Florida

Dash cam released of FHP PIT maneuver that flipped stolen truck near Mount Dora in January

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—Inside Lake has obtained dash cam footage from the Florida Highway Patrol, capturing the moment a trooper executed a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver to stop a fleeing suspect earlier this year. Inside Lake first reported in January on the arrest of Corey Michael Wakefield, 21, of St. Cloud. Wakefield was arrested on numerous charges after fleeing from a trooper who attempted to stop him for speeding in what was later found to be a stolen truck. Around 9 p.m. Jan. 15, the trooper was conducting traffic enforcement on U.S. Highway 441 near Natoma Boulevard in Mount Dora […]

Dash cam released of FHP PIT maneuver that flipped stolen truck near Mount Dora in January Read More »

One killed, one airlifted in wrong-way crash near Clermont Wednesday

CLERMONT, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a Wesley Chapel woman early Wednesday in unincorporated Clermont. Just before 1 a.m., a 39-year-old man of Greensboro, North Carolina was driving a 2004 GMC Sierra the wrong way in the southbound lane of State Road 33, near County Road 474 when he slammed into a 2007 Hyundai Sonata being driven by a 27-year-old Wesley Chapel woman. The impact rotated the Sonata clockwise and flipped the Sierra, FHP said. The Wesley Chapel woman was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center and pronounced deceased; the North Carolina man was airlifted

One killed, one airlifted in wrong-way crash near Clermont Wednesday Read More »

No bond for boyfriend accused of savagely abusing girlfriend’s sons

TAVARES, Fla.—The man accused of savagely abusing both his girlfriend’s sons was denied bond Tuesday by Lake Circuit Judge Brian Welke. Andre Walker, 36, is accused of abusing the 10-year-old son of his girlfriend, Kimberley Mills, 37, leaving him in critical condition. Tavares police say Mills, “was methodical in what her children wore and what they said to others to ensure that absolutely no one would learn of what she was doing to her children behind closed doors.” “Our department has been working closely with the State Attorney’s Office on this case since day one. We prepared for today and

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Both brothers are victims of mom and boyfriend in savage child abuse case, Tavares police say

TAVARES, Fla.—A mom and her boyfriend are each facing more charges as one boy they are accused of abusing continues to fight for his life. Kimberley Mills, 37, has been in the Lake County Jail since early Sunday morning after bringing her 10-year-old son to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares Saturday night while the child was in cardiac arrest, and covered in burns and bruises. Her boyfriend, Andre Walker, 36, accompanied Mills to the hospital but they soon disappeared when they found out hospital staff called law enforcement. Mills returned to the hospital with the boy’s brother, and Walker’s whereabouts were

Both brothers are victims of mom and boyfriend in savage child abuse case, Tavares police say Read More »

Man accused of terrorizing Eustis female joggers and attempting to run down cop pleads guilty

TAVARES, Florida—The man accused of attacking three women and trying to run down a Eustis police officer in 2023 will spend the next 15 years of his life in prison – and when he gets out, he will be labeled a sexual predator and serve 15 years of probation, according to Lake County Clerk of Court online records. Jephson Seguin pleaded guilty to attempted sexual battery, attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and fleeing or attempting to elude on Monday. Seguin, of Eustis, is accused of attacking two women in the spring of 2023 and a third woman on

Man accused of terrorizing Eustis female joggers and attempting to run down cop pleads guilty Read More »

Man wanted in connection with Tavares child abuse case in custody

TAVARES, Fla.—The man wanted in connection with a severe child abuse case has turned himself in, sources told Inside Lake Monday. Andre Dwayne Walker, 36, turned himself in at the Lake County Jail Monday afternoon. Walker is facing a charge of accessory after the fact – aggravated child abuse after a 10-year-old boy was brought to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares Saturday night by Walker and the boy’s mother with severe injuries consistent with child abuse, Tavares Police Department said. The boy’s mother, Kimberley Mills, 37, was arrested for aggravated child abuse and is being held in the Lake County Jail

Man wanted in connection with Tavares child abuse case in custody Read More »

Tavares boy clinging to life, mom arrested for abuse, man wanted for accessory after the fact

TAVARES, Fla.—A young boy is clinging to life in an Orlando hospital with signs of severe abuse, his mother is being held in jail on no bond, and police are searching for a man who disappeared from the hospital while the boy was being treated Saturday night, Tavares Police Department said Sunday. Shortly before 9:30 p.m., Kimberley Leonie Mills, 37, and man later identified as Andre Dwayne Walker, 36, arrived at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares with a 10-year-old boy who was suffering from a critical health event, and had numerous burns and bruising in various stages of healing, in addition

Tavares boy clinging to life, mom arrested for abuse, man wanted for accessory after the fact Read More »

Suspected Sorrento murderer in custody

SORRENTO, Fla.—The man accused of killing a man in Sorrento Thursday, is in custody according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “… Justin Fout has been located and taken into custody by law enforcement. As the situation is still under investigation, additional details are not yet available,” LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin said late Friday afternoon.  Deputies were also attempting to locate Patricia Neeley, as person of interest in the murder of Justin Kates, 37. LCSO has not released any new information on her whereabouts. Fout is suspected of murdering Kates during an altercation Thursday at 31504 Colby Place in Sorrento.

Suspected Sorrento murderer in custody Read More »

Deputies searching for Sorrento murder suspect

SORRENTO, Fla.—A man is on the run, accused of killing a man in Sorrento Thursday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Witnesses said Justin Kates, 37, and Justin Joseph Raymond Fout, 31, engaged in a verbal argument Thursday at 31504 Colby Place in Sorrento. The argument apparently escalated and Fout shot Kates, killing him, LCSO said. He was found dead lying in the roadway when deputies arrived on scene. Fout fled the scene, along with Patricia Neeley, in an older model white Dodge Ram van. The van should have front and rear end damage and red transfer paint on

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Summerfield man facing murder charges in deaths of victim and alleged accomplice in 2022 gunfight outside Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—A man on the run for nearly a year is in custody facing murder charges in the deaths of his intended home invasion victim – and his alleged accomplice. Dieuseul Charlemon, 22, was taken into custody on multiple warrants including first- and second-degree murder on Jan. 31 by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Police Department and US Marshals at 10131 SE 169th Lane, Summerfield after a months-long investigation, MCSO said. On Feb. 16, 2022, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to 804 Montclair Road in unincorporated Leesburg on a report of a shooting around 4:30 a.m. There were

Summerfield man facing murder charges in deaths of victim and alleged accomplice in 2022 gunfight outside Leesburg Read More »

CAPTURED: NY double murder suspect spotted near Lake County taken into custody in Daytona Beach

