Inside Scoop

Inside Lake’s breaking stories, investigations and exclusives

Pair found guilty 4 years after massive Lake County drug bust

September 4, 2026 6:50 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — Four years after a massive multi-agency drug investigation dubbed “Operation Sneak-A-Peek” resulted in 27 people facing charges and the largest fentanyl haul in Lake County history, a jury found two defendants guilty Friday of drug trafficking and related charges. Cliff Demond Johnson, 44, and Davonte Marques Heflin, 30, were found guilty of all charges against them following a trial that included testimony from numerous expert witnesses and phone records, according to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. Johnson was convicted of conspiracy to commit trafficking in fentanyl, conspiracy to commit trafficking in cocaine, manufacture of cocaine,

Motorcyclist killed after crashing into tree on County Road 42

September 2, 2026 4:25 pm

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A 36-year-old Ormond Beach man was killed Wednesday afternoon when his motorcycle ran off County Road 42 and struck a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was riding a 2022 Ducati motorcycle eastbound on County Road 42, west of Central Camp Road in the DeLand portion of Lake County, at 1:40 p.m. when he attempted to negotiate a curve to the left, FHP said. The motorcycle ran off the right side of the roadway onto the grass shoulder and struck a tree, according to FHP. The rider was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Lady Lake woman, 82, dies after being struck by SUV Tuesday night

September 2, 2026 7:40 am

LADY LAKE, Fla. — An 82-year-old Lady Lake woman died after she was struck by an SUV while walking along Vermont Avenue Tuesday evening, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The woman was walking west along the north portion of Vermont Avenue around 7:30 p.m. while an 83-year-old Lady Lake man driving a 2012 Dodge Journey was traveling westbound on Vermont Avenue approaching Wales Place, FHP said. The driver did not see the woman walking along the roadway, and the front right of the SUV struck her, according to FHP. The woman was transported to UF Health The Villages Hospital,

VIDEO: Mount Dora pastor arrested for felony battery after confrontation at Tavares park

August 29, 2026 1:33 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — A longtime Lake County pastor was arrested for felony battery after video captured him elbowing a man over 65 during a confrontation at Wooton Park earlier this week. Richard Edward “Rick” Pughe, 60, of Eustis, started HopeCity Church in Mount Dora with his wife and serves as its lead pastor, according to the church’s website. Tavares Police Department responded to Wooton Park at 1:39 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a report of a battery at a gazebo, according to an arrest affidavit. The victim, who “became very animated,” told police he was at the gazebo with family members

20 years after Trenton Duckett disappeared, family to gather for annual vigil

August 27, 2026 9:53 am

LEESBURG, Fla. — Twenty years after 2-year-old Trenton Duckett disappeared from Leesburg, his family and supporters will gather Thursday night to once again light candles and hold onto hope that he will someday come home. The annual candlelight vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at Leesburg Town Square. Trenton’s father, Joshua Duckett, and grandmother, Carla Fort, have continued the tradition each year since his disappearance. Two decades have passed since Joshua last saw his son. Trenton was 2 years old then. If he is alive today, he is 22. On Thursday, the 20th anniversary of Trenton’s disappearance, the National

Woman killed at Leesburg home identified; police say evidence supports resident’s account

August 26, 2026 3:43 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — A 23-year-old woman who was shot and killed while allegedly trying to enter a stranger’s home early Tuesday has been identified, and police say evidence collected at the scene was consistent with the homeowner’s account of the shooting. Ananda Conley of Leesburg was identified by Leesburg Police Department Wednesday afternoon. Conley lived approximately two to three blocks from the home in the 1600 block of Crest Avenue where she was killed. The current residents moved into the home in May and did not know Conley, Lt. Shannon Walsh said. According to Conley’s friend and roommate, Conley had

Woman shot, killed while allegedly trying to enter Leesburg home early Tuesday

August 25, 2026 8:16 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — A woman was shot and killed early Tuesday while allegedly attempting to enter a Leesburg home, according to the Leesburg Police Department. Leesburg police responded to a home in the 1600 block of Crest Avenue around 4:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving a report of a woman attempting to enter the residence. According to police, the homeowner said he repeatedly told the woman to leave the property and warned her he was armed. He told investigators the woman continued trying to enter the home, prompting him to fire a handgun through the door and break a window. Police

911 calls reveal events leading up to fatal Lake County deputy-involved shooting

August 25, 2026 3:24 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — Three newly released 911 calls provided additional details about what was reported before and immediately after Lake County sheriff’s deputies fatally shot 32-year-old Erik Leopold Sharpe at a Leesburg-area home Aug. 20. The calls, obtained by Inside Lake, included two from the same caller at the home and a separate call from an air conditioning technician who was working there when the incident began. Information identifying the callers was redacted from the recordings. During the approximately 11-minute first call, a caller reported a domestic disturbance involving Sharpe and firearms at 10110 Morningside Drive. “We’re having a

Bodycam footage released in fatal Lake County deputy-involved shooting near Leesburg

