Fatality Archives - Page 2 of 3

Head-on crash kills Umatilla man Wednesday

ALTOONA, Fla.—A head-on crash claimed the life of a Umatilla man Wednesday afternoon and a seriously injured a Umatilla woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly after 3 p.m., the 42-year-old Umatilla woman was driving a 2018 Honda Accord westbound on County Road 42, approaching Penley Lane in Altoona and traveled into the eastbound lane, striking a 2021 GMC Sierra head-on. The woman was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares with serious injuries; her passenger, a 45-year-old Umatilla man, was also transported to AdventHealth Waterman, where he was pronounced deceased. An earlier report by Inside Lake stated the man […]

Head-on crash kills Umatilla man Wednesday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 4, 2024

Fatal crash shuts down CR 42 in Altoona

ALTOONA, Fla.—A Umatilla man has died following a crash on a busy Altoona road Wednesday afternoon. The Umatilla man, 45, was driving a 2018 Honda Accord and collided with a 2021 GMC Sierra on County Road 42 at Penley Lane around 3 p.m. The details on how the crash occurred have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Umatilla man was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he was pronounced deceased. County Road 42 remained shut down between State Road 19 and County Road 450 at press time, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies are

Fatal crash shuts down CR 42 in Altoona Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 4, 2024

Ocala woman, 25, dies after crashing into pond near Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—An Ocala woman was found dead Monday morning in a retention pond, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The woman, 25, was traveling northbound on County Road 452 in a 2019 Dodge Challenger when she ran of the right side of the road, hit a pole, crashed through a chain link fence and drove into a retention pond, fully submerging the car. The pond is located at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center, 39034 County Road 452, Leesburg. “The exact time of the crash is under investigation,” Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. FHP responded to the scene around 8 a.m. Monday

Ocala woman, 25, dies after crashing into pond near Leesburg Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 18, 2024

Vehicle found in pond Monday morning in unincorporated Leesburg, one confirmed fatality, FHP says

Update: Ocala woman, 25, dies after crashing into pond near Leesburg – Inside Lake LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating after a deceased person was found in vehicle at the bottom of a pond Monday morning. The vehicle was found in a small pond at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center, 39034 County Road 452, Leesburg around 7:45 a.m. Monday. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team is on scene and assisting FHP with recovery, LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin told Inside Lake. Inside Lake was on the scene and a large portion of fence was broken in front of the

Vehicle found in pond Monday morning in unincorporated Leesburg, one confirmed fatality, FHP says Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 18, 2024

Fatal motorcycle crash shuts down SR 44 outside of Eustis Saturday

EUSTIS, Fla.—A motorcyclist was killed Saturday afternoon after striking a concrete mailbox, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was riding a 2020 Harley-Davidson FXLRS on State Road 44 when he failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the road, and hit the mailbox near Bottany Woods Drive, in unincorporated Eustis, shortly after 5 p.m. He was transported to AdventHealth DeLand, where he was pronounced deceased, FHP said. The crash closed State Road 44 and it was still closed nearly three hours after the crash.

Fatal motorcycle crash shuts down SR 44 outside of Eustis Saturday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 9, 2024

Umatilla motorcyclist killed, another seriously injured after wrong-way driver causes late night crash

EUSTIS, Fla.—A wrong-way crash killed a 20-year-old man and sent a 41-year-old man to the hospital shortly before midnight Saturday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 49-year-old Eustis man was driving a 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 westbound 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 was killed; a second motorcyclist, a 41-year-old man riding 2003 Suzuki VL800K, swerved and laid the bike down on the roadway, FHP said. The 20-year-old Umatilla man was pronounced deceased on the scene, the 41-year-old man, also of Umatilla, was

Umatilla motorcyclist killed, another seriously injured after wrong-way driver causes late night crash Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 2, 2024

Police release name of motorcyclist killed early Monday

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department has released the name of the man killed while riding a motorcycle Monday morning. Graman Matos Mangual, 38, of DeLand was riding a 2001 Suzuki motorcycle northbound on U.S. Highway 441, north of David Walker Drive around 6:30 a.m. Monday when a black GMC pickup truck struck the motorcycle as the truck attempted to turn left into Eustis Village plaza, EPD Capt. Ken Toler said. Mangual was pronounced deceased on the scene, the driver of the truck, Anthony Campbell, 55, of Astatula was not injured. The crash remained under investigation at press time Wednesday.

