Lake County Florida News Briefs
FWC approves final proposed rules for highly-regulated black bear hunting
Commissioners of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have voted to approve amendments to bear hunting rules, which will take effect during the 2025 hunting season. The new rules establish Bear Hunting Zones within four of the seven existing Bear Management Units; 187 permits will be issued in total across the East Panhandle, North, Central and South BMUs, and each permit will allow the harvest of one bear within the assigned BHZ. Permits will be distributed through a random drawing, and you must be 18 or older to apply. Each application is $5. “I am proud that Florida is joining the majority of states that manage black bears with regulated hunting,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the FWC.“The components of the hunt are conservative and prioritize conservation, with a limited number of permits only being issued in the areas of the state with the largest bear populations.” For more information on regulated bear hunting, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit MyFWC.com/BearHunting. Tips to reduce conflicts and general information about bears are available at MyFWC.com/Bear and BearWise.org.
Sorrento fire station open house set for Monday
SORRENTO, Fla.—Lake County Fire Rescue Station 39 will host an open house at 9:30 a.m. Monday. Attendees of the open house at Station 39, 24815 Wallick Road, will have an opportunity to meet local first responders, tour the facility, participate in activities and watch demonstrations. For more information, call 352-343-9458 or visit https://lakecountyfl.gov/fire
Astatula rescinds boil water notice
ASTATULA, Fla—The Town of Astatula has rescinded the boil water notice it issued Saturday for residents and businesses on the town’s water system. Bacteriological testing confirms the water is safe for consumption. Service was interrupted due to a lightning strike during a storm last week.
Astatula issues boil water notice Saturday
ASTATULA, Fla—The Town of Astatula issued a boil water notice Saturday for residents and businesses on the town’s water system. All water used for drinking, cooking, ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes should be boiled for at least one minute to a rolling boil; or substitute tap water with bottled water. The notice remains in effect until bacteriological testing confirms the water is safe for consumption, If you have questions, call Town Hall at 352-742-1100 or Cody at Plant Technicians at 352-787-2944.
Lake County Hurricane Expo happening this Saturday in Eustis
EUSTIS, Fla.— The Lake County Hurricane Expo is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 2101 County Road 452, Eustis. Learn how to prepare and stay safe during hurricane season, along with giveaways and pet microchip & vaccine vouchers courtesy of the Lake County Animal Shelter. Hurricane season begins Sunday.
Bring your energy: Bounce into Lady Lake this Saturday
LADY LAKE, Fla.— Families are invited to enjoy the Town of Lady Lake’s annual Bounce Town Bash from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Rolling Acres Sports Complex, 250 Rolling Acres Road’ Lady Lake’s Bounce Town Bash creates the ultimate playground for kids with over 30 inflatables, both wet and dry. Tickets are $10 per bouncer (adult or child.) Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Skip the line and buy your tickets early at Lady Lake Town Hall or the Lady Lake Library.
New wind mitigation resource for consumers ahead of hurricane season
LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky is highlighting a new wind mitigation resource for consumers ahead of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Hurricane season starts Sunday and the Office of Insurance Regulation is providing a new resource on FLOIR.com to encourage Floridians to be proactive and take measures to prevent and reduce windstorm losses. The new webpage provides details for consumers regarding the process of requesting a wind mitigation inspection, updating and submitting necessary wind mitigation forms, obtaining information about mitigation programs available, as well as other mitigation resources to benefit consumers. OIR encourages consumers to be diligent when selecting an inspector to conduct their wind mitigation inspections and verifying that the inspector is authorized under Section 627.711(2)(a), Florida Statutes. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. OIR urges Floridians to make sure all preparation plans are in place prior to the season starting— including knowing your insurance coverage. Floridians should take the following steps to prepare: Review policies and understand coverage. Contact insurance agents and ask for a check-up. Take inventory of homes and document all possessions. Know the claims process and be prepared to provide proof of any damages; and Consider additional coverage, such as flood.
Mount Dora Corn Festival scheduled for Saturday
MOUNT DORA, Fla.—If you love Zellwood sweet corn, Downtown Mount Dora is the place to be Saturday. The 2025 Mount Dora Corn Festival, scheduled for noon to 7 p.m. at Elizabeth Evans Park, the festival will feature live music by Blanco Brown with special guest Sean Holcomb, a kid zone featuring inflatables, games and a petting zoo, fun competitions for the adults, including corn hole, a “Fastest to Finish” corn eating contest, and a “Spicy Corn Challenge.” Strolling performers and interactive entertainment will be available throughout the day, along with corn-inspired food vendors and a free cup of Blue Bell ice cream while supplies last. Admission includes all-you-can-eat Zellwood sweet corn and is $25 at the gate and $20 in advance for adults; $12 for veterans at the gate with a valid ID; children ages 4 to 9, $12 at the gate, $10 in advance and children 3 and under are free. Advance tickets can be purchased by visiting Mount Dora Corn Festival. Free parking is available in downtown Mount Dora, and a complimentary shuttle will run on Saturday from First Baptist Church of Mount Dora, 1000 East 1st Avenue to the festival site.