August 24, 2026 8:11 pm

WARNING: The body camera videos below show a fatal deputy-involved shooting and may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. LEESBURG, Fla. — Newly released body camera footage shows the moments leading up to a fatal deputy-involved shooting near Leesburg that left a 32-year-old man dead Thursday afternoon. Erik Leopold Sharpe was killed after Lake County sheriff’s deputies responded to 10110 Morningside Drive just before 3 p.m. following a 911 call reporting an armed domestic battery. Body camera footage obtained by Inside Lake shows deputies approaching the residence with their weapons drawn and encountering Sharpe near the home,

Winn-Dixie making a comeback in Eustis with new store

August 21, 2026 1:02 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — A grocery store favorite is returning to Eustis. The Winn-Dixie Company confirmed to Inside Lake Friday morning it is returning to the city it called home for decades, but an opening date has not been released. “The Winn-Dixie Company is excited to confirm plans to open a new grocery store in Eustis, marking another significant step in the grocer’s continued investment and growth across Florida,” the company’s Media Relations team said in an email to Inside Lake. According to a lease obtained by Inside Lake, the store, along with a liquor store, will be located in the

Man killed in deputy-involved shooting near Leesburg identified

August 21, 2026 10:59 am

LEESBURG, Fla. — A man who was killed in a deputy-involved shooting near Leesburg Thursday afternoon has been identified as 32-year-old Erik Leopold Sharpe, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Just before 3 p.m., deputies responded to 10110 Morningside Drive after receiving a 911 call reporting an armed domestic battery. When they arrived, they were confronted by Sharpe, who was armed with a firearm, LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon said. According to Vachon, Sharpe’s actions forced deputies to discharge their firearms. Sharpe was killed, and the deputies were not injured. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting,

Armed person confronts Lake County deputies during domestic call near Leesburg

August 20, 2026 6:20 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responding to an armed domestic battery call near Leesburg discharged their firearms after being confronted by an armed person Thursday afternoon, according to LCSO. Just before 3 p.m., deputies responded to 10110 Morningside Drive after receiving a 911 call reporting an armed domestic battery. “Once our deputies arrived, they were confronted with an individual armed with a firearm whose actions forced our deputies to discharge their firearms,” LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon said. The deputies were not injured. The armed person is deceased, Vachon said. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate

Chad Farnsworth selected as next Lake County Schools superintendent

August 19, 2026 6:39 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — Lake County Schools Deputy Superintendent Chad Farnsworth will be the district’s next superintendent following a unanimous vote by the School Board Wednesday. Farnsworth will succeed Superintendent Diane Kornegay, who is retiring at the end of the 2026-27 school year after leading the district for a decade. Farnsworth has served as deputy superintendent since 2024 and previously spent seven years as the district’s assistant superintendent and chief of staff. He also served four years as superintendent of Bradford County Schools. The School Board received seven applications for the position, with Farnsworth and Miami-Dade County Public Schools Chief of

Amazon driver found unresponsive near Fruitland Park identified; cause of death still unknown

August 18, 2026 8:52 am

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. — An Amazon delivery driver who was found unresponsive and later died has been publicly identified, but her cause of death is still unknown more than a week after she was found. Jaylene Vargas Gonzalez was found unresponsive inside an Amazon delivery vehicle around 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10. Deputies responded to the area of Clark Road in unincorporated Fruitland Park after receiving a report that the vehicle had been running while stationary for an extended period of time, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake last week. Gonzalez was transported to a local hospital,

Umatilla man killed in CR 439 crash Monday

August 17, 2026 8:21 pm

UMATILLA, Fla. — A 49-year-old Umatilla man was killed Monday afternoon in a head-on crash on County Road 439 near Umatilla, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 5:45 p.m., the Umatilla man was driving a 2020 Ford Escape northbound on County Road 439, south of Freeman Drive, while a 22-year-old Lake Mary man was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado southbound, FHP said. According to FHP, the Umatilla man failed to maintain his lane and entered the path of the Silverado. The front left sides of the vehicles collided, causing both vehicles to overturn. The Umatilla man was pronounced deceased

Fatal crash shuts down CR 439 near Umatilla

August 17, 2026 6:43 pm

UMATILLA, Fla. — A fatal crash has shut down County Road 439 near Umatilla, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 5:45 p.m. Monday near Freeman Drive. The road is shut down at County Road 42. No other information was immediately available. This is a developing story.

Man killed after lying down in path of car near Clermont, FHP says

August 15, 2026 10:18 am

CLERMONT, Fla. — A 31-year-old Haines City man was killed early Saturday after a witness told investigators he walked into a lane on U.S. Highway 27 and laid down in the path of a car, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just before 6:40 a.m., a 69-year-old Clermont man was driving a 2015 Kia Forte northbound on U.S. Highway 27, south of Cagan Crossings Boulevard. According to FHP, a witness said the pedestrian was walking in the left-turn lane before entering the northbound inside lane and lying down in the path of the Kia. The undercarriage of the Kia struck

Groveland police chief sues city, alleges whistleblower retaliation

August 14, 2026 8:00 pm

GROVELAND, Fla. — Groveland Police Chief Shawn Ramsey filed a lawsuit Friday against the City of Groveland, alleging city officials retaliated against him after he submitted written whistleblower complaints reporting what he believed were violations of law, misuse of public office, abuse of governmental authority and other governmental misconduct. The 29-page complaint, obtained by Inside Lake, was electronically filed through Florida’s e-filing portal late Friday afternoon. The filing was still pending clerk acceptance Friday evening. The lawsuit alleges the city violated Florida’s Public Whistle-blower’s Act by subjecting Ramsey to repeated investigations, publicly exposing him as the whistleblower, undermining his authority

Tavares man killed in Orange County rollover crash

August 13, 2026 9:43 pm

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A Tavares man was killed Thursday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash in Orange County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just after 5:30 p.m., the 33-year-old man was driving a 1999 Ford F-350 westbound on Jones Avenue approaching Dirt Drive when, for unknown reasons, he lost control of the truck and ran off the road, FHP said. The truck overturned and landed on its roof. The man was transported to AdventHealth Apopka, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.

