Inside Scoop Archives - Page 6 of 14

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 »

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, 2024

Villager, 76, Killed in Marion County Crash Saturday

MARION COUNTY, Fla.—A 76-year-old woman of The Villages was killed Saturday morning after she pulled out in front of a pickup truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The woman was driving an SUV east on Northwest 85th Loop at U.S. Highway 441 and attempted to make a lefthand turn onto U.S. Highway 441, around 9:30 a.m. She pulled out in front of a pickup truck traveling in the outside southbound lane and the front of the truck collided with the left side of the SUV. FHP said. The woman was transported to HCA Ocala Hospital, where she later died

Villager, 76, Killed in Marion County Crash Saturday Read More »

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

Man Accused of Exposing Himself in Mount Dora Store Tackled and Arrested

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—A Sanford man already on probation for upskirting women at a Sanford Walmart last year is accused of masturbating in a busy Mount Dora store, fleeing and being tackled in the parking lot by Mount Dora Police Department Sunday afternoon. According to an arrest affidavit, MDPD responded to Dollar Tree, 16930 U.S. Highway 441, around 4:45 p.m. on a report of a man exposing himself. The victim told an officer she saw a man, later identified as Jensen Alexander, 35, exposing himself and recording himself masturbating as she stood in the background reaching for items on a shelf.

Man Accused of Exposing Himself in Mount Dora Store Tackled and Arrested Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 24, 2023

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

Tavares Police Identify Pedestrian Killed on U.S. Highway 441 Friday Night

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department has identified the man killed on U.S. Highway 441 Friday night. According to witnesses and TPD’s preliminary investigation, around 8 p.m., Renald Guay, 67, of New Hampshire, was standing in the median of U.S. Highway 441, also known as Burleigh Boulevard, near Lake Eustis Drive, when he began to jaywalk across the highway, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. He was struck by a white 2014 Lincoln SUV traveling in a southbound lane and being driven by Merle Somers, 50, of Tavares. Somers and her passenger were not injured. “The vehicle occupants remained on scene

Tavares Police Identify Pedestrian Killed on U.S. Highway 441 Friday Night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 16, 2023

Pedestrian Struck and Killed on U.S. Highway 441 in Tavares Friday Night, Southbound Lanes Shut Down

Update: Tavares Police Identify Pedestrian Killed on U.S. Highway 441 Friday Night – Inside Lake TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a pedestrian and the southbound lanes of Burleigh Boulevard also known as U.S. Highway 441 are closed. A male was struck near the intersection of Lake Eustis Drive and Burleigh Boulevard around 8 p.m. Friday and was transported to a local hospital, where he later died, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. Details about how the crash occurred were not available at press time and the man has not been publicly identified.

Pedestrian Struck and Killed on U.S. Highway 441 in Tavares Friday Night, Southbound Lanes Shut Down Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 16, 2023

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

OCALA, Fla.—A cell phone seized from Brett Baldwin in the case of his missing wife Nicole Baldwin contained 31 images and videos of naked children and children being sexually abused, according to a federal criminal complaint obtained by Inside Lake. Neighbors awoke to the sound of flashbangs before daybreak Thursday morning as authorities swooped in on his mother’s house on County Road 134B near Wildwood in Sumter County and took him into custody on a federal warrant for possession of child pornography. He was later booked into the Marion County Jail, where he is being held on no bond. According

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

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

Missing Kayaker Found Alive on Lake Eustis

EUSTIS, Fla.—The missing kayaker authorities were searching for on Lake Eustis has been found alive, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. “His kayak capsized and the (Lake County Sheriff’s Office) Marine Unit found him floating in the middle of the lake,” Capri told Inside Lake. LCSO’s helicopter, Eagle One, also searched for the man, along with Eustis Fire Department. Previous story: Authorities Searching for Missing Kayaker on Lake Eustis – Inside Lake

Missing Kayaker Found Alive on Lake Eustis Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 14, 2023

Authorities Searching for Missing Kayaker on Lake Eustis

Update: Missing Kayaker Found Alive on Lake Eustis – Inside Lake EUSTIS, Fla.—Authorities are searching for a missing kayaker on Lake Eustis. The man, who was not publicly identified, was last seen Thursday afternoon when he launched the kayak from his home on Lake Eustis, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. Eustis Fire Department is searching the water with its boat, along with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and LCSO’s helicopter, Eagle One. Residents near the lake are being asked to look around their property for any sign of the man and call 911 if they find

Authorities Searching for Missing Kayaker on Lake Eustis Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 14, 2023

Husband of Missing Mount Dora Mom Being Held on Federal Charges

WILDWOOD, Fla.—The husband of missing Mount Dora mom Nicole Baldwin is in the Marion County Jail on a federal hold, according to information obtained by Inside Lake. Brett Baldwin, 43, was booked into the Marion County Jail at 12:19 p.m. Thursday on a federal hold for possessing obscene material and is being held on no bond. Inside Lake is working on getting details about his charges. Baldwin’s wife, Nicole, has been missing for more than a month and it is unclear if these charges are related to her disappearance; Mount Dora Police Department has not commented on the arrest. Brett

Husband of Missing Mount Dora Mom Being Held on Federal Charges Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 14, 2023

Husband of Missing Mount Dora Woman Taken into Custody Thursday Morning

WILDWOOD, Fla.—The husband of missing Mount Dora woman Nicole Baldwin was taken into custody early Thursday morning after a search warrant was executed at his mother’s house near Wildwood, sources told Inside Lake. Sumter County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Michelle Keszey told Inside Lake SCSO assisted Mount Dora Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security with a search warrant Thursday morning, but it was not SCSO’s case. Sources told Inside Lake law enforcement converged at a home on County Road 134B, Wildwood before daybreak Thursday and three flash bangs could be heard along with the announcement of the search warrant.