2 p.m. Update: Scott Mitchell has been taken into custody in Daytona Beach. DeLAND, Fla.—A man suspected of killing two men in New York was spotted in DeLand Tuesday, just a few miles outside of Lake County, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Scott C. Mitchell is wanted for the murders of Daniel McCloe, 58, and Marshall VanOven 55, after they were found dead in a Binghampton, New York home earlier this month. Binghampton is located about 180 miles northwest of New York City. Mitchell is believed

CAPTURED: NY double murder suspect spotted near Lake County taken into custody in Daytona Beach Read More »

Major traffic shift for this year’s Eustis Georgefest Parade

EUSTIS, Fla.—Motorists will experience a new traffic shift during the City of Eustis Georgfest Parade scheduled for Feb. 22. Beginning at 9 a.m. Feb. 22, State Road 19 (Bay Street) southbound will be shut down between County 44 and Herrick Avenue and travelers will be diverted onto either westbound or eastbound County Road 44, at the intersection that includes 7-Eleven, Burger King, Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. Northbound traffic on State Road 19 (Grove Street) will not be affected. Drivers should expect delays and plan an alternate route, Capri said. This is a

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Mount Dora man killed in single-vehicle Tavares crash

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating after a man was found deceased in his crashed vehicle by a passerby early Wednesday morning. At 12:50 a.m., a 911 caller reported he was walking and saw overturned truck in an open construction field in the area of Dead River Road and Sierra Drive approximately 50 yards from the roadway. Police are unsure how long the 2018 Chevrolet pickup truck was there before it was discovered, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said, and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them. The driver, Michael Winterbottom, 63, of Mount

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Names and body cam released in deadly Clermont domestic incident

CLERMONT, Fla.—Clermont Police Department has released the names of the couple found dead after a domestic incident Wednesday. Christian Steeler Filson, 28, and Sarah Dale, 29, were found dead after an unidentified caller reported Dale was screaming and being chased by a man at Cottonwood Clermont, 1200 Hooks Street, shortly before 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. When officers arrived, they began searching for the victim and spotted blood near an apartment in building 12. Officers entered apartment 12202, and found Dale, with a mortal gunshot wound. “When our officers arrived, they immediately observed what appeared to be blood and a spent bullet

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Motorcyclist and passenger fighting for their lives after Tavares crash Friday morning

TAVARES, Fla.—A motorcyclist and his passenger are fighting for their lives after crashing into the back of a pickup truck Friday morning, according to Tavares Police Department. According to witnesses, shortly before 9:30 a.m., a 61-year-old Tavares man driving a white 2015 Chevy Silverado was on State Road 19 southbound stopped at the light at Dead River Road.  A 74-year-old man, who has a home in Leesburg and Michigan, was riding a 2003 Harley-Davidson motorcycle southbound on State Road 19 and failed to slow as he approached the light, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. The motorcycle slammed into

Motorcyclist and passenger fighting for their lives after Tavares crash Friday morning Read More »

Purple Alert canceled, missing man found in Leesburg

Update: 9:45 p.m. Mark Lang has been found safe at Gateway Plaza in Leesburg, according to LPD. Lt. Shannon Walsh.  LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing man. A Purple Alert has been issued for Mark Lang, 64,  who is described as a white male, 125 pounds, 5 feet, 11 inches tall, with gray hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt with a fishing design, black dress pants and black Skechers shoes. He walks with a stagger that may cause him to drag his legs. Lang may be driving

Purple Alert canceled, missing man found in Leesburg Read More »

Lady Lake police nab one of FBI’s Ten Most Wanted

LADY LAKE, Fla.—One of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted is behind bars thanks to proactive policing by a Lady Lake Police Department sergeant. LLPD Sgt. Michelle Bilbrey spotted a car with the wrong license plate around 9:15 a.m. Saturday, and performed a traffic stop at the intersection of U.S. Highway 441/27 and Rolling Acres Road. She identified the driver as Donald Eugene Fields II, 60, who has been on the run for nearly three years since missing a court appearance in Franklin County, Missouri in March 2022. Fields was indicted in federal court in St. Louis in December 2023 for

Lady Lake police nab one of FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Read More »

Orlando man convicted of Umatilla murder, sentenced to life in prison

TAVARES, Fla.—One of the men accused of murdering a Umatilla man in 2022 will spend the rest of his life in prison, according to Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson’s Office. “The actions of this defendant were calculated, deliberate, and devoid of remorse,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Justice demands accountability for such actions.” Undray Benson, 53, of Orlando was found guilty in the first-degree murder of Antwain “Lil Daddy” Hart, 31, Thursday following a bench trial, and he was sentenced to life in prison by Judge James Baxley. Only Inside Lake was on the scene Nov.

Orlando man convicted of Umatilla murder, sentenced to life in prison Read More »

FHP PIT maneuver takes down fleeing suspect in two-county pursuit that reached speeds of 110 mph last week

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—A St. Cloud man remains jailed on a litany of charges stemming from a pursuit that ended with a PIT maneuver. Around 9 p.m. Jan.15, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper was conducting speed enforcement on U.S. Highway 441 near Natoma Boulevard in Mount Dora and observed a gray Chevy Silverado traveling 85 miles per hour in a 50 mile per hour zone in the northbound inside lane. The trooper pulled out to stop the truck and it entered the left turn lane for Lincoln Avenue, ran the red light, performed a U-turn and headed southbound, according to an

FHP PIT maneuver takes down fleeing suspect in two-county pursuit that reached speeds of 110 mph last week Read More »

Pedestrian hit by tractor-trailer on US 27 in Leesburg Monday night

LEESBURG, Fla.—A pedestrian has died from injuries he sustained after he was hit by a tractor-trailer in Leesburg Monday night. The pedestrian, a 34-year-old male of Leesburg, who has not been identified pending notification of next of kin, was struck crossing U.S. Highway 27 near County Road 48, by a red 2024 International tractor-trailer being driven southbound by Daniel Morales-Barrios, 34, of Davenport, Leesburg Police Department Lt. Shannon Walsh said. The crash closed U.S. Highway 27 for nearly three hours. The Leesburg man sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he died, according to Walsh.