Police release name of motorcyclist killed early Monday Read More »

Astatula, Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 23, 2024

Motorcyclist killed in Eustis crash Monday

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a motorcyclist before daybreak Monday. The motorcyclist was riding a 2001 Suzuki motorcycle northbound on U.S. Highway 441, north of David Walker Drive around 6:30 a.m. when he was struck by a black GMC pickup truck attempting to make a left turn into Eustis Village shopping plaza, EPD Capt. Ken Toler told Inside Lake. The plaza contains Publix, Sonic and numerous other restaurants and retail businesses. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene; his name has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. The driver of the

Motorcyclist killed in Eustis crash Monday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 21, 2024

Sorrento man killed after crashing dirt bike in forest Sunday

OCALA NATIONAL FOREST—A Sorrento man has died after crashing a dirt bike Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 11:10 a.m., the 59-year-old man was riding a 2022 KTM Dirt Bike on a dirt road in the Ocala National Forest when he crashed into two trees and was thrown from the bike, FHP said. Troopers did not release an exact location. The man was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he was pronounced deceased.

Sorrento man killed after crashing dirt bike in forest Sunday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 13, 2024

Bicyclist killed after turning in front of truck on SR 50 Friday night

SOUTH LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—A bicyclist was killed Friday night after he turned in front of a truck on State Road 50 near Mascotte and Groveland, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 9:30 p.m., a 30-year-old man was riding a bicycle on Anderson Street, when he turned into the direct path of a 2021 Chevy Silverado being driven eastbound on State Road 50 by a 67-year-old man of San Antonio, Texas, FHP said. The man was thrown from the bicycle and pronounced deceased on the scene; the Texas man was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.

Bicyclist killed after turning in front of truck on SR 50 Friday night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mascotte / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 12, 2024

More details released in DUI manslaughter of Tavares toddler; fundraiser set up to help family

TAVARES, Fla.—More details have been released in the death of a 2-year-old boy Monday night and a fundraiser has been set up to help his family. Asher Lepping, 2, was out riding his blue toddler tricycle with his sister near a cul-de-sac in his Oak Bend neighborhood while his parents watched, shortly after 7:15 p.m. Monday; Asher’s mom, Kyrsten Lepping heard a vehicle speeding and observed a silver Toyota Tacoma speeding as it turned onto the street. Asher’s mom and dad yelled at the truck to slow down, and the truck struck Asher, dragging the toddler and his tricycle several

More details released in DUI manslaughter of Tavares toddler; fundraiser set up to help family Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 3, 2024

Toddler hit and killed by truck in Tavares Monday night as neighbors screamed to slow down, Driver, 19, arrested for DUI manslaughter

TAVARES, Fla.—A 2-year-old Tavares boy was hit by truck Monday night and the 19-year-old driver has been arrested for DUI manslaughter. Witnesses told police Joshua Aidan Montero, of Sanford, was driving a silver 2017 Toyota Tacoma “recklessly” prior to the crash around 7:30 p.m. Monday. “Neighbors observed the vehicle driving recklessly prior to turning on the Black Dog Court,” Tavares Police Department Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. “When he turned onto Black Dog Court, people yelled to slow down, and he ultimately hit a 2-year-old boy.” The boy’s name has not been released. Neighbors immediately rendered aid

Toddler hit and killed by truck in Tavares Monday night as neighbors screamed to slow down, Driver, 19, arrested for DUI manslaughter Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 3, 2024

Woman killed after crashing into concrete barrier on Florida’s Turnpike late Saturday, Fruitland Park man not injured

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—A Crystal River woman has died after crashing into a concrete barrier on Florida’s Turnpike Saturday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 11 :15 p.m., the 66-year-old Crystal River woman was driving a 2021 Buick Enclave northbound near mile marker 283 in the South Lake County area, when she failed to negotiate a slight curve and entered the inside paved shoulder. The Enclave struck a barrier, rotated and collided with the outside shoulder barrier and then struck a 2015 Toyota Rav4 being driven by an 82-year-old Fruitland Park Man, FHP said. The Crystal River woman

Woman killed after crashing into concrete barrier on Florida’s Turnpike late Saturday, Fruitland Park man not injured Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 1, 2024

Driver killed after tree falls on truck and causes crash near Clermont, 2 passengers hospitalized

CLERMONT, Fla.—A Groveland man was killed, and his two passengers injured, after a tree fell on the truck he was driving, causing him to crash into a dump truck Tuesday afternoon near Clermont, according the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 4:30 p.m., the 58-year-old Groveland man was westbound on County Road 474 in a 2017 Ford F-350 with a trailer attached, when a tree from the north shoulder fell on the truck, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. The impact of the tree caused the Ford to enter the eastbound lane, and the left side of the Ford collided with the left

Driver killed after tree falls on truck and causes crash near Clermont, 2 passengers hospitalized Read More »

Clermont, Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 20, 2024

Fatal crash shuts down CR 474 outside of Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla.—A fatal crash has shut down County Road 474 in unincorporated Clermont, according to the Lake County County Sheriff’s Office County Road 474 is shut down in both directions, from Cemex Sand Mine, 11945 County Road 474, to State Road 33 while the Florida Highway Patrol investigates the crash that occurred around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. This is a developing story.