Wanted home invasion robbery suspect taken into custody in Clermont

August 13, 2026 8:06 pm

CLERMONT, Fla. — A man wanted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement was taken into custody Thursday afternoon with the assistance of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team. Agents with the FDLE Task Force located Malikai Gaskins, who was wanted on an FDLE warrant for armed home invasion robbery, at an apartment at 760 South Grand Highway in Clermont around 3:30 p.m., Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. According to Earley, Gaskins barricaded himself inside the apartment. Agents with the FDLE Task Force and detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau

Missing person investigation ends with victim, suspect dead near Mount Dora

August 13, 2026 3:42 pm

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A missing person report Wednesday led Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies to the discovery of two deceased people, including the missing person and a neighboring resident identified as the suspect, according to the sheriff’s office. Around 5:30 p.m., deputies responded to a residence in the area of Bay Road in unincorporated Mount Dora after receiving a report of a missing person, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephanie Earley said. When deputies arrived, they discovered a bullet hole in the passenger-side window of the victim’s vehicle and blood inside. While searching the vehicle, deputies found the victim deceased

Amazon delivery driver dies after being found unresponsive near Fruitland Park

August 11, 2026 1:01 pm

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. — An Amazon delivery driver who was found unresponsive inside a delivery vehicle Monday evening near Fruitland Park has died, but investigators say the cause of death remains unclear. Shortly before 7:30 p.m. Monday, deputies responded to the area of Clark Road in unincorporated Fruitland Park after receiving a report of an Amazon delivery vehicle running while stationary for an extended period of time, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. When deputies arrived, they found the female driver unresponsive inside the vehicle. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was later

Gas leak prompts evacuations, road closures in Eustis

August 11, 2026 11:22 am

EUSTIS, Fla. — Eustis Fire Department is responding to a gas leak late Tuesday morning in the area of Key Avenue and South Grove Street that has prompted evacuations and road closures. Residents in the area have been evacuated, according to the fire department. The following roads are closed: South Center Street from Lemon Avenue to Fernshaw Avenue Key Avenue from South Grove Street to South Mary Street EFD said updates will be provided as they become available.

Amazon driver found unresponsive near Fruitland Park

August 10, 2026 11:21 pm

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after an Amazon driver was found unresponsive inside a delivery vehicle Monday evening near Fruitland Park. Shortly before 7:30 p.m., deputies responded to the area of Clark Road in unincorporated Fruitland Park after receiving a report of an Amazon delivery vehicle running while stationary for an extended period of time, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. When deputies arrived, they found the driver unresponsive inside the vehicle. The driver was transported to a local hospital, Earley said. The driver’s name has not been released. Lake

Man shot, killed after trying to force way into Leesburg home, LCSO says

August 10, 2026 12:46 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — A man was shot and killed Sunday night after deputies say he became involved in a physical altercation with a homeowner while attempting to force his way into a residence where his ex-girlfriend was visiting, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a home on Highland Drive in Mid Florida Lakes in unincorporated Leesburg around 9:20 p.m. after a report of a shooting. The preliminary investigation indicates the man arrived unannounced at the residence where his ex-girlfriend was visiting. He became involved in a physical altercation with the homeowner and tried to force his

Clermont man killed after Porsche strikes trees, overturns

August 9, 2026 10:26 am

CLERMONT, Fla. — A Clermont man was killed early Sunday after his car ran off the road, struck a curb and two trees, then overturned, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 36-year-old was driving a 2007 Porsche Boxster northbound on Greater Hills Boulevard near Charter Oaks Trail in unincorporated Clermont shortly before 2:15 a.m. when he ran off the road, FHP said. The Porsche struck a curb and two trees before overturning and landing on its roof. The man was transported to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.

