Lake County

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

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

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Mount Dora Man Killed in Marion County Crash

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

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Man Ejected and Killed in Friday Night Turnpike Crash

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—A Delray Beach man was killed Saturday night on Florida’s Turnpike after the SUV he was driving struck a tractor-trailer, a concrete barrier and the tractor-trailer again, causing the SUV to overturn and eject him, according to the Florida Highway Patrol The 44-year-old Delray Beach man was driving a BMW X3 shortly before 10 p.m. Friday southbound on Florida’s Turnpike near mile marker 276 when he made an improper lane change, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The right side of the BMW struck the left front of a tractor-trailer and the Delray Beach man

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Man Accused of Robbing Downtown Eustis Business has Lengthy Criminal History

EUSTIS, Florida—The man Eustis Police say robbed a downtown business Friday has a lengthy prison history and served his first prison sentence nearly 20 years ago, according to court records. Jacob Thomas Parrish, 36, of Umatilla, was arrested shortly after 3 p.m. Friday after employees of Wells Fargo Advisors, 127 North Bay Street, in the heart of downtown Eustis, called 9-1-1 and reported Parrish entered the business armed with a knife. EPD Capt. Jon Fahning told Inside Lake Friday. Police believe Parrish thought the location was a bank; the building, at the corner of Bay Street and McDonald Avenue houses

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Man in Custody After Entering Downtown Eustis Building Armed with Knife

EUSTIS, Florida—A man is in custody after entering a downtown Eustis building armed with a knife Friday afternoon. Jacob Parrish, 36, of Umatilla entered Wells Fargo Advisors, 127 North Bay Street around 3 p.m. Friday armed with a knife while three employees, two females and a male were in the building, Eustis Police Department Capt. Jon Fahning told Inside Lake, the only media on the scene. The three employees barricaded themselves in a room and Parrish refused to let them out and they called police, Fahning said. Parrish locked himself in the building at the corner of Bay Street and

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Female Jogger Fights Off Attacker with Water Bottle in Eustis Friday Morning

EUSTIS, Florida—A woman who was jogging on Country Club Road in Eustis Friday morning was grabbed from behind by a man in what police describe as a “bear hug” and she fought him off with a water bottle, police say. The woman was jogging northbound around 10:30 a.m. when the man came up behind her and grabbed her in a “bear hug” and thrust his hips into her in an aggressive and sexual manner, Eustis Police Department Capt. Jon Fahning told Inside Lake. The victim hit the unidentified man with a water bottle, and he fled southbound on Country Club

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

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

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Accused Mother-Daughter Fraudsters Facing More Than 250 Charges

EUSTIS, Florida—A report of identity theft at a Eustis bank last year launched a seven-month investigation that unraveled a mother-daughter Medicaid fraud scheme that culminated in a search warrant and an arrest earlier this month, according to an arrest affidavit. In September 2022, Eustis Police Department responded to Wells Fargo, 16949 U.S. Highway 441 after a man reported his identity had been stolen and used to open a bank account. A lengthy investigation revealed the account was used to funnel money to Heather Linette Steverson, 55, and her daughter, Jessica Linette Chechile, 34, for alleged rides they gave to Medicaid

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Woman Accused of Hitting Sleeping Man with Frying Pan

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A 67-year-old woman is in the Lake County Jail after a man told a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy she hit him on the head with a frying pan while he was sleeping Thursday. Around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, an LCSO deputy responded to a home on Westland Road in Mount Dora on a report of a battery. A witness told the deputy she arrived at the residence and Janet Daubenmire Harley, who lives at the home, reportedly said, I’m going to kill that (expletive) or I will pay somebody to kill for me and that,” her arrest affidavit

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Fatal Crash Shuts Down Southbound Lanes of Turnpike Friday Morning

Update 11:54 a.m.: The southbound lanes have been reopened. The on-ramp from U.S. Highway 27 to Florida’s Turnpike remains closed. HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Florida—A fatal crash has shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike at mile marker 285 in the Howey-in-the Hills area, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi. Shortly before 3 a.m. Friday, a 2018 Kia Sorrento rear-ended a 2003 Buick Century, killing the woman driving the Buick. The woman had not been identified at press time. The driver of the Kia, a 39-year-old Orlando man, was transported to South Lake Hospital in Clermont with serious injuries. He

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Paisley Man Arrested for Trafficking Fentanyl after K9 Onyx Sniffs Out the Deadly Drug During Traffic Stop

DeLAND, Florida—A failure to use a turning signal and following too closely led to the arrest of a Paisley man after he was found with a brick of fentanyl under the hood of the truck he was driving in the DeLand area of Lake County Tuesday night, according to an arrest affidavit. A deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office spotted a white Ford pickup truck tailgating a car near the River Forest Campground around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday shortly after another deputy saw the truck turn on County Road 42 from State Road 44 without using a turning signal. Deputies

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Leesburg Man Accused of Shooting at Truck with 5-Year-old Child in it During Road Rage Incident on Florida’s Turnpike

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man is being held in the Osceola County Jail on no bond, accused of shooting a truck that contained a 5-year-old child in a road rage incident on Florida’s Turnpike Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi. A trooper was conducting traffic enforcement in the median of Florida’s Turnpike near Kenansville shortly before 6:30 p.m. Sunday when he observed a white sedan driving recklessly and changing lanes around a white pickup truck in the northbound lanes. The trooper made his way into traffic and watched the white car continue to improperly change lanes

Leesburg Man Accused of Shooting at Truck with 5-Year-old Child in it During Road Rage Incident on Florida’s Turnpike Read More »

4 Teenagers Arrested Sunday After Mount Dora Resident Catches Their Misdeeds on Camera

MOUNT DORA, Florida—Four suspected vehicle burglars were nabbed after a resident notified Mount Dora Police Department his home security system captured them checking the door handles of at least six vehicles early Sunday morning. MDPD responded to the area of Mount Dora Apartments, 3001 Northland Road just before 5 a.m. Sunday after receiving a 9-1-1 call from a resident who said his cameras captured four teens in an older red Toyota sedan checking door handles, according to several arrest affidavits. An officer located the suspected vehicle nearby at Epic Theaters, 2300 Spring Harbor Boulevard and blocked it in and attempted

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Man Apprehended in Tavares by Multiple Agencies Last Year Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

OCALA, Florida—A Leesburg man who was apprehended near a Tavares motel more than a year ago has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Timothy Eric “Tater” Evans, 41, was taken into custody March 3, 2022 near La Bella Inn, 101 West Burleigh Boulevard by multiple agencies on a federal warrant issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) stemming from an incident that occurred in Tavares on May 21, 2021. In May 2021, Evans was found with a stolen vehicle and an officer with

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Boy, 12, Arrested for Threatening School Shooting After Classmate’s Mom Intercepts Group Text Message

EUSTIS, Florida—A 12-year-old boy was arrested Monday night after a mom alerted her child’s principal to group text messages between several Faith Lutheran School students that included a student threatening to shoot some of his classmates. Inside Lake is not naming the boy due to his age.    Eustis Police Department responded to Faith Lutheran School, 2727 South Grove Street after the principal reported he had received an email from a parent of a student at the school. The principal said the parent stated she had received text messages on her child’s phone that contained threats to “shoot up the

