabbed at Sorrento Home Where Explosives were Found Last Month Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 2, 2023

Bicyclist Dies from Injuries Months After Sorrento Hit-and-Run Crash

SORRENTO, Florida—A Sorrento bicyclist has died from injuries he sustained in a hit-and-run crash in July, the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed to Inside Lake. Only Inside Lake reported on the crash that seriously injured Richard “Rick” McPhee, 59, of Sorrento around 5:45 a.m. July 26. McPhee was riding a bicycle eastbound on Wolf Branch Road approaching Stone Meadow Court on his way to work when a vehicle, possibly a 2014 -2018 Kia Soul, struck McPhee from behind, according to FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi. McPhee’s bicycle had proper lighting and he was wearing a reflective vest. The impact threw McPhee

Bicyclist Dies from Injuries Months After Sorrento Hit-and-Run Crash Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 1, 2023

Paisley Man Killed on I4 in Hillsborough County Saturday Night

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.—A pedestrian from Paisley was killed Saturday night when he was struck by minivan on Interstate 4, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A Toyota Sienna, being driven by a 59-year-old Sarasota man, was traveling westbound on I4 near McIntosh Road, just after 8:15 p.m. when the Paisley man, 24, walked across the highway and into the path of the minivan for an unknown reason, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said. “As a result, the vehicle struck the pedestrian, who suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash,” Gaskins said in an email.

Paisley Man Killed on I4 in Hillsborough County Saturday Night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 29, 2023

Connecticut Crash Claims the Lives of 2 Sorrento Women and Virginia Man, 3 Children Hospitalized

WETHERSFIELD, Conn.—A Connecticut crash claimed the lives of two Sorrento women and a Virginia man Sunday and sent three Sorrento children to the hospital, according to the Connecticut State Police (CSP.) Shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday, Kory Watson, 40, of Hillsville, Va., was driving a 2003 Lincoln Aviator on Interstate 91 South when he veered into the right lane for an unknown reason and collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer parked on the right shoulder near Exit 25. Watson, and one of his passengers, Lacey Marie Price, 32, of Sorrento, were pronounced deceased on the scene. Passenger Rebecca Marie

Connecticut Crash Claims the Lives of 2 Sorrento Women and Virginia Man, 3 Children Hospitalized Read More »

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

Social Media Dispute Between Umatilla and Apopka Teens Erupts into Chase, Gun Found

UMATILLA, Fla.— A dispute between teenagers that began over social media erupted into a chase and eventual arrest Thursday after one teen admitted a gun found in a truck was his, according to an arrest affidavit. Law enforcement received information that a large fight was going to occur between Umatilla teens and Apopka teens over a social media dispute. A video showed a teen brandishing a black pistol with an extended magazine from inside what appeared to be a Dodge Ram, according to the affidavit. Umatilla High School Principal Brent Frazier sent out a voice message to parents and guardians

Social Media Dispute Between Umatilla and Apopka Teens Erupts into Chase, Gun Found Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 20, 2023

5 Arrested in Lake County Child Sex Sting

TAVARES, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of five people Monday who are accused of traveling with the intent to have sex with a juvenile earlier this month. “After unknowingly talking online with an undercover detective, the subjects traveled to a predetermined location with the intent to have sex with a child. All suspects were taken into custody upon arrival,” LCSO said in a statement. The suspects are: Musa Sawaneh, 25, who traveled from Temple Terrace. Jason Spencer, 40, who traveled from Tavares. Kahlil Amilivia Rodriguez, 25, who traveled from Groveland. Bhaveshkuma Vekaria, 45, who traveled from Orlando.

5 Arrested in Lake County Child Sex Sting Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 16, 2023

Fruitland Park Man Admits to Strangling his Dog and Cat

FRUITLAND Park, Fla.—A Fruitland Park man has been released from the Lake County Jail on bond after admitting to deputies he strangled his dog and cat, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home in Fruitland Park Thursday morning on a report of a man, later identified as William Victor Brown, 65, having “homicidal/suicidal tendencies.” The complainant said Brown told her had strangled his black and white cat and black and brown Chihuahua Wednesday night and he wanted to kill himself with his gun, the affidavit states. Deputies spoke with Brown, who admitted he

Fruitland Park Man Admits to Strangling his Dog and Cat Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 15, 2023

Leesburg Man Killed Walking Across CR 44 Friday Night

LEESBURG, Fla.—A 47-year-old Leesburg man was killed on County Road 44 Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was walking southbound across the eastbound lane near Rhett Road in the Leesburg area when he was struck by a 2019 Chrysler 3000 being driven by a 37-year-old man shortly before 9:30 p.m. The crash scene is near a Dollar General. The driver and his 38-year-old female passenger, both of Leesburg, were not injured. The pedestrian was pronounced dead on the scene, FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. The fatal crash closed County Road 44 for several hours and remains

Leesburg Man Killed Walking Across CR 44 Friday Night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 14, 2023

Bulletproof Vest, Explosive Devices, Guns and Drugs Found During Search Warrant, Suspect Now Facing Federal Charges

SORRENTO, Fla.—Only Inside Lake reported on a search warrant that was executed on a home connected to David Flores Thursday afternoon and now the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has revealed what was found. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives (ATF,) and LCSO’s SWAT Team, Hazardous Device Team (bomb squad,) detectives and crime scene investigators searched the home located at 31624 Orange Street, Sorrento Thursday afternoon and into the early evening hours. “During the search, detectives located firearms, a ballistic vest, fentanyl, and other drugs. The vest that was collected matches the description of the one the victim

Bulletproof Vest, Explosive Devices, Guns and Drugs Found During Search Warrant, Suspect Now Facing Federal Charges Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 13, 2023

