Umatilla

Celebration of life announced for Eustis restaurant owner

EUSTIS, Fla.—A celebration of life has been set for beloved Eustis business owner Aaron Belair, both of his restaurants announced Saturday. The celebration of life is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon, Nov. 1 at LifePoint Church, 3551 E., Orange Avenue, Eustis. It is open to the public. Belair, 57, of Eustis was riding a 2025 Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on State Road 19 near Lake Smith Road outside of Umatilla, when he attempted to make a U-turn and collided with a Ford F-150 being driven southbound by a 51-year-old man of Umatilla, on Sept. 25, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told only […]

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FHP continues to investigate crash that killed Eustis restaurant owner as community mourns

UMATILLA, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol was on scene Saturday investigating the crash that took the life of a beloved Eustis business owner last week, as the community continues to mourn the loss of the man who quietly touched many lives. Aaron Belair, 57, of Eustis was riding a 2025 Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on State Road 19 near Lake Smith Road when he attempted to make a U-turn and collided with a Ford F-150 being driven southbound by a 51-year-old man of Umatilla, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told only Inside Lake. The crash caused the motorcycle to go underneath the Ford and

FHP continues to investigate crash that killed Eustis restaurant owner as community mourns Read More »

Eustis restaurant owner killed in Umatilla crash Thursday

UMATILLA, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a well-known Eustis business owner Thursday. Aaron Belair, 57, owner of El Marie Pizzeria in downtown Eustis and part-owner of That Place, also in Eustis, was riding a 2025 Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on State Road 19 near Lake Smith Road when he attempted to make a U-turn and collided with a Ford F-150 being driven southbound by a 51-year-old male of Umatilla, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told Inside Lake. The impact caused the motorcycle to slide under the Ford, throwing Belair into the median, Garcia said. He was not wearing

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1 dead, 1 seriously injured in crash near Umatilla Friday night

UMATILLA, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a single-car crash that killed one man and seriously injured another man Friday night. A 10 p.m., a 28-year-old Belleview man was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette northbound on County Road 439 approaching Live Oak Ranch Road when he ran off the road for unknown reasons, FHP said. The Corvette went airborne and struck a tree, killing the driver and seriously injuring his passenger, a 29-year-old Crestview man. The Belleview man was pronounced deceased on the scene, and the Crestview man was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment. The crash remains

1 dead, 1 seriously injured in crash near Umatilla Friday night Read More »

Astatula woman airlifted following head-on crash with heavy-duty truck Monday night near Umatilla

UMATILLA, Fla.— A head-on crash with a heavy-duty commercial truck sent an Astatula woman to an Orlando hospital by helicopter Monday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Around 9:45 p.m. Monday, Tammie Mast, 48, of Astatula, was driving a 2010 Honda Insight northbound on State Road 19 leaving the intersection of McKinley Road when she drove into the grass median and into the southbound lanes of State Road 19, between Umatilla and Eustis, Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told Inside Lake. Mast failed to see a 2016 Dodge RAM 5500 approaching McKinley Road traveling southbound and the vehicles collided head-on, Garcia

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Astatula man killed after crashing into tree near Umatilla early Sunday

UMATILLA, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a man Sunday. Shortly after 1:15 a.m., a 51-year-old Astatula man was driving a 2000 Ford F-250 westbound on County Road 450 near Babb Road when he failed to negotiate a curve, FHP said. He ran off the road into the tree line, the truck rotated, and the right side struck a tree. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected, according to FHP. He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Astatula man killed after crashing into tree near Umatilla early Sunday Read More »

LCSO: “Pastor Pete” strikes again

UMATILLA, Fla.— A local man well-known in the community and to law enforcement has been arrested again, accused of battering an elderly woman at a group home in unincorporated Umatilla. Earlier this month, Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a group home in unincorporated Umatilla on a report of a sex offense complaint but the incident was later was found to be a battery, according to a probable cause affidavit. For safety reasons, the responding deputy transported two women, one a victim and the other a witness, to Umatilla Police Department to be interviewed. During the interview, both women

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Umatilla woman killed in early morning Marion County crash

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story misidentified the crash victim’s gender due to incorrect information released by the Florida Highway Patrol. The story has been updated with the correct information.  MARION COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 41-year-old Umatilla woman Friday morning. Shortly before 2:45 a.m. the woman was driving eastbound on County Road 42 when she failed to negotiate a curve near Southeast 258th Avenue Road in the Umatilla area of Marion County. The car left the roadway and struck a sign, a fence and a tree on the south shoulder.

