Groveland

2 killed in crash on SR 33 Friday night; Groveland man arrested for DUI manslaughter

GROVELAND, Fla. — A Groveland man is facing two counts of DUI manslaughter and is being held in the Lake County Jail after a crash that killed two people Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. FHP said around 7 p.m., Seenarine Hardeo, 50, was driving a 2009 Mini Cooper northbound on State Road 33 near Swamp Drive when he crossed into the southbound lane and collided head-on with a 2019 semi-truck driven by a 67-year-old Miramar man. The impact caused the semi-truck to veer into the northbound lane, where it struck a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado head-on that was […]

2 killed in crash on SR 33 Friday night; Groveland man arrested for DUI manslaughter 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 the Czech Republic and had delivered nearly 4 billion gifts, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD.) Girls and boys 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 »

Groveland woman killed in chain-reaction crash near Clermont Tuesday afternoon

CLERMONT, Fla.—A Groveland woman was killed Tuesday afternoon after rear-ending an SUV, triggering a chain-reaction crash that injured three others, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. FHP said the 50-year-old Groveland woman was driving a 2017 Audi A7 southbound on U.S. Highway 27 approaching Greater Groves Boulevard in the outside lane, around 5 p.m. She failed to slow down and rear-ended a 2015 Lexus RX being driven by a 73-year-old woman of Ontario, Canada. The Audi then collided with a 2019 Subaru Outback that was stopped in the northbound left-turn lane at the intersection, and crash debris struck the hood

Groveland woman killed in chain-reaction crash near Clermont Tuesday afternoon Read More »

Teens killed, 6-year-old seriously injured in Saturday night crash near Groveland

GROVELAND, Fla.— An attempt to pass in a no-passing zone killed two South Lake County teens Saturday night, shutting down a major road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly after 6 p.m., a 16-year-old Groveland girl was driving a 2008 Toyota Scion southbound on State Road 33 when she attempted to pass a vehicle in a no-passing zone near Groveland Farms Road. She entered the northbound lane when she apparently saw a 2021 Lincoln Aviator traveling northbound. She swerved back into the southbound lane, lost control, rotated and again entered the northbound lane, FHP said. The Lincoln struck the

Teens killed, 6-year-old seriously injured in Saturday night crash near Groveland Read More »

Fatal crash shuts down SR 33 south of Groveland

11:45 p.m. update: Teens killed, 6-year-old seriously injured in Saturday night crash near Groveland – Inside Lake GROVELAND, Fla.— A fatal crash Saturday night has shut down State Road 33, south of Groveland, according to multiple law enforcement agencies. According to the Florida Highway Patrol’s website, the fatal crash occurred around 6:15 p.m. on State Road 33 near Groveland Farms Road. State Road 33 is closed between Millstream Road and Pine Island Road, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post. Sources told Inside Lake two people were killed. This is a developing story.

Fatal crash shuts down SR 33 south of Groveland Read More »

Bushnell woman ejected, killed in crash near Lake/Sumter line

GROVELAND, Fla—For the second time in less than a week, a motorist was killed on State Road 50 near Sloans Ridge Road. A 30-year-old Bushnell woman was driving a 2002 GMC Sierra westbound on State Road 50, just before 10 p.m., when she failed to negotiate a curve and drove off the northwest side of roadway. The GMC overturned several times, ejecting the woman, FHP said. She was pronounced deceased on the scene. Multiple agencies responded to the scene to assist, including Groveland Fire Department, Lake County Fire Rescue, Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Mascotte Police Department. This is the

Bushnell woman ejected, killed in crash near Lake/Sumter line Read More »

Two Deadly Crashes Close Major Roads near Groveland and Leesburg

LAKE COUNTY, Fla—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating two deadly crashes that completely shut down State Road 50 near Groveland and one lane of Florida’s Turnpike near Leesburg Saturday night. The first crash occurred around 9:45 p.m. Saturday, killing at least one person and shutting down the southbound right lane at mile marker 291 near Leesburg, according to FHP’s website. FHP is also investigating a fatal crash that occurred less than 30 minutes later on State Road 50 near Sloans Ridge Road, outside of Groveland, completely shutting down State Road 50. This is the second fatal crash in that area