Husband of Missing Mount Dora Woman Taken into Custody Thursday Morning Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 14, 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

Deputies: Eustis Middle Teacher Arrested for Possessing Child Porn a “Serious Risk to the Community” if Released from Jail

MARION COUNTY, Fla.— The Marion County Sheriff’s Office released details in the arrest of a Eustis Middle School teacher earlier this week. On Friday, MCSO announced the arrests of six males for possessing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) including a Eustis Middle School teacher who was also a volleyball coach at the school. Michael “Mr. K” Kozierowski, 58, of Ocklawaha, is facing 10 counts of possession of child pornography and could face more charges if additional images or videos are found on any of his electronic devices, MCSO said in a press release. Eustis Police Department was notified of Kozierowski’s

Deputies: Eustis Middle Teacher Arrested for Possessing Child Porn a “Serious Risk to the Community” if Released from Jail Read More »

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

Eustis Woman Claims Million-Dollar Lottery Prize

EUSTIS, Fla.—A Eustis woman has claimed a $1 million prize from the Florida Lottery, it announced Thursday. Shelby Abbott, 29, purchased her winning $1,000,000 A YEAR FOR LIFE $50 ticket from Circle K, 2754 East Orange Ave., Eustis and chose to take her winnings in a lump sum of $640,000, the Florida Lottery said. The store will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the ticket. This is at least the fifth million-dollar winning ticket purchased in Lake County this year. Previous stories: Lottery Lucky Streak Continues in Lake County – Inside Lake Lucky Streak: For the Third Month in

Eustis Woman Claims Million-Dollar Lottery Prize Read More »

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

Eustis Police Investigating After Argument Leads to Gunfire

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating an argument that led to shots being fired Thursday afternoon. Details were limited early Thursday evening as EPD was still on scene investigating the incident that occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. at Little Oaks Apartments, 300 West Atwater Avenue. EPD Capt. Jon Fahning said two male neighbors got into an unknown argument and one male pulled out a gun and threatened the other male. The second male then pulled out his own gun and fired an unknown number of rounds. No one was injured, Fahning said. The two males’ names were not available at

Eustis Police Investigating After Argument Leads to Gunfire Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 7, 2023

Eustis Middle Teacher Arrested on Child Porn Charges, Details Remain Unknown

MARION COUNTY, Fla.—A Eustis Middle School teacher has been arrested on child pornography charges, but authorities are not releasing any details. Michael “Mr. K” Kozierowski, an ESE teacher, was arrested Wednesday “on multiple charges of possession, control and viewing depiction of child sexual conduct,” Lake County Schools stated in an email sent to parents at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday. Sources told Inside Lake Kozierowski was arrested in Marion County, but details about the arrest were not available at press time. “Michael Kozierowski was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation. Therefore, we are unable to release further information, an arrest affidavit,

Eustis Middle Teacher Arrested on Child Porn Charges, Details Remain Unknown Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 7, 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

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

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—A reward is now being offered for information leading to the whereabouts of missing mother Nicole Baldwin. Mount Dora Police Department announced the reward of up to $5,000 on its social media pages Tuesday morning; Baldwin, 41, was reported missing Nov. 5 and was last seen Nov. 2 at her home on Strathmore Circle in Lancaster at Loch Leven in Mount Dora. MDPD detectives have remained guarded about their investigation into the disappearance of the mom of three, but there has been a flurry of law enforcement activity at the home since Nov. 28. MDPD detectives, uniformed officers

Reward Offered for Information Leading to the Whereabouts of Missing Mount Dora Mother Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / 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

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

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—Saturday marks one month since anyone has seen missing Mount Dora mom Nicole Baldwin and a community search and candlelight vigil are planned for Sunday. Baldwin was last seen Nov. 2 at her home on Strathmore Circle in Mount Dora after celebrating her oldest daughter Alisha’s 20th birthday, Alisha told Inside Lake last month. Alisha was on the scene Tuesday as investigators searched the home nearly all day and removed what may be evidence in the disappearance of the mother of three. Sources told Inside Lake Mount Dora Police Department towed Baldwin’s husband’s car Tuesday as possible evidence,

Community Search and Vigil Planned for Mount Dora Mom Missing a Month Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 2, 2023

Eustis Middle Teacher’s Assistant Arrested for Slapping Student Across the Face because she was “Frustrated.”