Pedestrian hit by tractor-trailer on US 27 in Leesburg Monday night Read More »

One dead, one injured in early morning crash near Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a man outside of Leesburg early Sunday morning. A 26-year-old man of Puerto Rico was driving a 2024 Chevy Malibu eastbound on County Road 48 approaching County Road 33, shortly before 2:30 a.m. He ran the stop sign at County Road 33, went off the roadway, became airborne over a ditch, struck a tree and overturned, FHP said. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to UF Health Leesburg Hospital; his passenger, a 41-year-old male, also of Puerto Rico was also transported and pronounced deceased. The crash remains

One dead, one injured in early morning crash near Leesburg Read More »

Leesburg High freshman arrested after loaded gun found in backpack

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Leesburg High School freshman was arrested for possessing a loaded, stolen gun Thursday after a Lake County Sheriff’s Office vape-detection dog alerted on the student’s backpack. K9 Samba and her handler Erica Samborski assisted Leesburg Police Department school resource officers with a prescheduled visit to LHS for a routine check for contraband and illegal items. Samba alerted on a backpack in the media room where students often leave their belongings, according to LCSO. No students were present at the time of the search and after Samba’s alert, the backpack was searched and a loaded 9mm Glock was found.

Leesburg High freshman arrested after loaded gun found in backpack Read More »

CR 439 shut down near Eustis as FHP investigates fatal crash involving dump truck

EUSTIS, Fla.—An Altoona woman was killed Tuesday morning after a dump truck veered into her lane and slammed into her head-on outside of Eustis, shutting down County Road 439. Just before 8:30 a.m., a 1994 dump truck was northbound on County Road 439, when the driver, a 28-year-old Leesburg man, attempted to brake for traffic stopped ahead near County Road 44A. He veered into the southbound lane and hit a 2019 Toyota Corolla head-on. The driver of the Toyota, a 23-year-old Altoona woman, was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where she was pronounced deceased. The Leesburg man was not

CR 439 shut down near Eustis as FHP investigates fatal crash involving dump truck Read More »

Man killed in hit-and-run while standing near his disabled vehicle outside Clermont Monday

CLERMONT, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for an SUV that hit and killed an Auburndale man Monday near Clermont and fled the scene. A tow truck was stopped partially in the outside southbound lane and shoulder, assisting a driver with a disabled vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, a 37-year-old Auburndale man, was standing in the outside southbound lane of U.S. Highway 27 waving traffic around his disabled vehicle, the tow truck and its driver, near the Sienna Ridge community shortly before 7 p.m., according to FHP. An unidentified white SUV was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 27, failed

Man killed in hit-and-run while standing near his disabled vehicle outside Clermont Monday Read More »

BREAKING NEWS: Fatal crash shuts down 2 lanes of US Highway 27 near Clermont

CLERMONT. Fla.— The Florida Highway Patrol has shut down two lanes of U.S Highway 27 outside Clermont as it investigates a fatal crash. The crash occurred around 7 p.m. and closed the right and center southbound lanes in the area of the Sienna Ridge community. Use caution in the area.

BREAKING NEWS: Fatal crash shuts down 2 lanes of US Highway 27 near Clermont Read More »

Paisley motorcyclist killed in Volusia County crash Friday

DeLEON SPRINGS, Fla.—A 71-year-old Paisley man was killed Friday when he lost control of his motorcycle and struck a sign post, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was riding a 2024 Harley-Davidson Nightster westbound on West Retta Street in Deleon Springs when he attempted to make a left turn onto Grand Avenue. He lost control of the bike, ran off the road and struck a sign post, shortly before 1:30 p.m., FHP said. He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Paisley motorcyclist killed in Volusia County crash Friday Read More »

Man accused of syphoning gas in Eustis gets free ride to Tavares Thursday night

EUSTIS, Fla.—A boat owner timed a trip to get dinner just right when he spotted a man syphoning gas out of his boat as he drove by a Eustis storage facility Thursday night. Around 5:15 p.m. Thursday, the boat owner was driving by Campus Storage, 36622 County Road 19A when he saw a man at the rear of his boat syphoning gas. He circled back around to the storage facility and the man was gone, he told Eustis Police Department. He checked his boat and found the motor cover lifted and the fuel line removed and dripping gas, according to

Man accused of syphoning gas in Eustis gets free ride to Tavares Thursday night Read More »

Valrico man killed in CR 42 crash

ALTOONA, Fla.—A Valrico man was killed before daybreak Wednesday when he failed to negotiate a curve and struck a car head-on on County Road 42, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 6:10 a.m., the 21-year-old man was driving 2016 Chevy Cobalt eastbound on County Road 42 and failed to negotiate a curve east of State Road 19 in Altoona. He entered the westbound lane and struck a 2019 Subaru WRX head-on being driven by a 20-year-old Port Orange man. A 28-year-old man driving a 2018 Ford F-150 behind the Subaru, swerved to the right in attempt to avoid a

Valrico man killed in CR 42 crash Read More »

Another fatal crash shuts down CR 42 in Altoona Wednesday

ALTOONA, Fla.—A fatal three-vehicle crash has completely shut down County Road 42 in Altoona, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 6:10 a.m. Wednesday on County Road 42 near Hinson Road, east of State Road 19, and involves a 2006 Chevy Cobalt, a 2019 Subaru WRX and 2018 Ford F-150; the driver of the Cobalt was killed, and the other two drivers, a 20-year-old male of Port Orange and a 28-year-old male of DeLand were not transported for treatment, FHP said. The details of how the crash occurred have not been released. Just last week, two Paisley

Another fatal crash shuts down CR 42 in Altoona Wednesday Read More »

Cold weather shelter and warming station scheduled to open this week

EUSTIS, Fla.—A cold weather shelter and warming station are scheduled to open this week in anticipation of colder temperatures, officials with Lake County government announced late Monday morning. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, lows in Lake County are expected to be between 33 and 38 degrees between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. Tuesday. The cold weather shelter is scheduled to be open from 5 p.m. to 7.a.m. Monday through Friday at LifePointe Church, 2551 East Orange Avenue, Eustis; and the Salvation Army will open a warming station from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 2605 South

Cold weather shelter and warming station scheduled to open this week Read More »

2 Paisley residents killed after speeding car slams into them on CR 42 Friday night

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—A Paisley man and woman were killed Friday night after a speeding Mustang slammed into them head-on, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 46-year-old Paisley man was driving a 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 westbound on County Road 42 approaching Lazy Lake Road, near Paisley, when a 2015 Ford Mustang traveling eastbound attempted to pass another vehicle in a curve, shortly after 7 p.m., FHP said.  The Mustang hit the Mirage head-on, killing the driver of the Mirage, and his passenger, a 56-year-old Paisley woman. The Mustang left the roadway and entered the tree line and the driver,

2 Paisley residents killed after speeding car slams into them on CR 42 Friday night Read More »

2 killed, Tavares man airlifted following head-on crash in no-passing zone near Paisley Friday

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—Two people are dead after a speeding car crashed into them head-on in a no-passing zone near Paisley Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly after 7 p.m., a 26-year-old Tavares man was speeding eastbound in a 2015 Ford Mustang on County Road 42 when he attempted to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone near Lazy Lake Road, FHP said. He crashed into a 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 traveling westbound on County Road 42, killing the driver and a passenger. The pair had not been identified at press time and County Road 42 remains closed