Fatal crash shuts down CR 474 outside of Clermont Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 20, 2024

FHP confirms identity of man killed on SR 44 early Sunday

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed the identity of the man killed while walking across State Road 44 Sunday morning. Robert Hawkins Jr., 32, was walking north across the westbound lane of State Road 44 near Lakeview Drive when he was struck by a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan being driven by a 43-year-old DeLand woman, around 3:45 a.m.; Hawkins was not in a marked crosswalk, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. Hawkins was pronounced deceased on the scene; the DeLand woman was not injured.

FHP confirms identity of man killed on SR 44 early Sunday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 19, 2024

Leesburg man uninjured in fatal Hillsborough County pedestrian crash

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.—A Tampa man has died after running in front of a truck being driven by a Leesburg man Sunday morning in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 31-year-old Leesburg man was driving a GMC Sierra westbound on State Road 674 east of 30th Street Southeast in the Ruskin area when a 34-year-old Tampa man ran across the highway and was struck by the Sierra shortly after midnight, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said. The Tampa man was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. The Leesburg man was not injured.

Leesburg man uninjured in fatal Hillsborough County pedestrian crash Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 18, 2024

Eustis man killed walking across SR 44 early Sunday

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—A Eustis man was struck and killed early Sunday morning while walking across State Road 44, outside of Eustis, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly after 3:45 a.m., the 32-year-old man was walking north across the westbound lane of State Road 44 near Lakeview Drive when he was struck by a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan being driven by a 43-year-old DeLand woman. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene; he was not in a marked crosswalk. The DeLand woman was not injured, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said.

Eustis man killed walking across SR 44 early Sunday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 19, 2024

Pedestrian killed attempting to cross Sumter County road Wednesday

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla.—A pedestrian attempting to cross a road was killed Wednesday morning when she was struck by a vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 77-year-old woman, of The Villages, was attempting to cross Old Mill Run near Buena Vista Boulevard when she was struck by a Toyota Corolla being driven eastbound by a 23-year-old Leesburg woman shortly before 7:15 a.m., FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Pedestrian killed attempting to cross Sumter County road Wednesday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 14, 2024

Man killed in Sorrento crash Monday night

SORRENTO, Fla.—An Orlando man was killed Monday night after losing control of his SUV, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 10 p.m., the 47-year-old man was southbound on County Road 46A, approaching State Road 46 when he ran off the road. He overcorrected, lost control of the SUV, rotated counterclockwise, ran off the road again, overturned several times, and was ejected from the SUV, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. He was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.

Man killed in Sorrento crash Monday night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 13, 2024

Sorrento man killed in motorcycle crash Wednesday

SORRENTO, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a Sorrento motorcyclist Wednesday. The 80-year-old Sorrento man was riding a 2014 Harley-Davidson southbound on County Road 435 approaching Dubsdread Drive around 3:10 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the road. He struck two traffic signs and a tree and was thrown from the motorcycle, FHP said. He was transported to AdventHealth Apopka, where he was pronounced deceased.

Sorrento man killed in motorcycle crash Wednesday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 1, 2024

ATV crash claims 2 lives near Groveland Wednesday

GROVELAND, Fla.—Two people were killed Wednesday afternoon after they crashed into a tree and were thrown from the ATV they were riding, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 22-year-old Sanford man was operating a 2024 Polaris Sportsman ATV northbound on North Austin Merritt Road, north of Ward Drive in unincorporated Groveland at 3:15 p.m., when he failed to negotiate a curve, lost control, ran off the road and struck a tree, FHP said. He was thrown from the ATV, along with his passenger, a 21-year-old Davenport woman; they were both pronounced deceased on the scene.

ATV crash claims 2 lives near Groveland Wednesday Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 1, 2024

FHP investigating 2 fatal crashes just minutes apart on opposite sides of Lake County Wednesday afternoon

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating two separate crashes that resulted in fatalities Wednesday afternoon. The first crash occurred at 3:20 p.m. on North Austin Merritt Road near Ward Drive in unincorporated Groveland, according to FHP. The second crash occurred just three minutes later at County Road 435 near Dubsdread Drive in Sorrento. Roads are shut down in both areas. Details about the crashes were not available at press time. This is a developing story.

FHP investigating 2 fatal crashes just minutes apart on opposite sides of Lake County Wednesday afternoon Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 31, 2024

Pedestrian killed before daybreak Monday

DeLAND, Fla.—A pedestrian walking in the road was struck and killed by a pickup truck before daylight Monday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 51-year-old DeLand man was walking northbound on Lake Mack Drive just south of Evergreen Drive in the Lake Mack area of unincorporated DeLand just after 5 a.m., when he was struck by a 2015 Ford F-150 being driven by a 35-year-old man, also of DeLand, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. The pedestrian was transported to AdventHealth DeLand, where he was pronounced deceased. The driver and his passenger, a 1-year-old boy, were not injured, Garcia said. The

Pedestrian killed before daybreak Monday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 29, 2024