Lowe’s employees recognized by Mount Dora Fire Department and City for saving a life in April
MOUNT DORA, FLA.— Three Lowe’s Home Improvement employees were honored for their efforts that saved a person’s life last month. Around 5 p.m., April 7, Mount Dora Fire Department (MDFD) responded to a cardiac arrest emergency at Lowe’s Home Improvement on 18795 U.S. Highway 441. “Thanks to the swift and heroic actions of Lowe’s employees, a life was saved before first responders arrived on the scene,” said Misty Sommer, City of Mount Dora spokesperson. According to store staff, the patient had been alert and speaking with a cashier moments before suddenly collapsing, becoming unresponsive and did not have a pulse. Without hesitation, Lowe’s employee Robyn McDonald retrieved the store’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) while Jimmy Givens and Rafael Valdez initiated CPR. The team successfully delivered four AED shocks, resuscitating the patient prior to the arrival of emergency personnel. Sommer said. Upon arrival, paramedics from the MDFD and Lake County Fire Rescue provided advanced post-cardiac arrest care and transported the patient to a local hospital. At Tuesday’s council meeting, the Mount Dora City Council, in partnership with the MDFD, recognized McDonald, Givens and Valdez with Community Hero Awards for their decisive and life-saving actions. “Had these individuals not acted so quickly and effectively, the outcome would have likely been much different,” said MDFD Chief Joseph Hightower. “This incident is a powerful reminder of the critical importance of community education programs, including CPR, AED usage, and emergency response training.”
Orlando Health South Lake Hospital receives 12th consecutive “A” grade for patient safety
CLERMONT— Orlando Health South Lake Hospital has earned its 12th consecutive ‘A’ grade from the Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety and transparency in the U.S. health system. “Providing a safe, quality experience for patients is at the core of what our team does every day, no matter the unit or department,” said Lance Sewell, senior vice president, Orlando Health North Central Region and president, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. “To achieve 12 ‘A’ grades in a row is a gratifying recognition of the seamless collaboration and teamwork that occurs between our providers, clinicians and team members. This is a true testament of the team’s dedication to keeping our patients safe.” Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC), Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital and Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital also earned ‘A’ grades for patient safety in the spring 2024 reporting period. To view Orlando Health’s Leapfrog scores, visit the Hospital Safety Score website at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org
Lake County students win prestigious Cambridge awards
TAVARES – Seventeen students from Lake County Schools recently received prestigious awards from Cambridge International Education, part of the University of Cambridge, to acknowledge their outstanding performance on the June 2023 Cambridge examinations. The Cambridge awards celebrate the success of students taking Cambridge examinations around the world. The following Lake learners received a Cambridge Scholar Award with merit, which requires three B grades or higher: Ana Montealegre Sanchez, Andrea Noele Reyes and Logan Thompson, all of Leesburg High School and Camryn Adkins of Umatilla High School. The following Lake learners received a Cambridge Scholar Award, which requires three C grades or higher: Amira Azad, Elizabeth Underwood, E’Mia Jones, Hope Storts, Josiah Marshal, Roger Roden and Walker Clark, all of Leesburg High School; Scott Lewis, of South Lake High School; Alexandra Brenda Clow, Gracelyn Roach, Alyssa Kloes. Audrey Snavely and Jamie Stephens, of Umatilla High School.
Go slow, look out below for manatees this spring. FWC reminds boaters
Watching out for manatees while boating is always important, and spring is a particularly important season for boaters to go slow and lookout below for the slow-moving mammals as they naturally disperse from their winter refuges. Manatees overwinter in Florida springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites, relying on water that is warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. As spring brings warmer temperatures, manatees gradually disperse from their winter habitats and are more likely to be in rivers, canals and nearshore waters, according to FWC. Although adult manatees are large, spotting them in the water can be challenging. Going slow and looking out below helps boaters and personal watercraft users better spot manatees that might be in the area. People on the water can help manatees by wearing polarized glasses, following all manatee protection zones, keeping an eye out for visible snouts or manatee “footprints” — large circles on the water that are indicators that manatees are below the surface, and always giving manatees space. From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being injured or killed by motorboats or personal watercrafts. Boat strikes continue to be a major threat to Florida manatees.