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Clermont man killed in fiery head-on crash with semi

GROVELAND, Fla.—A Clermont man was killed late Sunday night after crashing into a tractor-trailer head-on, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 24-year-old Clermont man was driving a 2024 Toyota Crown eastbound on State Road 50, west of Sloans Ridge Road, near the Lake County/Sumter County line, when he failed to negotiate a curve, traveled into the westbound lane, and hit a 2015 Freightliner being driven by a 69-year-old Tampa man, shortly before 10:30 p.m. The Toyota caught fire, and the Clermont man was pronounced deceased on the scene, FHP said. The Tampa man was transported to South Lake Hospital

Clermont man killed in fiery head-on crash with semi Read More »

Fatality shuts down SR 33 near Groveland

GROVELAND, Fla.— State Road 33 near Groveland is shutdown while the Florida Highway Patrol investigates a crash that killed at least one person. The crash occurred shortly after noon near the intersection of Pine Island Road. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, motorists traveling south on State Road 33 will be rerouted to Redwing Road, motorists traveling north on State Road 33 will be rerouted to Florida Boys Ranch Road and motorists traveling west on Pine Island Road will be rerouted to Montevista Road. This is developing story.

Fatality shuts down SR 33 near Groveland Read More »

6th Annual Lake County Back the Blue & Red Walk scheduled for Saturday

TAVARES, Fla.—For the sixth year running, public safety and its supporters will join forces for the annual Lake County Back the Blue & Red Walk. Scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at Wooton Park in Tavares, this is one of many law enforcement-related events around Lake County held in May during Law Enforcement Appreciation Month and last year, Organizer Shannon Cook added firefighters to the appreciation walk. The walk began in 2019 to show support for law enforcement during a time when the “defund the police” movement was making its way across the country, Cook said, representatives from several law enforcement

6th Annual Lake County Back the Blue & Red Walk scheduled for Saturday Read More »

Wrong way crash near Groveland kills Altamonte Springs woman, injures 2 Leesburg women

GROVELAND, Fla.—A woman driving the wrong way down U.S. Highway 27 was killed Wednesday and two other women were injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 9:45 p.m., a 30-year-old Altamonte Springs woman was driving a 2017 Dodge Charger southbound in the northbound inside lane north of Adkins Lane near Groveland when she struck a 2017 Toyota Corolla head-on. The Charger rotated clockwise, causing a 2016 Jeep Renegade to collide with the left side of the Charger. The driver of the Charger was pronounced deceased on the scene, the driver of the Corolla, a 45-year-old Leesburg woman, suffered minor

Wrong way crash near Groveland kills Altamonte Springs woman, injures 2 Leesburg women Read More »

Fatal crash shuts down Lake Erie Road near Groveland, Mascotte man killed

GROVELAND, Fla.—Lake Erie Road is closed in both directions near County Road 565 outside of Groveland, as the Florida Highway Patrol investigates a fatal crash. A 31-year-old Leesburg man was driving a 2020 Ford F350 westbound on Lake Erie Road and failed to maintain his lane while negotiating a curve. He went off the road and hit a tree around 5:20 p.m. Monday, according to FHP. The driver was transported to Orlando Health – South Lake Hospital with serious injuries and his passenger, a 27-year-old Mascotte man, was pronounced deceased on the scene. The crash remains under investigation.  

Fatal crash shuts down Lake Erie Road near Groveland, Mascotte man killed Read More »

Crash near Howey-in-the-Hills kills Dunnellon man late Saturday, injures 2 Groveland teens

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 30-year-old man and injured two teens Saturday night. Shortly before 11:45 p.m., a 17-year-old male of Groveland, was driving a 2020 Audi A3 southbound on State Road 19 near Arrowtree Boulevard, outside of Howey-in-the Hills, when he veered into the northbound lane. The A3 sideswiped a 2013 Ford Mustang traveling northbound, sending the Mustang off the right side of the road, where it struck a ditch, according to FHP. The driver of the Mustang, a Dunnellon man, was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the A3,

Crash near Howey-in-the-Hills kills Dunnellon man late Saturday, injures 2 Groveland teens 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 »

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 »

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.