BREAKING NEWS: Fatal crash shuts down 2 Umatilla roads Tuesday

UMATILLA, Fla.—A Tuesday morning crash killed a Umatilla man and sent another to the hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 6:15 a.m., a 2008 Toyota Tacoma being driven by a 40-year-old Umatilla man was stopped southbound at the stop sign at Pine Street and County Road 450A in unincorporated Umatilla. The Tacoma failed to yield to a 1996 Honda Civic being driven westbound on County Road 450A by a 32-year-old Umatilla man, FHP said. The front of the Tacoma collided with the left side the Civic, seriously injuring the driver of the Tacoma. The driver of the

BREAKING NEWS: Fatal crash shuts down 2 Umatilla roads Tuesday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 23, 2024

Astatula man killed Friday morning after rear-ending dump truck in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.—A 30-year-old Astatula man was killed before daybreak Friday morning after he rear-ended a dump truck near Zellwood, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly after 5:30 a.m., the Astatula man was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado westbound on Jones Avenue near Jewel Foliage Road when he entered the eastbound lane, traveling above the posted speed limit, to pass another vehicle, FHP said. He reentered the westbound lane, failed to slow down and rear-ended a 1985 dump truck being driven by a 38-year-old Eustis man. The Astatula man was transported to AdventHealth Apopka and pronounced deceased; the Eustis

Astatula man killed Friday morning after rear-ending dump truck in Orange County Read More »

Astatula, Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 28, 2024

Dump truck driver swerves and hits pickup head-on, killing DeLand man Friday morning

DeLAND, Fla.—A 35-year-old DeLand man was killed Friday morning after a dump truck swerved and hit the pickup truck he was driving head-on, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 7:15 a.m., a 23-year-old Deltona man was driving a 2018 Kenworth dump truck eastbound on State Road 44, approaching Misty Lane in the DeLand area of Lake County, when he swerved left to avoid stopped traffic, FHP said The dump truck crashed head-on into a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 traveling westbound, killing the Ram’s driver. The dump truck driver was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares with minor injuries. Earlier

Dump truck driver swerves and hits pickup head-on, killing DeLand man Friday morning Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 14, 2024

Fatal crash shuts down SR 44 Friday morning

Update: Dump truck driver swerves and hits pickup head-on, killing DeLand man Friday morning – Inside Lake DeLAND, Fla.—State Road 44 is shut down while the Florida Highway Patrol investigates a crash that killed a man Friday morning. The crash happened around 7:15 a.m. at State Road 44 and Misty Lane in the DeLand area of Lake County and involves a 2018 Kenworth dump truck, a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 and a 2024 Toyota Camry. The driver of the Ram was pronounced deceased on the scene and had not been identified at press time; details on how the crash

Fatal crash shuts down SR 44 Friday morning Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 14, 2024

FHP identifies Umatilla man killed in Astor early Wednesday

ASTOR, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol has identified the man killed in Astor early Wednesday morning. Robert Sangster Jr., 26, of Umatilla, was standing in the westbound lane of State Road 40, near Blue Creek Lodge Road shortly after 4 a.m. when he was struck by a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee being driven by a 58-year-old Polk City woman. The woman swerved to avoid Sangster Jr., but the right side of the SUV collided with him. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. The woman was not injured and remained on scene, FHP said. The crash closed State Road 40 for approximately

FHP identifies Umatilla man killed in Astor early Wednesday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 29, 2024

Umatilla man killed in Astor early Wednesday morning; SR 40 shut down

Update: FHP identifies Umatilla man killed in Astor early Wednesday – Inside Lake ASTOR, Fla.—A 26-year-old Umatilla man was killed Wednesday after he was struck by an SUV on State Road 40 in Astor, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Umatilla man was standing in the westbound lane of State Road 40 shortly after 4 a.m. when he was struck by 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee being driven by a 58-year-old Polk City woman. The woman swerved to avoid the man, but the right side of the SUV struck him, killing him. His next of kin has not been notified.

Umatilla man killed in Astor early Wednesday morning; SR 40 shut down Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 29, 2024

Eustis man killed in early morning wrong-way crash

ZELLWOOD, Fla.—A Eustis man was killed early Sunday morning in a head-on crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 42-year-old Eustis man was driving a 2013 Kia Optima northbound in the southbound lanes of Orange Blossom Trail/U.S. Highway 441 approaching Jones Avenue just before 2:30 a.m., when he collided with a 2012 Toyota Rav 4 being driven by a 51-year-old Orlando woman. The Eustis man was transported to AdventHealth Apopka, where he was pronounced deceased; his next of kin has not been notified. The Orlando woman and her passenger, a 72-year-old woman, also of Orlando, were transported to Orlando

Eustis man killed in early morning wrong-way crash Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 26, 2024