Eustis father arrested in connection with DeLand double murder investigation

August 7, 2026 1:05 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — A Eustis father is behind bars, accused of helping his teenage son evade law enforcement following a double murder in DeLand, DeLand Police Department announced Friday. Daytron W. Etkins, 41, was arrested shortly after 6:45 a.m. Friday at his Bates Avenue home. Detectives also executed a search warrant at the residence with the assistance of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, according to DeLand police. Etkins is charged with accessory after the fact in connection with an investigation involving his 17-year-old son, Keyan Rundell. Rundell is accused of murdering Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18. Police said

Former Fruitland Park church overseer arrested on 21 additional voyeurism charges during court hearing

August 4, 2026 6:23 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — A former Fruitland Park church overseer arrested in June on video voyeurism charges is now facing 21 additional counts, including six involving minor victims, after being arrested during a court hearing Tuesday. Charles “Bart” Lucas, 59, was arrested during a previously scheduled hearing Tuesday morning and booked into the Lake County Jail on $67,500 bond, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office records. Lucas now faces a total of 26 counts of video voyeurism, including seven involving victims younger than 16. He previously pleaded not guilty to the original five charges. According to Lake County Clerk of Court

Eustis releases bodycam footage, report in officer-dragging incident

August 4, 2026 12:35 am

EUSTIS, Fla. — Eustis Police Department has released a report and body-worn camera footage from three officers involved in an early Saturday morning incident in which two officers were dragged by a fleeing suspect. One officer continues to recover while another has returned to work, according to EPD Chief Craig Capri. Shakoi Donovan, 28, is facing numerous charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing to elude, two counts of resisting an officer with violence, four counts of resisting an officer without violence and two counts of violation of probation. After

Eustis, Leesburg men killed in separate out-of-county crashes

August 3, 2026 11:58 am

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Two Lake County men were killed Friday in separate crashes in Marion and Hillsborough counties, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 6 a.m., a 42-year-old Eustis man was driving a pickup truck southbound on Interstate 75 when he drifted across all three lanes and struck a guardrail near mile marker 366 in Marion County, FHP said. The pickup overturned, ejecting the driver into the northbound lanes. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. In a separate crash shortly before 11 p.m. Friday in Hillsborough County, a 42-year-old Leesburg man was struck and killed while attempting

Eustis police searching for suspect wanted for attempted murder of officer

August 1, 2026 1:46 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — Eustis Police Department is searching for a suspect accused of attempting to kill a law enforcement officer during an early Saturday morning incident. Shakoi Donovan, 28, is wanted on charges of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing to elude, resisting with violence and resisting without violence, according to EPD. The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. near East Quayle Avenue and South Eustis Street. Police have not released any details about what led to the charges. Multiple agencies joined in the search for Donovan following the incident on the

Juvenile female shot in chest near Groveland; LCSO investigating

July 29, 2026 9:39 am

GROVELAND, Fla. — Two people shot early Sunday, including a juvenile female who was struck in the chest, have been released from the hospital as Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives continue to investigate the shooting. Shortly before 12:45 a.m., deputies responded to a report of a person shot in the 12000 block of Bay Lake Road. After interviewing multiple witnesses, deputies determined the shooting occurred in the area of Bay Lake Road and Prospect Ranch Road. The juvenile female, whose name and age have not been released, was transported to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital by a friend after suffering

Mount Dora police searching for missing autistic, non-verbal man

July 27, 2026 6:18 pm

Update: Vasilios Stewart has been located. MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The Mount Dora Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating a missing 21-year-old autistic man. Vasilios Stewart is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs approximately 270 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen near 11th Avenue and Carol Lane wearing a red Snoopy T-shirt. Stewart is autistic and non-verbal. Anyone who sees Stewart or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Mount Dora Police Department immediately at 352-735-7130 or call 911.

Man accused of abandoning starving dog at Lake County Animal Shelter

July 22, 2026 9:18 pm

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include a statement from a Lake County spokesperson regarding the Lake County Animal Shelter. Viewer discretion advised: This story contains images that some readers may find disturbing. TAVARES, Fla. — A man is facing animal cruelty and abandonment charges after investigators say he surrendered his starving dog to the Lake County Animal Shelter as a “found dog” earlier this year, according to a probable cause affidavit. On Jan. 25, Edualdo Rodriguez, 55, surrendered the severely emaciated male American bulldog as a “found dog,” but a Lake County Sheriff’s Office investigation found Rodriguez

Eustis man arrested in Volusia Operation Tor/Pedo

July 20, 2026 2:01 pm

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Eustis man was arrested during a Volusia Sheriff’s Office undercover operation earlier this month targeting individuals who use the internet and apps to exploit children, according to Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Colton James Gregory, 19, is accused of chatting with what he believed to be a 14-year-old child on July 11 and driving to Volusia County to meet the child, according to a charging affidavit. Using an online platform, Gregory allegedly made sexually explicit comments to a detective posing as a child. Most of the messages contained in the affidavit are too vulgar for publication,

Investigation sustains allegations against former Howey police chief over relationship with fraud suspect’s wife

July 17, 2026 8:29 am

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. — A Lake County Sheriff’s Office internal affairs investigation sustained allegations that former Howey-in-the-Hills Police Chief Michael Giddens violated department policy after engaging in a sexual relationship with the wife of a man he was investigating for felony fraud, according to documents released by the town Thursday. The investigation began after the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills received an anonymous complaint alleging Giddens had engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with the woman while he was investigating her husband in 2025. Giddens was a lieutenant at the time of the relationship and was appointed police chief in October 2025. Because

Tavares K9 Bruce leads officers to meth trafficking arrest, $601K bond

July 13, 2026 8:45 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — A traffic stop for a stop sign violation led to the arrest of a Leesburg man on trafficking and other drug charges Sunday night, according to an arrest affidavit. Joshua D. Franklin, 41, was arrested for trafficking methamphetamine over 28 grams, possession of cocaine with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop. According to the affidavit, a Tavares K9 officer stopped Franklin’s silver passenger car around shortly before 8 p.m. after seeing it fail to stop behind the stop bar at the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and Sinclair Avenue. Franklin denied