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Orlando Man Arrested for 2022 Umatilla Murder

UMATILLA, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in the murder of a man in Umatilla last year.   Only Inside Lake was on the scene after Antwain “Lil Daddy” Hart, 31, was found suffering at least one gunshot wound Nov. 8. 2022 in front of a home on Merrell Avenue in the Southside area of unincorporated Umatilla. He was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares by Lake EMS, but died during transport, LCSO Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake last year. Hart’s rental vehicle, a 2022 white Jeep Cherokee, was stolen at the time of his murder

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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

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Lucky Streak: For the Third Month in a Row, Lake County Resident Claims $1 Million Lottery Prize

LEESBURG, Florida—For the third month in a row, a Lake County resident has claimed a $1 million prize from a Florida Lottery scratch-off ticket, the Florida Lottery announced Friday. Leesburg resident Edward Haggerty purchased the $20 GOLD RUSH LIMITED ticket Circle K, 2211 North Citrus Boulevard, Leesburg and chose to take his prize as a one-time, lump sum payment of $795,000, officials said. The store that sold the ticket will receive a $2,000 bonus.  In February, Cynthia Jackubowski, of Groveland claimed a $1 million prize from a ticket she purchased in Leesburg and last month, William Rundall, 69, of Astatula

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Man Arrested for Wielding Knives at Umatilla Police Chief Thursday, Father Arrested for Resisting Cops

UMATILLA, Florida—A father and son are both facing charges stemming from an incident that started at a home in Umatilla and ended at Gwinn Cadwell Park Thursday afternoon. Just before 2:45 p.m. Thursday, a Umatilla Police Department officer responded to a battery call on Lakeside Avenue in Umatilla, according to an arrest affidavit. Tracey Todd Baker, 55, told the officer his son, Stacey Reese Baker, 19, had gotten into an argument with his girlfriend and took off on foot. While at that location, the officer heard on the radio UPD Chief Adam Bolton was out with Stacey Baker at Gwinn

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Stolen $100K SUV Spotted by Deputy at Gas Pump

EUSTIS, Florida—A $100,000 stolen SUV spotted at a gas pump by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy landed a Eustis man in jail Sunday on multiple charges, including trafficking in heroin. Shortly after 1:45 p.m. Sunday the deputy was patrolling the area of Orange Avenue and Abrams Road when he saw a 2024 white Mercedes SUV that matched the description of an SUV recently stolen from Tavares at a gas pump. The SUV is valued at $100,000 according to the affidavit. LCSO pulled into Circle K, 2754 East Orange Avenue, and observed a man, later identified as Trevon Markques Williams,

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Marion County Man Accused of Child Sex Crimes in Eustis

TAVARES, Florida—A Marion County man taken into custody by U.S. Marshals last week in Marion County on a warrant for sex crimes against a young child in Eustis has been transferred to the Lake County Jail. William Grady Keel, 26, was picked up by U.S. Marshals on a warrant for sexual battery on a child under 12 and lewd or lascivious molestation on a child under 12 on Thursday, Eustis Police Department Capt. Dave Carney told Inside Lake. According to the address listed for Keel on LCJ’s online booking records, Keel lives in the Umatilla area of Marion County. The

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Eustis Crash Kills Ohio Man Saturday Night, Mount Dora Man Airlifted

EUSTIS, Florida—A man has died following a crash that shut down U.S. Highway 441 near the Eustis/Tavares line Saturday night. Only Inside Lake was on scene of the crash at U.S. Highway 441 and Dillard Road that occurred shortly before 8:30 p.m. Saturday. After receiving a 9-1-1 call, Eustis Police Department arrived at the scene and found two heavily-damaged vehicles, a grey 2001 Jeep SUV and red 2020 Chevrolet Corvette that were approximately 150 feet away from each other. Police are investigating a motorcycle’s possible involvement in the crash, EPD Chief Craig Capri said. The crash shut down U.S. Highway

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Barricaded Sorrento Man Now Accused of Sex Crimes

TAVARES, Florida—The Sorrento man who barricaded himself in a shed Wednesday night requiring a response from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team is now facing four charges for sex-related crimes, according to LCSO online booking records. Gregory Tippett, 62, was in an altercation with multiple juveniles Wednesday night at his home on Swan Road in Sorrento, according to a report. He later armed himself and fired several shots, shooting himself in the leg, and then barricaded himself in a shed on the property. After first refusing to come out, he surrendered to LCSO’s SWAT Team and was transported to

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Man Who was Barricaded in Sorrento Shed Wednesday Arrested for Child Abuse, Battery, Discharging Gun

SORRENTO, Florida—The man who fired several shots and barricaded himself in a shed Wednesday night is being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond. According to a heavily-redacted report, a juvenile at the home on Swan Road was upset and Gregory Tippett, 62, who lives at the home, went outside and grabbed melatonin container and threw it at an undisclosed person. Tippett then said he was going to leave and went to get something out of the refrigerator, a witness told the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The relationship between Tippett, the witness and the juveniles was not available

Man Who was Barricaded in Sorrento Shed Wednesday Arrested for Child Abuse, Battery, Discharging Gun Read More »

13-year-old Boy Killed in Tragic Bicycle Crash Identified, Family Sets Up Fund for Funeral Expenses

ALTOONA, Florida—The teenage boy tragically killed Thursday afternoon on State Road 19 has been identified on social media by his family. Dylan Kelley, 13, was riding his bicycle southbound on the paved shoulder of State Road 19 when he veered into the path of a Ford F-250 for an unknown reason near Shockley Trail Road and his home in Altoona, shortly after 5 p.m. He was pronounced deceased on the scene, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Channing Taylor said Thursday. Dylan, described as outgoing and loving, always took care of his family, a post on a gofundme account states. Dylan’s family

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Teen Riding Bicycle Killed in Altoona Thursday

ALTOONA, Florida—A 13-year-old Altoona boy was killed Thursday afternoon when the bicycle he was riding veered into the path of a truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The boy was riding his bicycle southbound on the paved shoulder of State Road 19 when he veered into the path of a white Ford F-250 also traveling southbound on State Road 19 at 5:10 p.m. near Shockley Trail Road, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. The teen was pronounced deceased on the scene. The 33-year-old Oxford man driving the truck was not injured and remained on scene, Taylor

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FHP Investigating Bicycle Fatality in Altoona, SR 19 Shut Down

ALTOONA, Florida–The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatality that occurred Thursday afternoon. The crash killed a bicyclist, possibly a juvenile, just before 5: 15 p.m. Thursday, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said. State Road 19 is shut down at Shockley Trail Road. This is a developing story.

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Man Taken into Custody After Barricading Himself in Sorrento Home

SORRENTO, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has taken a man into custody after he was barricaded in a home on Swan Road in Sorrento Wednesday night. The incident started as a domestic situation and the suspect barricaded himself in the home and became suicidal, LCSO Lt. Fred Jones told Inside Lake. The man was taken into custody shortly after 9:30 p.m. No other details were available at press time.