EUSTIS, Fla.—A Eustis Middle School employee who worked as both a teacher’s assistant and a family-school liaison was arrested for child abuse after a father reported she slapped his 14-year-old son across the face just before Thanksgiving break began earlier this month and according to Lake County Schools, she has been “alternatively placed in a role with no interaction with students.” According to an arrest affidavit, on Nov. 17, the principal of EMS contacted the boy’s father and told him Ute Galloway, 61, had slapped his son across the face in front of other students and then pulled the boy

Eustis Middle Teacher’s Assistant Arrested for Slapping Student Across the Face because she was “Frustrated.” Read More »

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

“We’re Going to Need Somebody to Come Forward,” is Key to Solving 3-Year-Old Double Murder, Mount Dora Police Detective Says

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—Three years ago, Mount Dora was rocked by the double murders of two beloved store owners who were staples in the community and the identity of the person or people responsible for their murders remains a mystery. Minh “Tina” Nguyen, 47, and Khiem “Ken” Ba Trinh, 56, were shot around 9 p.m. Nov. 30, 2020, at their popular store, T & N Market, 1345 North Grandview Street, just a few blocks from Mount Dora Police Department. The couple was found behind the counter suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and Nguyen was pronounced dead on the scene. Trinh was

“We’re Going to Need Somebody to Come Forward,” is Key to Solving 3-Year-Old Double Murder, Mount Dora Police Detective Says Read More »

Features, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 30, 2023

Tavares Police K9 Bruce Sniffs Out Trafficking Amount of Deadly Drug Early Tuesday Morning

TAVARES, Fla.—Not even a month on the job and Tavares Police Department’s K9 Bruce has his first trafficking arrest under his collar. Around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, a TPD road patrol officer was patrolling the area of Burleigh Boulevard (U.S. Highway 441) and Sinclair Avenue when she spotted a black Dodge Challenger and ran a check on the license plate, according to an arrest affidavit. The license plate came back invalid, and not assigned to a vehicle, giving the officer probable cause for a traffic stop. The officer stopped the car and found the driver, Larry Wallace Taylor, 48, of Apopka,

Tavares Police K9 Bruce Sniffs Out Trafficking Amount of Deadly Drug Early Tuesday Morning Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 29, 2023

Major Law Enforcement Activity at Mount Dora Home of Missing Mom

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—In its quest to find a missing mom, Mount Dora Police Department conducted a search at the home Tuesday where she was last seen. It has been nearly a month since anyone has seen or heard from Nicole Baldwin, a mom of three, who was last seen Nov. 2 after celebrating her oldest daughter, Alisha’s’ birthday. MDPD has stayed tight-lipped since Baldwin was reported missing and Tuesday’s search is “part of their investigation,” City of Mount Dora Spokesperson Misty Sommer told Inside Lake. Mount Dora Police Department began investigating Baldwin’s disappearance Nov. 4 when she was reported missing,

Major Law Enforcement Activity at Mount Dora Home of Missing Mom Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 28, 2023

3 Weeks and Still No Sign of Missing Mount Dora Mom

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—It has been three weeks since anyone has seen missing mom Nicole Baldwin and Mount Dora Police Department is being tight-lipped about its investigation. Baldwin was last seen at her home in Lancaster at Loch Leven off County Road 44 in Mount Dora around 11:30 p.m. Nov. 2 after celebrating her daughter Alisha’s 20th birthday, Alisha told Inside Lake earlier this month. Alisha lives at the home with her mother and other family members and said when she returned home a few days later, she found out her mother was missing. MDPD began investigating her disappearance Nov. 5

3 Weeks and Still No Sign of Missing Mount Dora Mom Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 2, 2023

Tavares Police Searching for “Missing and Endangered” Teen

Update: Lindsey Carpenter has been found safe. TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is searching for a “missing and endangered” teenager who was last seen Wednesday night. Lindsey Carpenter, 14, was seen leaving her home in the Etowah subdivision off Ann Rou Road around 9:15 p.m. Wednesday; TPD believes she may have gotten in a maroon SUV, possibly a Chevy Tahoe. Carpenter is considered “missing and endangered” due to pre-existing medical conditions and she does not have her medication. Carpenter is described at a white female, 5 feet, 5 inches tall, 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last

Tavares Police Searching for “Missing and Endangered” Teen Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 25, 2023

Police: Woman Crashes into Pole at Eustis Gas Station, Breath-Alcohol Level More than 4x the Legal Limit

EUSTIS, Fla.—A woman who crashed into a pole at a gas station Saturday had a breath-alcohol level more than four times the legal limit, according to an arrest affidavit. Shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday, Eustis Police Department responded to Circle K, 19516 State Road 44, Eustis on a report of a drunk driver. When officers arrived, they found Viviana Natalie Viera, 47, had crashed her vehicle into a small pole in front of the gas pumps, the affidavit states. Viera, of Altamonte Springs, reeked of alcohol, was swaying side to side and had to use her vehicle door for support,

Police: Woman Crashes into Pole at Eustis Gas Station, Breath-Alcohol Level More than 4x the Legal Limit Read More »

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

Tavares Police Investigating After Receiving Multiple Calls of Shots Fired at Rosewood Condos Friday Night

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating after receiving multiple calls about five to six shots being fired around 9 p.m. Friday in a condominium complex that has been the site of several shootings in the past, the latest one just four days ago. TPD responded to Rosewood Condominiums but did not find any victims or shell casings Friday night, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. Just four days ago, shots were fired in Rosewood Condominiums as schoolchildren were arriving at home on the bus around 3:30 p.m. Monday. A short time after Monday’s shooting, a victim with

Tavares Police Investigating After Receiving Multiple Calls of Shots Fired at Rosewood Condos Friday Night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 17, 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

Eustis Police Investigating Wednesday Morning Stabbing

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating a stabbing that sent a 28-year-old man to the hospital early Wednesday morning. The man told police he was near the intersection of Palmetto Street and Bates Avenue around 5:40 a.m. when a man came out of a wooded area, they exchanged words and the man attacked him, according to Eustis Police Department. The victim suffered superficial cuts to his back, arm, hand and behind his ear, EPD said. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment and is expected to be OK.