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

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

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Report of gunshot wound in Umatilla Tuesday night was a false alarm

UMATILLA, Fla.—A report of a gunshot victim Tuesday night in Umatilla was a false alarm, according to a Umatilla Police Department report. UPD responded to Circle K, 391 North Central Avenue to meet the purported victim, Dana Waltrip shortly before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night. Waltrip arrived at the gas station shortly after a UPD officer and appeared “unsteady” and had a bloodstain on the right shoulder area of his shirt. Waltrip said he did not know what had happened to him and the officer asked him if he had been shot. Waltrip showed the officer the back of his head

Report of gunshot wound in Umatilla Tuesday night was a false alarm Read More »

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

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

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Argument about infidelity leads to shooting in Altoona

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

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Head-on crash kills Umatilla man Wednesday

ALTOONA, Fla.—A head-on crash claimed the life of a Umatilla man Wednesday afternoon and a seriously injured a Umatilla woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly after 3 p.m., the 42-year-old Umatilla woman was driving a 2018 Honda Accord westbound on County Road 42, approaching Penley Lane in Altoona and traveled into the eastbound lane, striking a 2021 GMC Sierra head-on. The woman was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares with serious injuries; her passenger, a 45-year-old Umatilla man, was also transported to AdventHealth Waterman, where he was pronounced deceased. An earlier report by Inside Lake stated the man

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Fatal crash shuts down CR 42 in Altoona

ALTOONA, Fla.—A Umatilla man has died following a crash on a busy Altoona road Wednesday afternoon. The Umatilla man, 45, was driving a 2018 Honda Accord and collided with a 2021 GMC Sierra on County Road 42 at Penley Lane around 3 p.m. The details on how the crash occurred have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Umatilla man was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he was pronounced deceased. County Road 42 remained shut down between State Road 19 and County Road 450 at press time, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies are

Fatal crash shuts down CR 42 in Altoona Read More »

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

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

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Umatilla motorcyclist killed, another seriously injured after wrong-way driver causes late night crash

EUSTIS, Fla.—A wrong-way crash killed a 20-year-old man and sent a 41-year-old man to the hospital shortly before midnight Saturday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 49-year-old Eustis man was driving a 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 westbound in the eastbound lane of State Road 44 when he struck a 2024 Harley-Davidson Sportster head-on, near Hammond Lane. The 20-year-old rider was killed; a second motorcyclist, a 41-year-old man riding 2003 Suzuki VL800K, swerved and laid the bike down on the roadway, FHP said. The 20-year-old Umatilla man was pronounced deceased on the scene, the 41-year-old man, also of Umatilla, was

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BREAKING NEWS: Fatal crash shuts down 2 Umatilla roads Tuesday

UMATILLA, Fla.—A Tuesday morning crash killed a Umatilla man and sent another to the hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 6:15 a.m., a 2008 Toyota Tacoma being driven by a 40-year-old Umatilla man was stopped southbound at the stop sign at Pine Street and County Road 450A in unincorporated Umatilla. The Tacoma failed to yield to a 1996 Honda Civic being driven westbound on County Road 450A by a 32-year-old Umatilla man, FHP said. The front of the Tacoma collided with the left side the Civic, seriously injuring the driver of the Tacoma. The driver of the

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Information finally released following search warrants executed on gaming facilities earlier this month

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—Only Inside Lake was on the scene earlier this month as Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives, in conjunction with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) searched an internet gaming facility in unincorporated Umatilla, and LCSO has finally released information regarding that search warrant and three more. On June 13, 2024, four search warrants were executed at different illegal gaming establishments in Lake County. Detectives with the Leesburg, Clermont, Eustis, and Mount Dora police departments also assisted with the investigation that stemmed from continued concerns that illegal gambling throughout Lake County leads to an increase in law enforcement calls

