Leesburg Archives - Page 2 of 3

Argument Leads to Shooting and Lands Leesburg Man in Jail

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Leesburg man is being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond after shooting another man in unincorporated Leesburg late Monday night. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home on County Road 452 shortly before 11:30 p.m. Monday on a report of an argument between Brandon Saunders and Mike Ford, according to an arrest affidavit. When deputies arrived, they found Ford lying on the ground suffering from two gunshot wounds and they began rendering aid to Ford, who was in and out of consciousness. He told deputies Saunders came after him and Ford “laid him […]

Argument Leads to Shooting and Lands Leesburg Man in Jail Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 20, 2024

Leesburg Police Searching for Shooting Suspect

LEESBURG, Fla—Leesburg Police Department is searching for a suspect who shot two people Thursday afternoon, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. Around 4 p.m. LPD responded to UF Health Leesburg Hospital regarding a shooting and found two victims, Iozzi said. Police determined the two victims, a 28-year-old male and a 20-year-old female were shot in the 1000 block of Crosby Street, about 10 blocks from the hospital. The male was flown to UF Health Shands Hospital inn Gainesville as a precaution and both victims are in stable condition. Police are now searching for Ra’Niyah M. Benton, 20, who is wanted

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 16, 2024

Man Writes 4-Page Apology Letter after Carjacking Elderly Relative

OKAHUMPKA, Fla.—A 27-year-old man is behind bars after an elderly woman he is related to reported he stole her car and battered her Tuesday. Around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, the 77-year-old woman told deputies Alan Aspinwall wanted her to unlock her 2018 Toyota Corolla so he could get something out of the trunk in Okahumpka, according to an arrest affidavit. As she walked outside, Aspinwall grabbed the key from her, cutting her left hand, and then forcefully pushed her to the ground. He then jumped into the Corolla and fled the scene. She identified Aspinall as her relative, but the exact

Man Writes 4-Page Apology Letter after Carjacking Elderly Relative Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 8, 2024

Leesburg Police Investigating Possible Gun Battle in Busy Shopping Center Sunday Night

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is investigating after a man was shot around 9 p.m. Sunday night in a busy shopping center and police have few details, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. “The person shot is an adult male and evidence suggests there was an exchange of gunfire between at least two people at Southside Plaza, one possibly being the person who was shot,” Iozzi said. Police have not been able to interview the man due to his injuries and subsequent surgery, according to Iozzi. If you have information on the shooting, call LPD at 352-787-2121.

Leesburg Police Investigating Possible Gun Battle in Busy Shopping Center Sunday Night Read More »

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

Pedestrian Killed Near Leesburg Wednesday Morning

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

Pedestrian Killed Near Leesburg Wednesday Morning Read More »

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

Accused Leesburg Killer Surrenders

LEESBURG, Fla.—The teenager accused of killing a Leesburg man Wednesday has surrendered and is in the Lake County Jail, according to a Leesburg Police Department social media post. Kevin Harrison, 19, is accused of shooting Lekendre Hall, 37, at a home at 1906 West Main Street around 8:45 p.m. Wednesday. LPD responded to the scene and found Hall lying on the ground suffering from at least one gunshot wound; he was transported to UF Health Leesburg, where he was pronounced deceased from his injuries, Capt. Joe Iozzi said Thursday. Crime scene investigators and detectives responded to the scene and Harrison

Accused Leesburg Killer Surrenders Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 29, 2023

Leesburg Police Searching for Accused Killer

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is searching for a man they say shot and killed another man on Main Street Wednesday night. LPD responded to 1906 West Main Steet around 8:45 p.m. and found Lekendre Hall, 37, lying on the ground suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was transported to UF Health Leesburg where he pronounced deceased, according to Capt. Joe Iozzi. “Leesburg officers secured the crime scene and detectives were then summoned along with Leesburg CSI,” Iozzi said, and after interviewing multiple witnesses, Kevin Harrison, 19, was identified as the shooter. Harrison has not been apprehended and LPD

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 28, 2023

Fentanyl, Cocaine, Marijuana, Stolen Gun Found During Umatilla Search Warrant, Trio Arrested

UMATILLA, Fla.—Three people are behind bars and $50,000 worth of drugs are off the streets following a search warrant at a Umatilla home early Wednesday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Acting on Crimeline tips and complaints, LCSO’s SWAT team, along with detectives from LCSO, Clermont Police Department, Eustis Police Department, Leesburg Police Department, Mount Dora Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security wrapped up a six-month long investigation Wednesday with the execution of the search warrant at 38945 Pine St., in unincorporated Umatilla. Law enforcement detained three people found inside the home, Robert Donaldson, 46, Joana Silva, 22,

Fentanyl, Cocaine, Marijuana, Stolen Gun Found During Umatilla Search Warrant, Trio Arrested Read More »

Clermont, Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 28, 2023

Leesburg Woman Arrested for Attempted Murder Held on No Bond

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Leesburg woman is being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond after she admitted she stabbed another woman, according to an arrest affidavit. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call early Wednesday morning stating a person had been stabbed at home in unincorporated Leesburg. The address where the stabbing occurred is redacted from the affidavit, but sources told Inside Lake it occurred on Kaylee Way, near Radio Road. The victim, whose name is also redacted from the affidavit, had approximately seven injuries “consistent with being stabbed with a knife or other edged implement,” and