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

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 »

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 »

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 »

5th Annual Lake County Back the Blue (and Red) Walk scheduled for Saturday; Firefighters added this year

TAVARES, Florida—For the fifth year in a row, law enforcement and supporters will join forces for the annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk at Wooton Park Saturday morning, and this year firefighters will join the fun.  Scheduled for 9 a.m., this is one of many law enforcement events around Lake County held in May during Law Enforcement Appreciation Month and this year, Organizer Shannon Cook wanted to add firefighters to the appreciation walk to coincide with the Lake County Board of County Commissioners proclaiming May 4 “International Firefighters’ Day” in Lake County, she told Inside Lake. “I figured what

5th Annual Lake County Back the Blue (and Red) Walk scheduled for Saturday; Firefighters added this year Read More »

FHP searching for suspect who carjacked Groveland man on I-75

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.— The Florida Highway Patrol is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man who carjacked a Groveland man on Interstate 75 early Friday morning. Around 2 a.m. Friday, a 38-year-old-old Groveland man, working as a supervisor for American Medical Response (AMR,) found a crashed pickup truck on the southbound I-75 exit ramp to westbound Interstate 4. The truck was later found to be stolen, according to FHP. The Groveland man encountered a man who immediately fled on foot and then saw a second man standing in the road. The second man then jumped on the side of

FHP searching for suspect who carjacked Groveland man on I-75 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 »

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

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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.

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Benefit for LCSO Deputy Diagnosed with Cancer Scheduled for Saturday

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

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

5 Arrested in Lake County Child Sex Sting

TAVARES, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of five people Monday who are accused of traveling with the intent to have sex with a juvenile earlier this month. “After unknowingly talking online with an undercover detective, the subjects traveled to a predetermined location with the intent to have sex with a child. All suspects were taken into custody upon arrival,” LCSO said in a statement. The suspects are: Musa Sawaneh, 25, who traveled from Temple Terrace. Jason Spencer, 40, who traveled from Tavares. Kahlil Amilivia Rodriguez, 25, who traveled from Groveland. Bhaveshkuma Vekaria, 45, who traveled from Orlando.

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

TAVARES, Fla.—Three more victims have come forward with accusations against a school safety officer arrested for child rape last month. James Wolfe, 50, has been behind bars since his arrest Aug. 18 after the Department of Children and Families reported allegations of sexual abuse to Groveland Police Department. “After a thorough investigation, Groveland Police detectives were able to confirm elements of the allegation and 50-year-old James Wolfe was arrested and charged with sexual battery, engaging in sexual battery with a child under 18 years of age and giving obscene material to a minor,” GPD spokesperson Sarah Panko said in an

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School Safety Officer Accused of Child Rape Held on No Bond

GROVELAND, Florida—A Lake County Schools school safety officer assigned to Mount Dora High School has been arrested for multiple sex offenses involving a child, according to Groveland Police Department. James William Wolfe, 50, of Groveland, was arrested Friday after the Department of Children and Families (DCF) reported allegations of sexual abuse to GPD, said Sarah Panko, spokesperson for GPD. “After a thorough investigation, Groveland Police detectives were able to confirm elements of the allegation and 50-year-old James Wolfe was arrested and charged with sexual battery, engaging in sexual battery with a child under 18 years of age and giving obscene

School Safety Officer Accused of Child Rape Held on No Bond Read More »