Information finally released following search warrants executed on gaming facilities earlier this month Read More »

Law enforcement investigating internet gaming facilities in unincorporated Umatilla and Tavares

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—There is a large law enforcement presence at two internet gaming facilities, one in unincorporated Umatilla and one in unincorporated Tavares, Thursday morning and Inside Lake is working to find out why. Inside Lake received multiple tips and was on the scene at Hotspot, 37415 State Road 19, Umatilla, briefly and witnessed several marked units from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at the business around 9:30 a.m. A tipster also said there was a law enforcement presence at another Hotspot, located at 11203 U.S. Highway 441, Tavares, near County Road 473. “We’re working an investigation regarding those gaming

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FHP identifies Umatilla man killed in Astor early Wednesday

ASTOR, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol has identified the man killed in Astor early Wednesday morning. Robert Sangster Jr., 26, of Umatilla, was standing in the westbound lane of State Road 40, near Blue Creek Lodge Road shortly after 4 a.m. when he was struck by a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee being driven by a 58-year-old Polk City woman. The woman swerved to avoid Sangster Jr., but the right side of the SUV collided with him. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. The woman was not injured and remained on scene, FHP said. The crash closed State Road 40 for approximately

FHP identifies Umatilla man killed in Astor early Wednesday Read More »

Umatilla man killed in Astor early Wednesday morning; SR 40 shut down

Update: FHP identifies Umatilla man killed in Astor early Wednesday – Inside Lake ASTOR, Fla.—A 26-year-old Umatilla man was killed Wednesday after he was struck by an SUV on State Road 40 in Astor, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Umatilla man was standing in the westbound lane of State Road 40 shortly after 4 a.m. when he was struck by 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee being driven by a 58-year-old Polk City woman. The woman swerved to avoid the man, but the right side of the SUV struck him, killing him. His next of kin has not been notified.

Umatilla man killed in Astor early Wednesday morning; SR 40 shut down Read More »

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

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

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Eustis Rollover Crash Sends 2 to Area Hospitals

EUSTIS, Fla.—A rollover crash sent one person to the hospital by helicopter and another by ground Tuesday morning, according to Eustis Police Department. Wilbert McMillian, 66, of Eustis, was driving a 1998 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck westbound on East Barnes Avenue when he attempted to turn southbound on Bay Street, shortly before 7:30 a.m. Tuesday.   McMillian failed to yield to traffic traveling southbound on Bay Street and rear-ended a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by Brittany Weatherspoon, 30, of Umatilla. The impact caused the Equinox to strike the median and rollover three times before landing on its roof. Weatherspoon

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Umatilla Man Stole City Truck Because he was “Bored,” Reached Speeds Over 100 mph, Apprehended by Volusia Sheriff’s K9

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla.—A Umatilla man was arrested Thursday after stealing a pickup truck from the City of Umatilla and heading into Volusia County at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. Just before 3:45 p.m. VSO received a call from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office advising a truck stolen from the City of Umatilla was headed into Volusia County. About 20 minutes later the truck was spotted on West New York Avenue, also known as State Road 44, near the Lake County line, according to an arrest affidavit. The driver, Eblair Sylvain, 18,

Umatilla Man Stole City Truck Because he was “Bored,” Reached Speeds Over 100 mph, Apprehended by Volusia Sheriff’s K9 Read More »

Umatilla Man Killed in Early Morning Crash Identified

EUSTIS, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed the identity of the man killed after he crashed into a tree Saturday morning. Tyler Evans, 27, of Umatilla, was driving a 2016 Nissan Versa northbound on County Road 439 near Dairy Road in unincorporated Eustis when he lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree around 5:15 a.m., FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. Evans was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. According to a gofundme created to benefit Evans’ family, Tyler

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Umatilla Man Killed after Losing Control of Car and Crashing into a Tree