Leesburg Woman Arrested for Attempted Murder Held on No Bond Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 27, 2023

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 »

Astatula, Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde, Mount Dora, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 24, 2024

Umatilla Man Killed in CR 452 Crash Tuesday

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

Umatilla Man Killed in CR 452 Crash Tuesday Read More »

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

Motorcycle Fatality Shuts Down CR 452 Near Leesburg Tuesday

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

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

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

Sunday Afternoon Crash Kills Leesburg Man, 94

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

Sunday Afternoon Crash Kills Leesburg Man, 94 Read More »

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

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 »

Eustis, Features, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 15, 2023

Man Pleads Guilty to 2022 Murder of Leesburg Girlfriend

TAVARES, Fla.—In an unexpected twist Monday, a Leesburg man accused of gunning down his girlfriend last year pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon the same day jury selection for his trial was set to begin. Alphonza Bryant, 41, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for killing Melissa Keonna Smith, 37, in the laundry room of her Leesburg home on Aug. 8, 2022. Bryant was captured on video approaching Smith’s home, brandishing a firearm, and “engaging in a verbal altercation off-camera that culminated in a single gunshot,” Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney

Man Pleads Guilty to 2022 Murder of Leesburg Girlfriend Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 14, 2023

Motorcyclist Killed in Tavares Crash Friday Identified

TAVARES, Fla.—The motorcyclist killed in an early morning crash Friday has been publicly identified. Russell Pratt, 42, of Leesburg, was riding a 2019 Harley-Davidson northbound on U.S. Highway 441 and police believe he lost control of the bike west of Lakeshore Boulevard just before 1:45 a.m. Friday. The crash remains under investigation by Tavares Police Department. Pratt was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he was pronounced deceased, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. The crash closed the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 441 for several hours and did not involve any other vehicles. Numerous people shared their

Motorcyclist Killed in Tavares Crash Friday Identified Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 10, 2023

Leesburg Motorcyclist Killed in Early Morning Tavares Crash

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a motorcyclist early Friday morning. A 42-year-old Leesburg man riding a 2019 Harley-Davidson crashed shortly before 1:45 a.m. on U.S. Highway 441, west of Lakeshore Boulevard. The man was transported to an area hospital where he later he died; he was not wearing a helmet. The crash closed the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 441 for several hours and did not involve any other vehicles. Details of how the crash occurred are still under investigation, but police believe the man was riding northbound on U.S. Highway 441 when he lost

Leesburg Motorcyclist Killed in Early Morning Tavares Crash Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 10, 2023

Candlelight Vigil Held for Umatilla Teen Killed in Crash Monday

LEESBURG, Fla.—Dozens of vehicles lined both sides of Goose Prairie Road Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil held in remembrance of a teen who was killed in a crash Monday. The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the names of both teens to Inside Lake Tuesday afternoon and loved ones and friends gathered to honor Michael Pasternak, 16, of Umatilla, who was the passenger in a Jeep Wrangler that overturned several times, killing him and the driver shortly before 8 p.m. Monday. Lane Johnson, 17, of Leesburg, was driving the 2016 Wrangler eastbound on Goose Prairie Road near Felkins Road when he

Candlelight Vigil Held for Umatilla Teen Killed in Crash Monday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 7, 2023

FHP Releases More Information on Rollover Crash that Killed 2 Teens Near Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol has released more information on a crash that killed two teens near Leesburg Monday night. FHP said two adult males were killed Monday night, but an early Tuesday morning press release stated the crash victims were a 17-year-old male of Leesburg and a 16-year-old male of Umatilla. The 17-year-old male was driving a 2016 Jeep Wrangler eastbound on Goose Prairie Road when it attempted to pass a 2005 Ford F-150 in a no-passing zone shortly before 8 p.m. Monday, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Wrangler entered the westbound lane and then tried to reenter

FHP Releases More Information on Rollover Crash that Killed 2 Teens Near Leesburg Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 7, 2023

Crash Kills 2 Near Leesburg Monday Night

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed two men shortly before 8 p.m. Monday night. A 2016 Jeep Wrangler was eastbound on Goose Prairie Road when it attempted to pass a 2005 Ford F-150 in a no-passing zone near Felkins Road, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Wrangler entered the westbound land and then tried to reenter the eastbound lane due to oncoming traffic. The right rear of the Wrangler collided with the front left of the F-150 and the Wrangler overcorrected, traveled across both lanes, overturned several times and struck a wire fence. The driver

Crash Kills 2 Near Leesburg Monday Night Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 7, 2023

Man Accused of Exposing Himself at Leesburg Park Sunday

LEESBURG, Fla.—A man accused of exposing himself at a Leesburg park and in front of a Lake County Fire Rescue firefighter is being held in the Lake County Jail on $3,000 bond. Leesburg Police Department responded to Rogers Park, 610 South 9th Street shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday on two separate reports of a man exposing himself and loitering around the restrooms; one caller provided a description of the man, later identified as Desmond Seymore Harris Jr., 47, of Leesburg. As one officer canvassed the area, a second officer reported there was a man in the women’s restroom and officers