Large Law Enforcement Presence at Home Where Wanted Man Found in Sorrento Earlier this Week

SORRENTO, Fla.— Numerous law enforcement officers were at the home Thursday night where a wanted man was apprehended earlier this week conducting a “follow-up investigation”, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake. Multiple sources reached out to Inside Lake Thursday evening and said law enforcement officers from multiple agencies were at the home at 31624 Orange Street in Sorrento, including LCSO and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office around 6:30 p.m. This is the same home David Flores, 37, fled from early Wednesday morning after being on the run from deputies for more than two days. Flores was

Large Law Enforcement Presence at Home Where Wanted Man Found in Sorrento Earlier this Week Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 12, 2023

Deputies Investigating Several Suspicious Incidents in Mount Plymouth Tuesday Night

MOUNT PLYMOUTH, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several reports of suspicious incidents in Mount Plymouth Tuesday night, including shots fired near at least two homes; and in one incident, a bullet entered a home through a sliding glass door. According to a report, deputies responded to an unoccupied home around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday on Troon Avenue after the complainant saw an unknown person, possibly a Hispanic male, walking around the residence on surveillance video. While responding to that call, another call came in reporting a shot had been fired through a sliding glass door at a nearby home.

Deputies Investigating Several Suspicious Incidents in Mount Plymouth Tuesday Night Read More »

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

VIDEO: LCSO K9 Takes a Bite Out of Crime and Apprehends Suspect Wanted Since Sunday

SORRENTO, Fla.—A tip to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the apprehension of the man who was the subject of an extensive search in Eustis Sunday night. LCSO responded to a home on Orange Street in Sorrento just after midnight Wednesday and began searching the property for David Flores, 37, and he fled on foot, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. “A sheriff’s K-9 located him shortly thereafter hiding in a hole where it appeared trees had been cleared,” Herrell said in an email. K9 Ex bit Flores and he was treated for minor injuries and later transported to the

VIDEO: LCSO K9 Takes a Bite Out of Crime and Apprehends Suspect Wanted Since Sunday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 11, 2023

Captured: Man who was Subject of Extensive Search in Eustis Sunday Night Taken into Custody

SORRENTO, Fla.—The man the Lake County Sheriff’s Office searched for by ground and air for several hours Sunday night has been taken into custody and Inside Lake is working on getting details on his apprehension. David Flores, 37, was suspected of an aggravated assault that occurred in the county portion of Bates Avenue around 5:30 p.m. Sunday and according to LCSO online booking records he was taken into custody shortly before 1 a.m. Wednesday in Sorrento. He is facing a charge of resisting arrest and two bond revocation orders from previous arrests; he is being held without bond due to

Captured: Man who was Subject of Extensive Search in Eustis Sunday Night Taken into Custody Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 11, 2023

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

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

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

Astatula, Clermont, Eustis, Features, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde, Mount Dora, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Jolie Fowler / October 14, 2023

After Extensive Search Sunday Night in Eustis, Wanted Suspect Still on the Lam

EUSTIS, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for a suspect who was the subject of an extensive search in Eustis Sunday night. David Flores, 37, is the suspect in an aggravated assault that occurred in the county portion of Bates Avenue around 5:30 p.m. Sunday and he also has an active warrant for burglary, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. Rumors were flying on social media Sunday night as residents watched numerous deputies and Eustis Police Department officers search the area around Eustis Middle School and DeLand Road, commonly known as the Eustis bypass. Tavares Police Chief Sarah Coursey

After Extensive Search Sunday Night in Eustis, Wanted Suspect Still on the Lam Read More »

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

LCSO and EPD Search for “Possibly Armed” and “Dangerous” Suspect

EUSTIS, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Eustis Police Department and Eagle One, LCSO’s helicopter, are searching for a suspect near Eustis Middle School wanted in an aggravated assault case. LCSO received a report of an aggravated assault around 5:30 pm. Sunday at a home on Bates Avenue in LCSO’s jurisdiction, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. Deputies received information that the suspect was David Flores, 37, and he was armed and had fled on foot into nearby woods. “The Sheriff’s Office has been on scene trying to investigate the situation and locate the suspect, with little cooperation from the victim,” Herrell

LCSO and EPD Search for “Possibly Armed” and “Dangerous” Suspect Read More »

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

Paisley Bicyclist Dies from Injuries Sustained in Pine Lakes Crash

PINE LAKES, Fla.—The bicyclist injured in a crash with a semi-truck Wednesday has died. Terry Cowart, 45, of Paisley was riding a bicycle when he attempted to cross State Road 44 near Spruce Drive and collided with a semi-truck with a trailer attached shortly after 8:15 a.m. The truck was traveling on State Road 44 shortly after 8:15 a.m. Wednesday when Cowart attempted to cross State Road 44 in the direct path of the semi, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake. The truck driver, a 55-year-old man from Kissimmee, swerved to avoid Cowart, and the truck overturned

Paisley Bicyclist Dies from Injuries Sustained in Pine Lakes Crash Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 30, 2023

Paisley Bicyclist Critically Injured in Crash that Shut Down SR 44 Wednesday

PINE LAKES, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that critically injured a 45-year-old Paisley man riding a bicycle Wednesday morning. A semi-truck with a trailer was traveling on State Road 44 near Spruce Drive shortly after 8:15 a.m. Wednesday when the bicyclist attempted to cross State Road 44 in the direct path of the semi. He was not in a marked crosswalk, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake. The truck driver, a 55-year-old man from Kissimmee, swerved to avoid the bicyclist, and the truck overturned on the south shoulder of the road near a Circle K and

Paisley Bicyclist Critically Injured in Crash that Shut Down SR 44 Wednesday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 27, 2023

Crash Shuts Down SR 44 in Pine Lakes Area Wednesday Morning

PINE LAKES, Fla.—State Road 44 is shut down in both directions in the Pine Lakes area as the Florida Highway Patrol investigates a crash, according to FHP. The crash occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of State Road 44 and Spruce Drive, and near a Circle K and a Dollar General. Inside Lake reached out to FHP for details and was awaiting a response at press time. This is a developing story.