2 killed, Tavares man airlifted following head-on crash in no-passing zone near Paisley Friday Read More »

Clermont teen killed in collision with tree early New Year’s Day

CLERMONT, Fla.—A teenager was killed early Wednesday after running off the road and hitting a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 1:30 a.m., a 17-year-old male was driving a 2003 Chevy S-10 eastbound on County Road 474, west of Hilochee Ridge Road in unincorporated Clermont when he left the road for an unknown reason, FHP said. The pickup truck struck a tree, and the teen was pronounced deceased on the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

Clermont teen killed in collision with tree early New Year’s Day Read More »

VIDEO: New Year’s Eve explosion rocks neighbors near Mount Dora, sends resident to the hospital

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—A home was reduced to rubble and trapped a resident New Year’s Eve night after an explosion in unincorporated Mount Dora, a neighbor told Inside Lake. The home on West Main Street in Mount Dora Estates, formerly known as Riley’s Park, “exploded,” around 9:30 p.m. with the resident inside, according to a neighbor, Jeremy Jenkins. The man was initially trapped by rubble and debris but was able to get out and he was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Jenkins provided video to Inside Lake that showed the aftermath and described what he saw. Video courtesy of

VIDEO: New Year’s Eve explosion rocks neighbors near Mount Dora, sends resident to the hospital Read More »

Eustis woman killed in wrong-way Christmas Eve crash in Orange County

TANGERINE, Fla.—A Eustis woman was killed late Christmas Eve night after a wrong-way driver crashed into her near the Orange County/Lake County line, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. At 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, a 62-year-old woman was driving a 2018 Audi Q3 southbound in the outside lane on Orange Blossom Trail, also known as U.S. Highway 441, north of Wadsworth Road when a 2008 Kia Optima, traveling northbound in the southbound lane, collided with her head-on. The Eustis woman was pronounced deceased on the scene; the driver of the Kia, a 39-year-old Orlando man, was transported to Orlando Regional Medical

Eustis woman killed in wrong-way Christmas Eve crash in Orange County Read More »

BREAKING NEWS: Santa Claus is coming to town

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

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

Head-on collision kills Leesburg woman Monday

GROVELAND, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a Leesburg woman and seriously injured a Mascotte woman Monday afternoon. Shortly before 12:15 p.m., a 36-year-old Leesburg woman was driving a 2008 Chevrolet HHR southbound on County Road 33 near Soto Road in unincorporated Groveland when she failed to maintain her lane and hit and 2015 Ford Fusion being driven by a 43-year-old Mascotte woman, head-on, seriously injuring her. Both drivers were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where the Leesburg woman succumbed to her injuries. The crash closed County Road 33 for nearly seven hours.

Head-on collision kills Leesburg woman Monday Read More »

FHP finds driver who caused deadly crash outside Eustis, charges pending

EUSTIS, Fla.—A tractor-trailer driver who caused a deadly crash Wednesday and left the scene told the Florida Highway Patrol he did not know he hit anyone, according to a press release. Just after 1:45 p.m., a 58-year-old Miami man was driving a 2017 Volvo tractor-trailer eastbound on State Road 44 and attempted to slow down for traffic. The driver lost control of the trailer, causing it to veer into the westbound lane of State Road 44 near Forest Ridge Road in unincorporated Eustis. The trailer struck a 2014 Nissan Sentra being driven westbound by an 89-year-old Eustis woman, and the

FHP finds driver who caused deadly crash outside Eustis, charges pending Read More »

Hit-and-run crash causes head-on collision, kills woman, and shuts down SR 44 Wednesday

Update: FHP finds driver who caused deadly crash outside Eustis, charges pending – Inside Lake   EUSTIS, Fla.—A hit-and-run driver caused a chain reaction crash that killed a woman Wednesday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just after 1:45 p.m., a tractor-trailer with a blue cab and silver trailer was eastbound on State Road 44, and attempted to slow down for traffic. The driver lost control of the trailer, causing it to veer into the westbound lane of State Road 44 near Forest Ridge Road in unincorporated Eustis. The trailer struck a 2014 Nissan Sentra being driven by a

Hit-and-run crash causes head-on collision, kills woman, and shuts down SR 44 Wednesday Read More »

Man with ties to Mount Dora and Eustis killed in South Florida hit-and-run crash

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.— West Palm Beach Police Department is investigating after a man who grew up in Mount Dora and Eustis was killed in a hit-and-run Friday night, just three days before his birthday. At 11:05 p.m. Friday, a 911 caller reported that a man was unconscious and lying in the roadway of the 2700 block  45th Street, just west of Interstate 95, WPBPD said in a press release. West Palm Beach Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced Drew Robert Winters, 44, deceased on the scene. WPBPD Traffic Homicide investigators believe Winters was crossing 45th Street

Man with ties to Mount Dora and Eustis killed in South Florida hit-and-run crash Read More »

Argument about infidelity leads to shooting in Altoona

ALTOONA, Fla.—An argument about infidelity left one man shot and sent another to jail Thursday afternoon, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Shortly before 4:15 p.m. Thursday, LCSO responded to 19331 East Altoona Road on a report of a verbal altercation, and when a deputy arrived, he found James Andrew Carroll 48, lying on his side suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower torso. The deputy rendered aid to Carroll until EMS arrived and Carroll was airlifted to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. His condition is currently unknown, LCSO Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake. Carroll’s girlfriend, Shana Cottle,

Argument about infidelity leads to shooting in Altoona Read More »

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 »

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 »

Holiday season kicks off Saturday with Light Up Mount Dora

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The holiday season in Lake County kicks off Saturday in Mount Dora with the city’s annual Light Up Mount Dora event. 4 to 6 p.m. Donnelly Park: Holiday program hosted by Magic 107.7’s Chad & Leslye 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Elizabeth Evans Park: Live music and a special appearance by Buddy the Elf 6 to 9 p.m. Sunset Park: Main Street Leasing Christmas tree lighting, photos with Santa 6:30 p.m. Sunset Park: Fireworks over Lake Dora 7:30 p.m. Elizabeth Evans Park: Drone show hosted by John Brown of Fox 35 Orlando Bring blankets or chairs and admission to

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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 »

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 »

Mount Dora double-slaying suspect competent to proceed, judge orders

TAVARES, Fla.—The suspect in a brutal 2022 Mount Dora double murder is now competent to proceed, according to an order signed by Lake Circuit Judge Cary Rada last month. Vickie Lynn Williams, 51,  is accused of stabbing Darryl Getman, 83, and Sharon Getman, 80. The married couple was murdered in their Waterman Village home sometime between the hours of 11 p.m. Dec. 30, 2022, and 2 a.m. Dec. 31, 2022. After allegedly murdering the couple, Williams stole their green Kia Soul and was still driving it when she was apprehended by a Savannah Police Department officer at a Georgia Amtrak