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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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Where’s Waldo? LCSO Increases Reward for Missing Fugitive to $10,000, Girlfriend Arrested

TAVARES, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has increased the reward for a man who ditched his DUI manslaughter trial earlier this month and arrested his girlfriend for assisting him. Zachery Maurice Waldo, 36, was on trial earlier this month for killing Christopher Smith, 44, his wife, Jessica Smith, 35, and their daughter Hailey Smith, 13, all of Eustis, more than three years ago. Their son Hunter, just 11 years old, was the sole survivor in the vehicle his family was riding in. Christopher and Jessica died on the scene of the Christmas Eve 2019 crash and Hailey died on Christmas

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Shooting Suspect Taken into Custody by LCSO Monday

EUSTIS, Florida—Only Inside Lake was on the scene in a normally quiet neighborhood that saw a lot of excitement as the Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team moved in on a wanted shooting suspect Monday afternoon Deputies were attempting to locate Eduardo Ramirez, a suspect in a case the criminal investigations bureau was working, LCSO Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake as the SWAT Team and marked units staged at an undisclosed location. LCSO moved in on the home at the corner of Washington Avenue and Ohio Boulevard—just one half of a mile from Eustis High School as school let

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Umatilla Man Arrested for DUI Manslaughter in Death of Sorrento Woman Last Year

EUSTIS, Florida—A Umatilla man has been arrested for the April 2022 death of a Sorrento woman who was killed in a motorcycle crash in Eustis less than two weeks after her 28th birthday.   Edgar Wesley Tello, 65, had an alcohol level of .017—more than twice the legal limit at the time of the crash, according to medical records subpoenaed by Eustis Police Department following the crash. On April 24, 2022 Rebekah Jo Towner, 28, was a passenger on 2006 Harley Davidson being controlled by Tello, northbound on Grove Street, when he struck a curb, rode on the grass and

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Early Morning Clermont Head-on Collision Kills Man, 35

CLERMONT, Florida—A Miami Beach man was killed when the SUV he was driving crashed head-on into an RV early Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 35-year-old man was driving a grey Mitsubishi SUV westbound on County Road 474 when he made a wide right turn on State Road 33, and crossed the center line, striking an RV head-on in unincorporated Clermont just after 3 a.m. Sunday, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. The Miami Beach man was pronounced dead on the scene by Lake County Fire Rescue, Taylor said. The driver of the RV,

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Lady Lake Man Arrested for Throwing Soda at His Grandma and Spitting on Her and Cop

LADY LAKE, Florida—A Lady Lake man has been in the Lake County Jail for a week after being arrested for throwing a Dr. Pepper can at his grandma and spitting on her and a police officer, according to an arrest affidavit. When Lady Lake Police Department officers responded to the home on Cierra Oaks Circle the afternoon of March 18,  Larry Alan Reed, 27,  “assumed a boxer stance with his fists balled up” and reportedly said, “Come on,” to a pair LLPD officers. One officer unholstered his taser and pointed at Reed, who complied and was taken into custody. While

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Leesburg Man Caught on Video Cutting Wires and Stealing from His Former Home

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg man was arrested last week after he was caught on video cutting wires at his former home earlier this month. On March 10, the owner of the home reported his former tenant, Frank Kendle Collins, 60, was captured on video cutting wires from a power pole to the home on Rancho Drive in the Bassville Park area of unincorporated Leesburg, causing $5,000 worth of damage. Collins also cut wires under the home and on the air conditioning unit, the homeowner told the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. LCSO reviewed the surveillance video and Collins can be seen cutting

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Collision with Golf Cart Kills Villages Bicyclist in Sumter County

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—An 80-year-old bicyclist was killed after a golf cart turned into his path Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Villages man was riding his bicycle westbound on the Hillsborough Trail shortly before 8:30 a.m. when a golf cart being driven by a 69-year-old woman of Rochester, New York, turned left at the intersection of Ichabod Way, directly in his path. The golf cart driver was unable to see the man due to the glare of the early morning sun, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. The bicyclist struck the golf cart, was

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Boy, 13, Threatens to “Shoot Up” Rival Lake County School on Snapchat

CLERMONT, Florida—A 7th grade Lake Pointe Academy student was arrested Wednesday after a deputy at a rival school received a tip he threatened to “shoot up” Windy Hill Middle School, according to an arrest affidavit. Inside Lake is not naming the 13-year-old boy due to his age. Windy Hill Middle School’s (WHMS) school resource deputy (SRD) received a tip and screenshot of a snap the Lake Pointe Academy (LPA) student posted on his Snapchat account that reportedly said, “Windy to be shoot up.” The WHMS SRD contacted the LPA SRD and sent her the screenshot, according to the affidavit. The

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Tavares Man Accused of Breaking Neighbor’s Window and Causing Chaos in Convenience Store Tuesday

TAVARES, Florida—A man accused of breaking his neighbor’s window and causing chaos in a convenience store Tuesday morning is in the Lake County Jail being held on $2,000 bond. A neighbor of Damon Hamilton Fish, 45, told Tavares Police Department before sunrise Tuesday that Fish was outside of his own home on Willow Court throwing a large trash can at his windows. Fish then walked into her yard and threw a bar of soap in a “sack” through her 14-year-old daughter’s bedroom window, causing $1,000 in damage, she told TPD. Fish left and apparently went to Circle K, 439 South

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Leesburg Police Department and U.S. Marshals Search Home Tuesday Morning for Missing Suspect, Nobody Home

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department and the U.S Marshals served a search warrant Tuesday morning in their quest to find a man who left court last week in the middle of his trial, but came up empty, LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi told Inside Lake. LPD and the U.S. Marshals searched the home on East Street, near Dixie Avenue, but nobody was home, Iozzi said.  The scene caused a commotion and garnered several posts on popular Facebook word of mouth groups Tuesday morning. “The (U.S.) Marshals task force acquired a search warrant for the house,” Iozzi said in a text. Zachery Maurice

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Ocala Woman Killed in Early Morning Leesburg Crash  

LEESBURG, Florida—An Ocala woman was killed early Monday morning when the car she was riding in crashed into a pole, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. Around 12:45 a.m. Monday, LPD responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and U.S. Highway 441. Police believe Enock Sulfa, 40, of Ocala was traveling north on U.S. Highway 27 in a 2012 Hyundai when he lost control and struck a power pole, Iozzi said. Sulfa, and his passengers, Larousse Telfort, 64, and Maria Seraphin-Telfort, 66, both of Ocala, were transported to UF Health Leesburg, where Seraphin-Telfort succumbed

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Man, 28, Arrested for Grabbing 81-Year-Old Man Who Ducked his Punch at Eustis Grocery Store