Crash Shuts Down SR 44 in Pine Lakes Area Wednesday Morning Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 27, 2023

Orange County Wanted Suspect Taken Into Custody in Eustis Saturday Night Following Pursuit

EUSTIS, Fla.—A suspect wanted by Orange County Sheriff’s Office was taken into custody Saturday night in Eustis. Law enforcement sources told Inside Lake the suspect was in a stolen vehicle when OCSO pursued him into Lake County, traveling all around Mount Dora and Eustis around 8:30 p.m. Saturday night. After a pursuit that lasted more than 30 minutes, the suspect bailed on foot near Trout Lake and was taken into custody about 15 minutes after he bailed, sources said. Eustis Police Department, Mount Dora Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office all assisted in the apprehension. This is a

Orange County Wanted Suspect Taken Into Custody in Eustis Saturday Night Following Pursuit Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 23, 2023

Head-On Collision Kills Umatilla Man, Shuts Down SR 46 Friday

SORRENTO, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is on scene of a crash that killed a Umatilla man and shut down State Road 46 in both directions. The preliminary investigation revealed a 2009 Hyundai Sonata being driven by a 42-year-old Umatilla man was traveling westbound on State Road 46 near Wekiva Pines Boulevard around 5:40 p.m. when he veered into the eastbound lane and collided with 2022 Ford E-350 being driven by a 49-year-old Deltona man, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Umatilla man was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. The Deltona man

Head-On Collision Kills Umatilla Man, Shuts Down SR 46 Friday Read More »

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

Operation Poison Control Results in 21 Arrest Warrants, 50 Charges

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

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

Clermont, Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 14, 2023

Motorcyclist Killed After Running Stop Sign in Unincorporated Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Leesburg motorcyclist was killed Monday after he ran a stop sign in unincorporated Leesburg, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 84-year-old man was riding a 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle eastbound on El Presidente Boulevard when he failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. Highway 27 while attempting to make a left turn around 2:10 p.m., Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. The motorcycle entered the direct path of a 2015 Toyota Corolla traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 27 and being driven by a 31-year-old woman of Stone Mountain, Georgia. The front of the Corolla

Motorcyclist Killed After Running Stop Sign in Unincorporated Leesburg Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 4, 2023

Astor Store Manager Arrested for Refund Scam

ASTOR, Fla.—The manager of a Dollar General store is facing a felony theft charge after being arrested by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for a refund scam, according to an arrest affidavit. On Friday, LCSO responded to Dollar General, 24150 State Road 40, Astor on a report of a theft. When the deputy arrived, a loss prevention director told the deputy she began investigating Nancy Marie McDonald, 51, of Astor, for an unusual amount of refunds totaling $925 that were processed in July and August. The loss prevention director said McDonald admitted to taking items of the shelves, processing refunds

Astor Store Manager Arrested for Refund Scam Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 30, 2023

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

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

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

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 29, 2023

LCSO Issues Purple Alert for Young Woman Last Seen in Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Purple Alert has been issued for a young woman last seen in Leesburg earlier this week. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the woman, who suffers from an intellectual disability, according to LCSO Lt. John Herrell. Lesley Perez, 21, ran away from LifeStream Behavioral Center, 2020 Tally Road Leesburg earlier this week; she was on foot, and last seen wearing a sports bra, shorts and no shoes. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website, “The Florida Purple Alert is used to assist in the location of missing adults suffering from

LCSO Issues Purple Alert for Young Woman Last Seen in Leesburg Read More »

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

Yalaha Man Accused of Striking his Neighbor, 79, with a Golf Cart

YALAHA, Florida—A man apparently upset because he believed his neighbor was telling people he is “bipolar” was arrested Monday after the 79-year-old victim told a deputy the man knocked him off his bicycle with his golf cart, according to an arrest affidavit. The victim told a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy, he was riding his bicycle on Magnolia Lane in Yalaha when Charles Dean Ingram, 60, of Yalaha, accused him of telling neighbors he is bipolar. An angry Ingram then struck the victim with his golf cart, knocking him to the ground, the victim said, Ingram did not stop the

Yalaha Man Accused of Striking his Neighbor, 79, with a Golf Cart Read More »

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

School Safety Officer Accused of Child Rape Held on No Bond

GROVELAND, Florida—A Lake County Schools school safety officer assigned to Mount Dora High School has been arrested for multiple sex offenses involving a child, according to Groveland Police Department. James William Wolfe, 50, of Groveland, was arrested Friday after the Department of Children and Families (DCF) reported allegations of sexual abuse to GPD, said Sarah Panko, spokesperson for GPD. “After a thorough investigation, Groveland Police detectives were able to confirm elements of the allegation and 50-year-old James Wolfe was arrested and charged with sexual battery, engaging in sexual battery with a child under 18 years of age and giving obscene

School Safety Officer Accused of Child Rape Held on No Bond Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 22, 2023

Homeland Security Investigation Reveals Eustis Man’s Possession of Child Pornography

EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis man out on bond for a prior arrest for possessing child pornography has been arrested again after he allegedly received child pornography in an online chat room being monitored by an undercover Homeland Security agent. Eric Allen Bozeman, 42, who was arrested in 2021 for four counts of possessing child pornography, was arrested again Tuesday at his job, Advance Auto Parts, 2505 South Bay Street, Eustis, by Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents. He refused to speak with agents and invoked his right to an attorney, according to an arrest affidavit. He was arrested for two counts