Groveland Man Arrested for 2nd DUI in a Week, 4th in 2 Years

GROVELAND, Florida—A Groveland man is behind bars accused of DUI for the second time in a week and the fourth time since 2021. Shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday, Groveland Police Department responded to the area of State Road 50 and State Road 33 on a report of man leaving a residence drunk. The complainant told GPD what the man was driving and that he had been arrested the week before for DUI. An officer spotted the red Hyundai Daniel Joseph Smrekar, 59, was driving leaving a nearby gas station and began following it. The Hyundai had faulty brake lights and

Groveland Man Arrested for 2nd DUI in a Week, 4th in 2 Years Read More »

Groveland Police Officer Under Investigation and on Leave After Arrest for Domestic Incident at Mount Dora Restaurant

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Groveland Police Department officer is under internal investigation and on paid administrative leave after he was arrested last week for felony domestic battery by strangulation. Joshua Allen Somers, 48, a six-year veteran of GPD and a school resource officer at South Lake High School, was arrested after an altercation with his wife that was captured on surveillance video at a popular restaurant and bar in Mount Dora. The video captured him grabbing her by the hair, striking her head against a wooden guardrail and putting his hand around her neck, according to an arrest affidavit. On July

Groveland Police Officer Under Investigation and on Leave After Arrest for Domestic Incident at Mount Dora Restaurant Read More »

“Bad Choice” and Lake County Arrest Leads to Orange County Deputy’s Termination

GROVELAND, Florida—An Orange County deputy sheriff has been fired after getting arrested by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy Wednesday. Juan Alberto Morales-Padilla, 44, of Groveland, was arrested after fleeing an LCSO deputy when the deputy attempted to stop him on his yellow motorcycle on State Road 50 in Clermont, around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to an arrest affidavit. The deputy was behind the motorcycle when it passed a vehicle in the median and the deputy attempted a traffic stop. Padilla failed to slow down, and the deputy activated his sirens and Morales-Padilla turned around and looked at him and

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Mascotte Teen Accused Shooting Man in the Foot

MASCOTTE, Florida—A teeneger suspected of firing multiple shots at a Mascotte residence and shooting a man in the foot earlier this month was arrested Friday, according to an arrest affidavit. Shortly before 10:45 p.m. June 8, Mascotte Police Department responded to the 300 block of Betty Lane on a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the foot and multiple witnesses came forward and identified the shooter as Luis Antonio Lopez, 19, of Groveland, according to a probable cause affidavit. The investigation revealed a fight occurred between multiple people and

Mascotte Teen Accused Shooting Man in the Foot Read More »

Marion County Teen Suspected of Killing 3 Taken Into Custody near Groveland Saturday Night

GROVELAND, Florida—The teen wanted in connection with the murders of three teenagers last month in Marion County was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Saturday, south of Groveland, according to a Facebook post by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Inside Lake was tipped off Tahj Brewton, 16, was in custody, but LCSO was “unable to confirm,” shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday. On Friday Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods announced Brewton was wanted and two other juveniles had been arrested in the murders of Layla Silvernail and Camille Quarles, both 16. A 17-year-old boy was

Marion County Teen Suspected of Killing 3 Taken Into Custody near Groveland Saturday Night Read More »

Dry Conditions Force Countywide Burn Ban

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—Lake County officials imposed a burn ban effective Friday that will last indefinitely, according to a press release. The burn ban is in effect for all of Lake County and prohibits the burning of yard debris, land and recreational fires but does not include outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills and barbecue pits that have a total fuel area of 3 feet or less and 2 feet or less in height. Dry conditions forced the move by county officials and surrounding counties have enacted similar bans. For more than three weeks, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) rating has exceeded 500

Dry Conditions Force Countywide Burn Ban Read More »

Suspect Who Surrendered to LCSO SWAT Team Monday was Wanted for Attempted Murder, Separate Shooting

EUSTIS, Florida—The man who surrendered to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team Monday afternoon was wanted for numerous charges stemming from two separate shootings this month, including attempted murder. Eduardo “Gordo” Ramirez, 24, of Mascotte was wanted in the shooting of a man on Bay Lake Road in Groveland Monday, according to an arrest affidavit. LCSO deputies responded to Bay Lake Road Monday at an unknown time, and the victim, who was shot in his left leg, told deputies Ramirez shot him during an argument. The victim said Ramirez was in the driver’s seat of a white SUV, later identified