EUSTIS, Florida—A 28-year-old man is being held in the Lake County Jail on $5,000 bond after video surveillance showed him grabbing an elderly man and attempting to punch him at a Eustis grocery store Thursday afternoon., according to an arrest affidavit. The victim, 81, told Eustis Police Department that a man, later identified as Jason David Payne, of Eustis, came into Winn-Dixie, 1995 North State Road 19 around 5 p.m. Thursday, “acting strange.” Payne was in and out of the store yelling and then threw down a display rack that struck the victim’s wife’s foot, the victim told police. The

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9-Month Investigation Uncovers Conspiracy to Smuggle Drugs into Jail, 3 Arrested, Including Siblings

TAVARES, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has arrested three people and is looking for a fourth person, it says conspired to smuggle drugs into the Lake County Detention Center, better known as the Lake County Jail or LCJ. LCSO announced Friday it arrested Victoria Morrison, 24, of Lady Lake, Robert Morrison, 28, of Leesburg, and Anthony Arnold, 37, of Fruitland Park and a warrant has been issued for the arrest Patrick White, 40, of Okahumpka, according to a press release. Victoria Morrison and Robert Morrison are brother and sister, LCSO Lt. Fred Jones told Inside Lake. According to LCSO, Victoria

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Motorcyclist Killed in Head-On Crash, Paisley Woman Airlifted Thursday

PAISLEY, Florida—A Daytona Beach man was killed Thursday afternoon when the motorcycle he was riding drifted into oncoming traffic and struck a car head-on, seriously injuring a Paisley woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 72-year-old man was riding a 2007 Harley-Davidson eastbound on County Road 42 west of 4th Street when he entered the westbound lane and struck a 2017 Hyundai Veloster being driven by a 23-year-old woman shortly before 2 p.m. The impact caused the Hyundai to run off the road and strike several trees, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The motorcycle rider

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Hours After Alleged Crime, Eustis Attempted Rape Suspect Bitten by LCSO K9 and Taken into Custody Thursday

EUSTIS, Florida—The man accused of attempting to rape a woman at a Eustis massage business was bitten by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office K9 and taken into custody just hours after the crime, according to Eustis Police Department Capt. Dave Carney. Surveillance video from a nearby business clearly showed the license plate of the vehicle the suspect was driving, and he was quickly identified as Timothy Paul Taylor, 35, by EPD. They went to his last known address in Eustis and neighbors told police he moved to Palmetto Street. Officers arrived at the home he shares with his mother and

Hours After Alleged Crime, Eustis Attempted Rape Suspect Bitten by LCSO K9 and Taken into Custody Thursday Read More »

Eustis Police Searching for Armed Suspect Accused of Assaulting and Battering Woman Thursday

EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department is searching for an armed man, accused of assaulting and battering a woman at massage business Thursday morning. A “younger” white male, approximately 5 feet 7 inches, wearing tan pants, a black hoodie, a red medical mask and armed with a gun entered the back door of A-1 Massage and Spa, 1316 South Bay Street, Thursday morning, EPD Capt. Dave Carney told Inside Lake. He pulled his pants down, grabbed a female employee by the hair, put the gun to her head, pushed her head down and demanded a sex act. The woman was able to

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Man Accused of Killing Family in 2019 DUI Christmas Eve Crash Leaves Trial for Lunch and Never Comes Back, Found Guilty in Absentia

TAVARES, Florida—A man on trial this week for killing three members of the same family on Christmas Eve 2019 is on the run after leaving his trial during a lunch break and never coming back—and was convicted the same day, according to Lake County Clerk of Court docket information. Zachery Maurice Waldo, 36, is accused of killing Christopher Smith, 44, his wife, Jessica Smith,35, and their daughter Hailey Smith, 13, all of Eustis. Their son Hunter, just 11 years old, was the sole survivor in the vehicle his family was riding in. Christopher and Jessica died on the scene of

Man Accused of Killing Family in 2019 DUI Christmas Eve Crash Leaves Trial for Lunch and Never Comes Back, Found Guilty in Absentia Read More »

Mount Dora Police Arrest Armed Man Accused of Shooting Woman Twice Sunday Night

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Mount Dora man is being held on no bond after a woman told Mount Dora Police he shot her at least twice Sunday night, according to an arrest affidavit. Shortly before 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Mount Dora Police Department responded to the 1500 block of Pine Avenue in reference to a shooting and when they arrived they found a woman in a 2010 Nissan passenger vehicle suffering from at least two gunshot wounds. The victim told police “Jason,” later identified as Jason Jameel Ganga shot her while she was attempting to leave and he was inside. There were

Mount Dora Police Arrest Armed Man Accused of Shooting Woman Twice Sunday Night Read More »

Another $1 Million Scratch-Off Ticket Sold in Lake County

ASTATULA, Florida—An Astatula man is more than $800,000 richer after claiming a $1 million prize on a scratch-off ticket, the Florida Lottery announced Tuesday. William Rundall, 69, claimed the prize at the Florida Lottery’s Orlando District Office and chose a one-time, lump sum payment of $820,000, lottery officials said. Rundall bought the 500X THE CASH ticket for $50 at Food Mart, 13512 Georgia Avenue, Astatula; the store will receive $2,000 bonus commission for selling the ticket. Just last month, Cynthia Jackubowski, 56, of Groveland claimed her $1 million prize from a ticket she purchased in Leesburg. She also chose a

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Woman Arrested For Neglect After Leaving 2 Children with Store Employee Overnight

LADY LAKE, Florida—A woman is in the Lake County Jail after leaving two children overnight with a gas station employee she did not know, according to an arrest affidavit. Around 6 a.m. Sunday, Lady Lake Police Department responded to Circle K, 3 La Grande Boulevard, Lady Lake on a report of two abandoned children. When they arrived, an employee told officers an unknown woman, later identified as April Maxwell, 39, came into the store around 10 p.m. Saturday and left the children, aged 7 and 13. The employee said he believed the woman was under the influence of narcotics due

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8-year-old Arrested for Cutting Foster Brother’s Throat, Kicking Deputy in the Stomach

CLERMONT, Florida—An 8-year-old boy was arrested Saturday after his foster brother told deputies he choked him and swung a kitchen knife at his throat, cutting his neck, according to an arrest affidavit. Inside Lake is not naming the boy due to his age. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at a home in unincorporated Clermont after receiving a weapons complaint shorty before 4:30 p.m. Saturday. When they arrived, a witness said the boy cut another child’s throat and was outside without the knife. Deputies found the boy outside banging on the front door of the home, “emotionally crying” and stating

8-year-old Arrested for Cutting Foster Brother’s Throat, Kicking Deputy in the Stomach Read More »

Man Swerves to Avoid Vehicle Sunday morning, Crashes Through Eustis Guardrail

EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department is investigating a crash that sent a vehicle into a ditch near David Walker Drive and U.S. Highway 441 Sunday morning. Yash Patel told Eustis Police Department he was traveling down U.S. Highway 441 when a vehicle pulled out in front of him from the 7-Eleven/Dunkin Donuts exit, and he swerved to avoid it. He lost control, crashed through the guardrail and went down the embankment. He was not injured. He told EPD the other vehicle fled towards Tavares, and a description of the vehicle was not available. If you have information on Sunday’s crash, call