Homeland Security Investigation Reveals Eustis Man’s Possession of Child Pornography Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 20, 2023

Former Lake County Firefighter Found Guilty of Sexually Abusing Young Boy

TAVARES, Florida—A jury has found a former Lake County firefighter guilty of sexually battering and molesting a young boy 15 years ago. Steven Trent Ellis, 52, of Umatilla was arrested in July 2019 by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after a tip and subsequent search warrant revealed multiple images of child pornography on his computer. Following his arrest, “several” individuals came forward and reported he had sexually abused them, according to a probable cause affidavit. FDLE met with a victim in 2019 who said he had been abused by Ellis four to five times in 2008 when he was

Former Lake County Firefighter Found Guilty of Sexually Abusing Young Boy Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 18, 2023

Man Electrocuted in Unincorporated Mount Dora Friday Night

MOUNT DORA, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident that killed a 57-year-old man Friday. The man, whose name has not been released, appeared to be working on a tree lift on Morningside Drive in unincorporated Mount Dora Friday night and came into contact with a live electrical wire, LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin told Inside Lake. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. “The investigation is still ongoing, and no foul play was suspected,” Martin said in an email.

Man Electrocuted in Unincorporated Mount Dora Friday Night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 12, 2023

2 Tampa Men Nabbed for Leesburg Gas Station Robbery Monday

Update: 7:05 p.m. A previous version of this story stated the suspects’ bond was set at $52,000. At 5:32 p.m. and 5:33 p.m., their bond status was updated to no bond. LEESBURG, Florida—Two Tampa men found hiding under a blanket behind a washer and dryer in the carport of a Leesburg home have been arrested for robbing a gas station Monday morning of numerous cartons of cigarettes and vapes, according to their arrest affidavits. Tyreece Freeman Jr., 22 and Jahiem Vonzell Comer, 21, both of Tampa, were found by Leesburg Police Department after a complaint of a suspicious person led

2 Tampa Men Nabbed for Leesburg Gas Station Robbery Monday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 31, 2023

2 Suspects Located Following Incident at Unincorporated Leesburg Gas Station

LEESBURG, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has released more details about an incident that occurred at a 24-hour gas station early Monday. Three male suspects entered Circle K, 10030 County Road 44, Leesburg and stole multiple items around 4:15 a.m. Monday, according to LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin. “The employee did not observe a weapon, but it appeared that one of the suspects acted as if they were armed under their clothing,” Martin said in an email. The suspects fled the scene in a white car, and it was found after they abandoned it, Martin said. No one was injured. Two

2 Suspects Located Following Incident at Unincorporated Leesburg Gas Station Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 31, 2023

LCSO Investigating Armed Robbery at Gas Station in Unincorporated Leesburg

Update 9:20 a.m. 2 Suspects Located Following Incident at Unincorporated Leesburg Gas Station – Inside Lake LEESBURG, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed robbery that occurred in the early morning hours Monday at a 24-hour gas station in unincorporated Leesburg. The robbery occurred around 4:15 a.m. at Circle K, 10030 County Road 44, Leesburg and no one was injured, according to LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon. No other information was available at press time.

LCSO Investigating Armed Robbery at Gas Station in Unincorporated Leesburg Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 31, 2023

FHP Seeking Information on Hit-and-Run Crash that Seriously Injured Sorrento Bicyclist Wednesday Morning

SORRENTO, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run crash involving a bicyclist before daybreak Wednesday. A 59-year-old man of Sorrento was riding a bicycle with proper lighting eastbound on Wolf Branch Road approaching County Road 437 on the south edge of the road, possibly around 4:45 a.m. Wednesday, when he was struck by an unknown vehicle, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake. The vehicle fled the scene and troopers found small debris that may belong to a white vehicle but were unable to determine the make or model of the vehicle. The bicyclist was transported to HCA Florida

FHP Seeking Information on Hit-and-Run Crash that Seriously Injured Sorrento Bicyclist Wednesday Morning Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 28, 2023

Man Admits Shooting Neighbor’s Dogs, Killing 1, Held on $150K Bond

An earlier version of this story misidentified the deceased dog due to an error in the arrest affidavit. The dog’s name is Mary. SORRENTO, Florida—A Sorrento man is in the Lake County Jail after he admitted shooting his neighbor’s dogs Saturday night, killing 13-year-old Mary, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Holopaw Trail in Sorrento shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday after the victim reported her neighbor, Sheldon Keith Hayward, 65, had shot her dogs, killing one of them. The woman told LCSO she let the dogs out in her backyard and did not realize

Man Admits Shooting Neighbor’s Dogs, Killing 1, Held on $150K Bond Read More »

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

Lottery Lucky Streak Continues in Lake County

EUSTIS, Florida—A Winter Park woman has claimed a $1 million prize from the Florida Lottery she won from a ticket she purchased in unincorporated Eustis, according to the Florida Lottery. Mary Walker, 56, of Winter Park, bought the $10 DIAMOND MINE 20X ticket at Circle K, 31734 East State Road 44, in the Pine Lakes area of unincorporated Eustis and recently claimed her prize. She chose to take her winnings in a one-time lump sum payment of $695,000 and claimed it at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. Circle K may be the lucky spot. A sign was spotted at the store

Lottery Lucky Streak Continues in Lake County Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 20, 2023

Multitude of Crashes Keeps Law Enforcement Busy Saturday

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—It was a busy Saturday for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol. Deputies and troopers responded to a multitude of vehicle crashes in the Eustis, Paisley and Umatilla areas Saturday, according to LCSO Lt. Fred Jones. At County Road 42 and Deerhaven Road, a truck flipped and before deputies arrived, the driver fled the scene. “The bloodhound and helicopter conducted an extensive search. The driver was not located,” Jones told Inside Lake. The second crash was at County 437, south of State Road 44 in Eustis. The driver left the road, struck an oak