Eustis Police Investigating Wednesday Morning Stabbing Read More »

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

Former Umatilla High School Cheerleader Arrested in 2019 Murder-for-Hire Plot Accused of Stealing from Gas Station Job

UMATILLA, Fla.—A woman who was arrested when she was a teenager for trying to have her parents killed has been arrested again—this time for stealing from her job and it was captured on camera, according to an arrest affidavit. Alyssa Hatcher, 21, was arrested Monday by Umatilla Police Department after the manager of Circle K, 391 North Central Ave., Umatilla, reported Hatcher, an employee, was captured on video surveillance multiple times taking money out of the register and slipping it into her sock, instead of putting it in a safe. Hatcher was also captured on video walking into an office

Former Umatilla High School Cheerleader Arrested in 2019 Murder-for-Hire Plot Accused of Stealing from Gas Station Job Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 15, 2023

Benefit for LCSO Deputy Diagnosed with Cancer Scheduled for Saturday

EUSTIS, Fla.—An event to benefit a Lake County Sheriff’s Office school resource deputy who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year is scheduled for Saturday. What started as chest pain in 2022 turned into a terrifying diagnosis last summer for LCSO Cpl. Adam Tytler. In November 2022, Tytler went to a cardiologist for ongoing chest pain, and after a EKG showed his heart was in good shape, the cardiologist told him the pain was likely gastrointestinal. The next month, on Christmas Eve, Tytler discovered a swollen lymph node on his neck and by February the lymph node had not gotten

Benefit for LCSO Deputy Diagnosed with Cancer Scheduled for Saturday Read More »

Eustis, Features, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 15, 2023

Man Pleads Guilty to 2022 Murder of Leesburg Girlfriend

TAVARES, Fla.—In an unexpected twist Monday, a Leesburg man accused of gunning down his girlfriend last year pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon the same day jury selection for his trial was set to begin. Alphonza Bryant, 41, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for killing Melissa Keonna Smith, 37, in the laundry room of her Leesburg home on Aug. 8, 2022. Bryant was captured on video approaching Smith’s home, brandishing a firearm, and “engaging in a verbal altercation off-camera that culminated in a single gunshot,” Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney

Man Pleads Guilty to 2022 Murder of Leesburg Girlfriend Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 14, 2023

Multiple Shots Fired at Tavares Condo Complex, Police Searching for Witnesses

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating after multiple shots were fired at Rosewood Condominiums Monday afternoon. TPD officers responded to the call just after 3:30 p.m. when children were playing outside and a busload full of children were pulling into the parking lot, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. “This occurred during a time frame when children were being dropped off,” Sullivan said. “This is a residential neighborhood.” Police were searching for a victim and evidence, and a short time after the shots were fired, a victim with a gunshot wound arrived at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares;

Multiple Shots Fired at Tavares Condo Complex, Police Searching for Witnesses Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 13, 2023

Motorcyclist Killed in Tavares Crash Friday Identified

TAVARES, Fla.—The motorcyclist killed in an early morning crash Friday has been publicly identified. Russell Pratt, 42, of Leesburg, was riding a 2019 Harley-Davidson northbound on U.S. Highway 441 and police believe he lost control of the bike west of Lakeshore Boulevard just before 1:45 a.m. Friday. The crash remains under investigation by Tavares Police Department. Pratt was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he was pronounced deceased, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. The crash closed the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 441 for several hours and did not involve any other vehicles. Numerous people shared their

Motorcyclist Killed in Tavares Crash Friday Identified Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 10, 2023

Social Media Challenge Ends in Arrest of Umatilla Middle Student

UMATILLA, Fla.—A social media challenge ended in the arrest of a Umatilla Middle School student after he stood up in class and yelled there was a bomb earlier this week. The boy, 11, stood up in his second period class shortly before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and reportedly said “There is a bomb on campus,” according to an arrest affidavit. Inside Lake is not naming the boy due to his age. He was taken to the main office, and he said he made it up because of a TikTok. He told the school resource deputy an “app on TikTok has you

Social Media Challenge Ends in Arrest of Umatilla Middle Student Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 10, 2023

Leesburg Motorcyclist Killed in Early Morning Tavares Crash

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a motorcyclist early Friday morning. A 42-year-old Leesburg man riding a 2019 Harley-Davidson crashed shortly before 1:45 a.m. on U.S. Highway 441, west of Lakeshore Boulevard. The man was transported to an area hospital where he later he died; he was not wearing a helmet. The crash closed the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 441 for several hours and did not involve any other vehicles. Details of how the crash occurred are still under investigation, but police believe the man was riding northbound on U.S. Highway 441 when he lost

Leesburg Motorcyclist Killed in Early Morning Tavares Crash Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 10, 2023

Mount Dora Woman Missing a Week, Daughter Wants Answers

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—A Mount Dora woman has been missing for a week and her daughter wants answers, she told Inside Lake Thursday. Nicole H. Baldwin was last seen at her home in Lancaster at Loch Leven off County Road 44 in Mount Dora around 11:30 p.m. Nov. 2 after celebrating her daughter Alisha’s 20th birthday, Alisha told Inside Lake. Alisha lives at the home with her mother and other family members and said when she returned home Saturday, she found out her mother was missing. Baldwin’s personal belongings were still in the home when Alisha realized she was missing, including

Mount Dora Woman Missing a Week, Daughter Wants Answers Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 2, 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