2 Lake County high school seniors awarded $8K scholarships
TAVARES— Connor Dement of Leesburg High School and Hayden Wolf of Lake Minneola High School, both seniors, will be awarded a two-year scholarship valued at approximately $8,000 each from the Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans, according to Lake County Schools. The scholarships were offered to school districts across the state to present to students of their choosing in exchange for the districts helping to spread the word to parents about the Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans. Dement is in the Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) program at LHS, where he has shown outstanding academic performance, his nomination says. Wolf’s nomination stated he has exhibited “remarkable resilience and unwavering dedication” to his studies at Lake Minneola High.
Hispanics of Lake County Association (HOLCA) quarterly breakfast scheduled for April
LEESBURG—The Hispanics of Lake County Association (HOLCA) quarterly breakfast is scheduled for 8 a.m. April 8 at CareerSource Central Florida 9909 U.S. Highway 441, Building M29, Leesburg. The breakfast event is a morning of networking, culture and education on the workforce in Lake County. Cost is $15 to $18. To register, visit HOLCA quarterly breakfast.
Eustis’ First Friday to feature Lego Brick Lab
EUSTIS—Bricks will be in abundance at Eustis’ First Friday scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. The event features a Brick Lab with Lego Car Racing and free mini-flags for the first 200 children in attendance. First Friday is a family-friendly event; food and retail vendors will be set up on downtown streets, and downtown restaurants and shops will be open for business. The Think Big Band from Orlando will be on stage with classic rock, country, soul and funky blues tunes. For more information, visit eustis.org
Tavares’ Planes, Tunes & BBQ Scheduled for this Weekend
TAVARES, Fla.—The 16th Annual Planes, Tunes and BBQ is scheduled for this weekend and will feature live music, food and seaplanes, beginning at 4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday in Wooton Park, 100 East Ruby Street, in America’s Seaplane City. Friday’s lineup includes live music, BBQ and other food trucks and vendors, and Saturday will feature seaplane contests, a drone show and an Aerobatic Air Show, along with live music, BBQ, food and vendors. Parking is available in parking garage at 200 North Sinclair Avenue; seating is limited, bring a chair or a blanket. For more information, visit the calendar section on Tavares, FL – Official Website | Official Website
FWC Commissioners approve final rule revisions for wildlife rehabilitation permits
FLORIDA-At their February meeting, Commissioners with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved final changes to rules pertaining to the rehabilitation of native wildlife. The amendments will increase public safety, improve animal welfare, clarify current rule language, increase professionalism and update requirements for wildlife rehabilitation permittees, according to FWC. The rule changes are wide ranging and include a number of both major and minor amendments to several areas, including permitting, applicant qualifications, wildlife care and education requirements. The revisions will create an apprentice level permit for wildlife rehabilitation, prohibit more than one general rehabilitator from operating at the same location, require continuing education for general wildlife rehabilitators and change requirements for the location and duties of off-site volunteers.
Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival scheduled for this weekend
MOUNT DORA—The Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival is scheduled for Friday through Sunday. Celebrate the Scottish culture in Mount Dora with bagpipers, Highland Athletics, Celtic music, dancing, Society and Heritage Clan Village, Shortbread Contest, and enjoy Scottish music, Highland dancing, tartan parade, Pipes and Drums performances, kids’ activities, food and beverage vendors, merchandise vendors and society tents. This is a family-friendly event for residents and visitors. For more information, visit https://ci.mount-dora.fl.us/698/Mount-Dora-Scottish-Festival
Eustis African American Heritage Celebration scheduled for Saturday
EUSTIS—The Eustis African American Heritage Celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday. The day will start off with a parade on Bates Avenue with nearly 200 entries and a festival will follow. Food and merchandise will be available for purchase in the open field at Wall Street and Virginia Avenue after the parade, along with activities for the kids. For more information, call Carla Mitchell, 352-589-6448.