Multitude of Crashes Keeps Law Enforcement Busy Saturday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 18, 2023

Man Arrested at Downtown Eustis Park Less than 12 Hours After He was Trespassed

EUSTIS, Florida—An Altoona man remains in the Lake County Jail after trespassing at a downtown Eustis park less than 12 hours after he was told to stay away by Eustis Police Department. EPD officers trespassed Wayne Anthony Sarlo, 47, from Ferran Park in downtown Eustis at 8:45 p.m. Friday and around 8:30 a.m. Saturday an EPD sergeant spotted Sarlo and thought he looked suspicious. Upon checking Sarlo’s name, the sergeant found Sarlo had just been trespassed from the park the night before. Sarlo was arrested and transported to LCJ, where he is being held on $1,000 bond.

Man Arrested at Downtown Eustis Park Less than 12 Hours After He was Trespassed Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 18, 2023

Alligator Attack Closes Alexander Springs

ALTOONA, Florida—Alexander Springs, a popular swimming hole, closed unexpectedly Monday after a man was bitten by an alligator, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC.) The unidentified man was swimming near the spring head when the alligator bit his left arm and shoulder area Monday afternoon, FWC Officer Chad Weber told Inside Lake. An alligator that was 7 feet 6 inches long was captured by a trapper, but FWC is still investigating the incident, according to Weber. Earlier this month, Alexander Springs was closed for several days due to a female alligator and a nest that was

Alligator Attack Closes Alexander Springs Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 18, 2023

Long Arm of the Law Catches Up with Umatilla Murder Suspect

UMATILLA, Florida—The third man suspected in the 2022 murder of a Umatilla man has been apprehended in Georgia, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Marvin Habakkuk Ellison, Jr., 40, of Orlando, was taken into custody at an apartment complex in in DeKalb County, Georgia on Friday morning and a search warrant was executed where he was staying, LCSO said. A warrant was issued for Ellison’s arrest earlier this year and he was located by LCSO detectives, investigators from the Orlando Police Department and U.S. Marshals; he may be involved with other cases, according to LCSO. Ellison and two

Long Arm of the Law Catches Up with Umatilla Murder Suspect Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 10, 2023

Elderly Man and Crashed Boat Found in Lake Harris Wednesday

TAVARES, Florida—An elderly man was found dead in Lake Harris Wednesday afternoon after a witness noticed an unoccupied boat on the rocks on Lake Harris next to the Hickory Point Boat Ramp in Tavares around 5 p.m., according to Kristen Turner, Public Information Director of the Northeast Region of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC.) The witness found the vessel on the rocks and then found the 72-year-old man face down in the water, Turner said in an email. The witness contacted authorities, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Fire Rescue responded to the scene.

Elderly Man and Crashed Boat Found in Lake Harris Wednesday Read More »

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

Crash Claims Life of Leesburg Motorcyclist

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg motorcyclist was killed Sunday night after crashing into a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 60-year-old man was riding 2019 Harley-Davidson Street Glide westbound on Plantation Boulevard approaching Old Plantation Boulevard in unincorporated Leesburg, when he ran off the road and struck a tree around 9 p.m. Sunday, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. He was transported to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Emergency Room – Blue Cedar in Leesburg, where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a helmet. This was the second fatal motorcycle crash in Lake County Sunday.

Crash Claims Life of Leesburg Motorcyclist Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 3, 2023

Motorcyclist Killed in Umatilla After Attempting to Pass Pickup Truck in No-Passing Zone, Witness Speaks Only to Inside Lake

UMATILLA, Florida— A motorcyclist was killed Sunday afternoon after he attempted to pass a pickup truck in a no-passing zone as the truck was making a left turn, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 51-year-old Enterprise man was riding a 2019 Ducati Panigale motorcycle southbound on County Road 44A approaching Bill Collins Road in unincorporated Umatilla when he attempted to pass a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado towing a boat just after 1:30 p.m., FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in an email. As the 19-year-old Umatilla man driving the Silverado made a left turn onto Bill Collins Road, the motorcycle struck

Motorcyclist Killed in Umatilla After Attempting to Pass Pickup Truck in No-Passing Zone, Witness Speaks Only to Inside Lake Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 2, 2023

1.5 million Doses of Fentanyl Seized During Drug Operation in Lake and Volusia Counties

LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA— A multi-agency investigation culminated in the arrest of more than three dozen people from Lake and Volusia counties last week —and only Inside Lake covered the first arrest of the main target in April. “Operation Daly Dose” targeted the Drew Daly drug trafficking organization that was responsible for distributing multiple kilos of the deadly drug fentanyl in both Lake and Volusia counties, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Tuesday, alongside Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell. Chitwood said the organization was distributing six to eight kilos of fentanyl across both counties each month since at least August 2022.