Man Accused of Exposing Himself at Leesburg Park Sunday Read More »

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

Suspect in Stolen Vehicle Flees, Rams LCSO Cruiser, Strikes Multiple Stop Sticks, Flees on Foot, Apprehended by K9 Murphy in Leesburg Sunday

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Mount Dora man is facing a slew of charges after ramming a stolen vehicle into a Lake County Sheriff’s Office cruiser, fleeing to Sumter County, striking multiple stop sticks and fleeing back into Lake County where he was finally apprehended Sunday afternoon. Henry Lee Gamble-Coleman, 26, was spotted around 5 p.m. in Leesburg by LCSO deputies in a vehicle stolen from Eustis, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies attempted to pull Gamble-Coleman over near the intersection of South 14th Street and South Street and Gamble-Coleman “rapidly” accelerated and struck the passenger side of a K9 cruiser. He fled

Suspect in Stolen Vehicle Flees, Rams LCSO Cruiser, Strikes Multiple Stop Sticks, Flees on Foot, Apprehended by K9 Murphy in Leesburg Sunday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 19, 2023

Name of Pedestrian Killed in Leesburg Last Week Released

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

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

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

Operation Poison Control Results in 21 Arrest Warrants, 50 Charges

TAVARES, Florida—A six-month long undercover drug investigation targeting fentanyl traffickers has wrapped up with the arrests of 15 people and six more are on the run, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. A joint operation between LCSO’s Special Investigations Bureau, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City County Investigation Bureau— which includes police officers from Clermont, Eustis, Leesburg and Mount Dora—uncovered a variety of illegal narcotics being distributed throughout the county, including trafficking amounts of deadly fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA. Law enforcement developed information from the public to aid in the

Operation Poison Control Results in 21 Arrest Warrants, 50 Charges Read More »

Clermont, Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 14, 2023

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

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

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

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

Leesburg Police Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian Friday Afternoon

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

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

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

Motorcyclist Killed After Running Stop Sign in Unincorporated Leesburg

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

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

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

Teen Found with Gun at Eustis vs. Leesburg Football Game Thursday Night

EUSTIS, Fla.—An Orlando teen was arrested at Thursday night’s Eustis High School football game after Eustis Police Department school resource officers recognized him from a prior incident and then found him with a gun, according to EPD Chief Craig Capri. Officers recognized J’son Rashad Cyprian, 18, when he entered the EHS campus for its game against Leesburg High School Thursday and approached him to speak with him about the February incident. Cyprian allegedly lied about his name and date of birth and upon searching Cyprian, officers found a loaded Ruger .380 with a scratched-off serial number, according to an arrest

Teen Found with Gun at Eustis vs. Leesburg Football Game Thursday Night Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 1, 2023

Saturday Head-On Collision Kills Leesburg Man

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

Saturday Head-On Collision Kills Leesburg Man Read More »

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

2 Tampa Men Nabbed for Leesburg Gas Station Robbery Monday

Update: 7:05 p.m. A previous version of this story stated the suspects’ bond was set at $52,000. At 5:32 p.m. and 5:33 p.m., their bond status was updated to no bond. LEESBURG, Florida—Two Tampa men found hiding under a blanket behind a washer and dryer in the carport of a Leesburg home have been arrested for robbing a gas station Monday morning of numerous cartons of cigarettes and vapes, according to their arrest affidavits. Tyreece Freeman Jr., 22 and Jahiem Vonzell Comer, 21, both of Tampa, were found by Leesburg Police Department after a complaint of a suspicious person led

2 Tampa Men Nabbed for Leesburg Gas Station Robbery Monday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 31, 2023

2 Suspects Located Following Incident at Unincorporated Leesburg Gas Station

LEESBURG, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has released more details about an incident that occurred at a 24-hour gas station early Monday. Three male suspects entered Circle K, 10030 County Road 44, Leesburg and stole multiple items around 4:15 a.m. Monday, according to LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin. “The employee did not observe a weapon, but it appeared that one of the suspects acted as if they were armed under their clothing,” Martin said in an email. The suspects fled the scene in a white car, and it was found after they abandoned it, Martin said. No one was injured. Two

2 Suspects Located Following Incident at Unincorporated Leesburg Gas Station Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 31, 2023

Leesburg Man Accused of Robbing 2 Seminole County Banks in Less than 2 Hours Wednesday

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Florida—A Lake County man is in the Seminole County Jail after deputies say he robbed two banks Wednesday in under two hours—and it is not the first time he has been accused of the same crimes. Duwane Edward Gilmore, who turns 36 years old in five days, is accused of attempting to rob SeaCoast Bank, 2695 West State Road 434 in Altamonte Springs just before 1:15 p.m. Wednesday. According to a probable cause statement, Gilmore entered the bank and handed a teller a note demanding money, he then said he wanted $10,000 and the grabbed at his waistband

Leesburg Man Accused of Robbing 2 Seminole County Banks in Less than 2 Hours Wednesday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 7, 2023

Crash Claims Life of Leesburg Motorcyclist

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

Crash Claims Life of Leesburg Motorcyclist Read More »