LSSC Lakehawks’ Jaabir Taylor named NJCAA Track & Field Athlete of The Week
LEESBURG – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has named Lake-Sumter State College’s sophomore sprinter Jaabir Taylor as the Men’s Indoor Track & Field Athlete of the Week after a standout performance on the track Feb. 3. Taylor, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, competed in the 400M dash at the Celebration Pointe Classic in Gainesvile and ran in heat eight of the 400M finals, taking first in his heat and 18th overall in the event competing among NJCAA, NAIA, and NCAA Division I and II athletes. Taylor’s time of 51:41 seconds was good for a new personal record (PR) and marked his third consecutive PR of the season. He was also the highest-finishing NJCAA athlete in the event. The teams will be back in Gainesville this weekend for their final regular season meet before competing at the 2024 NJCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships in March.
Students to showcase knowledge at Lake County Regional Science and Engineering Fair
TAVARES – The public is invited to the annual Lake County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, where winning projects from school-level fairs will be on display as students compete for regional prizes. The middle/high school judging is 7:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday and elementary judging is 8 a.m. to noon Thursday. Each project in the regional fair was a winning project from a school-level fair. They represent the best in science and engineering exploration at all grade levels across the district. Both events will be held at Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, where students will be interviewed and have their projects judged by teachers and local professionals. An open house will be held from 5 to 5:30 p.m. where the public can view the projects followed by an awards ceremony from until 7 p.m. The top middle and high school individual winners and top team winners could advance to the State Science and Engineering Fair in April in Lakeland.
FWC seeks contracted nuisance alligator trapper for West Orange County
WEST ORANGE COUNTY- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program is accepting applications for a contracted nuisance alligator trapper in West Orange County. Applicants must pass a criminal history check, have no fish or wildlife law violations and possess a valid, working email address. To learn more about becoming a contracted nuisance alligator trapper and to apply online, visit MyFWC.com/Alligator and click on “Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program.” Applications must be received by Tuesday, Feb. 20. For more information, email FWCGator@MyFWC.com.
Body cams and dash cams coming to Lady Lake Police Department
LADY LAKE—Lady Lake Police Department announced it will be adding body and dash cams and upgrading its tasers. Chief Steve Hunt said the cameras will improve accountability, evidence management, and officer behavior modification, with the hopes of leading to increased trust within the community. The new technology has already been well-received by the department, the Town of Lady Lake said in a press release. “Video is able to show the event as it transpired through the eyes of the police officer,” Hunt said. “It is important to capture interactions as they actually occurred for the sake of investigations, training and transparency.”
Tavares High student wins Roger Dearing Spirit of Sport Award
TAVARES – Asher Walker, a senior at Tavares High School, is the winner of the Roger Dearing Spirit of Sport Award, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced Thursday. Nominated for his hard work and efforts to give back to his community, Asher will receive a $1,500 scholarship on behalf of the FHSAA. Asher has a 3.63 GPA and is an Advanced Placement Scholar at Tavares High School. He earned varsity letters in swimming all four years of high school. Asher is a four-year state qualifier at the Florida High School Swimming and Diving State Championships. His senior year, Asher placed seventh in the 50 free and placed third in 100 free and set a new school record. Outside of sports, he is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society and You’re Not Alone, a teen mental health educational program and social media campaign designed to train local youth to understand that it is okay to seek help. As a trained and certified You’re Not Alone ambassador, Asher is equipped with tools that will help gradually reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. The program is meaningful to Asher because his father dealt with bi-polar depression, never received help, and passed away due to suicide. Asher’s mission is to remove the stigma surrounding depression, so no one ever is scared to ask for help. The FHSAA developed the “Roger Dearing Spirit of Sport Award” for those who showcase the ideals of the positive spirit of sport and represent the core mission of education-based athletics.
Recreational harvest of snook for most of Florida’s east coast will open Feb. 1
FLORIDA’S EAST COAST—The recreational harvest of snook in the Northeast, Indian River Lagoon and Southeast management regions will open Feb. 1, and remain open through May 31. This includes all Florida state and inland waters as well as adjacent federal waters within each management region. These regions and regulations are part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) holistic management approach for Florida’s most popular inshore fisheries. Through this approach, seven metrics are used to evaluate the fishery by region, adding a holistic perspective to management decisions and allowing the FWC to be more responsive to regional concerns. To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Snook.
Organizations invited to sponsor annual Lady Lake Easter egg hunt
LADY LAKE—The Town of Lady is accepting sponsorships for its annual Easter Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt, scheduled for 10 a.m. March 23. Businesses, civic and faith-based organizations are invited to participate at the event’s new location at Snooky Park, 120 W. Lady Lake Boulevard. For more information, visit https://www.ladylake.org/news/lady-lake-invites-organizations-to-sponsor-annual-easter-eggstravaganza-egg-hunt/ or contact Amy Alicea, 352-205-2826 or AAlicea@ladylake.org