Mount Dora double-slaying suspect competent to proceed, judge orders Read More »

Victim uninjured after armed robbery in parking lot of Mount Dora store

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—Mount Dora Police Department is investigating after a woman was robbed of her purse at gunpoint in a parking lot late Saturday afternoon. The victim told police a black male, dressed in all black, wearing a ski mask and armed with a silver semi-automatic firearm, approached her as she was about to enter her vehicle in the parking lot of Viva Liquor 1 , 101 South Highland Street, around 5:40 p.m., according to MDPD. The suspect took the woman’s purse and demanded her phone, but she refused to give it to him. He threatened to shoot her and

Victim uninjured after armed robbery in parking lot of Mount Dora store Read More »

Mount Dora police searching for suspect who robbed customer at liquor store Saturday

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—Mount Dora Police Department is searching for an armed robber who robbed a customer at a liquor store late Saturday afternoon. A suspect wearing all black and a ski mask robbed a customer at Viva Liquor 1, 101 South Highland Street, around 5:40 p.m. Saturday and fled the scene in a silver SUV. No other details were released Saturday night and police were still on scene investigating. If you have information, call MDPD at 352-735-7130. Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story contained incorrect information that the store was robbed. 

Mount Dora police searching for suspect who robbed customer at liquor store Saturday Read More »

Shot fired at LCSO sergeant in Tavares, suspect identified and arrested

TAVARES, Fla.—A man who allegedly fired a shot at a Lake County Sheriff’s Office sergeant’s patrol vehicle early Thursday morning and fled the scene has been identified and arrested. Shortly before 2:15 a.m. Thursday, the LCSO sergeant was patrolling the area of Wells Avenue in Tavares when he was flagged down by a citizen who told him a black male on a bike was rummaging through vehicles in the area. The sergeant canvassed the area and found two males and a female in front of the Peninsular Masonic Lodge, 1234 Wells Avenue. One of the men was on a e-bike,

Shot fired at LCSO sergeant in Tavares, suspect identified and arrested Read More »

Tipster, “alarmed” by threats against officers, alerts Tavares police

TAVARES, Fla.—A transient Mount Dora woman is in the Lake County Jail on no bond after making multiple threats against three Tavares Police Department officers and one Mount Dora Police Department officer on Facebook Wednesday. A tipster reached out to TPD on its Facebook page just before 9:45 p.m. Wednesday and stated, “Someone I know has made some alarming threats against your officers on Facebook. I would like to remain anonymous, but here are the threats on Facebook. Her name is Ernesta Presy.” The tipster followed the message with 11 screenshots from Presy’s Facebook page. A tip also came into

Tipster, “alarmed” by threats against officers, alerts Tavares police Read More »

Affidavit: Man accused of child sex crimes admits misdeeds in texts, controlled phone call and interview

UMATILLA, Fla.—A 29-year-old man who has ties to Eustis and Umatilla is in the Lake County Jail on no bond accused of multiple sex crimes against children. Arsenio Quinones, who lives in Umatilla, but has a Eustis mailing address, was arrested by a Lake County Sheriff’s detective Thursday after agreeing to meet with the detective at a home in Umatilla and admitting he committed sex crimes against two separate juvenile victims, according to a heavily redacted arrest affidavit. Both victims’ names, ages and addresses are redacted from the affidavit to protect their identities. In October 2023, victim one reported Quinones

Affidavit: Man accused of child sex crimes admits misdeeds in texts, controlled phone call and interview Read More »

Eustis police sergeant OK after suspect slams into marked patrol truck

EUSTIS, Fla.—A Eustis Police Department road patrol sergeant is OK after a suspect slammed into his marked patrol truck while he was at a stop sign early Sunday morning. An EPD road patrol officer was patrolling the area of Center Street and Orange Avenue at 12:50 a.m. Sunday when he spotted a white Ford speeding and driving recklessly eastbound on Orange Avenue, according to an arrest affidavit. The officer notified his sergeant, L. Arnold, the vehicle was traveling toward Abrams Road and the officer lost sight of it around Glover Street, according to an arrest affidavit. Arnold was traveling on

Eustis police sergeant OK after suspect slams into marked patrol truck Read More »

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 »

Police on the hunt for Eustis triple shooting suspect

EUSTIS, Fla.—A warrant has been issued for the arrest of the man who police say shot three people Friday night. Gary “Pookie” Davis, 46, is wanted for attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in public, EPD Chief Craig Capri said. EPD responded to a report of a shooting in front of 604 Kensington Street around 10 p.m. and found three people shot. Delmetrius Brown, 41, was shot multiple times and airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center; he underwent surgery and is expected to survive. Rashida Henderson, 47, was shot in the

Police on the hunt for Eustis triple shooting suspect Read More »

BREAKING NEWS: 2 shot in Eustis Friday night

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating after two people were shot Friday night. EPD responded to the area of Kensington Street around 10 p.m. and found a male and a female suffering from gunshot wounds, EPD Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. Capri said the scene was “active and fluid” and little information was available late Friday night. The victim’s names and the extent of their injuries have not been released, but at least one person was airlifted for treatment, he said. Units were still on scene around 11:30 p.m., “They are canvassing the area for evidence,” Capri said. No

BREAKING NEWS: 2 shot in Eustis Friday night Read More »

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 »

Accused Montverde child murderer appears in court Thursday

TAVARES, Fla.—The woman accused of brutally torturing and murdering her boyfriend’s daughter appeared in court Thursday. Only Inside Lake was in the courtroom as Circuit Judge Heidi Davis questioned Tyshael Martin, 35, about retaining an attorney. Martin, who still does not have an attorney of record, more than two months after her arrest, told Davis she has retained Sean Landers, but he has not filed a notice of appearance yet due to him being out of town. Assistant State Attorney Thomas Wieczorek asked the court to keep Martin’s case on the docket for November for both a pre-trial conference to

Accused Montverde child murderer appears in court Thursday Read More »

Police: Leesburg High principal arrested for DUI, refused breath test

CLERMONT, Fla.—A Lake County Schools principal is facing a DUI charge after a Clermont Police Department officer pulled him over for failing to maintain his lane, according to an arrest affidavit. Michael Randolph, 38, principal of Leesburg High School, was spotted by CPD swerving and speeding on State Road 50 near Citrus Tower Boulevard in a white pickup truck shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday and officers pulled Randolph over less than three miles from his home. He provided his driver license and when asked for his registration and proof of insurance, he provided his registration and then handed an officer