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

Leesburg Man Accused of Torching Masonic Lodge Facing More Charges

LEESBURG, Florida—A man who admitted setting the Leesburg Masonic Lodge ablaze is now facing more charges. Luke Pratt, 22, of Leesburg is facing five counts of manufacturing an explosive device with intent to harm after the devices were found in his home on Casteen Road, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies and the Hazardous Devices Team responded to the home after Pratt’s mother reported finding the devices. Pratt, who was already a suspect in the arson and has since been arrested for the crime, is accused of making five devices from plastic, ammonium nitrate. aluminum powder

Leesburg Man Accused of Torching Masonic Lodge Facing More Charges Read More »

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

Leesburg Man Accused of Torching Masonic Lodge Told Investigator He was Mad at What Lodge Stands For and Believed He was Being Followed

LEESBURG, Florida—A man who admitted setting the Leesburg Masonic Lodge on fire turned himself in late Thursday. Luke Scott Pratt, 22, of Leesburg told an investigator with the Department of Financial Services, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosive Investigations he was mad at what the lodge stands for and he believed “they” were following him, according to a probable cause affidavit. Pratt told the investigator he sat in the parking lot of a nearby bowling alley with binoculars and waited until everyone exited the building, located at 200 Richey Road, before smashing the front

Leesburg Man Accused of Torching Masonic Lodge Told Investigator He was Mad at What Lodge Stands For and Believed He was Being Followed Read More »

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

Eustis Man Arrested for Painting Heart on Leesburg Bar Parking Lot

LEESBURG, Florida—A Eustis man is facing a felony criminal mischief charge after admitting he painted a heart on the parking lot of a Leesburg bar, according to an arrest affidavit. Timothy Scott Bombard, 36, was captured on video painting a white heart on the parking lot of Dirty South Saloon, 1850 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg on June 16 and he was easily identified because he had previously applied for a job at the bar, the manager told a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy. Bombard apparently asked if the bar would keep a heart that was already painted there after the

Eustis Man Arrested for Painting Heart on Leesburg Bar Parking Lot Read More »

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

Rush Hour Crash Kills 3 in Leesburg Wednesday Morning

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

Rush Hour Crash Kills 3 in Leesburg Wednesday Morning Read More »

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

Leesburg Man Arrested After Leaving Infant in Hot Car at Tavares Grocery Store

TAVARES, Florida—A man who told police he left an infant in the car because he did not want the rain to get her wet, was arrested for child neglect after Tavares Fire Department rescued the baby from a car with only the windows cracked open. A man told Tavares Police Department he arrived at Publix, 2101 State Road 19, Tavares around 5:30 p.m. Sunday and parked next to a small, white car with the windows cracked open and noticed a baby in the car. He flagged down an employee who was gathering carts and she called 9-1-1, according to an

Leesburg Man Arrested After Leaving Infant in Hot Car at Tavares Grocery Store Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 12, 2023

Man Arrested Numerous Times in Lake and Orange Counties Arrested Again for Trafficking in Fentanyl

LEESBURG, Florida—A man arrested, but never convicted, numerous times for a variety of offenses including vehicular manslaughter, witness tampering, trafficking in drugs and battery on a pregnant female in both Orange County and Lake County, has been arrested yet again, this time for trafficking in fentanyl, according to an arrest affidavit. Emmanuel Cazeau, 39, of Eustis, was pulled over early Friday morning by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies for a minor traffic offense as he pulled out of Circle K, at the corner of County Road 44 and County Road 473 in unincorporated Leesburg, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies

Man Arrested Numerous Times in Lake and Orange Counties Arrested Again for Trafficking in Fentanyl Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

Second Arrest Made in 2022 Umatilla Murder

TAVARES, Florida—A second man has been arrested in the 2022 murder of a Umatilla man. Deandre Bernard Anderson, 32, of Leesburg, was booked into the Lake County Jail on a warrant for first degree murder Friday, accused of killing Antwain “Lil Daddy” Hart, 31, on Nov. 8, 2022. Hart was found with at least one gunshot wound in front of a home in the Southside area of unincorporated Umatilla and died during transport to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake last year. Only Inside Lake was on the scene following the shooting.

Second Arrest Made in 2022 Umatilla Murder Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 30, 2023

Leesburg Man Dies From Crash Injuries

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

Leesburg Man Dies From Crash Injuries Read More »

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

Leesburg Police Investigating After 2 Teens Shot at Apartment Complex

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department is investigating after two teenagers were shot at an apartment complex Wednesday night, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi told Inside Lake two 17-year-old males were shot at Lake Harris Cove Apartments, 32511 Lake Harris Cove Avenue, near Lowe’s, located at 9540 U.S. Highway 441 shortly before 8 p.m. One teen is being treated at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, which caused the hospital to be placed on lockdown, Tavares Police Department Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. The second teen, who has a superficial wound to his finger, is in custody

Leesburg Police Investigating After 2 Teens Shot at Apartment Complex Read More »

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

Lady Lake Woman Accused of Killing Woman and Seriously Injuring Man in 2022 Hit-and-Run Crash Turns Herself in to FHP Thursday

