Lady Lake

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 from Fruitland Park Police Department deployed a tire deflation device, and the teen was taken into custody. His name has not been released.

Witnesses told LLPD a fight started between two groups inside the restaurant and continued outside in the parking lot, where the teen is accused of firing the shots, Pappacoda said. No one was injured. Officers found several shell casings in the parking lot and a handgun along the highway near where the teen fled police.

The teen was arrested for four counts of discharging a firearm in public, two counts of fleeing and eluding, driving without a license and aggravated battery. The aggravated battery charge stems from the teen hitting someone as he sped out of the parking lot, Pappacoda said.

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Suspects on the run after stealing $1K worth of liquor from Lady Lake store

LADY LAKE, Fla.—Lady Lake Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying four people who stole more than $1,000 in liquor from a warehouse club Monday night.

The suspects assaulted an employee at Sam’s Club, 755 North U.S. Highway 441/27, and escaped the scene in a black Mercedes-Benz, license plate L5RTU, Communications Director Elisha Pappacoda said.

Surveillance video captured the Mercedes-Benz the suspects left in Monday night. PHOTO: Lady Lake Police Department

The car is registered to a white male transient in the Orlando area and similar incidents have been reported across Florida, with the most recent incident occurring in Palm Beach Gardens. The thefts appear to be related, Pappacoda said.

If you have information, call Det. Jim Dunagan at 352-751-1565 or email jdunagan@ladylake.org.

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Lady Lake police remind residents to secure their vehicles following uptick in burglaries

LADY LAKE, Fla.—Lady Lake Police Department is reminding residents to secure their vehicles following an uptick in vehicle burglaries.

Twelve burglaries were reported over the weekend, 10 in the town limits of Lady Lake and two in Lake County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, Town of Lady Communications Elisha Pappacoda said in a press release.

The burglaries occurred on Ann Avenue, Jennifer Drive, Mark Drive, Silver Oak Avenue and Tarson Boulevard. In each instance, the vehicle was left unlocked and rummaged through, with loose change stolen in most incidents, Pappacoda said.

LLPD suggests residents utilize the following tips to prevent being victimized.

Lock Your Vehicles: Always lock your car doors when the vehicle is unoccupied.

Remove Valuables: Do not leave keys or valuables in your vehicles.

Be Aware: Turn on exterior lights and set your security alarms.

Residents are encouraged to adopt the “9 p.m. Routine,” a nightly practice of securing their homes and vehicles. By doing this, residents can significantly reduce the risk of becoming victims of crimes of opportunity.

“The Lady Lake Police Department relies on the vigilance and cooperation of the community to keep the area safe. If you observe any suspicious activity, please contact the Lady Lake Police Department immediately,” Pappacoda said. “Your awareness and prompt reporting can make a difference in protecting your neighborhood.”

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BREAKING NEWS: 911 down in Lake County

TAVARES, Fla.—Lake County Public Safety Communications (911) is experiencing intermittent outages due to Hurricane Debby. Residents may not be able to reach dispatchers in an emergency. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call the non-emergency number at 352-343-2101.

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Lady Lake police investigating after man found dead in golf cart Sunday night

LADY LAKE, Fla.—Lady Lake Police Department is investigating after a man was found dead in a golf cart Sunday night.

The 59-year-old man, whose name has not been released, was found after LLPD responded to 1 LaGrande Boulevard and found him unresponsive around 10 p.m. Sunday.

“There were no signs of foul play, however the cause of death is unknown. Police do not believe there is any cause for alarm to the community,” Town of Lady Lake Spokesperson Elisha Pappacoda said in an email.

If you have any information on the man’s death, call LLPD at 352-751-1565.

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Lady Lake police asking for tips to crack the case that left a young man dead last year

LADY LAKE, Fla.—It’s been nearly a year since 20-year-old Bryson Leverette was gunned down by a group of armed suspects in the Skyline Hills area of Lady Lake and Lady Lake Police Department has a new, seasoned detective on the case.

Leverette and another victim were leaving a home at 104 Caroline Avenue around 12:45 a.m. June 30, 2023, when they were approached by the group, armed with several firearms, Town of Lady Lake Spokesperson Elisha Pappacoda said in a press release.

LLPD responded to the home after a report of gunshots and found Leverette deceased, and a second person suffering from gunshot wounds was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspects fled the area in an unknown vehicle and no arrests have been made.

“Since his death, Leverette’s girlfriend gave birth to their son, and his mother continues to grieve his violent, unsolved death,” Pappacoda said.

Earlier this year, Det. James Dunagan joined LLPD after spending more than 20 years at Leesburg Police Department, and last month he took the case over. Dunagan worked many cases while at LPD, and the 2006 disappearance of Trenton Duckett was one of his most notable cases.

“I am committed to working toward a resolution for Bryson’s family. They deserve answers,” Dunagan said. “We ask that anyone with information come forward to help us bring justice in this case.”

If you have information, call Dunagan at 352-751-1565 or email him at jdunagan@ladylake.org. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477.)

Previous stories: Lady Lake Shooting Victim Identified – Inside Lake

Lady Lake Police Investigating Shooting that Killed One Person and Injured Another Early Friday – Inside Lake

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Lady Lake honors young artists at Monday’s commission meeting

LADY LAKE—The Town of Lady Lake hosted its annual Water Conservation Poster Contest awards presentation during the Town Commission meeting on Monday. The event showcased the talent of first, second, and third-grade students from The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake, who submitted posters.

Under the theme “One Water, One Earth,” young artists explored innovative ways to promote water conservation through their artwork. Brittany Wendt, art teacher at The Villages Elementary, played a pivotal role in nurturing the students’ artistic endeavors.

Nine winning posters were selected, and the winners were honored with gift cards, gift bags, and medals. Their artwork will be prominently displayed at the Lady Lake Library, serving as a reminder of the importance of water conservation to our community.

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Coffee with Lady Lake Town Manager scheduled for next week

LADY LAKE—Coffee with the Town Manager is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at Lady Lake Library. Lady Lake Town Manager Bill Lawrence will be at Lady Lake Library, 225 West Guava St. for a casual conversation discussing town services, news and events. Enjoy coffee and light snacks provided by Friends of the Lady Lake Library.

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1095441401906996/

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

MARION COUNTY, Fla.—A Lady Lake woman was killed Monday morning after losing control of an SUV and crashing into a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The 49-year-old woman was southbound on Southeast 47th Avenue north of Southeast Highway 42 when she lost control for an unknown reason, traveled into the northbound land and struck a tree off the west shoulder around 9 a.m. Monday, FHP Lt. P.V. Riordan said.

She was pronounced deceased on the scene and was not wearing a seatbelt, Riordan said.

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

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla.—A Lady Lake man is accused of being drunk, causing a crash that killed a man and fleeing the scene Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Robert Brandon Vanzant, 31, of Lady Lake was speeding southbound in a Ford F-150 on North Carl G. Rose Highway and passing traffic on the shoulder shortly before 2:30 p.m. Sunday, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said.

Vanzant merged back into traffic near East Spruce Drive and rear-ended a Honda Accord being driven by a 62-year-old Lecanto man. The impact propelled the Honda across the road, where it struck a bridge rail and then collided with a second Ford F-150 being driven northbound by a 42-year-old Beverly Hills man.

The Lecanto man was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The Beverly Hills man suffered minor injuries.

Vanzant, who was not injured, left the scene, dumped his truck at a nearby gas station and fled on foot into a pasture where he was apprehended by Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Gaskins said.

Vanzant was later arrested by FHP for DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash with death, leaving the scene of a crash with injuries and driving while license suspended with death.

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