Mount Dora man dies after crash on U.S. Highway 441 in Tavares

July 10, 2026 10:56 am

TAVARES, Fla.— A Mount Dora man was killed late Thursday afternoon after attempting to cross several lanes of traffic and colliding with a truck near AdventHealth Waterman, according to Tavares Police Department. Shortly after 5:30 p.m., William Pyle, 84, of Mount Dora, was pulling onto U.S. Highway 441 from Waterman Way in a 2016 Nissan Sentra when he failed to obey a right-turn-only sign and attempted to cross the northbound lanes to turn left into the southbound lanes. The Nissan was struck by a 2018 GMC pickup truck traveling in the inside northbound lane, driven by Charles Green, 39, of

Grand jury indicts man in killing of Eustis woman; prosecutors seek death penalty

July 8, 2026 8:04 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — A Lake County grand jury has indicted Shahidul Islam in the 2025 killing of Monica Islam, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Islam, 44, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder with a firearm in Monica Islam’s May 2, 2025, death. Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson announced the indictment alongside Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. According to the State Attorney’s Office, Islam was transferred back to Lake County after being sentenced in his most recent federal criminal case for unlawful reentry into the

Crimeline tip leads to arrest of Leesburg man accused of sexual act involving dog

July 1, 2026 9:40 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — A 19-year-old Leesburg man was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he recorded and posted a Snapchat video depicting a sexual act involving a dog. Isaiah Chaitram Nimnauth is facing charges of animal cruelty: sexual contact with animal and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. According to an arrest affidavit, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office detective received a Crimeline tip June 24 reporting a Snapchat video allegedly showing Nimnauth engaging in a sexual act with a dog. The detective reviewed the video before identifying Nimnauth through the Snapchat account and confirming his residence through Florida driver’s license

Howey-in-the-Hills searching for new police chief after resignation

July 1, 2026 9:06 pm

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. — The Town of Howey-in-the-Hills is searching for a new police chief after former Chief Michael Giddens resigned last month while under investigation. Giddens submitted his resignation June 3 and Town Manager Sean O’Keefe provided Inside Lake with a copy of his resignation letter. The town has posted the police chief position and is accepting applications. O’Keefe said the town’s investigation remains ongoing with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. In his resignation letter, Giddens wrote that his “private life is being targeted by anonymous individuals driven by personal and political agendas,” and after 32 years in

Astor man killed in head-on crash on State Road 40

July 1, 2026 9:51 am

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 30-year-old Astor man was killed in a head-on crash with a truck Wednesday morning in Volusia County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. on State Road 40 west of Check Station Road. Troopers said the Astor man was driving a 2004 Buick Rendezvous eastbound on State Road 40 when, for unknown reasons, the SUV traveled onto the south shoulder of the roadway. The driver then overcorrected to the left into the westbound lane and into the path of a 2017 Ford F-350 pulling a trailer. The front of the

Minneola woman killed after SUV catches fire in Sumter County crash

June 30, 2026 10:27 am

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A 21-year-old Minneola woman was killed in a fiery crash early Tuesday morning in Sumter County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The woman was driving a Mazda CX-9 westbound on County Road 478 when she failed to negotiate a curve west of County Road 747, around 4 a.m., troopers said. The SUV traveled off the roadway, struck a fence and then collided with a tree and caught fire. The driver suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, FHP said. The crash remains under investigation.

Three years later, Bryson Leverette’s killing remains Lady Lake’s only unsolved homicide

June 29, 2026 6:29 pm

LADY LAKE, Fla. — Nearly three years after 20-year-old Bryson “Swift” Leverette was gunned down outside a Lady Lake home, investigators are again asking for the public’s help in solving the town’s only unsolved homicide. Leverette was fatally shot and another person was wounded around 12:45 a.m. June 30, 2023, as they were leaving a home at 104 Caroline Ave. in the Skyline Hills area, according to the Lady Lake Police Department. Investigators said the victims were ambushed by multiple suspects armed with several firearms. The suspects fled the area in unknown vehicles, and no arrests have been made. “Three

Nude woman exits “suspicious” vehicle before driver crashes into fire hydrant last week, police say

June 28, 2026 11:53 am

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — An Orlando man is facing multiple charges after police say he crashed into a fire hydrant, ran from officers and discharged a firearm while intoxicated last week. Around 5 a.m. June 20, Mount Dora police officers observed a suspicious vehicle near Limit Avenue and North Unser Street while Lake County dispatch received a 911 call about the same vehicle “parked under suspicious circumstances” at a nearby business on U.S. Highway 441, according to an arrest affidavit. The caller told dispatch a nude woman exited the vehicle before it abruptly drove away. Officers later determined the woman

Fruitland Park church overseer arrested in hidden camera investigation

June 20, 2026 1:55 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — A Fruitland Park man was arrested Friday after an investigation uncovered digital files involving females, including videos investigators say were recorded with a concealed camera inside a church bathroom and a room where adolescent girls were changing following a baptism service, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Charles Barton “Bart” Lucas, 59, was arrested on five counts of video voyeurism. Four counts involve adult victims and one involves a victim younger than 16, according to an arrest affidavit. He was released from the Lake County Jail on $25,000 bond. The investigation began after suspicious material was