1.5 million Doses of Fentanyl Seized During Drug Operation in Lake and Volusia Counties Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 14, 2023

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

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

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

Clermont, Groveland, Inside Scoop, Mascotte, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 9, 2023

SR 33 Crash Kills 3 Early Friday Morning

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

SR 33 Crash Kills 3 Early Friday Morning Read More »

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

Man Arrested Numerous Times in Lake and Orange Counties Arrested Again for Trafficking in Fentanyl

LEESBURG, Florida—A man arrested, but never convicted, numerous times for a variety of offenses including vehicular manslaughter, witness tampering, trafficking in drugs and battery on a pregnant female in both Orange County and Lake County, has been arrested yet again, this time for trafficking in fentanyl, according to an arrest affidavit. Emmanuel Cazeau, 39, of Eustis, was pulled over early Friday morning 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

Man Arrested Numerous Times in Lake and Orange Counties Arrested Again for Trafficking in Fentanyl Read More »

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

Law Enforcement Agencies Need Your Vote for K9 Grant

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—Several local law enforcement agencies are counting on the public to help them grow their K9 units with a grant from a national biohazard clean-up company. Five agencies in Lake County are competing for a $2,500 grant that can be used for their K9 units, such as purchasing equipment and other needs for their pups. The grant will be provided by Aftermath Service LLC, a national company that provides biohazard clean-ups from incidents such as crime scenes and unattended deaths. Eustis Police Department, Fruitland Park Police Department, Lady Lake Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Tavares Police

Law Enforcement Agencies Need Your Vote for K9 Grant Read More »

Eustis, Features, Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 2, 2023

Second Arrest Made in 2022 Umatilla Murder

TAVARES, Florida—A second man has been arrested in the 2022 murder of a Umatilla man. Deandre Bernard Anderson, 32, of Leesburg, was booked into the Lake County Jail on a warrant for first degree murder Friday, accused of killing Antwain “Lil Daddy” Hart, 31, on Nov. 8, 2022. Hart was found with at least one gunshot wound in front of a home in the Southside area of unincorporated Umatilla and died during transport to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake last year. Only Inside Lake was on the scene following the shooting.

Second Arrest Made in 2022 Umatilla Murder Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 30, 2023

Car Collides with 2 Trees, Killing Driver and Passenger Early Sunday

DeLAND, Florida—Two men were killed early Sunday morning after the car they were in crashed into two trees, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 2015 Honda Civic was eastbound on County Road 42 in the DeLand area of Lake County when it crossed the center line, went across the westbound lane, left the roadway and struck a tree, near Crows Bluff Road, shortly before 1:30 a.m., Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. After striking the tree, the Honda continued in a northerly direction and struck a second tree; the crash killed the driver, a 23-year-old DeLand man

Car Collides with 2 Trees, Killing Driver and Passenger Early Sunday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 28, 2023

Sorrento Man Facing Multiple Charges After Shooting, Killing Man Friday Night

SORRENTO, Florida—A Sorrento man is facing a manslaughter charge and an aggravated battery charge after shooting a man and killing him Friday night, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Quaker Ridge Avenue on a report of a person being shot, and when they arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares where he succumbed to his injury and was pronounced deceased. The victim’s name is redacted from the affidavit. The investigation revealed Wallace Mannin Kirkland, 59, had shot the man once

Sorrento Man Facing Multiple Charges After Shooting, Killing Man Friday Night Read More »

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

Person Airlifted After Being Rescued from Fire Sunday Night, Deputy Transported

ALTOONA, Florida—One person was rescued and airlifted for treatment and a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy was transported to the hospital following a structure fire Sunday night, according to Umatilla Fire Department. Numerous agencies responded to the fire in addition to UFD and LCSO, including Eustis Fire Department, Leesburg Fire Department, Lake County Fire Rescue, Marion County Fire Rescue and Lake EMS, a UFD social media post stated. An exact address for the fire was unavailable at press time, but numerous social media posts and comments said the fire was in the Shockley Heights area. UFD was first on the

Person Airlifted After Being Rescued from Fire Sunday Night, Deputy Transported Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 14, 2023

Substitute Teacher Arrested For Child Abuse After Letting 7th Grader Hit Vape In Class. “I Was Just Trying To Fit In.”

EUSTIS, Florida—A substitute teacher was arrested Friday for child abuse after letting a 7th grade student hit a vape pen, because she was just trying to fit in, according to an arrest affidavit. The student told the Eustis Police Department school resource officer (SRO) he and his friend were talking in their last class period Tuesday when the friend made a comment about vaping and Jennifer Gaine Hale, 50, of Mount Dora said she had one, the affidavit states; Hale was substituting at Eustis Middle School and in charge of the class. The boy walked up to her desk and

Substitute Teacher Arrested For Child Abuse After Letting 7th Grader Hit Vape In Class. “I Was Just Trying To Fit In.” Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 8, 2023

Late Night Crash Kills Bicyclist

SORRENTO, Florida—An Apopka man was killed Friday night after he rode his bicycle into the path of a pickup truck Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 10:30 p.m., a 28-year-old Apopka man was driving a 2006 Ford F-150 westbound on State Road 46 east of Deal Drive when a westbound bicyclist, a 36-year-old Apopka man, began traveling southwest and entered the direct path of the truck, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The bicyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene and the pickup driver and his passenger, a 2-year-old boy, were not injured,

Late Night Crash Kills Bicyclist Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 6, 2023

Fourth Annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk Scheduled for Saturday

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

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

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 Marilyn M. Aciego / May 5, 2023

Rollover Crash Kills Eustis Man Friday Morning

UMATILLA, Florida—A rollover crash killed a Eustis man just before daylight Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 41-year-old man was driving a 1997 Chevy GMT-400 northbound on State Road 19 near Baker Road just outside of Umatilla, when he lost control for an unknown reason while negotiating a lefthand curve around 6:35 a.m., FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The Eustis man overcorrected, causing the truck to overturn multiple times and come to a final rest on the west shoulder of State Road 19, Crescenzi said. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. The

Rollover Crash Kills Eustis Man Friday Morning Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 28, 2023

Man Attempts to Drive Himself to the Hospital Following Shooting Thursday Afternoon

EUSTIS, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday, according to LCSO Lt. Fred Jones. A male was shot at a home on Southland Road in unincorporated Mount Dora around 4:15 p.m. Thursday during a dispute, Jones said. The man attempted to drive himself to the hospital and had two small children in his vehicle, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. His vehicle came to a rest in the parking lot of Golden Corral, 15810 U.S. Highway 441, Eustis and EPD officers responded and rendered aid, Capri said. The male was later airlifted to