EUSTIS, Fla.—A Umatilla man was killed before daylight Saturday morning after losing control of his car and striking a tree, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The 27-year-old man was driving a 2016 Nissan Versa north on County Road 439 near Dairy Road, in unicorporated Eustis, shortly before 5:15 a.m. when he lost control for an unknown reason, left the roadway and struck a tree, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The man was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash closed County Road 439 for more than five hours and remains under

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Former Umatilla High School Cheerleader Arrested in 2019 Murder-for-Hire Plot Accused of Stealing from Gas Station Job

UMATILLA, Fla.—A woman who was arrested when she was a teenager for trying to have her parents killed has been arrested again—this time for stealing from her job and it was captured on camera, according to an arrest affidavit. Alyssa Hatcher, 21, was arrested Monday by Umatilla Police Department after the manager of Circle K, 391 North Central Ave., Umatilla, reported Hatcher, an employee, was captured on video surveillance multiple times taking money out of the register and slipping it into her sock, instead of putting it in a safe. Hatcher was also captured on video walking into an office

Former Umatilla High School Cheerleader Arrested in 2019 Murder-for-Hire Plot Accused of Stealing from Gas Station Job Read More »

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

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Social Media Challenge Ends in Arrest of Umatilla Middle Student

UMATILLA, Fla.—A social media challenge ended in the arrest of a Umatilla Middle School student after he stood up in class and yelled there was a bomb earlier this week. The boy, 11, stood up in his second period class shortly before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and reportedly said “There is a bomb on campus,” according to an arrest affidavit. Inside Lake is not naming the boy due to his age. He was taken to the main office, and he said he made it up because of a TikTok. He told the school resource deputy an “app on TikTok has you

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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

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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

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Tracking App Helps Nab Accused Umatilla Teenaged Armed Robber

UMATILLA, Fla.—A tracking app helped nab an accused teenaged armed robber earlier this week, according to an arrest affidavit. Juan “Slugga” Gomez Jr., 16, of Umatilla, is accused of robbing two victims of $500 on Orange Circle in Lady Lake Sunday. The victims told Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies a masked male suspect pointed a gun at them and demanded money, and a second male who was not wearing a mask helped him, the affidavit states. The victims identified Gomez through social media and LSCO found that he attended Umatilla High School. Gomes was secured and detained at UHS Monday,

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Social Media Dispute Between Umatilla and Apopka Teens Erupts into Chase, Gun Found

UMATILLA, Fla.— A dispute between teenagers that began over social media erupted into a chase and eventual arrest Thursday after one teen admitted a gun found in a truck was his, according to an arrest affidavit. Law enforcement received information that a large fight was going to occur between Umatilla teens and Apopka teens over a social media dispute. A video showed a teen brandishing a black pistol with an extended magazine from inside what appeared to be a Dodge Ram, according to the affidavit. Umatilla High School Principal Brent Frazier sent out a voice message to parents and guardians

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Potentially Contaminated Gas Sold in Lady Lake and Umatilla, Officials Warn

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) is warning consumers of potentially contaminated gas sold at numerous gas stations, including two different Lake County locations over the weekend. “The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has identified a potentially widespread fuel contamination caused by human error at the Port of Tampa. Fuel purchased after 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, at stations supplied by CITGO from the Port of Tampa has a strong likelihood of being contaminated,” it said in a press release. The gas stations impacted in Lake County are BJ’s Wholesale, 13585 Northeast

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Potentially Contaminated Gas Sold in Lady Lake and Umatilla, Officials Warn

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) is warning consumers of potentially contaminated gas sold at numerous gas stations, including two different Lake County locations over the weekend. “The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has identified a potentially widespread fuel contamination caused by human error at the Port of Tampa. Fuel purchased after 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, at stations supplied by CITGO from the Port of Tampa has a strong likelihood of being contaminated,” it said in a press release. The gas stations impacted in Lake County are BJ’s Wholesale, 13585 Northeast

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Man Arrested for Attacking Man with Metal Pipe at Umatilla Business