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Pedestrian Killed on CR 473 Near Leesburg Late Thursday Night

LEESBURG, Florida—A 41-year-old Groveland man was killed Thursday night while walking in the southbound lane of County Road 473 near Lake Drive, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi. Shortly after 10:30 p.m., a 2012 GMC Acadia being driven by a 38-year-old Leesburg man was traveling southbound on County Road 473 when it struck the Groveland man, killing him. The Leesburg man told troopers he did not see the man walking in his lane, Crescenzi said in a press release. The Groveland man was pronounced deceased on the scene and the Leesburg man suffered minor injuries. The crash remains

Pedestrian Killed on CR 473 Near Leesburg Late Thursday Night Read More »

Polk County Detention Deputy Killed in Groveland Crash Wednesday

GROVELAND, Florida—The young man killed in the head-on crash with a semi on State Road 33 in Groveland Wednesday has been identified as a Polk County detention deputy, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO.) Drake Sawyer Perry, 22, of Ocoee, was driving a 2014 Mazda 3 northbound on State Road 33 near Double H Lane when he veered into the southbound lane and struck a 2014 Volvo semi-truck head-on being driven by a 32-year-old man from Duluth, Georgia at 11:20 a.m. Wednesday. The semi then hit the rear left of a 2018 Hyundai Elantra, being driven by a 34-year-old

Polk County Detention Deputy Killed in Groveland Crash Wednesday Read More »

Separate Crashes Shut Down 2 Major Roads in Groveland Wednesday

GROVELAND, Florida—Two major roads were shut down Wednesday as both Groveland Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol simultaneously worked traffic crashes. GPD shut down State Road 19 between Bible Camp Road and Laviance Boulevard due to a crash at State 19 and Cherry Lake Road around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Cherry Lake Road was also shut down at Cherry Lake Landing, according to a GPD social media post. No other details were available at press time. FHP shut down State Road 33 north of Double H Lane following a fatal crash that occurred at 11:20 a.m. Wednesday. A man driving

Separate Crashes Shut Down 2 Major Roads in Groveland Wednesday Read More »

$1 Million Winning Scratch-Off Ticket Purchased in Leesburg

LEESBURG, Florida—A Groveland woman has claimed a $1 million prize from a winning scratch-off ticket she purchased in Leesburg, the Florida Lottery announced Monday. Cynthia Jackubowski, 56, bought the 500X THE CASH ticket for $50 at Quick Stop, 1200 West Main Street, Leesburg; the store will get $2,000 commission for selling the ticket, the Florida Lottery said. Jackubowski claimed her prize at lottery headquarters in Tallahassee, and chose to take her winnings as a one-time, lump sum payment of $820,000.

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Man Accused of Ramming Deputies, Carjacking and Crashing into School Bus Earlier this Month Facing More Charges 

GROVELAND, Florida—The man who deputies say rammed three patrol vehicles in a stolen truck, carjacked a citizen and crashed into a school bus is facing five new charges, including three counts of felony criminal mischief, according to a new arrest affidavit. Joseph Anthony Dale Crawford, 23, of Clermont is in the Lake County Jail on no bond after his two-county crime spree on Feb. 3 ended with him crashing a stolen Ford Bronco into a Lake County Schools bus. Around 6 a.m. Feb. 3, a woman called the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and reported her white 2019 Ford F-250 had

Man Accused of Ramming Deputies, Carjacking and Crashing into School Bus Earlier this Month Facing More Charges  Read More »

Suspect Rams 3 Deputies in Stolen Truck, Flees Across 2 Counties, Carjacks SUV and Crashes into School Bus in Groveland Friday  