Man Attempts to Drive Himself to the Hospital Following Shooting Thursday Afternoon Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 27, 2023

LCSO: Georgia Man Took $25K from Customers in Fence Scam

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—A Georgia man turned himself in at the Lake County Jail Saturday, accused of scamming nine people out of thousands of dollars for fences he failed to deliver. Christopher Michael Graver, 42, of Cumming, Georgia is accused of taking down payments on fences from nine people for a total of more than $25,000, according to a probable cause affidavit. Graver, who is the chief executive officer of Allstate Fence & Rail collected 50 percent down payments for fences between March 2021 and June 2021 and gave his customers numerous excuses as to why he could not install the

LCSO: Georgia Man Took $25K from Customers in Fence Scam Read More »

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

Man Ejected and Killed in Friday Night Turnpike Crash

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—A Delray Beach man was killed Saturday night on Florida’s Turnpike after the SUV he was driving struck a tractor-trailer, a concrete barrier and the tractor-trailer again, causing the SUV to overturn and eject him, according to the Florida Highway Patrol The 44-year-old Delray Beach man was driving a BMW X3 shortly before 10 p.m. Friday southbound on Florida’s Turnpike near mile marker 276 when he made an improper lane change, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The right side of the BMW struck the left front of a tractor-trailer and the Delray Beach man

Man Ejected and Killed in Friday Night Turnpike Crash Read More »

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

Rear-End Crash Kills Unidentified Woman on Florida’s Turnpike Early Friday Morning

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Florida—A fatal crash shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike at mile marker 285 in the Howey-in-the Hills area for nearly nine hours Friday morning, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi. Shortly before 3 a.m. Friday, a 2018 Kia Sorrento was traveling southbound in the inside lane and rear-ended a 2003 Buick Century, killing the woman driving the Buick. The driver of the Kia, a 39-year-old Orlando man, was transported to South Lake Hospital in Clermont with serious injuries and is in stable condition. The woman was pronounced dead on the scene and troopers are awaiting

Rear-End Crash Kills Unidentified Woman on Florida’s Turnpike Early Friday Morning Read More »

Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 21, 2023

Woman Accused of Hitting Sleeping Man with Frying Pan

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A 67-year-old woman is in the Lake County Jail after a man told a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy she hit him on the head with a frying pan while he was sleeping Thursday. Around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, an LCSO deputy responded to a home on Westland Road in Mount Dora on a report of a battery. A witness told the deputy she arrived at the residence and Janet Daubenmire Harley, who lives at the home, reportedly said, I’m going to kill that (expletive) or I will pay somebody to kill for me and that,” her arrest affidavit

Woman Accused of Hitting Sleeping Man with Frying Pan Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 21, 2023

Fatal Crash Shuts Down Southbound Lanes of Turnpike Friday Morning

Update 11:54 a.m.: The southbound lanes have been reopened. The on-ramp from U.S. Highway 27 to Florida’s Turnpike remains closed. HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Florida—A fatal crash has shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike at mile marker 285 in the Howey-in-the Hills area, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi. Shortly before 3 a.m. Friday, a 2018 Kia Sorrento rear-ended a 2003 Buick Century, killing the woman driving the Buick. The woman had not been identified at press time. The driver of the Kia, a 39-year-old Orlando man, was transported to South Lake Hospital in Clermont with serious injuries. He

Fatal Crash Shuts Down Southbound Lanes of Turnpike Friday Morning Read More »

Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 21, 2023

Paisley Man Arrested for Trafficking Fentanyl after K9 Onyx Sniffs Out the Deadly Drug During Traffic Stop

DeLAND, Florida—A failure to use a turning signal and following too closely led to the arrest of a Paisley man after he was found with a brick of fentanyl under the hood of the truck he was driving in the DeLand area of Lake County Tuesday night, according to an arrest affidavit. A deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office spotted a white Ford pickup truck tailgating a car near the River Forest Campground around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday shortly after another deputy saw the truck turn on County Road 42 from State Road 44 without using a turning signal. Deputies

Paisley Man Arrested for Trafficking Fentanyl after K9 Onyx Sniffs Out the Deadly Drug During Traffic Stop Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 21, 2023

Orlando Man Arrested for 2022 Umatilla Murder

UMATILLA, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in the murder of a man in Umatilla last year. Only Inside Lake was on the scene after Antwain “Lil Daddy” Hart, 31, was found suffering at least one gunshot wound Nov. 8. 2022 in front of a home on Merrell Avenue in the Southside area of unincorporated Umatilla. He was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares by Lake EMS, but died during transport, LCSO Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake last year. Hart’s rental vehicle, a 2022 white Jeep Cherokee, was stolen at the time of his murder

Orlando Man Arrested for 2022 Umatilla Murder Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 10, 2023

Marion County Teen Suspected of Killing 3 Taken Into Custody near Groveland Saturday Night

GROVELAND, Florida—The teen wanted in connection with the murders of three teenagers last month in Marion County was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Saturday, south of Groveland, according to a Facebook post by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Inside Lake was tipped off Tahj Brewton, 16, was in custody, but LCSO was “unable to confirm,” shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday. On Friday Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods announced Brewton was wanted and two other juveniles had been arrested in the murders of Layla Silvernail and Camille Quarles, both 16. A 17-year-old boy was

Marion County Teen Suspected of Killing 3 Taken Into Custody near Groveland Saturday Night Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 9, 2023

Dry Conditions Force Countywide Burn Ban

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

Dry Conditions Force Countywide Burn Ban Read More »