LADY LAKE, Florida—A Lady Lake woman turned herself in at the Lake County Jail Thursday after a warrant was issued for her arrest for hitting and killing a woman and seriously injuring a man last year and fleeing the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Tara Renee Schiessle, 31, is accused of striking the pair as they walked northbound on the grass shoulder of Rolling Acres Road near West Lakeview Street shortly before 9:45 p.m. Sept. 11, 2022. The impact killed the 40-year-old woman, and the 31-year-old man, identified as Jonathan Kirkland in a separate civil suit, was airlifted

Lady Lake Woman Accused of Killing Woman and Seriously Injuring Man in 2022 Hit-and-Run Crash Turns Herself in to FHP Thursday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 19, 2023

Missing Tavares Woman Found Safe by LCSO

EUSTIS, Florida—The woman Tavares Police Department was searching for has been found safe. Celia Schwinden, 67, was found Tuesday afternoon in downtown Eustis by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy, TPD Chief Sarah Coursey told Inside Lake. She was found in good health and is with her family, Coursey said.

Missing Tavares Woman Found Safe by LCSO Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 16, 2023

Tavares Police Searching for Woman Missing Since Saturday

UPDATE: Celia Schwinden has been found safe. TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a woman who was last seen at her home in the area of Dora Avenue Saturday. Celia Schwinden, 67, is known to frequent Tavares, Eustis and Leesburg on foot and may be carrying bags with her. TPD is utilizing the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Real Time Crime Center, bloodhounds and pinged her cellphone with negative results. TPD has also issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) and reached out to surrounding law enforcement agencies, TPD Chief Sarah Coursey told Inside Lake. “We

Tavares Police Searching for Woman Missing Since Saturday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 16, 2023

Person Airlifted After Being Rescued from Fire Sunday Night, Deputy Transported

ALTOONA, Florida—One person was rescued and airlifted for treatment and a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy was transported to the hospital following a structure fire Sunday night, according to Umatilla Fire Department. Numerous agencies responded to the fire in addition to UFD and LCSO, including Eustis Fire Department, Leesburg Fire Department, Lake County Fire Rescue, Marion County Fire Rescue and Lake EMS, a UFD social media post stated. An exact address for the fire was unavailable at press time, but numerous social media posts and comments said the fire was in the Shockley Heights area. UFD was first on the

Person Airlifted After Being Rescued from Fire Sunday Night, Deputy Transported Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 14, 2023

Motorcycle Crash Kills Leesburg Man, Injures Leesburg Woman

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

Motorcycle Crash Kills Leesburg Man, Injures Leesburg Woman Read More »

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

Fourth Annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk Scheduled for Saturday

TAVARES, Florida—Law enforcement and supporters will join forces for the fourth annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk at Wooton Park Saturday morning. Scheduled for 9 a.m., this is one of many law enforcement events around Lake County held in May during Law Enforcement Appreciation Month. In its fourth year, 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, event organizer Shannon Cook told Inside Lake. Representatives from several law enforcement agencies and numerous public officials are expected to be in attendance. “The good

Fourth Annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk Scheduled for Saturday Read More »

Around the County, Astatula, Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde, Mount Dora, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 5, 2023

CNA Admits to Abusing Elderly Woman and Posting it to Social Media to Get “Likes”

MOUNT DORA—A Leesburg woman was arrested Wednesday after an anonymous email was sent to her place of employment advising she was abusing an elderly patient and posting it on social media, according to an arrest affidavit. Mount Dora Police Department responded to an assisted living facility in the city after an employee reported receiving the email that included a video posted to TikTok showing Gabriel V. Woods, 34, wearing a green work shirt and black pants, with “extremely distinct” gold and silver bracelets dancing to a song. The video was captioned “Nurse: The resident fell out of bed…Me: but this

CNA Admits to Abusing Elderly Woman and Posting it to Social Media to Get “Likes” Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 4, 2023

Details Released After Fugitive Taken Into Custody Nearly 2 Months After Skipping Out on DUI Manslaughter Trial

MOUNT DORA, Florida— The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has released details about the apprehension of Zachery Waldo Wednesday. Waldo, 36, was tracked down by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force that includes a deputy from LCSO, LCSO Lt. Fred Jones told Inside Lake. He was found at Lakeside Inn, 100 Alexander Street, a popular downtown Mount Dora hotel, shortly before 11 a.m. “They boxed him in, in the parking lot,” Jones said. A $10,000 reward was being offered for information leading to Waldo’s capture, but no one will be getting the reward because the Marshals developed information on their

Details Released After Fugitive Taken Into Custody Nearly 2 Months After Skipping Out on DUI Manslaughter Trial Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 3, 2023

Where’s Waldo? In the Lake County Jail. Man Who Skipped Out on DUI Manslaughter Trial Apprehended Wednesday

MOUNT DORA, Florida— The man who left for lunch during his DUI manslaughter trial in March was taken into custody Wednesday morning. Zachery Maurice Waldo, 36, was on trial 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 at the time, 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 Day 2019. As his trial was underway

Where’s Waldo? In the Lake County Jail. Man Who Skipped Out on DUI Manslaughter Trial Apprehended Wednesday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 3, 2023