GROVELAND, Florida—A man is facing a slew of charges in Lake and Orange counties after stealing a struck, ramming three Lake County Sheriff’s Office patrol cars, carjacking a citizen and crashing into a school bus Friday morning, according to LCSO Lt. Fred Jones. LCSO received a call from the owner of the truck around 6 a.m. and she said her truck had been stolen in the middle of the night. She provided GPS coordinates to LCSO, and deputies tracked to truck to a gas station near Hartle Road in Clermont, Jones said. They found Joseph Crawford, 23, of Groveland, pumping

Suspect Rams 3 Deputies in Stolen Truck, Flees Across 2 Counties, Carjacks SUV and Crashes into School Bus in Groveland Friday   Read More »

State Attorney Creates Animal Cruelty Task Force

OCALA, Florida—In an effort to streamline delivering justice to those who hurt animals, State Attorney Bill Gladson has created an Animal Cruelty Task Force for the Fifth Judicial Circuit that includes Lake, Citrus, Hernando, Marion and Sumter counties, his office said in a press release last week. The task force includes the Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC,) county animal services, and local law enforcement agencies and the goal is for law enforcement, animal services and animal protection organizations to work together to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty crimes throughout the circuit, according

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Man Gave False Name and Reeked of Marijuana When He Attempted to Pick Up High School Girl After She was Arrested, Police Say

EUSTIS, Florida—A man not only lied about his name when he went to pick up a female Eustis High School student who was arrested Thursday, he also reeked of marijuana and had more than an ounce of it in his car when he went to pick her up, according to an arrest affidavit. Brandon Alex Mitchell-Sanchez, 23, of Groveland went to the Eustis High School Curtright Campus, 1801 East Bates Avenue pick up a juvenile female who was arrested in a separate incident around noon Thursday, the affidavit states. The juvenile’s name and charges were not available at press time.

Man Gave False Name and Reeked of Marijuana When He Attempted to Pick Up High School Girl After She was Arrested, Police Say Read More »

Groveland Woman Found in Cardiac Arrest Following 4-Vehicle Crash Wednesday

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Florida—A 73-year-old Groveland woman found in cardiac arrest following a crash Wednesday, failed to stop on an Interstate 4 exit ramp and caused the chain-reaction crash, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Channing Taylor.   The woman was driving a sedan when she failed to stop for traffic on the exit ramp at I4 and State 436 in Altamonte Springs at 3:10 p.m. Wednesday, Taylor said in a press release. The woman’s car struck a sedan being driven by a 48-year-old Apopka man, pushing his sedan into another sedan being driven by a 52-year-old Longwood man and pushing

Groveland Woman Found in Cardiac Arrest Following 4-Vehicle Crash Wednesday Read More »

Crash Claims Life of Groveland Man, CR 33 Remains Closed Friday Night

UPDATE 9:36 p.m.: County 33 has reopened. GROVELAND, FLORIDA—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a single-car crash that killed a Groveland man Friday afternoon. The 23-year-old man was southbound on County Road 33 around 5:30 p.m. near Odom Lane when he ran off for the road for unknown reasons, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The 2004 Monte Carlo he was driving collided with a utility pole and he was transported to Blue Cedar Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was wearing a seatbelt. County Road 33 remained closed at 9 p.m. Friday between Simon Brown

Crash Claims Life of Groveland Man, CR 33 Remains Closed Friday Night Read More »

Man Causes $50K Damage to Clermont Business, Bites Groveland Police Officer

CLERMONT, Florida—A Clermont man already in the Lake County Jail facing serious charges now stands accused of driving through a rollup door and causing $50,000 damage to a local business last month. Adaly Flores Flores, 30, of Clermont, was arrested shortly before 8 p.m. May 26 after allegedly striking multiple vehicles in Groveland’s Cypress Oaks neighborhood, striking a portable potty, light poles and finally crashing into a retention pond, before charging toward a witness and running through a retention pond into a marshy area, according to an arrest affidavit. Groveland Police officers and a Florida Highway Patrol trooper located Flores

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Leesburg Woman Killed in State Road 44 Crash Tuesday Morning