Eustis Man Admits to Downloading Child Porn

EUSTIS, Fla.—A Eustis man admitted to downloading and viewing child pornography after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement executed a search warrant at his Lakeview Avenue home Thursday, according to an arrest affidavit. Alexander James Andrews, 28, remains in the Lake County Jail on $12,000 bond after an undercover investigation led FDLE agents to him; the details of the investigation were not released. Andrews admitted to viewing and downloading child pornography images of boys and girls as young as 6 years old, and used his phone for the illegal activities as recently as the night before the search warrant was

Eustis Man Admits to Downloading Child Porn Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 5, 2023

Hero Bus Driver Honored at Eustis Commission Meeting

EUSTIS, Fla.—The driver who found the victim of a hit-and-run and used her school bus to shield the victim from oncoming traffic in Eustis last month was honored with Citizens Life Saving Award at the Eustis City Commission meeting Thursday night. Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri presented a plaque to Stacey Hatcher, a 25-year veteran Lake County Schools bus driver for her “heroic act.” “This is a great act of citizenship and caring about your fellow man,” Capri said. Capri and Hatcher both believe the the height of the school bus helped her spot the victim lying in the

Hero Bus Driver Honored at Eustis Commission Meeting Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 2, 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

Stepdad Turns Stepson in to Police After Finding Evidence of Multiple Burglaries in his Eustis Home Monday

EUSTIS, Fla.—A teenager who was keeping his loot from multiple burglaries in his stepfather’s Eustis home is being held in the Lake County Jail on $65,000 bond after being captured by Eustis Police Department officers Monday afternoon. Jordan Blair Makuannen’s stepfather contacted EPD Monday and said he found numerous identification cards belonging to different people on his back porch where Makuannen was staying, according to an arrest affidavit. Officer responded to the home on East Atwater Avenue and collected the cards that matched up to several victims of recent burglaries of both homes and vehicles in the area, some as

Stepdad Turns Stepson in to Police After Finding Evidence of Multiple Burglaries in his Eustis Home Monday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 31, 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

Legal Troubles Escalate for Accused Mount Dora Child Abuser

TAVARES, Fla.—A man first arrested nearly two years ago for breaking his 8-month-old daughter’s leg is back in the Lake County Jail for failing to appear at a mandatory court date, according to documents in the case against him. Dominic Ralston’s new legal troubles began in July when Circuit Judge James Baxley ordered him to appear in court Aug. 28. On Aug. 27, his attorney, Jaimie Washo Spivey, filed a motion to withdraw from his case stating in part, “The undersigned attorney has reached out via text to the Defendant numerous times since January 2023 and has not received any

Legal Troubles Escalate for Accused Mount Dora Child Abuser Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 28, 2023

9-1-1 Calls Released in Eustis Hit-and-Run, Hero Bus Driver Likely Saved Victim’s Life

EUSTIS, Fla.—Two 9-1-1 calls made following the hit-and-run crash that injured a pedestrian in Eustis Monday night have been released. The calls made by two different people are difficult to listen to because both callers are emotional as they report the tragic situation. Stacey Hatcher, a Lake County Schools bus driver, found Abigail Stevens, 32, lying in the road on West Lakeview Avenue near Morin Street around 9 p.m. Monday night. Hatcher told Inside Lake in an exclusive interview Wednesday, God and fate put her in the right place at the right time. Hatcher had just dropped off members of

9-1-1 Calls Released in Eustis Hit-and-Run, Hero Bus Driver Likely Saved Victim’s Life Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 26, 2023

Lake County Schools Bus Driver Who Found Eustis Hit-and-Run Victim Hailed a Hero

EUSTIS, Fla.—The driver who found the victim of a hit-and-run and used her school bus to shield the victim from oncoming traffic in Eustis Monday night is being hailed a hero. “Mrs. (Stacey) Hatcher’s actions very likely saved a human life Monday,” Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri said. “The world needs more people like her.” Hatcher, a 25-year-veteran Lake County Schools bus driver, spoke only with Inside Lake Wednesday and said it was God and fate that put her in the right place at the right time around 9 p.m. Monday night. “I just give God all the glory,” Hatcher

Lake County Schools Bus Driver Who Found Eustis Hit-and-Run Victim Hailed a Hero Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 25, 2023

Tracking App Helps Nab Accused Umatilla Teenaged Armed Robber

UMATILLA, Fla.—A tracking app helped nab an accused teenaged armed robber earlier this week, according to an arrest affidavit. Juan “Slugga” Gomez Jr., 16, of Umatilla, is accused of robbing two victims of $500 on Orange Circle in Lady Lake Sunday. The victims told Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies a masked male suspect pointed a gun at them and demanded money, and a second male who was not wearing a mask helped him, the affidavit states. The victims identified Gomez through social media and LSCO found that he attended Umatilla High School. Gomes was secured and detained at UHS Monday,

Tracking App Helps Nab Accused Umatilla Teenaged Armed Robber Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Umatilla / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 25, 2023

Sumter County Deputies Searching for Missing Lady Lake Man

Update: Ryan Kenney has been found safe. THE VILLAGES, Fla.—The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a Lady Lake man who has not been seen since Tuesday morning, it said in a social media post. Ryan Kenney, 52, who has a history of medical issues, was last seen Tuesday morning on his silver bicycle around the area of Lake Sumter Landing. He is described at a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown plaid shirt and shorts, according to SCSO. If you see Kenney or know

Sumter County Deputies Searching for Missing Lady Lake Man Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 26, 2023