Traffic Stop Nets 2 Guns, 1 Stolen; Crack Cocaine, THC Wax, Marijuana

LEESBURG, Florida—A speeding SUV that caught the attention of a Leesburg Police officer resulted in eight charges for a Leesburg man Monday. An LPD officer was patrolling the area of Tuskegee Street shortly before 2 p.m. Monday when he noticed a black Chevy Equinox speeding and swerving, according to an arrest affidavit. The Chevy turned onto Harlem Avenue and then Georgia Avenue and the officer drove parallel to the SUV and found it on Waitman Avenue and watched it back into a driveway on Waitman Avenue, the affidavit states. The officer initiated a traffic stop and smelled a strong odor

Traffic Stop Nets 2 Guns, 1 Stolen; Crack Cocaine, THC Wax, Marijuana Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 3, 2023

Sumter County Crash Seriously Injures 3 Leesburg Residents, Wildwood Woman

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—Four people were seriously injured in an early morning crash near The Villages, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 35-year-old Leesburg man was driving a sedan eastbound on State Road 44 when he sped through a red light and collided with an SUV being driven by a 32-year-old Wildwood woman that was traveling southbound on Morse Boulevard, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. Both vehicles rotated and came to a final stop on the south shoulder of State Road 44, while the front axle of the sedan and the engine block of the SUV

Sumter County Crash Seriously Injures 3 Leesburg Residents, Wildwood Woman Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 30, 2023

“It is Black Friday Every Week,” at New Leesburg Store, the First of Its Kind in Lake County

LEESBURG, Florida—Shoppers have a new place in town to hunt for bargains. The first of its kind in Lake County, Bin Pickin, 1015 West North Boulevard, Leesburg, is a new concept for the area, Jennifer Wooten, who owns the store with her husband, Jamie, told Inside Lake this week. The Wootens purchase truckloads of overstock and returns from Amazon, Kohl’s and CVS Pharmacy and offer all the items for one price three days a week, Wooten said. Fridays, each item is $10, Saturdays, items are $7 and Mondays, they are just $3. Items are placed on large tables and shoppers

“It is Black Friday Every Week,” at New Leesburg Store, the First of Its Kind in Lake County Read More »

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

LCSO: Georgia Man Took $25K from Customers in Fence Scam

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—A Georgia man turned himself in at the Lake County Jail Saturday, accused of scamming nine people out of thousands of dollars for fences he failed to deliver. Christopher Michael Graver, 42, of Cumming, Georgia is accused of taking down payments on fences from nine people for a total of more than $25,000, according to a probable cause affidavit. Graver, who is the chief executive officer of Allstate Fence & Rail collected 50 percent down payments for fences between March 2021 and June 2021 and gave his customers numerous excuses as to why he could not install the

LCSO: Georgia Man Took $25K from Customers in Fence Scam Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 25, 2023

Tavares High School Student Busted with Gun on Campus Monday

TAVARES, Florida—A Tavares High School student was found with a gun on campus Monday, according to an arrest affidavit. Freddy Adams, 16, was pulled out of class around 12:30 p.m. Monday because he and two other students were believed to be under the influence of the drugs, the affidavit states. Adams’ backpack was searched by an assistant principal and he found a small black bag that contained a Remington Arms R51 9mm. The names of the other two students were not released. The gun was not loaded, but the AP found a magazine that contained six 9mm rounds in the

Tavares High School Student Busted with Gun on Campus Monday Read More »

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

Leesburg Crash Claims Life of Motorcyclist Sunday Night

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

Leesburg Crash Claims Life of Motorcyclist Sunday Night Read More »

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

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 »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Minneola / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 17, 2023

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

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

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 14, 2023

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

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

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

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 »

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

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

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 28, 2023

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

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

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 25, 2023

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

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

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 21, 2023

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

Ocala Woman Killed in Early Morning Leesburg Crash Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 20, 2023

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

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

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 17, 2023

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 15, 2023

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 »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 8, 2023

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 »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 6, 2023

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 »

Features, Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 28, 2023

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

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

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 27, 2023

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

Man, 21, Killed in ATV Crash Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 26, 2023

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 »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 25, 2023

2 Killed in 6-Vehicle Crash on Turnpike Friday Morning

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Florida—The crash that shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike most of the day Friday resulted in the deaths of two people, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. At 7:15 a.m. Friday, a 2020 Toyota Corolla being driven by a 23-year-old Tallahassee woman was traveling southbound on Florida’s Turnpike in the inside lane near mile marker 286 when she failed to stop for traffic ahead. She rear-ended a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by a 69-year-old Ocala man. The Chevrolet left the roadway and the right rear of the Chevrolet struck the left rear of a 2014 Jeep

2 Killed in 6-Vehicle Crash on Turnpike Friday Morning Read More »

Clermont, Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 25, 2023

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 »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 24, 2023

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 »

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

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 »

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

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 »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 22, 2023

$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 »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 21, 2023

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 »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 20, 2023

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

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

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 17, 2023

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 »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 16, 2023

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 »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 13, 2023

Gas Station Argument Escalates to Stabbing, Victim Airlifted, Suspect Jailed

LEESBURG, Florida—A argument outside a Leesburg gas station Thursday afternoon escalated to a stabbing and landed one man in jail and another in the hospital, according to an arrest affidavit. Leesburg Police Department responded to a stabbing report at Sunoco, 1200 West Main Street and found the victim responsive, but in a lot of pain and “clearly in need of medical attention,” the affidavit states. He was transported to a local hospital and then airlifted to a trauma center for the stab wound on the top, left side of his rib cage. He was not publicly identified. A witness told