EUSTIS, Florida— The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 21-year-old Leesburg woman Tuesday morning. The woman was westbound on State Road 44 near Bottany Woods Drive just after 8:30 a.m. in a 2003 Ford Ranger when she veered onto the shoulder, overcorrected and entered the eastbound path of a 2021 Ford Ranger hauling a trailer. The 2021 Ranger was being driven by a 45-year-old Groveland man, according to FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi. The two Rangers collided, and the 2021 Ranger overturned and came to a final rest on its roof, the driver suffered minor injuries and

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Man Dead Following Altercation, Shooting in Daycare Parking Lot

GROVELAND, Florida—A man has died following a shooting at a Groveland daycare Thursday afternoon, according to Groveland Police Department. Two men got into a physical altercation around 4:15 p.m. in the parking lot of We Are The Future Academy, 207 Groveland Farms Road, which resulted in Stephan Jefferson being shot once, GPD spokesperson Sarah Panko said in a press release. Jefferson was transported by air to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, and the other man was transported to South Lake Hospital with minor injuries. “This was an isolated incident with no immediate threat to the community.

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Tragic Easter Weekend: Groveland Child Dies After Being Struck in Driveway

GROVELAND, Florida—A 7-year-old girl has died after being run over in a driveway Easter Sunday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 70-year-old Groveland woman was parked in a driveway dropping off family members at a home on County Road 48 near County Road 33 at 4:30 p.m. The woman put the van in “drive” and failed to realize her 7-year-old granddaughter was in front of the van, and she was struck, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. The girl, also of Groveland, was transported to UF Health Leesburg, where she later died. The crash remains

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Middle School Girl Arrested After Blue Ink Foils Her Plan To Get Another Student In Trouble

GROVELAND, Florida—A 12-year-old Gray Middle School student was arrested Tuesday after blue ink foiled her plan to get another student in trouble. Administrators at Gray Middle School, 205 E. Magnolia St., Groveland, contacted Groveland Police in reference to a shooting threat, according to an arrest affidavit. A 12-year-old girl told them around 3 p.m. she was informed about threats that were written about her in the girls second floor bathroom. The girl went to the bathroom and took a photo of the blue writing and it reportedly stated, “Imma shoot up this school tmr and (girl’s name) XOXO. Love yall.

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Two People Killed, Road Ranger Vehicle Struck On Turnpike During “Move Over Month”

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida—One fatal crash turned into another fatal crash early Monday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 3:20 a.m., a 22-year-old female of Orlando was stopped in a sedan for an unknown reason in the right southbound travel lane of Florida’s Turnpike at mile marker 269 near Winter Garden, according to FHP Lt. Kim Montes. A 22-year-old man of Port Clinton, Ohio was traveling southbound in a pickup truck and failed to see the sedan stopped in the travel lane. The truck struck the rear of the sedan, and the female was killed; the pickup truck driver

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Neighbor Accused Of Shooting, Killing Dog Because It was In His Trash

GROVELAND, Florida—A man is facing a charge of aggravated animal cruelty after allegedly shooting and killing his neighbor’s dog. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home on Sandcastle Drive in unincorporated Groveland around 10 a.m.  Jan. 10, according to an arrest affidavit. When they arrived, they found a couple covered in blood who told them their dog had been shot by the neighbor. The man left to take the dog to the emergency vet and the woman told LCSO she walked out to call her dogs and heard a single gunshot. She observed her older dog limping and

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Groveland Woman Heartbroken After Horse Shot To Death

GROVELAND, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a horse was found shot to death Sunday morning near Groveland. Jackie the horse was found by her owner, Tonya Sanders when Sanders went to feed her Sunday morning on the 13-acre property she owns with her husband, she told Inside Lake. Sanders found 15-year-old Jackie dead from a gunshot wound around 9 a.m. in her pasture on Indianhouse Lane near State Road 19 in unincorporated Groveland, according to an LCSO report.  Sanders and her husband told LCSO that between 10 and 11 p.m. Saturday they heard two loud booms they

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