UMATILLA, Fla.—An Altoona man is being held in the Lake County Jail on $16,000 bond after allegedly striking another man in the head with a metal pipe at a Umatilla business. Shortly before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Umatilla Police Department responded to Kerr’s Tires, 501 North Central Avenue, Umatilla on a report of a fight in progress. A witness said a fight occurred between Jess Robert Kerr, 51, and another man outside the business. The victim told police he saw Kerr wearing his wife’s hat and had a lighter that should have been in the victim’s car. He said he confronted

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Alachua County Wrong-Way Crash Leaves Umatilla Woman in Critical Condition

ALACHUA COUNTY, Florida—A Umatilla woman suffered critical injuries following a wrong-way crash Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 31-year-old woman was driving a white SUV northbound in the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 301 near County Road 325 shortly before 10 a.m. Friday, when she collided with a tractor-trailer traveling southbound and being driven by a 33-year-old Jacksonville man. Both vehicles swerved to avoid the crash and it caused a T-bone impact, FHP said in a press release. The woman was airlifted to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville with life-threatening injuries; the tractor-trailer driver was not

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Former Lake County Firefighter Found Guilty of Sexually Abusing Young Boy

TAVARES, Florida—A jury has found a former Lake County firefighter guilty of sexually battering and molesting a young boy 15 years ago. Steven Trent Ellis, 52, of Umatilla was arrested in July 2019 by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after a tip and subsequent search warrant revealed multiple images of child pornography on his computer. Following his arrest, “several” individuals came forward and reported he had sexually abused them, according to a probable cause affidavit. FDLE met with a victim in 2019 who said he had been abused by Ellis four to five times in 2008 when he was

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Multitude of Crashes Keeps Law Enforcement Busy Saturday

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—It was a busy Saturday for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol. Deputies and troopers responded to a multitude of vehicle crashes in the Eustis, Paisley and Umatilla areas Saturday, according to LCSO Lt. Fred Jones. At County Road 42 and Deerhaven Road, a truck flipped and before deputies arrived, the driver fled the scene. “The bloodhound and helicopter conducted an extensive search. The driver was not located,” Jones told Inside Lake. The second crash was at County 437, south of State Road 44 in Eustis. The driver left the road, struck an oak

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Long Arm of the Law Catches Up with Umatilla Murder Suspect

UMATILLA, Florida—The third man suspected in the 2022 murder of a Umatilla man has been apprehended in Georgia, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Marvin Habakkuk Ellison, Jr., 40, of Orlando, was taken into custody at an apartment complex in in DeKalb County, Georgia on Friday morning and a search warrant was executed where he was staying, LCSO said. A warrant was issued for Ellison’s arrest earlier this year and he was located by LCSO detectives, investigators from the Orlando Police Department and U.S. Marshals; he may be involved with other cases, according to LCSO.   Ellison and two

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Motorcyclist Killed in Umatilla After Attempting to Pass Pickup Truck in No-Passing Zone, Witness Speaks Only to Inside Lake

UMATILLA, Florida— A motorcyclist was killed Sunday afternoon after he attempted to pass a pickup truck in a no-passing zone as the truck was making a left turn, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 51-year-old Enterprise man was riding a 2019 Ducati Panigale motorcycle southbound on County Road 44A approaching Bill Collins Road in unincorporated Umatilla when he attempted to pass a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado towing a boat just after 1:30 p.m., FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in an email. As the 19-year-old Umatilla man driving the Silverado made a left turn onto Bill Collins Road, the motorcycle struck

Motorcyclist Killed in Umatilla After Attempting to Pass Pickup Truck in No-Passing Zone, Witness Speaks Only to Inside Lake Read More »

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 »

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.