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Woman Who Ripped Off Clermont Spa for Cosmetic Procedure Picked up on Warrant More than 2 Years Later

TAVARES, Florida—A Clermont woman wanted for grand theft of a cosmetic procedure she received more than two years ago was finally picked up on the warrant in Hillsborough County and transferred to Lake County last week. In November 2020, The Spa at South Lake, 1900 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont performed a cosmetic procedure on Eboni Nykia Wheeler, 41, and when it was time to pay the $1,098 bill, Wheeler said she did not have her credit card with her and gave The Spa a backup credit card number. Wheeler did not give employees the actual card, a Clermont Police Department

Woman Who Ripped Off Clermont Spa for Cosmetic Procedure Picked up on Warrant More than 2 Years Later Read More »

Montverde Man Arrested on Multiple Child Pornography Charges, More than 1,000 Images Found  

MONTVERDE, Florida—A Montverde man is being held on no bond after a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) resulted in a search warrant that revealed more than 1,000 digital child pornography images, some with children younger than 4 years old, according to a probable cause affidavit. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) began investigating Joseph A. Greene, 64, after NCMEC reported Greene had uploaded approximately 500 child pornography images to his Google account between Feb. 18, 2022 and Oct. 25, 2022. FDLE executed a search warrant for his account and found graphic images depicting

Montverde Man Arrested on Multiple Child Pornography Charges, More than 1,000 Images Found   Read More »

Accused Fraudsters Scam Elderly Man and Sell His Clermont Home, According to Police

CLERMONT, Florida—After a months-long investigation by Clermont Police Department, two men were arrested this week after scamming an elderly man out of his home and selling it late last year. According to a probable cause affidavit, in November 2022, the victim’s niece filed an online complaint with Clermont Police Department stating she believed her uncle was a victim of foreclosure fraud and she found his house was for sale, which was impossible because he is mentally and physically impaired and was admitted to a rehabilitation facility. She also stated she and her husband had power of attorney (POA) over most

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Lady Lake Police Release More Details in Applebee’s Shooting, Victim Identified

LADY LAKE, Florida—Lady Lake Police Department continues to investigate a shooting that left a man dead early Tuesday morning. In a press release late Wednesday afternoon, LLPD Deputy Chief Jason Brough said a man, identified as Dishaun Marquis Hudson, 38, of Leesburg was seated outside at a patio table with a group of people at Applebee’s, 1009 Bichara Boulevard, Lady Lake. Hudson walked into the parking lot where at least three  gunshots were fired and vehicle left. After the shots were fired, several customers of the restaurant fled out the back door and Hudson walked around to a side door

Lady Lake Police Release More Details in Applebee’s Shooting, Victim Identified Read More »

Deputies Shut Down State Road 44 After Tragic Incident Monday Afternoon

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story stated the incident happened on Tuesday; the incident happened on Monday and the story has been corrected. Publisher’s Note: The following story contains details about an incident involving a suicide on State Road 44 Tuesday afternoon. Inside Lake determines if we will cover a suicide on a case-by-case basis. Generally, we only cover a suicide if it is in a public place, as in this case. We also want to share resources that are available to our readers if they need help. Locally, the M.I.K.E. Endowment is available, visit https://www.themikeendowment.org/ and the National

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Unidentified Man Dead After Multiple Altercations at Lady Lake Restaurant

LADY LAKE, Florida—Lady Lake Police Department is investigating an incident that left a man dead early Tuesday morning, according to LLPD Deputy Chief Jason Brough. The man, who has not been identified, arrived at Applebee’s, 1009 Bichara Boulevard just after 1 a.m. Tuesday and was involved in an altercation outside, where at least three gunshots were fired, Brough said in a press release. Employees of the restaurant locked the doors and called 9-1-1. The man attempted to enter through the front door, found it locked, and a female who was inside the restaurant opened a side door and let him

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Accused Bank Robber Nabbed by Leesburg Police Several Blocks from the Scene of the Crime

LEESBURG, Florida—A man is custody after Leesburg Police Department found him running several blocks from a busy bank that was robbed Monday morning, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. Brandon J. Hooks, 38, of Lady Lake is accused of giving a teller a note indicating he was robbing Wells Fargo, 2271 Citrus Boulevard just after 9:30 a.m. Monday. Hooks, who was wearing all black, did not brandish a gun, Iozzi said.   The teller complied and LPD responded to the scene after receiving multiple robbery alarms and confirming the robbery with a bank employee by phone. Hooks fled the scene

Accused Bank Robber Nabbed by Leesburg Police Several Blocks from the Scene of the Crime Read More »

Fruitland Park First Friday Market Set to Begin this Week

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida—A new, daytime monthly market is set to begin this Friday in Fruitland Park. Orange Blossom Market Co. has partnered with the City of Fruitland Park to create the Fruitland Park First Friday Market. The market is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Friday of each month at Fruitland Park City Hall, 506 West Berckman Street and will run through May, taking a break during the sweltering summer months and kicking back off in September, Orange Blossom Market Co. Founder and Organizer Sheena Willis told Inside Lake. “The market will be a place where locals

Fruitland Park First Friday Market Set to Begin this Week Read More »

Armed Robbery Suspect and Nephew Charged in 2022 Tavares Murder

TAVARES, Florida—Last August, only Inside Lake uncovered a man accused of multiple armed robberies across Lake County was suspected in the murder of Alejandro “Alex” Garcia. On Thursday, Dustin “Chico” Perdue was charged with his murder; and on Monday night his nephew, Octavious Marquis Reed was nabbed by U.S. Marshals and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit, Tavares Police Detective Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. Perdue, 27, and Reed, 23, are accused of shooting Garcia, 29, and Darnell Lester, 31, April 8, 2022 at Caroline Court Apartments, 1000 East Caroline Street in Tavares. Garcia, of Mount Dora, succumbed

Armed Robbery Suspect and Nephew Charged in 2022 Tavares Murder Read More »

Man, Angry Over a Ride, Accused of Slapping Deputy’s Hand and Disorderly Intoxication

LEESBURG, Florida—A man apparently angry that a pair of Uber delivery drivers would not take him anywhere, slapped a deputy’s hand, got tased and went to jail Saturday night, according to an arrest affidavit.  A Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy was flagged down in the 11000 block of Huggins Street in the Bassville Park area of Leesburg by two females around 10:30 pm. Saturday. The pair told the deputy they arrived at a home on Huggins to pick up a package and they were approached by Jemerh Tyrik Cosby, 26, who lived at the home. Cosby, who they said appeared

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FHP: Suspect Fleeing Lady Lake Police Crashes Into SUV, Sends Woman, 2 Teens to the Hospital

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol has released information on the crash that killed a suspect and sent three people to the hospital Saturday afternoon. A 35-year-old Orlando man driving a black Hyundai Elantra fled Lady Lake Police Department just after 4 p.m. Saturday and “due to its recklessness and speeds Lady Lake PD lost sight of (the car,) FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said. The Hyundai continued to drive recklessly and began driving southbound in the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 27/441 near 466A in Fruitland Park. The Hyundai struck a silver Kia Sportage being driven by a 43-year-old woman