Pedestrian killed in Sumter crash Friday morning

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla.—A pedestrian was killed Friday morning after being struck by an SUV and a cement truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The pedestrian, who has not been identified, was attempting to walk across State Road 44, near County Road 229, shortly before 6 a.m. when he was struck by a Land Rover Range Rover being driven westbound by a 42-year-old Leesburg man. He was then struck a second time by a cement truck being driven by a 29-year-old man, also of Leesburg, FHP said. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Pedestrian killed in Sumter crash Friday morning Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 10, 2024

Head-on collision kills Clermont man Wednesday morning

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—A Clermont man was killed Wednesday morning after the car he was driving hit an SUV head-on near Clermont, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Clermont man, 52, was driving a 2018 Nissan Maxima eastbound on Schofield Road when he failed to maintain his lane and struck a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee head-on that was traveling westbound on Schofield Road near Five Mile Road, around 6:30 a.m. The impact caused both vehicles to overturn several times, FHP said. The Clermont man was pronounced deceased on the scene. The Grand Cherokee’s driver, a 39-year-old Orlando man, was airlifted

Head-on collision kills Clermont man Wednesday morning Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 8, 2024

Troopers investigating fatal crash near Clermont Wednesday morning

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed at least one person Wednesday morning. The crash occurred on Schofield Road near 5 Mile Road near Clermont around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday and troopers have shut down a portion of Schofield Road. This is a developing story.

Troopers investigating fatal crash near Clermont Wednesday morning Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 8, 2024

Tavares motorcyclist killed in Leesburg crash Saturday

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Tavares motorcyclist was killed Saturday afternoon after a car pulled out of a Leesburg gas station and collided with him on U.S. Highway 441, according to Leesburg Police Department Capt. Joe Iozzi. William Clough, 65, was riding a 2015 Harley-Davidson southbound on U.S. Highway 441 near Tomato Hill Road when Bettyrose Knittle, 88, of Fruitland Park, pulled out of RaceTrac and struck Clough around 5 p.m., Iozzi said. Clough was seriously injured and transported by ground to UF Health Leesburg Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Traffic was diverted around crash for approximately three hours, according

Tavares motorcyclist killed in Leesburg crash Saturday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 8, 2024

Fatal crash shuts down 2 roads near Howey-in-the-Hills

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla.— A 73-year-old woman was killed Tuesday morning after a semi pulled out in front of her on State Road 19, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 7 a.m., a 43-year-old Palm Springs man was driving a semi eastbound on O’Brien Road; he attempted to make a left turn on State Road 19 and pulled out in front of a 2017 Toyota 4-Runner being driven by a Howey-in-the-Hills woman. The SUV t-boned the semi’s trailer and the Howey-in-the-Hills woman was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased. The Palm Springs man was not injured. At

Fatal crash shuts down 2 roads near Howey-in-the-Hills Read More »

Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 19, 2024

Injured motorcyclist files lawsuit against Mount Dora bar he says served alcoholic pedestrian involved in crash last summer

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—A motorcyclist thrown from his bike after striking a pedestrian who was standing in the middle of the road last summer has filed a lawsuit against the owners of the bar he says knowingly served an alcoholic before the fatal crash. According to the lawsuit, Jason Dean Bowlin, 42, was served “numerous alcoholic beverages while a patron at Big Dog Saloon” on or about Aug. 20, 2023. Around 12:45 a.m. Brandon Crunk was riding his 2021 Harley-Davidson westbound on County Road 19A near Progress Boulevard when he struck Bowlin who was standing in the middle of County Road

Injured motorcyclist files lawsuit against Mount Dora bar he says served alcoholic pedestrian involved in crash last summer Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 15, 2024

Dad Arrested for DUI Crash that Killed 2 Toddler Sons and Injured Another Son on Easter Eve ’22

TAVARES, Fla.—A father is in the Lake County Jail on no bond after being arrested for DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide and operating a vehicle without a driver license causing death, stemming from a crash that killed his two young sons on Easter Eve in 2022. David Shawn Pelfrey, 22, was picked up at his home in Fruitland Park on a warrant Thursday, nearly two years after the crash that killed his young sons, Damian and Dominic and seriously injured their younger brother Daylen. Inside Lake spoke with the boys’ mom, Miranda Martin, by text Monday and she said Daylen is

Dad Arrested for DUI Crash that Killed 2 Toddler Sons and Injured Another Son on Easter Eve ’22 Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 4, 2024

Pedestrian Killed after Walking in front of Eustis Man’s Truck in Seminole County Wednesday

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla.—A pedestrian was killed in Seminole County after walking into the direct path of truck being driven by a Eustis man Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 72-year-old Maitland man was crossing U.S. 17-92 at Spartan Drive around 6:30 a.m. when he walked in front of a 2002 Toyota Tundra being driven by a 34-year-old Eustis man. Witnesses told FHP the Eustis man had a green light. The Maitland man was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center and pronounced deceased; the Eustis man was not injured and remained on scene. The crash is under investigation.