Police: Leesburg High principal arrested for DUI, refused breath test Read More »

Mom accused of Sorrento kidnapping extradited to Lake County

TAVARES, Fla.—The mom accused of kidnapping her two daughters from a Sorrento foster home in January is back in Lake County to face her charges. Dixie Krista Williams, 42, is accused of kidnapping her two daughters, Tilli and Natalia, in the early morning hours of Jan. 25 from their foster home in Sorrento, triggering an Amber Alert and large law enforcement response. The girls were missing for more than a day, until Williams was captured in Louisiana on Jan. 26. Through its investigation, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office discovered information that Williams may be traveling in a silver Nissan Rogue

Mom accused of Sorrento kidnapping extradited to Lake County Read More »

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 »

Tempers and flames flare up in Eustis domestic incident Tuesday, according to police

EUSTIS, Fla.—A couple is in the Lake County Jail, accused of battering each other and police say one of them intentionally set an apartment on fire. Shortly after 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, Eustis Police Department responded to Crazy Gator, 402 North Bay Street on a report of a domestic battery in progress, according to an arrest affidavit. When they arrived, they found Ashlee Pringle, 35, crying with multiple injuries to her face and neck and she told police her boyfriend, Christopher Walantus, 42, hit her multiple times. She told police the altercation began Monday, and Walantus, under the influence of alcohol

Tempers and flames flare up in Eustis domestic incident Tuesday, according to police Read More »

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 »

Tragic discovery: Tavares couple found dead of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning from generator following Hurricane Milton

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating after a man and woman were found dead of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in their home Tuesday, and police believe a generator is to blame. TPD received a call requesting a well-being check around 1:45 p.m. on Perry Leintz, 67, and Constance Albrecht, 87, at their home at 24 Holly Drive in the Tiki Village Mobile Park off Dead River Road, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. Road patrol officers responded to the home and found the couple deceased, and a generator in their shed that was connected to the home. “There were

Tragic discovery: Tavares couple found dead of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning from generator following Hurricane Milton Read More »

State to seek death penalty for accused Montverde child killer

TAVARES, Fla.— The woman charged with the horrific murder of her boyfriend’s daughter earlier this year is now facing the death penalty. Assistant State Attorney Thomas Wieczorek filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty Oct. 8 in the case against Tyshael Martin, of Montverde, and stated five aggravating factors in the case. The capital felony was committed while the defendant was engaged, or was an accomplice, in the commission of, or an attempt to commit aggravated child abuse. The capital felony was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel. The capital felony was a homicide and was committed in

State to seek death penalty for accused Montverde child killer Read More »

Leesburg shooting victim, 87, dies, 2 arrested for murder

LEESBURG, Fla.—The 87-year-old victim of a shooting in late September has died and two Leesburg men have been arrested for his murder, according to Leesburg Police Department. Clarence Ervin, 87, of Leesburg was shot shortly before 2:45 p.m. Sept. 28, at 2101 West Main Street, as he sat in a car at a gas pump, video released by LPD showed. Ervin was transported to an area hospital and later died from his injuries on Oct. 6, LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. On Friday, Kenneth D. Bailey, 22, and Craig A. Stevenson Jr., 22, were arrested on charges of capital murder and

Leesburg shooting victim, 87, dies, 2 arrested for murder Read More »

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 »

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 »

Eustis police investigating after multiple shots fired Saturday afternoon

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating after multiple shots were fired just after noon Saturday while dozens of youth cheerleaders and football players enjoyed their Saturday game day just a few blocks away. EPD received multiple calls about shots fired beginning at 12:01 p.m. Saturday and callers believed the shots were at Carver Park and officers rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the shots actually occurred on Wall Street between Virginia Avenue and Hollywood Avenue after finding multiple shell casings and speaking with witnesses, Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. Carver Park is on Bates Avenue, and a

Eustis police investigating after multiple shots fired Saturday afternoon Read More »

State to seek death penalty in August ambush attack on deputies

TAVARES, Fla.—The woman accused of helping mastermind an ambush attack on Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies may pay for her alleged crimes with her life. Fifth Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney Kenneth Nunnelley filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty late Tuesday afternoon in the case against Julie Sulpizio. Sulpizio, 48, is accused of starting an altercation with her neighbors on Brookside Drive in unincorporated Eustis on Aug. 2. LCSO responded to the altercation and during a well-being check at her home, just down the street from the original call, Master Deputy Bradley Link was shot and

State to seek death penalty in August ambush attack on deputies Read More »

Leesburg police release videos of suspects in shooting of man, 87

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has released two videos capturing the people suspected in the gas station shooting of an 87-year-old man. One video shows the suspects walking across the parking lot of Citgo, 2101 West Main Street, and the second shows the incident occurring around 2:40 p.m. Saturday, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said.   Two suspects approached the passenger side of the vehicle, while another suspect approached the driver side, where the victim was sitting. During a confrontation, the victim was shot and all three suspects fled. The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to an area

Leesburg police release videos of suspects in shooting of man, 87 Read More »

Leesburg police searching for suspects in shooting of 87-year-old victim

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is searching for three suspects who they say are involved in the shooting of an 87-year-old man. LPD responded to Citgo, 2101 West Main Street on a report of a shooting around 2:40 p.m. Saturday, LPD. Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. Two suspects approached the passenger side of the vehicle, while another suspect approached the driver side, where the victim was sitting. During a confrontation, the victim was shot and all three suspects fled. The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to an area hospital and underwent surgery Saturday night, Walsh said. Anyone with

Leesburg police searching for suspects in shooting of 87-year-old victim Read More »

Small business advocate and friend to the community, Nina Rosania loses her battle with kidney disease at 43

Publisher’s note: Nina Rosania touched many lives in her short 43 years, including my own. I thought it was important to recognize her for the imprint she left on this community and the hole it now has to fill with her absence. I wanted to give people the opportunity to share stories and their feelings about Nina, so those who missed out on meeting her would know what a caring, selfless person she was. I met Nina after I started Inside Lake. She barely knew me in the beginning, and she’d come to my defense in these ever-so-popular word of

Small business advocate and friend to the community, Nina Rosania loses her battle with kidney disease at 43 Read More »

Dad and girlfriend indicted in death of 9-year-old Montverde girl

TAVARES, Fla.—The father of 9-year-old Jamaria Sessions, and his girlfriend, have been indicted for Jamaria’s brutal murder. Lojuan Sessions, 26, and Tyshael Martin, 34, are both being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond, accused of ongoing abuse that led to the death of Jamaria, who would have been in fourth grade this school year. Martin pleaded not guilty to her crimes Monday morning and was ordered not to have contact with Jamaria’s next of kin, Althea Chenault. Chenault, known as, “Nana” to Jamaria, is Jamaria’s maternal grandmother. Chenault had custody of Jamaria and her little sister Jaliah,