School Bus Driver Finds Victim of Hit-and-Run Lying in the Street and Blocks Traffic Monday Night Until Eustis Police Arrive

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating after the victim of an apparent hit-and-run was found lying in the street Monday night by a school bus driver, who used her bus to block traffic until police arrived, according to a report. Abigail Stevens, 32, was found lying on West Lakeview Avenue near Morin Street around 9 p.m. Monday by the bus driver who called police. The bus driver did not see who hit Stevens, she said. When police arrived, they observed Stevens was suffering from a head injury and a broken leg. She was unresponsive, but breathing and when Lake EMS

School Bus Driver Finds Victim of Hit-and-Run Lying in the Street and Blocks Traffic Monday Night Until Eustis Police Arrive Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 24, 2023

Names of Tavares Weekend Crash Victims Released

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department has released the names of the two men involved in a deadly single-car crash early Saturday morning. TPD believes Anthony Petchonka Jr., 24, of Tavares was driving a 2003 black Acura coupe when he crashed shortly before 2:30 a.m. near the intersection of Dead River Road and Baytree Boulevard. The impact ejected Petchonka Jr., and his passenger Jordan Debitetto, 22, of Astatula. Inside Lake originally reported Debitetto was from Apopka, as listed on his driver license, but TPD has since discovered he lives in Astatula, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. Petchonka Jr. was pronounced

Names of Tavares Weekend Crash Victims Released Read More »

Astatula, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 24, 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

Man Arrested for Armed Robbery in Eustis Friday

EUSTIS, Fla.—A man suspected of an armed robbery in Eustis Friday is in the Lake County Jail on $50,500 bond. According to Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri, a man reported he was robbed of his wallet that contained around $400, his identification and a Cash App card Friday afternoon on East Hazzard Avenue. He told police the suspects were in an older blue SUV and a black Volkswagen, and he was walking on the side of a home in the 1200 block of East Hazzard Avenue when he felt two firearms on his back. He said two men, one

Man Arrested for Armed Robbery in Eustis Friday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 22, 2023

Single-Car Crash Kills Tavares Man and Sends Apopka Man to the Hospital Early Saturday

TAVARES, Fla.—A Tavares man was killed in a single-car crash early Saturday morning and his passenger is in critical condition at a local trauma center, according to Tavares Police Department. TPD traffic homicide investigators responded to the scene near Dead River Road and Baytree Boulevard overnight and TPD released preliminary information Saturday morning. TPD believes the 2003 black Acura coupe being driven by a 24-year-old Tavares man was traveling on Dead River Road when it crashed shortly before 2:30 a.m. Saturday, ejecting both the driver and his 22-year-old male passenger of Apopka. The crash killed the Tavares man, and the

Single-Car Crash Kills Tavares Man and Sends Apopka Man to the Hospital Early Saturday Read More »

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

Tavares Police Investigating Apparent Attempted Suicide in Hospital Parking Lot

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating after finding a man shot who they believe was attempting suicide in a vehicle in the parking lot of AdventHealth Waterman Friday. Shortly before 1:15 p.m. Friday, Lake County Dispatch received a 9-1-1 text message that included the location of AdventHealth Waterman and a vehicle description, Tavares Police Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. When asked if the subject needed police, fire or an ambulance, the subject replied, “whomever,” she said. TPD located the vehicle and found a male suffering from a gunshot wound. “Officers performed life-saving measures on the male who

Tavares Police Investigating Apparent Attempted Suicide in Hospital Parking Lot Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 20, 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

Man Pleads Guilty Monday to Hit-and-Run that Killed Beloved Local Musician in 2022

TAVARES, Florida—More than a year after a beloved local musician was killed in a hit-and-run crash, the driver pleaded guilty to leaving the scene and was sentenced to five years in prison Monday. Inside Lake was in the courtroom when Justin Thomas Flower, 39, pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of the crash that killed Robert “Bobby” Wilson July 23, 2022. Flower was originally charged with manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash causing death in November 2022, but as part of his plea agreement, the manslaughter charge was dropped, and he pleaded guilty to the remaining charge. He

Man Pleads Guilty Monday to Hit-and-Run that Killed Beloved Local Musician in 2022 Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 17, 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

Man Shot Friday Night, Eustis Police Investigating

EUSTIS, Fla.—A man has been released from the hospital after getting shot in the hand Friday night, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. The shooting occurred on Reddick Street near Bates Avenue and police found shell casings from two different types of guns near the scene. Police released few details citing an active investigation and are asking the public to come forward if they have information or video related to the incident. If you have information, call EPD at 352-357-4121.

Man Shot Friday Night, Eustis Police Investigating Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 14, 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

Alleged Threats Against DCF End in Stinky Situation for Tavares Police

TAVARES, Fla.—A Tavares woman was arrested Thursday on a warrant stemming from alleged threats she made against the Department of Children and Families in a September incident that turned out to be a stinky situation for Tavares Police Department. Around 8 a.m. Sept. 22, TPD responded to the Department of Children and Families, 1300 South Duncan Drive, on a report of a woman banging on the doors and making threats. When officers arrived, they asked Anquinette Fieldings what was going on and she became upset and said “DCF needed to do their jobs” and she needed immediate assistance. Fieldings, 33,

Alleged Threats Against DCF End in Stinky Situation for Tavares Police Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 10, 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

Turnpike Crash Claims 2 Lives Saturday

CLERMONT, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol in investigating a crash that killed two people Saturday afternoon on Florida’s Turnpike in Clermont. The crash, involving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, occurred at 2:30 p.m. near mile marker 280 in the southbound lanes and killed the driver and one passenger; a second passenger was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries, according to Trooper Migdalisis Garcia. This is a developing story.