Pedestrian Killed after Walking in front of Eustis Man’s Truck in Seminole County Wednesday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 28, 2024

Lady Lake Woman Killed Monday after Crashing into Tree in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Fla.—A Lady Lake woman was killed Monday morning after losing control of an SUV and crashing into a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 49-year-old woman was southbound on Southeast 47th Avenue north of Southeast Highway 42 when she lost control for an unknown reason, traveled into the northbound land and struck a tree off the west shoulder around 9 a.m. Monday, FHP Lt. P.V. Riordan said. She was pronounced deceased on the scene and was not wearing a seatbelt, Riordan said.

Lady Lake Woman Killed Monday after Crashing into Tree in Marion County Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 5, 2024

FHP: Lady Lake Man Flees Fatal Citrus County Crash, Captured in a Pasture by Citrus Deputies

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla.—A Lady Lake man is accused of being drunk, causing a crash that killed a man and fleeing the scene Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Robert Brandon Vanzant, 31, of Lady Lake was speeding southbound in a Ford F-150 on North Carl G. Rose Highway and passing traffic on the shoulder shortly before 2:30 p.m. Sunday, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said. Vanzant merged back into traffic near East Spruce Drive and rear-ended a Honda Accord being driven by a 62-year-old Lecanto man. The impact propelled the Honda across the road, where it struck a bridge rail

FHP: Lady Lake Man Flees Fatal Citrus County Crash, Captured in a Pasture by Citrus Deputies Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 5, 2024

Umatilla Man Killed in Early Morning Crash Identified

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

Umatilla Man Killed in Early Morning Crash Identified Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

Orange County Wrong-Way Crash Seriously Injures Mount Dora Woman, Kills Ocoee Woman

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.—A Mount Dora woman was seriously injured, and an Ocoee woman was killed in a wrong-way crash on State Road 429 early Thursday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 3:10 a.m., the Ocoee woman, 44, was driving a 2013 Nissan Altima northbound in the outside southbound lane near Orange Blossom Trail in the direct path of a 2020 Toyota Rav 4 being driven by a 29-year-old Mount Dora woman, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Mount Dora woman attempted to swerve to avoid the Altima, but the two vehicles collided, Crescenzi said. The Ocoee woman was

Orange County Wrong-Way Crash Seriously Injures Mount Dora Woman, Kills Ocoee Woman Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 4, 2024

Pedestrian Killed Near Leesburg Wednesday Morning

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

Pedestrian Killed Near Leesburg Wednesday Morning Read More »

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

Name of Motorcyclist Killed in Mount Dora Thursday Night Crash Released

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—Mount Dora Police Department has released more information about a crash that killed a motorcyclist Thursday night. Just after 8:30 p.m. Thursday, MDPD responded to a crash involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck at County Road 19A and Azalea Drive, MDPD spokesperson Brittany Haller said. Tyler Matthew Head, 23, was riding a 2003 Buell Lightning motorcycle northbound on County Road 19A when he collided with a 2004 GMC Sierra being driven by Geary Shane Martin, 47, who was attempting to turn into a Dollar General from Azaela Drive, according to Haller. “The impact caused the motorcycle to

Name of Motorcyclist Killed in Mount Dora Thursday Night Crash Released Read More »

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

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

Details Released on Triple Fatality Near Groveland

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

Details Released on Triple Fatality Near Groveland Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

Umatilla Man Killed in CR 452 Crash Tuesday

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

Umatilla Man Killed in CR 452 Crash Tuesday Read More »

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

Motorcycle Fatality Shuts Down CR 452 Near Leesburg Tuesday

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

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

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

Sunday Afternoon Crash Kills Leesburg Man, 94

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

Sunday Afternoon Crash Kills Leesburg Man, 94 Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paisley Man Killed on I4 in Hillsborough County Saturday Night

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Name of Pedestrian Killed in Leesburg Last Week Released

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has released the name of the pedestrian killed in a crash Sept. 8. Stanley L. Rollins, 59, Mount Dora, was crossing U.S. Highway 441, near Mt. Vernon Road, just after 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8, when he was struck by a silver 2010 Nissan traveling north on U.S. Highway 441 and being driven by Alexander Aguilar, 19, of Leesburg, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. The investigation into the crash closed several lanes of traffic on U.S. Highway 441. Rollins was pronounced deceased on the scene; the crash remains under investigation.