Two Lake County men arrested in separate Florida Keys incidents

June 18, 2026 11:20 am

MONROE COUNTY, Fla. — Two Lake County men were arrested Wednesday in unrelated incidents in the Florida Keys, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. A 50-year-old Umatilla man was arrested in Marathon after deputies say he followed customers around a Publix while armed with a knife, causing alarm among shoppers. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were called to the store around 7 p.m. after multiple customers and an employee reported John Paul Roberts was making eye contact with customers and following them around the store and out to their vehicles for unknown reasons. Roberts had a knife sheathed

4th arrest made in pair of Eustis shootings, more charges filed against adult suspects

June 16, 2026 7:18 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — A fourth arrest has been made in a pair of Eustis shootings last week and additional charges have been filed against the adult suspects, according to Eustis police. Von’tayvian Silas-Edwards, 15, was arrested late Tuesday afternoon and charged with principal to shooting into an occupied dwelling. His arrest follows the Friday arrests of Elijah Hood, 18, on a charge of principal to shooting into an occupied dwelling, and Malachi Aiden Hughes, 15, and Jordan Larry Hayes, 18, on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied dwelling stemming from the shootings at

Lady Lake police seek information on vehicle involved in fatal crash

June 16, 2026 1:59 pm

LADY LAKE, Fla. — Lady Lake police are asking for the public’s help following a fatal pedestrian crash early Tuesday. Shortly before 3:30 a.m., the driver of a gray 2023 Toyota Tacoma was traveling on U.S. Highway 27 near Hartsock Mill Road when she saw a man wearing dark clothing and standing in the middle southbound lane, according to Town of Lady Lake Communications Director Elisha Pappacoda. There are no streetlights in the area, Pappacoda said. The driver attempted to avoid the man but was unable to and struck him. She stopped and called for help while her passenger checked

Collision with guardrail and trees kills Lady Lake man, seriously injures woman

June 14, 2026 9:17 pm

LADY LAKE, Fla. — A Lady Lake man was killed Sunday evening and his passenger was seriously injured when their SUV struck a guardrail and several trees, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred on Griffin Avenue near Grays Airport Road. FHP said an 81-year-old Lady Lake man was driving a 2026 Subaru Forester eastbound on Griffin Avenue, shortly before 7 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a right-hand curve, The SUV left the roadway and collided with a guardrail before striking several trees, according to FHP The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, a

Man dead, 3 seriously injured in fiery wrong-way crash near Clermont

June 14, 2026 11:50 am

. CLERMONT, Fla. — A wrong-way driver was killed and three other men were seriously injured in a fiery head-on crash Sunday morning near Clermont, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at 6:20 a.m. on State Road 33 near Bakers Lane in unincorporated Clermont. FHP said a 24-year-old Orlando man was driving a 2026 Toyota Camry northbound in the southbound lane of State Road 33 when he collided head-on with a 2016 Dodge Journey. The impact caused the Dodge to catch fire, according to FHP. The driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene. His

Fatal crash shuts down SR 33 near Clermont

June 14, 2026 8:04 am

CLERMONT, Fla. — A fatal crash has shut down State Road 33 in unincorporated Clermont, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. near Bakers Lane. At least one person was killed. State Road 33 is closed in both directions between Laws Road and Ott Williams Road as troopers investigate. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. This is a developing story.

Teen dispute at Carver Park led to pair of Eustis shootings Thursday night, police say

June 12, 2026 1:13 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — A dispute between two groups of teenagers at Carver Park escalated into two shootings less than two hours apart Thursday night, resulting in the arrests of two suspects and more charges are expected, according to Eustis police. Malachi Aiden Hughes, 15, and Jordan Larry Hayes, 18, were arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied dwelling following shootings at 701 E. Hazzard Ave. and 1502 E. Lakeview Ave. No one was injured in either shooting. According to arrest affidavits, witnesses told investigators the conflict began earlier Thursday at Carver Park,

Groveland man charged with cocaine trafficking after multi-agency drug raid

June 11, 2026 12:39 pm

GROVELAND, Fla. — A Groveland man is facing a cocaine trafficking charge after a multi-agency narcotics investigation led to search warrants at a duplex on Blue Street Tuesday morning. Detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau and the Groveland Police Department executed narcotics search warrants at 745 and 747 Blue St. on Tuesday after determining narcotics were allegedly being distributed from both apartments, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team was used to secure the duplex while detectives from LCSO, Clermont, Eustis, Groveland and Leesburg searched both residences. During the

Head-on crash kills Leesburg man in Marion County, Eustis woman critically injured

June 3, 2026 8:39 pm

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Leesburg man was killed and a Eustis woman was critically injured in a head-on crash Wednesday afternoon on County Road 42 in Marion County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 30-year-old Leesburg man was driving a sedan westbound near Southeast 105th Avenue when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with a pickup truck around 1:45 p.m., FHP said. The impact scattered debris across the roadway, and a second sedan struck the debris. The Leesburg man was pronounced dead at the scene. One of his passengers, a 27-year-old Eustis woman, suffered critical injuries