Gas Station Argument Escalates to Stabbing, Victim Airlifted, Suspect Jailed Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 22, 2023

Leesburg Teen Arrested for Manslaughter in December Death of Sumter County Boy, 15

TAVARES, Florida—A Leesburg teenager was arrested Friday by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies for his role in the death of a Sumter County boy who was found dead in Bushnell in December. Jontae Solomon Haywood was reported missing around 1:20 a.m. Dec. 16, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO.) Deputies received information he may have been shot and he was found dead near County Road 557 in Bushnell later the same day. Haywood, an eighth grade student at South Sumter Prep, was just 15 years old. Haywood enjoyed football, basketball, and fishing; and dreamed of becoming a professional

Leesburg Teen Arrested for Manslaughter in December Death of Sumter County Boy, 15 Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 20, 2023

Eustis Head-On Collision Sends Man, 71, to the Hospital

EUSTIS, Florida— Only Inside Lake was on the scene of a head-on crash that injured a 71-year-old man early Thursday morning. A Dodge Ram being driven by a 19-year-old Leesburg man collided with a black Toyota sedan being driven by a 71-year-old Zellwood man around 6:30 a.m. Thursday. The report was unavailable at press time, it is unknown how the crash occurred, and the drivers’ names were not released. The Zellwood man was seriously injured and airlifted to a local hospital; he is expected to survive, Eustis Police Department Capt. Jon Fahning told Inside Lake. The driver of the truck

Eustis Head-On Collision Sends Man, 71, to the Hospital Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 19, 2023

Thief Nabbed After Leesburg Resident Spots Her Walking Off with Groceries

LEESBURG, Florida—A stolen grocery bag containing frozen cauliflower, juice and muffins landed a Leesburg woman in jail Tuesday, according to an arrest affidavit. The victim called Leesburg Police Department and said she arrived home around 7:20 p.m. to find April Lee Evans, 37, walking off her front porch with groceries that had just been delivered. The victim parked her car and spotted Evans, along with an unidentified male, walking east on Main Street carrying her groceries. The victim confronted the pair, and they dropped most of the groceries and continued walking, turning on Moss Street, the same street Evans lives

Thief Nabbed After Leesburg Resident Spots Her Walking Off with Groceries Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 18, 2023

Former Police Chief Arrested for Aggravated Stalking of a Child, Facing Child Rape Charges in Sumter

TAVARES, Florida—The former police chief of Center Hill, arrested last month for raping a 14-year-old girl in Sumter County while holding her at gunpoint, is now facing stalking charges in Lake County. William Ray Pruitt, 56, of Weirsdale, was arrested early Friday morning for stalking and aggravated stalking, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office online booking records. Pruitt served as Center Hill Police chief in 1998 and 1999 and currently owns Pruitt Water in Leesburg, according to his booking information. Pruitt is accused stalking the girl beginning in October 2021, when she was just 15 years old and continuing for

Former Police Chief Arrested for Aggravated Stalking of a Child, Facing Child Rape Charges in Sumter Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 17, 2023

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

State Attorney Creates Animal Cruelty Task Force Read More »

Leesburg Man Dead After Striking Guardrail on SR 429, Eustis Woman Seriously Injured

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man is dead after running off the road, striking a guardrail and overturning in the truck he was driving Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 77-year-old man was driving a 2022 Toyota Tundra southbound on State Road 429, when he lost control for an unknown reason at mile marker 28, shortly before 10:30 a.m. Sunday. He ran off the road, struck a guardrail and overturned, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. He and his 73-year-old passenger, a Eustis woman, were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where the man was

Leesburg Man Dead After Striking Guardrail on SR 429, Eustis Woman Seriously Injured Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 15, 2023

Windchills in the 20s and 30s Expected this Weekend, Cold Weather Shelters Activated

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—For the second time in less than a month, Lake County is scheduled to open two cold weather shelter locations in anticipation of this weekend’s near-freezing temperatures. Both locations open Friday; Trinity Assembly of God, 200 Urick Street, Fruitland Park will open at 5:30 p.m. and remain open through 7 a.m. each day, Friday through Sunday, and LifePointe Church, 3551 East Orange Avenue will be open 5 p.m. through 8 a.m. each day through Sunday, according to Lake County Emergency Management. A warming shelter will also be open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Salvation

Windchills in the 20s and 30s Expected this Weekend, Cold Weather Shelters Activated Read More »

Man Accused of Hate Crime and Stalking LGBTQ Couple, Fights Deputies as They Attempt to Arrest Him

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg man is being held in the Lake County Jail on more than $100,000 bond after being accused of stalking his LGBTQ neighbors since at least September, violating an injunction and fighting the deputies who were trying to arrest him Tuesday, according to an arrest affidavit. Frank Randall Norviel, 57, of the Bassville Park area of Leesburg, is accused of a litany of crimes stemming from his alleged stalking of his neighbors beginning in September when he stood in his yard on Marlette Avenue and repeatedly squeaked a rubber chicken at the victims and screamed, “It’s not Adam