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Report Reveals Details in Child Neglect Case, Victim’s Mom Speaks Only with Inside Lake

UMATILLA, Florida—The young girl left in a sweltering hot van last summer for 1 hour and 22 minutes beat on the van’s windows and doors and honked the horn until she was rescued, and the adults in charge of her failed to call 9-1-1, according to the girl’s mom and a report obtained by Inside Lake. The girl, who was three weeks shy of her 7th birthday when the incident occurred in June 2022, fell asleep on a field trip to the Umatilla Public Pool and the adults who were responsible for her care failed to notice she was in

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Owner of Popular Dance Studio Accused of Leaving Girl, 6, in Hot Vehicle Last Summer

UMATILLA, Florida—The owner of a popular dance studio with locations in Umatilla and Mount Dora was arrested at her home in Altoona Monday for child neglect, according to Lake County Clerk of Court Records. Jolene Amy Coates, 51, owner of Dance Depot was picked up on the warrant by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office stemming from an incident in June 2022. The warrant was a direct file from Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney William “Bill” Gladson’s office May 10. According to the information filed in the warrant, Coates, “while being responsible for the welfare of the (undisclosed victim)” left a

Owner of Popular Dance Studio Accused of Leaving Girl, 6, in Hot Vehicle Last Summer Read More »

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

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FHP Searching for Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Umatilla Man in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for an SUV that hit a Umatilla bicyclist early Friday morning, killing him. The 44-year-old man, identified by his sister as Patrick Williams, was riding in an unknown direction in the outside southbound lane of U.S. Highway 441 near Del Webb Boulevard in an unknown direction, when he was struck by an SUV traveling south. The SUV struck the bicycle and fled the scene; the bicycle was not equipped with illumination devices, FHP said. Williams was pronounced deceased on the scene by Marion County Fire Rescue shortly before 5 a.m. Friday. FHP

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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

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Rollover Crash Kills Eustis Man Friday Morning

UMATILLA, Florida—A rollover crash killed a Eustis man just before daylight Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 41-year-old man was driving a 1997 Chevy GMT-400 northbound on State Road 19 near Baker Road just outside of Umatilla, when he lost control for an unknown reason while negotiating a lefthand curve around 6:35 a.m., FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The Eustis man overcorrected, causing the truck to overturn multiple times and come to a final rest on the west shoulder of State Road 19, Crescenzi said. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. The

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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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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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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

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

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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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.

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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 in Stable Condition After Umatilla Crash Tuesday Night

UMATILLA—For the second time in less than a week, the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that resulted in serious injuries near Umatilla. There was little information available Wednesday morning, including how the crash occurred. A 55-year-old Sorrento woman was driving a white 2016 Chevrolet Cruze shortly before 8 p.m. Tuesday when she crashed for an unknown reason, striking a stop sign, street signs and a concrete pillar at State Road19 and Beach Street in front of Silver Beach Heights. The woman was airlifted to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, formerly Central Florida Regional Medical Center, in

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State Attorney Creates Animal Cruelty Task Force

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

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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

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Former Umatilla Babe Ruth President Admits to Stealing from Organization to Fund Gambling Habit

UMATILLA, Florida—The former president of Umatilla Babe Ruth Inc. has been arrested for stealing nearly $35,000 from the organization to fund his gambling habit, according to a probable cause affidavit. John Joseph Farley-Gleixner, 36, of Umatilla turned himself in Wednesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest following an investigation by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office detective who began investigating after receiving a theft complaint from a representative of Umatilla Babe Ruth Inc., according to the affidavit. The investigation found that Farley-Gleixner began misappropriating funds in May 2022 and continued for six months until a check bounced, revealing his

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“Arctic Blast” Arrives Just in Time for Christmas, Cold Weather Shelters to be Activated

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—In anticipation of this weekend’s chilly weather, Lake County will open two cold weather shelter locations Friday afternoon. Both locations will open at 5:30 p.m. Friday; Trinity Assembly of God, 200 Urick Street, Fruitland Park will stay open 24 hours a day through Tuesday, and LifePointe Church, 3551 East Orange Avenue will be open 5:30 p.m. through 8 a.m. each day until Tuesday, according to Lake County Emergency Management. A warming shelter will also be open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday at the Salvation Army, 2605 South Street, Leesburg,   Lake Xpress will provide

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Umatilla Teen Involved in Crash that Severed Motorcyclist’s Leg Arrested for Being Under the Influence of Marijuana at the Time of the Crash