Murder suspect returned to Lake County more than a year after woman’s death

June 2, 2026 8:35 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — The man accused of killing his sister-in-law last year is back in Lake County and in the custody of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Shahidul Islam, 43, was extradited from federal custody to Lake County Sunday, LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon said. He is being held on no bond in the Lake County Jail. LCSO detectives obtained an arrest warrant more than a year ago after Monica Islam, 44, was found murdered in unincorporated Mount Dora after being reported missing from Eustis. She was found shot to death near Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road on May 2,

LCSO executes narcotics search warrant at Tavares home

June 2, 2026 12:12 pm

TAVARES, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotics-related search warrant Tuesday morning at a residence in Tavares. The warrant was executed at a home in the 100 block of Bloxham Avenue, according to LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon. Few details were immediately available Tuesday. Vachon confirmed the operation was a narcotics search warrant but no additional information was released.

Eagle One helps track Clermont man to Eustis after fleeing traffic stop

May 26, 2026 8:13 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — A Clermont man with multiple outstanding warrants out of Georgia was arrested Monday night after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop and traveling through several Lake County communities before hitting stop sticks in Eustis, according to an arrest affidavit. Brandon Stuart Brown, 32, is facing charges of fleeing to elude, attaching tag not assigned, driving while license suspended, canceled or revoked as a habitual offender and operating an unregistered motor vehicle. Around 10 p.m., a Lake County Sheriff’s Office corporal observed a dark-colored Chevrolet Tahoe traveling north on U.S. Highway 27 near State Road 19 with no

Man sentenced to 25 years for shooting at deputies, officers in Mount Dora; murder case still pending

May 25, 2026 2:44 pm

Editor’s note: The video below contains graphic images and language. Viewer discretion is advised. TAVARES, Fla. — The man accused of shooting at Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Mount Dora Police officers in 2022 when he was just 18 years old, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his Lake County crimes, according to court records, but his legal troubles are far from over. Jonny Ze Guiseppe Santiago, now 22, pleaded no contest last week to two counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding and discharging a firearm from a vehicle after

Umatilla honors historic undefeated Bulldogs with monument dedication

May 21, 2026 8:47 pm

UMATILLA, Fla. — It was 70 years in the making. Umatilla High School’s Bulldog football team was honored Wednesday with a monument dedication ceremony marking its undefeated 2025 season — the school’s first undefeated season in 70 years. The monument, purchased by the City of Umatilla, was manufactured by Set in Stone Monuments, owned by UHS alumnus Colton Hartog. Hartog was on hand for the dedication, along with Umatilla Vice Mayor Zack Durbin, UHS Head Football Coach Eric Samuels, UHS Principal Brent Frazier, the UHS Marching Band, UHS Cheerleaders and the UHS Bulldog football team. The Bulldogs outscored their opponents

Dad sentenced to 12 years in 2022 crash that killed two sons, injured third

May 17, 2026 9:42 am

TAVARES, Fla. — The man who was drunk and behind the wheel when he killed his two sons on Easter Eve 2022 has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. David Shawn Pelfrey, 25, of Fruitland Park, was picked up on a warrant in February 2024, nearly two years after the crash that killed his sons, Damian, 4, and Dominic, 2, and seriously injured their brother, Daylen, 1. Pelfrey was charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license causing death; he was scheduled to stand trial May 11 and pleaded no contest

Pedestrian critically injured in Lady Lake crash

May 13, 2026 2:15 pm

LADY LAKE, Fla. — A St. Augustine man is in critical condition after he was struck by a car on U.S. Highway 27/441 in Lady Lake Wednesday morning. Anthony Heine, 36, was hit by a black Hyundai Sonata around 5 a.m. while crossing U.S. Highway 27/441 in the crosswalk at Wales Plaza, Town of Lady Lake Communications Director Elisha Pappacoda said. The driver of the Hyundai, Eunice Young, 65, of Lady Lake, told Lady Lake Police Department officers she was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 27/441 and had a green traffic light when she “suddenly felt a severe impact” and

Motorcyclist killed in crash on SR 44 near Eustis

May 9, 2026 7:51 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a Eustis motorcyclist Saturday afternoon. Shortly after 4:30 p.m., a 23-year-old man was riding a 2000 Harley-Davidson motorcycle eastbound on State Road 44 approaching Brantley Branch Road in unincorporated Eustis, above the posted speed limit, according to FHP. He lost control of the motorcycle, swerved left and collided head-on with a 2008 Toyota Tundra that was attempting to turn westbound onto State Road 44 from Brantley Branch Road. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene. He was not wearing a helmet. The driver of the Toyota,

Howey-in-the-Hills police chief on leave amid investigation

May 7, 2026 5:09 pm

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. — Howey-in-the-Hills Police Chief Michael Giddens has been placed on administrative leave, Inside Lake has learned. Giddens was placed on administrative leave after Town Manager Sean O’Keefe received an email Monday that prompted an investigation, he told Inside Lake. The contents of the email are part of the investigation and are not being released because the investigation is active, O’Keefe said. Florida law limits the release of certain information related to active investigations. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating, while the town conducts its own investigation, O’Keefe said. “There’s a lot yet to be determined,” O’Keefe