Turnpike Crash Claims 2 Lives Saturday Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 7, 2023

Jailbreak (In.) Man Captured on Video Breaking into Lake County Jail Thursday Night and being Tackled by Detention Deputies

TAVARES, Fla.—A man who tried to break into the Lake County Jail is now in the custody of the Lake County Jail after detention deputies tackled him inside the jail Thursday night. In what Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. John Herrell called a “bizarre and unusual scene,” Michael Ray Few, 41, was captured on video in the public lobby of the jail acting as if he was trying to hide from someone shortly after 9 p.m., Herrell said. Few moved a metal detector and climbed through a small opening leading into an x-ray machine to bypass a secured door. He

Jailbreak (In.) Man Captured on Video Breaking into Lake County Jail Thursday Night and being Tackled by Detention Deputies Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 6, 2023

Apopka High School Teacher Admits Giving THC Edibles and Alcohol to Child Prior to “Sexual Incident” in Mount Dora

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—An Apopka High School science teacher is accused of giving a juvenile edibles and alcohol and sexually battering him at his home in Mount Dora, according to Mount Dora Police Department. Dmitri V. Kostyunina, 50, was arrested Tuesday after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) contacted MDPD and stated a “sexual incident” occurred at Kostyunina’s home in Mount Dora, an arrest affidavit states. MDPD detectives met with special agents and the victim, and the victim said in September Kostyunina asked the juvenile to watch a movie with him. The boy, whose age was not released, told detectives they

Apopka High School Teacher Admits Giving THC Edibles and Alcohol to Child Prior to “Sexual Incident” in Mount Dora Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 5, 2023

Account Established to Benefit Family of Lake Minneola High Senior Tragically Killed in School Bus Crash

MINNEOLA, Fla.—A fundraising account has been established to benefit the family of the Lake Minneola High School (LMHS) student who tragically passed away Monday. Sherman “Isaiah” Vannoy, a 17-year-old senior, was on a bicycle when he was struck by a school bus before daylight Monday morning at the entrance of LMHS. Mary Laurenzi, 78, of Leesburg, who was hired by Lake County Schools in November 2021, was driving the school bus southbound on Hancock Road, south of Fox Trail Avenue, in the left turn lane. Vannoy was riding a bicycle northbound on the north sidewalk of Hancock Road approaching the

Account Established to Benefit Family of Lake Minneola High Senior Tragically Killed in School Bus Crash Read More »

Inside Scoop, Minneola / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 3, 2023

Lake County Schools Releases Name of Student Tragically Killed in School Bus Collision Monday, Grief Counselors on Campus

MINNEOLA, Fla.— Lake County Schools (LCS) has released the names of the teen and the bus driver involved in a fatal crash Monday morning at Lake Minneola High School. Sherman Vannoy, 17, was a senior at Lake Minneola High School, Sherri Owens spokesperson for LCS told Inside Lake. “This was a very difficult day for all of us at Lake County Schools,” Owens said in an email. “We are in touch with the family and are offering our support. We have grief counselors on campus this week for any students or faculty members who may need their services.” The bus

Lake County Schools Releases Name of Student Tragically Killed in School Bus Collision Monday, Grief Counselors on Campus Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Minneola / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 2, 2023

Teen Bicyclist Killed in Collision with School Bus near Lake Minneola High School

MINNEOLA, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 17-year-old bicyclist near Lake Minneola High School Monday morning. “The crash occurred as the bus was turning left into the school from traveling southbound on Hancock Road,” Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told Inside Lake in an email. The crash occurred at 6:50 a.m. near Hancock Road and Fox Trail Avenue and troopers are still investigating the sequence of events that resulted in the crash, Garcia said. The 17-year-old Minneola boy was transported to South Lake Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The bus driver, a 78-year-old woman from Leesburg,

Teen Bicyclist Killed in Collision with School Bus near Lake Minneola High School Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Minneola / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 2, 2023

FWC Launches Online Reporting Tool to Help Combat Deadly Turtle Virus

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has launched a public reporting tool to help in its research on a virus that is killing Florida freshwater turtles. FWC has been studying turtle fraservirus (TFV1) since 2018 and is now asking the public to report any sick or dead turtles to help them combat and understand this deadly virus. TFV1 has been found in Lake County, in addition to several other counties in Central Florida, but it could be present throughout the state, FWC warns; it has been identified in softshells, cooters, sliders and snapping turtles. Signs a turtle

FWC Launches Online Reporting Tool to Help Combat Deadly Turtle Virus Read More »

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

Woman Crashes Car Through Front Door of Tavares Condo Wednesday Night

TAVARES, Fla.—A slip of the foot resulted in a car going through the front door of a Tavares condo, a woman told police Wednesday night. Just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, Tavares Police Department responded to the 600 block of East Rosewood Lane in Rosewood Condominiums on a report of vehicle colliding with a structure, according to a report. Jada Broughton, 20, told police she was backing a 2011 Hyundai passenger car into a parking space when her foot slipped off the pedal and she accelerated into the front door of the condo. A 30-year-old woman who was sitting in a

Woman Crashes Car Through Front Door of Tavares Condo Wednesday Night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 28, 2023