FHP: Suspect Fleeing Lady Lake Police Crashes Into SUV, Sends Woman, 2 Teens to the Hospital Read More »

Man, 21, Killed in ATV Crash

LEESBURG, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating an ATV crash that killed a Leesburg man Saturday afternoon. The 21-year-old man struck a pole while riding an ATV around 5:15 p.m. and was pronounced dead on the scene at Veech Road and Pruitt Street near Leesburg, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. It is unknown if the man was riding the ATV on the roadway, or if he was wearing a helmet. There was no other information available at press time because FHP’s traffic homicide investigator was sent to additional fatal crashes that occurred soon after the ATV

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Suspect Flees Lady Lake Police Wrong Way Down U.S. 27, Crashes into Vehicle, Suspect Dead, 3 Airlifted

FRUITLAND Park, Florida—A theft suspect is dead after fleeing from Lady Lake Police Department Saturday afternoon, crashing into an unsuspecting vehicle and sending three people to the hospital, according to Fruitland Park Police Chief Erik Luce.    FPPD was notified that Lady Lake Police Department was pursuing a vehicle into the city limits of Fruitland Park after a LLPD officer stated on the radio a suspect attempted to use their vehicle to run into an officer, Luce said in a press release. The officer was investigating a theft at Home Depot, 871 U.S. Highway 27, Lady Lake when the incident

Suspect Flees Lady Lake Police Wrong Way Down U.S. 27, Crashes into Vehicle, Suspect Dead, 3 Airlifted Read More »

State to Seek Death Penalty in Brutal Murders of Elderly Mount Dora Couple

TAVARES, Florida—The woman accused of brutally stabbing an elderly Mount Dora couple in their Waterman Village home may pay for the crimes with her life. On Thursday morning, Assistant State Attorney Jamie McManus e-filed a “notice of intent to seek the death penalty,” in the case against Vickie Lynn Williams, 50, for the murders of Darryl Getman, 83, and Sharon Getman, 80. The married couple was murdered in their home sometime between the hours of 11 p.m. Dec. 30, 2022, and 2 a.m. Dec. 31. The Getmans’ bodies were found by Mount Dora Police officers after they received two 9-1-1

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Troopers Investigating Fatal ATV Crash Near Leesburg

LEESBURG, Florida—An ATV crash has killed at least one person Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers are investigating the crash at Veech Road and Pruitt Street that occurred around 5:20 p.m., FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in an email; no other information has been released. There is a roadblock in the area. This is a developing story.

Troopers Investigating Fatal ATV Crash Near Leesburg Read More »

Leesburg Woman Accused of Keeping Loaner SUV for More than a Month

CLERMONT, Florida—A woman who police say kept a loaner vehicle for more than a month, turned herself in at the Lake County Jail Thursday on a warrant for failure to redeliver a hired vehicle, according to an arrest affidavit. Tamera Shania Pollard, 26, of Leesburg, dropped off her vehicle, a silver 2014 Mazda 6 for service at Headquarter Mazda, 17500 State Road 50, Clermont, and was given a white 2022 Mazda CX-30 as a loaner vehicle on July 15, 2022, a representative of the dealership told Clermont Police Department on Aug. 19, 2022. Pollard failed to return the vehicle and

Leesburg Woman Accused of Keeping Loaner SUV for More than a Month Read More »

FHP: Multivehicle Crash Kills 2, Shuts Down Southbound Turnpike Lanes, Delays Expected for Hours

LEESBURG, Florida—Two people are dead following a multivehicle crash that shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Channing Taylor. The crash involves four passenger vehicles and two tractor-trailers and two people were pronounced dead at the scene, Taylor said. Southbound traffic is being diverted at mile marker 289 and travelers should expect heavy traffic and delays for several hours, according to Taylor.

FHP: Multivehicle Crash Kills 2, Shuts Down Southbound Turnpike Lanes, Delays Expected for Hours 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 »

Bushnell Motorcyclist Killed in Crash With Villager

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—A motorcyclist was ejected from his motorcycle and killed Wednesday morning after a sedan rear-ended him on State Road 44 near County Road 44A in Sumter County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 65-year-old motorcyclist of Bushnell, was westbound on State Road 44, when a sedan being driven by a 44-year-old man of The Villages, “overtook and collided with the rear of the motorcycle,” shortly before 6 a.m. Wednesday, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. The motorcyclist was ejected and suffered fatal injuries; the driver of the sedan was not injured, Gaskins said.

Bushnell Motorcyclist Killed in Crash With Villager Read More »

FWC Releases Name of Man Found in Lake Griffin Tuesday

LEESBURG, Florida— The man found in Lake Griffin Tuesday has been identified, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC.) Around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported finding an empty boat on Lake Griffin near Herlong Park in Leesburg, FWC Public Information Officer Chad Weber told Inside Lake. FWC responded to the scene and the body of an adult male was found in the water nearby where the empty boat was found, and Leesburg Fire Rescue recovered the body of Thomas G. Eichelberger, 80. Eichelberger was brought to the boat ramp, where he was pronounced

FWC Releases Name of Man Found in Lake Griffin Tuesday Read More »

Body, Unmanned Boat Found in Lake Griffin Tuesday, FWC Investigating

LEESBURG, Florida—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating after the body of an adult male was found near an unmanned boat around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, FWC Public Information Officer Chad Weber told Inside Lake. The name of the man has not been released pending notification of his next of kin, Weber said. There was no obvious cause of death, and the man was turned over to the medical examiner. Weber responded to the scene along with Leesburg Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office marine unit. “It’s an active investigation,” Weber said, and an update is

Body, Unmanned Boat Found in Lake Griffin Tuesday, FWC Investigating 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.

$1 Million Winning Scratch-Off Ticket Purchased in Leesburg Read More »

Witnesses: Man Slapped Woman, 68, During Altercation on Clermont Lake

CLERMONT, Florida—A day on the water ended in a trip to jail for a St. Cloud man after a 68-year-old woman reported he slapped her across the face and witnesses backed her claim, according to an arrest affidavit. Clermont Police Department responded to a report of a physical altercation shortly after 4:45 p.m. Sunday. The victim told police she was boating with her family on Lake Palatlakaha and a man, later identified as Juan Carlos Pareja, 45, drove a jet ski close to the boat. A verbal altercation ensued and multiple people on jet skis aggressively surrounded to boat, she

Witnesses: Man Slapped Woman, 68, During Altercation on Clermont Lake Read More »

Man Accused of Smoking Marijuana and Yelling in Popular Town Square, Fights Cops as They Try to Arrest Him Thursday

THE VILLAGES, Florida—A man who was causing a disturbance at a popular town square resisted Lady Lake Police officers and tried to fight them as they took him into custody, according to an arrest affidavit. LLPD responded to Main Street and Paige Place in Spanish Springs Town Square on a report of a man yelling and disturbing the peace around 11 a.m. Thursday. They found Eric Alan Feliciano, 29, at the scene and attempted to speak to him, the affidavit states.   Feliciano, of Oxford, refused to identify himself and began yelling at officers, causing patrons to stop and see

Man Accused of Smoking Marijuana and Yelling in Popular Town Square, Fights Cops as They Try to Arrest Him Thursday Read More »

Leesburg Man Loses Control of SUV on Interstate 75, Dies in Pasco County Crash

PASCO COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man was killed and his passenger seriously injured, after he lost control of the SUV he was driving on Interstate 75 Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 75-year-old man was driving northbound on Interstate 75, near mile marker 279, when he lost control, left the roadway, struck a fence and collided with a tree shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. The Leesburg man suffered fatal injuries, and his passenger, a 73-year-old woman, also of Leesburg, suffered serious injuries. Her condition was unknown at press time.  