Police: Eustis man beat, robbed 65-year-old during yard work

May 7, 2026 12:16 pm

EUSTIS, Fla. — A 23-year-old Eustis man is behind bars after police say he struck a 65-year-old man in the back of the head and robbed him late last month. Calvin Llweely Graham was arrested Wednesday after Eustis Police Department officers spotted him riding a bicycle in the area of Palmetto Street and East McDonald Avenue, EPD Chief Craig Capri said. Graham fled when he saw officers, but after a short pursuit, he was apprehended. On April 29, EPD responded to Wall Street on a report of a robbery. The 65-year-old victim told police he was doing yard work on

Tavares woman facing 31 animal cruelty charges after emaciated cattle investigation

May 7, 2026 11:27 am

TAVARES, Fla. — A Tavares woman is facing 31 animal cruelty charges following an investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office that began in April. Lori Ann Gonzalez, 62, was arrested Wednesday and released from the Lake County Jail on $77,500 bond early Thursday morning, according to LCSO online booking records. A livestock welfare complaint led authorities to a pasture in unincorporated Tavares, where cattle were found severely emaciated, launching an animal neglect investigation, LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake last month. Lake County Agricultural/Marine Unit and Animal Enforcement officers responded to 28304 Atlantis Road on

Precautionary boil water notice issued for part of Mount Dora

May 6, 2026 3:38 pm

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A precautionary boil water notice has been issued after a contractor struck a water main in Mount Dora Wednesday. A contractor with WIRE3 hit a water main located Morningside Drive and Sylvan Point Drive Wednesday afternoon, causing a break, according to Misty Sommer, City of Mount Dora Public Information officer. The break has been repaired, and the city has issued a precautionary boil water notice for Morningside Drive from Sylvan Point Drive to U.S. Highway 441, including Pineway Court, Sunset Circle, Hannah Drive, and Sussex Drive, Sommer said. The system is currently being flushed, and water

Overnight lane closures planned on 441 in Tavares, Leesburg this week for resurfacing projects

May 3, 2026 12:42 pm

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Motorists traveling on U.S. Highway 441 in Tavares and Leesburg should expect overnight lane closures this week as the Florida Department of Transportation continues resurfacing projects in both cities. The closures are scheduled for the week of May 3 through May 9 as part of roadway improvement projects aimed at rehabilitating asphalt surfaces and maintaining safe, reliable travel lanes. Pedestrian curb ramps will also be upgraded where needed to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards. In Tavares, crews are resurfacing U.S. Highway 441 from Lakeshore Boulevard to Lake Eustis Drive. In Leesburg, the project includes

Man shot twice after entering Mount Dora-area home, deputies say

May 2, 2026 2:56 pm

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was shot twice Saturday morning in unincorporated Mount Dora. Shortly after 8:45 a.m. Saturday, deputies and officers with Mount Dora Police Department responded to 30203 Cheval Street on a report of a verbal dispute. When law enforcement arrived, they found a man had been shot twice by the homeowner, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley said. Deputies determined the man is currently going through a divorce with a female resident of the home. Investigators said he knocked and banged on the front door and windows before entering through

Search warrant at ‘The Carwash’ in Leesburg nets drugs, pair of arrests

April 27, 2026 12:18 pm

LEESBURG, Fla. — Two people are being held without bond in the Lake County Jail after a search warrant at what deputies described as a “fake business” uncovered a large quantity of drugs Thursday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau executed a narcotics search warrant at 1645 Veech Road in Leesburg, a location commonly known as “The Carwash,” LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon said. “This location has been identified as a fake business and a known location where multiple individuals will hang out and distribute narcotics,” Vachon said. “Furthermore, back in December

Groveland man accused of killing wife in hammer attack

April 22, 2026 8:26 pm

GROVELAND, Fla. — A well-being check on an elderly Groveland couple turned into a murder investigation Sunday night when officers discovered a man had allegedly killed his wife in a hammer attack, according to an arrest affidavit. Around 9 p.m., officers with the Groveland Police Department responded to 304 Way Point Drive to check on Vincent Di Fraia, 82, and his 84-year-old wife after a concerned woman reported she had not heard from them since April 14. The woman, whose relationship to the couple was not confirmed by police, cited their age and ongoing health issues as reasons for concern,

Murder suspect captured in Leesburg, police say

April 19, 2026 2:55 pm

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

Man wanted for murder in Leesburg shooting remains on the run

April 18, 2026 12:56 pm

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

Eustis man arrested in 2024 death of Umatilla motorcyclist

April 18, 2026 11:35 am

EUSTIS, Fla. — A Eustis man has been arrested on charges of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide in connection with a 2024 crash that killed a Umatilla man, the Florida Highway Patrol said Saturday. According to FHP, at 11:56 p.m. Nov. 1, 2024, Michael David Davis, of Eustis, was driving a 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 the wrong way in the eastbound lane of State Road 44 when he struck a 2024 Harley-Davidson Sportster head-on near Hammond Lane. The 20-year-old rider, of Umatilla, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second motorcyclist, a 41-year-old Umatilla man riding a 2003 Suzuki VL800K,

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

April 17, 2026 12:11 pm

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