Barricaded Sorrento Man Now Accused of Sex Crimes

TAVARES, Florida—The Sorrento man who barricaded himself in a shed Wednesday night requiring a response from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team is now facing four charges for sex-related crimes, according to LCSO online booking records. Gregory Tippett, 62, was in an altercation with multiple juveniles Wednesday night at his home on Swan Road in Sorrento, according to a report. He later armed himself and fired several shots, shooting himself in the leg, and then barricaded himself in a shed on the property. After first refusing to come out, he surrendered to LCSO’s SWAT Team and was transported to

Barricaded Sorrento Man Now Accused of Sex Crimes Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 2, 2023

Man Who was Barricaded in Sorrento Shed Wednesday Arrested for Child Abuse, Battery, Discharging Gun

SORRENTO, Florida—The man who fired several shots and barricaded himself in a shed Wednesday night is being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond. According to a heavily-redacted report, a juvenile at the home on Swan Road was upset and Gregory Tippett, 62, who lives at the home, went outside and grabbed melatonin container and threw it at an undisclosed person. Tippett then said he was going to leave and went to get something out of the refrigerator, a witness told the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The relationship between Tippett, the witness and the juveniles was not available

Man Who was Barricaded in Sorrento Shed Wednesday Arrested for Child Abuse, Battery, Discharging Gun Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 31, 2023

13-year-old Boy Killed in Tragic Bicycle Crash Identified, Family Sets Up Fund for Funeral Expenses

ALTOONA, Florida—The teenage boy tragically killed Thursday afternoon on State Road 19 has been identified on social media by his family. Dylan Kelley, 13, was riding his bicycle southbound on the paved shoulder of State Road 19 when he veered into the path of a Ford F-250 for an unknown reason near Shockley Trail Road and his home in Altoona, shortly after 5 p.m. He was pronounced deceased on the scene, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Channing Taylor said Thursday. Dylan, described as outgoing and loving, always took care of his family, a post on a gofundme account states. Dylan’s family

13-year-old Boy Killed in Tragic Bicycle Crash Identified, Family Sets Up Fund for Funeral Expenses Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 31, 2023

Teen Riding Bicycle Killed in Altoona Thursday

ALTOONA, Florida—A 13-year-old Altoona boy was killed Thursday afternoon when the bicycle he was riding veered into the path of a truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The boy was riding his bicycle southbound on the paved shoulder of State Road 19 when he veered into the path of a white Ford F-250 also traveling southbound on State Road 19 at 5:10 p.m. near Shockley Trail Road, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. The teen was pronounced deceased on the scene. The 33-year-old Oxford man driving the truck was not injured and remained on scene, Taylor

Teen Riding Bicycle Killed in Altoona Thursday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 30, 2023

FHP Investigating Bicycle Fatality in Altoona, SR 19 Shut Down

ALTOONA, Florida–The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatality that occurred Thursday afternoon. The crash killed a bicyclist, possibly a juvenile, just before 5: 15 p.m. Thursday, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said. State Road 19 is shut down at Shockley Trail Road. This is a developing story.

FHP Investigating Bicycle Fatality in Altoona, SR 19 Shut Down Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 30, 2023

Man Taken into Custody After Barricading Himself in Sorrento Home

SORRENTO, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has taken a man into custody after he was barricaded in a home on Swan Road in Sorrento Wednesday night. The incident started as a domestic situation and the suspect barricaded himself in the home and became suicidal, LCSO Lt. Fred Jones told Inside Lake. The man was taken into custody shortly after 9:30 p.m. No other details were available at press time.

Man Taken into Custody After Barricading Himself in Sorrento Home Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 29, 2023

Shooting Suspect Taken into Custody by LCSO Monday

EUSTIS, Florida—Only Inside Lake was on the scene in a normally quiet neighborhood that saw a lot of excitement as the Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team moved in on a wanted shooting suspect Monday afternoon Deputies were attempting to locate Eduardo Ramirez, a suspect in a case the criminal investigations bureau was working, LCSO Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake as the SWAT Team and marked units staged at an undisclosed location. LCSO moved in on the home at the corner of Washington Avenue and Ohio Boulevard—just one half of a mile from Eustis High School as school let

Shooting Suspect Taken into Custody by LCSO Monday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 28, 2023

Umatilla Man Arrested for DUI Manslaughter in Death of Sorrento Woman Last Year

EUSTIS, Florida—A Umatilla man has been arrested for the April 2022 death of a Sorrento woman who was killed in a motorcycle crash in Eustis less than two weeks after her 28th birthday. Edgar Wesley Tello, 65, had an alcohol level of .017—more than twice the legal limit at the time of the crash, according to medical records subpoenaed by Eustis Police Department following the crash. On April 24, 2022 Rebekah Jo Towner, 28, was a passenger on 2006 Harley Davidson being controlled by Tello, northbound on Grove Street, when he struck a curb, rode on the grass and

Umatilla Man Arrested for DUI Manslaughter in Death of Sorrento Woman Last Year Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 26, 2023

Early Morning Clermont Head-on Collision Kills Man, 35

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

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

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 26, 2023

Leesburg Man Caught on Video Cutting Wires and Stealing from His Former Home

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg man was arrested last week after he was caught on video cutting wires at his former home earlier this month. On March 10, the owner of the home reported his former tenant, Frank Kendle Collins, 60, was captured on video cutting wires from a power pole to the home on Rancho Drive in the Bassville Park area of unincorporated Leesburg, causing $5,000 worth of damage. Collins also cut wires under the home and on the air conditioning unit, the homeowner told the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. LCSO reviewed the surveillance video and Collins can be seen cutting

Leesburg Man Caught on Video Cutting Wires and Stealing from His Former Home Read More »

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

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