Leesburg Man Loses Control of SUV on Interstate 75, Dies in Pasco County Crash Read More »

Hundreds of People Come Out for Eustis African American Heritage Celebration

EUSTIS, Florida—The crowds were large Saturday and the weather was beautiful for the 28th Annual Eustis African American Heritage Celebration. Beginning with a parade of nearly 150 entries, paradegoers were treated to candy and appearances by Parade Marshal Verma Evans, the Eustis African American Heritage Festival Committee, Eustis Junior Panthers players and cheerleaders, Magic Boyz, along with Eustis City Commissioners, Eustis Police Department, Eustis Fire Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. For the second year running, Inside Lake participated in the parade. The fragrance of all the scrumptious food available at the festival wafted through the air during the

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Clermont Woman Accused of Diverting Thousands of Dollars Intended for Her Employer to Herself

CLERMONT, Florida—A woman already convicted of fraud and on federal work release is accused of diverting funds intended for her employer to various money exchange apps, according to a probable cause affidavit. Jenifer Elizabeth Hoffman, 46, of Clermont, misrepresented herself as a partner in K&S Cleaning, the owner of the company told Clermont Police Department in August 2022. She told police Hoffman began working for her in September 2020 as an hourly employee and worked her way up to a marketing and networking associate. In June 2022, the owner discovered Hoffman had been embezzling money since March 2021 by introducing

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Fundraiser Created for Man, 71, Left Paralyzed from January Head-On Crash

ORLANDO, Florida—A fundraiser has been created for the elderly man who was airlifted following a head-on collision in January at a Eustis intersection notorious for crashes. A 19-year-old Leesburg man was driving a Dodge Ram south on County Road 452 when he attempted to make a left turn on County Road 44 and turned into the path of a black Toyota sedan being driven by Bernard Perry, 71, of Zellwood around 6:30 a.m. Jan. 19. The front of the truck struck the front of the sedan, seriously injuring Perry and he was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center, Eustis Police

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Lake County Tigers Secretary Turns Herself In After Being Accused of Stealing Thousands of Dollars

MOUNT DORA, Florida—For the second time in as many months a board member of a Lake County youth sports organization has been arrested for stealing funds meant to benefit the children. Tamara Lamar Jones, 38, of Leesburg, is accused of stealing nearly $13,000 from Lake County Tigers Inc., a Mount Dora based youth softball organization, while she served as secretary, according to a probable cause affidavit. From January 2022 through September 2022, Jones is accused of diverting $7,544 to her personal Venmo account and $5,274 to her Cash App account for a total of $12,818, the affidavit states. The Lake

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Sorrento Woman Killed, Eustis Man Seriously Injured in Volusia County Crash

De LEON SPRINGS— A Sorrento woman was killed Thursday afternoon after the car she was riding in rear-ended a Ford F-350 on U.S. Highway 17 in Volusia County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 2013 Hyundai Elantra being driven by a 41-year-old Eustis man, was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 17 approaching West Davis Street near De Leon Springs in Volusia County, when he failed to slow for a Ford F-350 pickup truck shortly after 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The Hyundai rear-ended the Ford, seriously injuring the Eustis man. His passenger, a 40-year-old woman from Sorrento, was transported to AdventHealth

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Leesburg Man Arrested After Fleeing Eustis Valentine’s Day Crash and Critically Injuring Man in Second Crash  

EUSTIS, Florida—A man without a license who police say fled a chain-reaction crash he caused, ran two stop signs and then slammed into the side of a Ford Focus on Valentine’s Day is facing three charges related to the crashes, according to an arrest affidavit. Gustavo Miguel Garcia, 29, of Leesburg was driving a white Ford flatbed pickup truck when he rear-ended a black Dodge SUV at Grove Street and Floral Avenue and fled the scene just before 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, witnesses told Eustis Police Department. The witnesses followed Garcia and he turned onto Wilt Avenue, and ran the stop

Leesburg Man Arrested After Fleeing Eustis Valentine’s Day Crash and Critically Injuring Man in Second Crash   Read More »

Thirsty Shirtless Man Arrested After Allegedly Smashing Windows, Doors and Coolers at Leesburg Subway

LEESBURG, Florida –A Leesburg man was nabbed at a local sub shop early Saturday morning after a passerby reported seeing him throwing rocks at the restaurant, according to an arrest affidavit. Leesburg Police Department responded to Subway, 1320 South 14th Street, Leesburg at 3:12 a.m. after someone reported seeing a man, later identified as Frederick Charles McPherson, throwing rocks at the shop and breaking the windows. When LPD arrived at the restaurant, an officer observed two large windows and both front doors smashed out, with a shirtless McPherson on the scene. McPherson was detained and the officer found several rocks

Thirsty Shirtless Man Arrested After Allegedly Smashing Windows, Doors and Coolers at Leesburg Subway Read More »

Couple Killed in Umatilla Rollover Crash

UMATILLA, Florida—A married couple was found deceased Saturday morning after crashing their car and being found by the owner of the property where they crashed, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Marquis Timmerman, 24, of Paisley, was driving a blue Chevy Malibu north on County Road 439 near Live Oak Ranch Road in unincorporated Umatilla, when she lost control and traveled onto the east shoulder, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. The Malibu collided with a drainage ditch and several trees before becoming airborne, overturning coming to a final rest in the wooded area on the east

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Pedestrian Succumbs to Injuries Following Crash in Paisley Friday Morning

PAISLEY, Florida—A Paisley woman was killed after she stepped into the path of a car on County Road 42 in Paisley Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 42-year-old woman was crossing County Road 42 at the intersection of Crooked Mile Road, near Dollar General, when she was struck by 2001 beige Toyota Camry being driven by a 38-year-old Paisley man around 6:45 a.m. She was not in a crosswalk. She was flown to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford where she succumbed to her injuries, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. The Toyota

Pedestrian Succumbs to Injuries Following Crash in Paisley Friday Morning Read More »

FHP Investigating Double Fatality Near Umatilla

UMATILLA, Florida— The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed two people Saturday morning in unincorporated Umatilla, according to FHP Lt. Channing Taylor. The crash was reported shortly after 8:30 a.m. and two occupants were found deceased inside the vehicle on Live Oak Ranch Road near County Road 439. Troopers are still on scene and working to determine the sequence of events and identify the victims of the crash, Taylor said.   This is a developing story.