Man Accused of Hate Crime and Stalking LGBTQ Couple, Fights Deputies as They Attempt to Arrest Him Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 12, 2023

Orange County Carjacking Suspects Flee Cops, Flip SUV in Clermont

CLERMONT, Florida—Three Lake County men were arrested Sunday morning after a license plate reader alerted deputies that a vehicle involved in an Orange County carjacking was in Clermont, according to several arrest affidavits. Shortly before 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Lake County Sheriff’s deputies were alerted that a green Kia Soul involved in an early morning carjacking was in the area of U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont. Deputies began searching the area and located the SUV and attempted a traffic stop. Jason Curtis Marks, 21, of Lady Lake, put the Kia in reverse and “intentionally struck the front push bumper of a

Orange County Carjacking Suspects Flee Cops, Flip SUV in Clermont Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 11, 2023

Leesburg Man Flees Sumter County Crash that Killed Motorcyclist Thursday Night, Arrested a Few Miles Away

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man is being held in the Sumter County Jail after fleeing a crash that killed a Kissimmee motorcyclist, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Lloyd Douglas Walters, 59, was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee westbound on State Road 44 in the left turn lane near County Road 171 while a 51-year-old Kissimmee man riding a Suzuki motorcycle was traveling westbound on State Road 44 in the inside lane at 7:25 p.m. Thursday. Walters changed lanes and collided with the motorcycle, ejecting its rider. The motorcyclist was taken to a local hospital where he later succumbed to

Leesburg Man Flees Sumter County Crash that Killed Motorcyclist Thursday Night, Arrested a Few Miles Away Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 31, 2022

Leesburg Motorcyclist Killed Thursday Night, Police Say

LEESBURG, Florida—A 30-year-old Leesburg man was killed late Thursday night after he struck the back of an SUV, according to Leesburg Police Department Capt. Joe Iozzi. James B. Freeze was riding a blue 2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycle southbound in the 10400 block of U.S. Highway 441, when he struck the back of a white 2020 Lexus GX being driven by Meredith K. Nettles, 44, of Pensacola shortly before 10:30 p.m. Nettles had just made a U-turn prior to the crash, Iozzi said in a press release. Freeze was pronounced dead on the scene. “The crash remains under investigation, though it

Leesburg Motorcyclist Killed Thursday Night, Police Say Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 30, 2022

Christmas Carjacking and Crash Into Blueberry Field Ends in a Trip to Jail

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida—A homeless man is accused of carjacking a taxi driver, crashing the car into a blueberry field and spitting on a firefighter’s boot Christmas night, according to an arrest affidavit. A taxi driver received a call from staff at UF Health Leesburg Hospital to pick up Troy Ravin Yar, 23, who is listed as homeless, to transport him to a cold weather shelter around 6 p.m., the affidavit states. As the pair drove to Fruitland Park, Yar struck the victim in the right side of his neck with his fist and said, “Get the (expletive) out, I’m going

Christmas Carjacking and Crash Into Blueberry Field Ends in a Trip to Jail Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 28, 2022

Elderly Woman Struck by 2 Vehicles and Killed Christmas Night, Leesburg Police Say

LEESBURG, Florida—An 80-year-old woman was struck by two vehicles and killed Christmas night as she attempted to cross busy State Road 44, also known as Dixie Avenue in Leesburg, according to Leesburg Police Department Capt. Joe Iozzi. Gladys Lopez was found deceased in the roadway when LPD responded to a crash at Dixie Avenue and Euclid Avenue around 7:45 p.m. Sunday, Iozzi said. The intersection is a just about a mile from UF Health Leesburg Hospital. “The preliminary investigation indicates Ms. Lopez was struck by two vehicles as she was attempting to cross State Road 44/Dixie Avenue,” Iozzi said in

Elderly Woman Struck by 2 Vehicles and Killed Christmas Night, Leesburg Police Say Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 27, 2022

Leesburg Woman, 22, Dies from Injuries She Suffered In Sumter County Crash Monday

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—A 22-year-old Leesburg woman has succumbed to injuries she suffered from a three-vehicle crash in Sumter County Monday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 10 p.m. Monday, the woman was a passenger in a sedan being driven by a 27-year-old Wildwood man when the sedan was struck by another sedan being driven by an 18-year-old Leesburg man who ran a red light at the intersection of County Road 466 and Buena Vista Boulevard, according to FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins. Both sedans rotated and collided with a traffic sign support and the second sedan collided with

Leesburg Woman, 22, Dies from Injuries She Suffered In Sumter County Crash Monday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 24, 2022

Tree Service Owner Picked Up on Warrant for Pilfering Packages from Customer in October

LEESBURG, Florida—The owner of a tree service company was caught on camera stealing packages from one of his customers, according to a probable cause affidavit. Robert Wayne Williams, owner of Tree Life Services, was captured on surveillance video Oct. 29 stealing two Amazon packages from the victim who had hired Williams to do tree work on her Leesburg property, she told the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The case was turned over to an LCSO detective, who viewed the video and was able to identify Williams from past encounters, the affidavit states. Williams, 48, of Leesburg, is seen exiting his white

Tree Service Owner Picked Up on Warrant for Pilfering Packages from Customer in October Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 24, 2022