Name of Pedestrian Killed in Leesburg Last Week Released Read More »

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

Few Details Released in Leesburg Crash that Killed Pedestrian Friday, Investigation Ongoing

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has released few details about the crash that killed a pedestrian on U.S. Highway 441 Friday afternoon. The pedestrian, a 59-year-old male of Mount Dora, was crossing U.S. Highway 441, near Mt. Vernon Road, just after 4:30 p.m. Friday, when he was struck by a silver 2010 Nissan traveling north on U.S. Highway 441 and being driven by Alexander Aguilar, 19, of Leesburg, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. The investigation into the crash closed several lanes of traffic on U.S. Highway 441. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene and his name still has

Few Details Released in Leesburg Crash that Killed Pedestrian Friday, Investigation Ongoing Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 11, 2023

Leesburg Police Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian Friday Afternoon

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred late Friday afternoon. The crash occurred at U.S. Highway 441 and Mt. Vernon Road and closed the inside lanes of U.S. Highway 441; the center and outside lanes are open, according to a social media post by LPD around 5 p.m. Friday. Police are urging motorists to use caution in the area. This is a developing story.

Leesburg Police Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian Friday Afternoon Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 8, 2023

Motorcyclist Killed After Running Stop Sign in Unincorporated Leesburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday Head-On Collision Kills Leesburg Man

MARION COUNTY, Fla.—A head-on collision killed two people on County Road 464 in Marion Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 71-year-old Ocklawaha woman was driving an SUV northbound on County Road 464 near Locust Road around 1:55 p.m. Saturday when she crossed over into the southbound lane for reasons still under investigation, FHP said in a press release. The SUV the woman was driving traveled directly into the path of another SUV being driven by a 79-year-old Leesburg man. The woman was pronounced deceased on the scene and the man was transported to an area hospital, where

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 26, 2023

Pedestrian Killed in Mount Dora Early Sunday, Motorcyclist in Critical Condition

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A pedestrian believed to be walking in the road was killed early Sunday morning following a collision with a motorcycle, according to Mount Dora Police Chief Michael Gibson. Around 1 a.m. Sunday, Brandon Crunk, 38, was riding a motorcycle on County Road 19A near Progress Boulevard when he collided with a pedestrian, identified as Jason Bowlin, 42. The impact killed Bowlin and Crunk was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition, Gibson told Inside Lake. “At this stage of the investigation, it is believed the pedestrian was walking in the roadway,” Gibson said in

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Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 21, 2023

Tragic Mount Dora Crash Claims Toddler’s Life, Sends Mom to Hospital

MOUNT DORA, Florida—Mount Dora Police Department is investigating a crash that claimed the life of a 2-year-old boy and sent his mom to the hospital Thursday afternoon. MDPD has not released names, but a gofundme and accompanying social media post identified mom and son as Kaley Paladino and her youngest son, Guy Wesley Paladino, of Tavares. Guy Wesley Paladino, 2, who was called Wesley by family and friends, was transported to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children following the tragic crash on State Road 46, where he later succumbed to his injuries and his mom, Kaley Paladino, was transported

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Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 19, 2023

Eustis Man Killed in Volusia County Crash, Boy, 5, and Infants Unhurt

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida—A Eustis man who had two 3-month-old infant boys and a 5-year-old boy in a pickup truck with him was killed Tuesday morning when he crashed into a utility pole attached to a tractor-trailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Eustis man, 34, was driving a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 eastbound on State Road 44, near Paradise Drive, close to the Lake County/Volusia County line when he attempted to pass a commercial vehicle and a tractor-trailer at the same time, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. “Due to oncoming traffic in the westbound lane

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

Crash Claims Life of Leesburg Motorcyclist

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

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

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

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

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

Rush Hour Crash Kills 3 in Leesburg Wednesday Morning

LEESBURG, Florida—Three people were killed Wednesday morning in a crash that shut down U.S. Highway 441 for several hours, according to Leesburg Police Department. A blue 2020 Ford Mustang being driven by a 77-year-old male of Mount Dora was southbound on U.S. Highway 441 near Sleepy Hollow Road when it rear-ended a 2023 Hyundai Tucson being driven by a 69-year-old woman, just before 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi said in an email. The Mustang then traveled over the center median into the northbound lanes where it struck a gray 2013 Hyundai Sonata being driven by a 42-year-old Umatilla

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Umatilla / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 14, 2023

SR 33 Crash Kills 3 Early Friday Morning

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

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

Leesburg Police Seeking Information on Crash that Killed Lady Lake Woman Earlier this Month

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department continues to investigate a crash that killed a pedestrian earlier this month. Shortly before 2:30 a.m. May 20, Erica L. Davis, 40, was crossing U.S. Highway 27, also known as North 14th Street at West Main Street when she was struck by a 2019 black Toyota Corolla being driven by Zachary Sents, 32, of Webster. Davis, of Lady Lake, was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, formerly known as Ocala Regional Medical Center, with life-threatening injuries and later succumbed to her injuries. LPD is asking anyone with information about the crash to call the LPD Traffic

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Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 31, 2023