FHP Investigating Double Fatality Near Umatilla Read More »

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 »

K9 Sniffs Out More Than a Pound of Meth Monday Afternoon

EUSTIS, Florida— Two people are in the Lake County Jail on more than $100,000 bond for drug charges, including trafficking in methamphetamine, after Eustis Police Department’s K9 Mya sniffed out more than a pound of the drug. Shortly after 2:45 p.m. Monday, Jamie Leigh Gregory, 36, drove past EPD on South Bay Street with her passenger, Robert L. Mullins, 48; Mullins was not wearing his seatbelt. Officers pulled the red pickup truck over and it stopped in the parking lot of a nearby funeral home, according to an arrest affidavit. Gregory, of Eustis, and Mullins, of Dona Vista, abruptly jumped

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Woman Flees Deputies in Stolen Car, Drives Herself to the Lake County Jail  

TAVARES, Florida—An Astor woman is in the Lake County Jail after fleeing deputies in a stolen car in unincorporated Leesburg and ending her escapade outside the sallyport doors at the jail Saturday night, according to an arrest affidavit. An LCSO deputy observed a gray car roll the stop sign at Harbor Shores Road and Pine Island Drive and attempted to perform a traffic stop, the affidavit states. The car, being driven by Connie Ellene Adams, 31, passed another deputy who was outside his vehicle and failed to follow his commands to stop, fleeing at a high rate of speed. The

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Marion County Deputy Flips Stolen Truck with PIT Maneuver, Finds 2 Eustis Teens Inside

OCALA, Florida—Two Eustis teens, well-known to Lake County law enforcement were arrested Wednesday after fleeing from a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy in a truck stolen from Lake County earlier this week. Robert “Swag” Sharp, 16, was driving the stolen 2010 white Ford F150 truck when a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy located it near Dogwood Road and Southeast 58th Avenue Wednesday night. The truck, reported stolen from Grand Island, contained a firearm, according to MCSO. The deputy attempted to pull the truck over, and Sharp fled, running several stop signs and red lights and driving into oncoming traffic. The

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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 »

Clermont Mom Arrested for DUI After Allegedly Driving Wrong Way Through School Pickup Line Drunk

CLERMONT, Florida—A Clermont mom was arrested Friday for DUI after driving drunk through the pickup line twice at Pinecrest Lakes Academy, according to an arrest affidavit. Staff members at Pinecrest Lakes Academy, 14012 Old Highway 50, Clermont requested their Lake County Sheriff’s Office school resource deputy (SRD) assist with a parent they believed was intoxicated at the school around 2:45 p.m. Friday, according to an arrest affidavit. A witness told the SRD Heather C. Tonnellier, 48, ran over a traffic cone and dragged it under her vehicle in the pickup line and when staff members approached her, they told her

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Memorial Planned for Well-Known Homeless Man Who Passed Away Last Month

EUSTIS, Florida—A memorial has been set for a well-known homeless man who passed away last month. Clyde “Eddie” Brooks, a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan, was found unresponsive Jan. 10 in Tavares by a mail carrier and transported to AdventHealth Waterman, where he died from an apparent medical episode. Known to most as “Clyde” he was well-liked and an earlier story about his death was shared more than 100 times and dozens of people commented and shared personal stories about Clyde. “There were many people who touched his life, and he touched ours,” Jan Glessner told Inside Lake. Glessner was a

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Woman, 70, Hits Woman Blowing Leaves and Flees Because She Didn’t Want to be Late for Her Appointment, Suspect Tells FHP

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Mount Dora woman was arrested Monday after hitting a woman blowing leaves and fleeing the scene, according to an arrest affidavit. Florida Highway Patrol responded to Sullivan Ranch just before 11 a.m. Monday on a report of a hit-and-run crash. The victim, a 49-year-old woman, told a trooper she was blowing leaves on Sullivan Ranch Boulevard in unincorporated Mount Dora when an elderly woman hit her in a gray Toyota. The victim said she attempted to speak to the woman, but she said, “she did not have time to sit there and wait for someone to show

Woman, 70, Hits Woman Blowing Leaves and Flees Because She Didn’t Want to be Late for Her Appointment, Suspect Tells FHP Read More »

Man Murdered During Confrontation Identified, Eustis Police Announce $10K Reward

EUSTIS, Florida—The man shot in Eustis Monday night has been identified. Wseni “Haitian Black” Laguerre, 39 was shot multiple times around 8:20 p.m. Monday following a confrontation with an unknown individual, Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri said. EPD responded to the shooting at 202 Palm Ave near Grove Street and found Laguerre with multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses told police an individual had some sort of confrontation with Laguerre and then shot him multiple times and fled the scene. Detectives are currently interviewing witnesses and following up on leads, Capri said. Laguerre was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, causing

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Man Dies After Being Shot in Eustis Monday Night

EUSTIS, Florida—The man shot in Eustis Monday night has died. Eustis Police Department responded to a shooting on Palm Ave near Grove Street, just before 8:30 p.m. Monday, EPD Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. The man was rushed to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, causing the hospital to be placed on lockdown, standard procedure when a victim of violence is brought in for treatment. He was pronounced dead a short time later, according to Capri. His name has not been publicly released. It appears the man was targeted, and there was no information available on a suspect at press

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BREAKING NEWS: Man Shot in Eustis Monday Night

EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department is on the scene of a shooting on Palm Ave near Grove Street, EPD Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. One man was shot and was rushed to a local hospital around 8:30 p.m. Monday. EPD detectives are enroute and road patrol officers are securing the crime scene, Capri said. There was no information available on the suspect(s) at press time. Capri is headed to the scene and will update Inside Lake as soon as more information is available. This is a developing story.

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Eustis Man Nabbed After Exposing and Touching Himself at Laundromat While Watching 8-year-old Girl, Police Say

EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis man is in the Lake County Jail accused of masturbating while watching a young girl as her mother did laundry late Friday night, according to an arrest affidavit. Just before midnight Saturday morning, a woman called Eustis Police Department and reported a man was masturbating while looking at her daughter at Spin City, 320 Ardice Avenue, Eustis. The girl’s father told police he was sitting in his vehicle while his wife and daughter – who is only 8 years old – were inside doing laundry. He said his daughter was playing near the vending machines when he

Eustis Man Nabbed After Exposing and Touching Himself at Laundromat While Watching 8-year-old Girl, Police Say Read More »

City of Mount Dora Creates Controversy with New Social Media Policy

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A new social media policy enacted by the City of Mount Dora is creating quite a stir. Officially beginning Friday, comments are no longer permitted on any of the city’s social media pages, according to posts on the city’s official Facebook page and Mount Dora Police Department’s Facebook page Wednesday. The posts (identical on both pages) stated, “To better serve City of Mount Dora residents and visitors, we have made the conscious decision to turn off the commenting and messaging features on all of our social media accounts beginning Friday, January 27th, 2023. Moving forward each of our

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