Virginia Murder Suspect Arrested in Lady Lake

LADY LAKE, Fla.—A Pennsylvania man wanted for murder in Virginia was arrested by Lady Lake Police Department early Wednesday morning. Maurice T. Massey, 29, was pulled over for traveling 51 miles per hour in a 40 miles-per-hour zone on U.S. Highway 27/441 near Griffin View Drive at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to Lady Lake Communications Director Elisha Pappacoda. LLPD Cpl. Heather Couch conducted the traffic stop and after a routine driver license check, Massey was found to have a warrant for second-degree murder out of Virginia, Pappacoda said. Massey, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, was driving a white Hyundai Sonata with a

Virginia Murder Suspect Arrested in Lady Lake Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 27, 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

Man Accused of Exposing Himself at Leesburg Park Sunday

LEESBURG, Fla.—A man accused of exposing himself at a Leesburg park and in front of a Lake County Fire Rescue firefighter is being held in the Lake County Jail on $3,000 bond. Leesburg Police Department responded to Rogers Park, 610 South 9th Street shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday on two separate reports of a man exposing himself and loitering around the restrooms; one caller provided a description of the man, later identified as Desmond Seymore Harris Jr., 47, of Leesburg. As one officer canvassed the area, a second officer reported there was a man in the women’s restroom and officers

Man Accused of Exposing Himself at Leesburg Park Sunday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 27, 2023

Gopher Tortoise in 5-Gallon Bucket Lands Eustis Man in Jail

EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis man was arrested by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Saturday morning for possessing a gopher tortoise—a threatened wildlife species— he was keeping in a five-gallon bucket, according to an arrest affidavit. FWC received a call that a person on McDonald Street in Eustis was in possession of a possible gopher tortoise. An FWC officer responded to the apartment and Edrick L. Acres, 53, admitted he had the tortoise and showed the officer a five-gallon bucket that contained the tortoise, the affidavit states. FWC took possession of the tortoise to return it to the wild

Gopher Tortoise in 5-Gallon Bucket Lands Eustis Man in Jail Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 25, 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

3 More Victims Come Forward and Allege Abuse by School Safety Officer

TAVARES, Fla.—Three more victims have come forward with accusations against a school safety officer arrested for child rape last month. James Wolfe, 50, has been behind bars since his arrest Aug. 18 after the Department of Children and Families reported allegations of sexual abuse to Groveland Police Department. “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 material to a minor,” GPD spokesperson Sarah Panko said in an

3 More Victims Come Forward and Allege Abuse by School Safety Officer Read More »

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

Suspect in Stolen Vehicle Flees, Rams LCSO Cruiser, Strikes Multiple Stop Sticks, Flees on Foot, Apprehended by K9 Murphy in Leesburg Sunday

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Mount Dora man is facing a slew of charges after ramming a stolen vehicle into a Lake County Sheriff’s Office cruiser, fleeing to Sumter County, striking multiple stop sticks and fleeing back into Lake County where he was finally apprehended Sunday afternoon. Henry Lee Gamble-Coleman, 26, was spotted around 5 p.m. in Leesburg by LCSO deputies in a vehicle stolen from Eustis, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies attempted to pull Gamble-Coleman over near the intersection of South 14th Street and South Street and Gamble-Coleman “rapidly” accelerated and struck the passenger side of a K9 cruiser. He fled

Suspect in Stolen Vehicle Flees, Rams LCSO Cruiser, Strikes Multiple Stop Sticks, Flees on Foot, Apprehended by K9 Murphy in Leesburg Sunday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 19, 2023

Tavares Police Release Name of Man Shot and Killed Saturday Night

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department has released the name of the man shot multiple times and killed Saturday night. Daniel Overbaugh, 57, was found lying in a yard near County Drive and Highland Avenue with multiple gunshot wounds, shortly after 8:30 p.m. Saturday after a 9-1-1 caller reported he had been shot, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. Multiple agencies responded to the scene and TPD detectives are working closely with TPD’s CSI and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office CSI. Overbaugh was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Preliminary information indicates the killing was an

Tavares Police Release Name of Man Shot and Killed Saturday Night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 17, 2023

Tavares Police Investigating Death of Man Shot Multiple Times Saturday

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating the death of a man who was shot multiple times Saturday night and officers are hunting for the person responsible. Around 8:35 p.m., police received a 9-1-1 call stating a male had been shot and was lying in a yard in the area of County Drive and Highland Avenue. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the area and located the man who was suffering from several gunshot wounds, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. “TPD’s Criminal Investigations Division has responded to the scene and is working diligently with their CSI and the Lake

Tavares Police Investigating Death of Man Shot Multiple Times Saturday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 16, 2023

Argument Over Dog Feces, Latest in Years Long Neighborhood Feud, Lands Tavares Man in Jail

TAVARES, Fla.—A Tavares man is in the Lake County Jail after video surveillance captured him throwing a bag of dog feces in his neighbors’ driveway and garage and then punching one of the neighbors, the latest incident in a multi-year feud. Around 6 p.m. Wednesday, Tavares Police Department responded to a home on Sycamore Circle on a report of a battery. Residents of the home told TPD their neighbor, Ty Alan Heichel, 24, threw a bag of dog feces in their driveway and a verbal argument ensued. During the verbal altercation, Heichel punched the male resident in the face, according

Argument Over Dog Feces, Latest in Years Long Neighborhood Feud, Lands Tavares Man in Jail Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 16, 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

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