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

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

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

Leesburg Man Dies From Crash Injuries

LEESBURG, Florida—A 73-old Leesburg man has died from injuries he suffered in a crash earlier this week, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. Shortly after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, David Reno, 73, was driving a 2007 Chevrolet sedan north on U.S. Highway 441 when he attempted to make a left turn on Perkins Street and collided with a 2011 GMC pickup truck headed southbound and being driven by Terrin Lawson, 22, of Leesburg. Leesburg Police Department and Leesburg Fire Rescue responded to the crash scene. Reno, Lawson, and Lawson’s passenger, 18-year-old Taraya McBride, also of Leesburg, were all transported to

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

FHP Searching for Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Umatilla Man in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for an SUV that hit a Umatilla bicyclist early Friday morning, killing him. The 44-year-old man, identified by his sister as Patrick Williams, was riding in an unknown direction in the outside southbound lane of U.S. Highway 441 near Del Webb Boulevard in an unknown direction, when he was struck by an SUV traveling south. The SUV struck the bicycle and fled the scene; the bicycle was not equipped with illumination devices, FHP said. Williams was pronounced deceased on the scene by Marion County Fire Rescue shortly before 5 a.m. Friday. FHP

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Inside Scoop, Umatilla / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 13, 2023

Motorcycle Crash Kills Leesburg Man, Injures Leesburg Woman

TAVARES, Florida—A late night motorcycle crash killed a Leesburg man and injured a Leesburg woman Wednesday night, according to Tavares Police Department. A TPD officer was parked in the parking lot of the Tavares Recreational Park (TRP) boat ramp off U.S. Highway 441 and witnessed a 2007 Harley-Davidson with two riders appear to lose control near the entrance shortly before midnight, Courtney Sullivan, TPD Public Information Officer, told Inside Lake. Gerald Hoffman, 48, was pronounced deceased on the scene and Laura Hoffman, 47, was transported to a local trauma center and suffered minor injuries. Neither rider was wearing a helmet

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 11, 2023

Astatula Man Killed Tuesday Night While Walking on U.S. Highway 441 in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida—An Astatula man was killed Tuesday night when he entered the northbound outside lane of U.S. Highway 441/Orange Blossom Trail, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 62-year-old man was walking in a westerly direction and entered the northbound lane of U.S. Highway 441/Orange Blossom Trail near Stoneybrook Hills Parkway around 11:30 p.m., Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. The man, who was not in a marked crosswalk, was struck by a van being driven by a 62-year-old Altamonte Springs woman; he suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the

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Astatula, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 10, 2023

Late Night Crash Kills Bicyclist

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

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

Tragic Crash Claims Lives of Mascotte Mom and Baby Monday

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—A Mascotte mom and her 7-month-old daughter were tragically killed Monday morning after the mom ran a stop sign, struck a car and then a tractor-trailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just before 9:15 a.m., the Mascotte mom was driving a sedan eastbound on County Road 476 in Sumter County when she ran a stop sign at the intersection of State Road 471 and struck another sedan being driven by a 32-year-old Mascotte woman. The second sedan rotated and came to a stop on the west shoulder of State Road 471. The woman driving the second sedan

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Inside Scoop, Mascotte / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 1, 2023

Rollover Crash Kills Eustis Man Friday Morning

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

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

Leesburg Crash Claims Life of Motorcyclist Sunday Night

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a Crystal River man Sunday night. Shortly after 8:15 p.m. Sunday, LPD responded to a crash between a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a Kia SUV near State Road 44 and Euclid Street, LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi said in a press release. According to the preliminary investigation, Rodney J. Balderas, 41, of Crystal River was westbound on a black 2013 Harley-Davidson when he collided with a 2016 black Kia SUV being driven by John R. O’Steen, 73, of Leesburg. Balderas was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 24, 2023

Late Night Head-On Crash Kills Eustis Man and Altoona Woman Saturday

TAVARES, Florida—Two people are dead following a head-crash on a busy Tavares Road Saturday night. Shortly before 10:45 pm. Tavares Police Department responded to a report of a crash near County Road 561 and Lona Street. According to witnesses and evidence on scene, a 2019 black Nissan Sentra being driven by Scott Alexander Sawyer, 29, of Eustis, was speeding northbound on County Road 561 and attempted to pass vehicles on a double yellow line. He struck a 2008 gray Mazda Tribute head-on being driven southbound by Lindsay Marie Baker, 26, of Altoona, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 23, 2023

Mount Dora Man Killed in Marion County Crash

MARION COUNTY, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 41-year-old Mount Dora man near Ocala Saturday afternoon. The man was driving a pickup truck at a high rate of speed southbound on U.S. Highway 441 approaching Northwest 77th Street, when he failed to slow and rear-ended a tractor-trailer, just after 3:15 p.m. Saturday, troopers said. The Mount Dora man was trapped inside the truck and later pronounced deceased on the scene by Marion County Fire Rescue. The driver of the tractor-trailer, a 32-year-old Jacksonville woman, suffered minor injuries, according to FHP.

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Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 22, 2023

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

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

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