Dad and girlfriend indicted in death of 9-year-old Montverde girl Read More »

Lake County prepares for Helene

Publisher’s note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available. LAKE COUNTY, Fla.— Tropical Storm Helene, expected to make landfall Thursday as Hurricane Helene, is expected to bring wind and rain to Lake County and residents should finish storm preparations by Wednesday afternoon. How to get information and sandbags, along with closures are listed below.   Citizens Information line: 352-253-9999 AlertLake Notification System: sign up at https://alertlake.com/ or text ALERTLAKE to 888777   Closures: Butler Street Boat Ramp, 55400 Butler Street, Astor, 5 a.m. Wednesday City of Eustis, Thursday City of Groveland, Thursday Lake County Board of County Commissioners,

Lake County prepares for Helene Read More »

BREAKING NEWS: Lake County Schools closed Thursday

TAVARES, Fla.- Lake County public schools will be closed Thursday due to Tropical Storm Helene, which is expected to be a hurricane when it makes landfall, according to Lake County Schools. After-school activities on Wednesday are not cancelled and a decision will be made about Friday following Wednesday’s mid-day briefing, LCS said.

BREAKING NEWS: Lake County Schools closed Thursday Read More »

Teen facing charges after allegedly firing shots in Lady Lake restaurant parking lot

LADY LAKE, Fla.—A 15-year-old male was arrested Saturday night after being accused of firing several shots in a restaurant parking lot where a crowd of people had gathered. Lady Lake Police Department officers were responding to a reported fight in progress at Fresh Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant, 360 South Highway 27/441 when they received information shots had been fired in the parking lot, around 11 p.m. Saturday, according to Communications Director Elisha Pappacoda. As officers arrived on scene, a silver SUV being driven by the 15-year-old suspect, sped out of the parking lot and turned south on U.S. Highway 27/441. Officers

Teen facing charges after allegedly firing shots in Lady Lake restaurant parking lot Read More »

Male airlifted after being shot in Mount Dora Monday night

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—Mount Dora Police Department is investigating after a male was shot in the area of East Jackson Avenue around 8:15 p.m. Monday. Police released very little information Tuesday; Spokesperson Misty Sommer confirmed to Inside Lake a male was shot in the leg and airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. His name and age were not released and the incident is under investigation. This is the second shooting in Mount Dora in a little more than a month. On Aug. 2, several people were at Cauley Lott Park, just a few blocks from Monday night’s shooting,

Male airlifted after being shot in Mount Dora Monday night Read More »

Mount Dora lifts boil water notice

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The City of Mount Dora has lifted its precautionary boil water notice, according to spokesperson Misty Sommer. “Lab results have confirmed that no contaminates were found in our water supply, and it’s safe for all normal use,” Sommer said in an email shortly before 1 p.m. Friday. Around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, an independent contractor struck a water main while working on a development at U.S. Highway 441 and Natoma Boulevard. Residents and businesses lost water, and most were restored by 11 p.m. Tuesday. The city issued a boil water notice following restoration and expected it to be lifted

Mount Dora lifts boil water notice Read More »

No signs of abuse or neglect at group home, Eustis police chief says

EUSTIS, Fla.—A social media post about a Eustis group home set off a firestorm of comments earlier this week in the popular Facebook group Eustis FL Word of Mouth. A member of the group posted about an interaction she had with young resident of the home and expressed her concerns that the child may have been abused. Inside Lake reached out to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri and he said “there are no signs of abuse” at the Press Forward group home that houses teen and preteen girls. “It doesn’t appear any there is any abuse or neglect,” Capri told

No signs of abuse or neglect at group home, Eustis police chief says Read More »

Mount Dora man sentenced to three decades in prison for attempted murder

TAVARES, Fla.—A man convicted of shooting a woman twice in Mount Dora last year has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, according to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. In March 2023, Mount Dora Police Department responded to the 1500 block of Pine Avenue on a report of a shooting and when they arrived, they found a woman in a 2010 Nissan passenger vehicle suffering from two gunshot wounds. The victim told police “Jason,” later identified as Jason Jameel Ganga, shot her while she was attempting to leave. There were two bullet holes through her driver’s side window,

Mount Dora man sentenced to three decades in prison for attempted murder Read More »

Police: Tavares tax preparer scammed and stole from her clients

TAVARES, Fla.—A tax preparer has bonded out of jail for the third time in a little over three months and police say she scammed at least three of her clients. Shaqueena Fabra Lister, 34, of Tavares is accused of stealing nearly $25,000 from three of her clients who utilized her business, World Wide Taxes, 1020 East Alfred St., Tavares, according to several probable cause affidavits. Between April and June, three victims reported to Tavares Police Department they used Lister to file their taxes but never received their refunds. In one case, a man told police he paid Lister $1,200 in

Police: Tavares tax preparer scammed and stole from her clients Read More »

Eustis police chief rides for fallen deputy

MARYLAND—For 13 years, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri has been riding his bicycle to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and fallen law enforcement officers around the country during the Tour de Force 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride, and this year the ride means a bit more— he is riding for fallen Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link. The memorial ride started in 2002 and has since evolved into honoring both the victims of 9/11 and law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. “This year I’m dedicating my ride to Master Deputy Link,

Eustis police chief rides for fallen deputy Read More »

Leesburg police make arrest in July murder

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has made an arrest in the murder of a 20-year-old man in July. Ondrique D. Mosely, 18, of Lady Lake was arrested Friday without incident in Lady Lake for principal to homicide- premediated, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. He is being held on no bond. James Jordan was found lying in the yard of a home in the 2200 block of Aitken Loop in Overlook at Lake Griffin around 2:30 p.m. July 8 suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to UF Health Leesburg, where he died from his injuries, Walsh said in July. LPD

Leesburg police make arrest in July murder Read More »

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 »

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 »

LCSO deputy released from the hospital Monday

TAVARES, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stefano Gargano has been released from the hospital. More than 100 fellow law enforcement officers, friends and family members lined the sidewalk to welcome Gargano as he was released from HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, exactly one month after he was shot while attempting to rescue Master Deputy Bradley Link Aug. 2 from a home outside of Eustis. He was escorted to Lake County by multiple law enforcement agencies across Central Florida under a bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds. Gargano was shot multiple times, as he and a team entered

LCSO deputy released from the hospital Monday Read More »

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 »

Father arrested in 9-year-old daughter’s death, joked about abuse and “bootcamp” with girlfriend

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.—A father has now been arrested for failing to protect his young daughter from his girlfriend who is accused of murdering her in the Montverde home they all shared. Lojuan Sessions, 26, was arrested in Orange County Friday on a charge of aggravated manslaughter of a child and a violation of probation and is being held on no bond. “Lojuan Sessions, by and through both statements and digital forensics of cellular phones collected during this investigation did encourage, suggest, plan, permit and assist Tyshael Martin in the implementation and execution of various ‘disciplinary’ processes to include rigorous physical

Father arrested in 9-year-old daughter’s death, joked about abuse and “bootcamp” with girlfriend Read More »

The Leesburg Blue Foundation Blue Runway 5K slated for next month, registration promo code available for Inside Lake readers

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Leesburg Blue Foundation is gearing up for its one-of-a-kind Blue Runway 5K scheduled for Sept. 21.  Participants can walk, jog or run on Leesburg International Airport’s runways while supporting the nonprofit organization that provides resources to support Leesburg Police Department. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m., followed by the race at 8 a.m. Participants will start at the taxiway intersection Alpha 4, Leesburg International Airport, 8807 Airport Boulevard, Leesburg and will receive a t-shirt and finisher medal “All proceeds will benefit the Leesburg Blue Foundation, which is an independent nonprofit organization that provides resources to support, assist

The Leesburg Blue Foundation Blue Runway 5K slated for next month, registration promo code available for Inside Lake readers Read More »

Tip leads Eustis police to pair of thieves who ratted each other out

EUSTIS, Fla.—Two accused burglars are behind bars after a tip from a Mount Dora homeless camp led a Eustis Police Department detective straight to one of the suspects. On Sunday, EPD road patrol officers responded to Ace Hardware, 18691 U.S. Highway 441 on a report of a burglary. Officers found muddy tire tracks that appeared to be from a lawnmower, a broken fence, a blue mask and a camera sprayed with a white substance, likely paint, according to an arrest affidavit. Video footage showed a man, later identified as Roy “Saint” Perrott, 23, wearing a black t-shirt with “original recipe”

Tip leads Eustis police to pair of thieves who ratted each other out Read More »

Videos showed girl, 9, was attacked by large rottweiler, and savagely beaten, kicked and dragged by father’s girlfriend who bragged about the “creative ways” she punished her

MONTVERDE, Fla.—Horrifying details have been released in the murder 9-year-old Jamaria Sessions. According to a probable cause affidavit, Tyshael Martin, the girlfriend of Jamaria’s father Lojuan Sessions, ordered a 103-pound rottweiler to attack the girl, and savagely dragged and kicked her-and it was all caught on video. Shortly before 5 a.m. June 17, Lake EMS responded to 16017 Harbar Oaks Drive, Montverde on a report of an unresponsive child. She was pronounced deceased by Lake EMS. Martin told EMS she woke up that morning to catch a flight to California with Jamaria and several other children to meet up with

Videos showed girl, 9, was attacked by large rottweiler, and savagely beaten, kicked and dragged by father’s girlfriend who bragged about the “creative ways” she punished her Read More »

BREAKING NEWS: Arrest made in murder of 9-year-old Montverde girl

MONTVERDE, Fla.—An arrest has been made in the murder of a 9-year-old Montverde girl, the girl’s family told Inside Lake Thursday morning. Tyshael Elise Martin, 34, was arrested Wednesday night for the murder of Jamaria Sessions, Martin is the girlfriend of Lojuan Sessions, Jamaria’s father. According to Lake County Jail online booking records, Martin is facing charges of first degree murder, aggravated child abuse and child neglect and is being held on no bond at LCJ. Jamaria was found dead at a home in Montverde June 17 and detectives have been investigating the case for more than two months. Althea

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Man wanted for raping woman he met on dating app turns himself in to Eustis police

EUSTIS, Fla.—A Jacksonville man wanted by Eustis Police Department for sexually battering a woman he met on a dating app turned himself in to EPD Tuesday. On Aug. 16, a woman reported she had been “raped” by a man named Jeffrey James of Jacksonville. EPD responded and she told a female officer she met James on the dating app “Hinge,” and they matched about three weeks prior and began messaging and talking on the phone on Aug. 14, according to a probable cause affidavit. She said James, 36, seemed “nice” and “easygoing” and “not the aggressive type.”  They agreed to

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Eustis police searching for man wanted in connection with sexual battery

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is searching for a man wanted in connection with a sexual battery. Jeffrey James, 36, is a white male, 6 feet, 1 inch tall, and may be driving a 2021 grey GMC Canyon, license plate PDUA71. James is believed to be in the Jacksonville area, EPD said. If you have information on James’ whereabouts, call Det. W. Perry at 352-483-5400.

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Mom and sister of accused Leesburg murderer arrested, girlfriend wanted by police

LEESBURG, Fla.—The mother and sister of accused murderer Alex Lopez were arrested Thursday for their role in helping Lopez elude capture, and Lopez’ girlfriend is on the run. Patricia Kinchens, 42, and Breanna Lopez, 27, were taken into custody by Leesburg Police Department, with assistance from Lady Lake Police Department and Wildwood Police Department, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. Lopez’ girlfriend Kaili E. Dupuis, 25, remains wanted. Alex Lopez, 25, is facing charges of premeditated murder, armed robbery and two other weapons offenses; he is accused of gunning down father of five, Raied “Ray” Shihadeh, 51, at Fast Stop Superette,

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Suspect casually strolls away from stolen ambulance, quickly apprehended by deputies (video)

TAVARES, Fla.—A Leesburg man remains in the Lake County Jail, accused of stealing an ambulance from a Leesburg hospital last week. Derek Tyrone Watkins, 22, was apprehended near Independence Boulevard in Groveland by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies casually strolling away from the ambulance early Friday morning, dash cam video obtained by Inside Lake shows. According to an arrest affidavit, Watkins stole the fully-stocked ambulance from the emergency bay at UF Health Leesburg Hospital, 600 East Dixie Avenue, Leesburg, while a paramedic from Sumter County cleaned off a stretcher inside the hospital after dropping off a patient around 2:30 a.m.

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Former teacher sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing foreign exchange student and plying boy with THC, alcohol

TAVARES, Fla.—A former high school teacher has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually battering a foreign exchange student last year. A Lake County jury found Dmitri V. Kostyunin, 51, guilty of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, delivery of cannabis to a person under 18 and sexual battery in March. Kostyunin was employed as a science teacher at Apopka High School when he was arrested in October 2023 after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) contacted Mount Dora Police Department and stated a “sexual incident” occurred at Kostyunin’s home in Mount Dora. The victim told authorities that

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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

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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.

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