EUSTIS, Florida—A teenager involved in a crash earlier this year that severed a motorcyclist’s leg has been arrested for DUI—driving under the influence of marijuana—according to a probable cause affidavit. Witnesses told Eustis Police a motorcycle was traveling 70 to 80 miles per hour shortly before 9:30 p.m. March 19, near State Road 19 and U.S. Highway 441, when the yellow Honda motorcycle attempted to pass a white Nissan Altima being driven by Stefon Shawn Seepersad, 19, of Umatilla. Seepersad turned on his blinker to turn right just as the motorcycle attempted to pass him and they collided, according to

Umatilla Teen Involved in Crash that Severed Motorcyclist’s Leg Arrested for Being Under the Influence of Marijuana at the Time of the Crash Read More »

Crews Battle Structure Fire in Grand Island Late Friday Afternoon

GRAND ISLAND—Crews from Lake County Fire Rescue, Eustis Fire Department and Umatilla Fire Department battled a barn fire late Friday afternoon on County Road 452 in Grand Island. Smoke could be seen as far away as County Road 44, near Grand Island Baptist Church and crews knocked the fire down quickly, a witness said. A hazmat crew responded to the scene, as a precaution due to fertilizer being in the barn, a source told Inside Lake. Lake EMS was on the scene, but there were no reported injuries. This is a developing story.

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No Arrests in Umatilla Murder Last Week, LCSO Developing Leads

UMATILLA Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is developing leads in the murder of a 31-year-old man Nov. 8, Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake Wednesday. Antwain “Lil Daddy” Hart was found shot in front of a home at 38946 Merrell Avenue last week in the Southside area of unincorporated Umatilla. He was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares by Lake EMS, but died during transport, Herrell said. LCSO has not released many details in the case. Hart’s rental vehicle, a white 2022 Jeep Cherokee was stolen at the time he was shot and found about 12 hours later behind First

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Traffic Stop Leads to More than 100 Grams of Meth

UMATILLA, Florida—A painted taillight that caught the attention of a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy began a series of events that ended in a trip to jail for a DeLand man Friday night after he was found with more than 125 grams of methamphetamine. Shortly after 10 p.m. Friday, the deputy spotted a blue Mercedes with what the deputy thought was an inoperable taillight on State Road 19 south of Umatilla. As the deputy approached the car, it was apparent the lights were painted and the driver side taillight was painted darker, making it appear very dim, according to an

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Man Shot Near Umatilla Tuesday, Dies On the Way to the Hospital

UMATILLA, Florida—A man is dead following a shooting in unincorporated Umatilla Tuesday afternoon, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. John Herrell. LCSO responded to a report of shots fired at 3:25 p.m. Tuesday around Merrell Avenue in the area known as Southside, and when they arrived, they found a man shot at a home at 38946 Merrell Avenue. Paramedics transported the man, but he died on the way to the hospital, Herrell said. AdventHealth Waterman was placed on lockdown for a short amount of time, standard procedure when a shooting victim is brought to a hospital. The shooting also

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Umatilla Teen Driving Mercedes Busted by Off Duty Deputy for Impersonating a Cop

EUSTIS, Florida—A teenager is being held on $6,000 bond after flipping on red and blue lights as he pulled over near a disabled vehicle Tuesday night—in front of a Lake County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy. Joshua Michael Mazenka, 18, of Umatilla, was driving a black 2011 Mercedes on State Road 19 in Eustis around 10 p.m. Tuesday when he saw a disabled vehicle, turned on his illegal red and blue lights and pulled over, according to an arrest affidavit. An LCSO detention deputy on his way home, saw the disabled vehicle and as he attempted to pull over, the Mercedes

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Tavares Police and LCSO Join Forces for Operation Aware

Operation Aware will provide wristbands and a database for first responders and the special needs community. TAVARES, Florida—Two law enforcement agencies have joined forces to provide a new tool to the community that will give first responders valuable information when responding to calls for service in the special needs community. Nearly a year in the making, Tavares Police Department began its Operation Aware initiative in November 2021 and has since teamed up with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to provide wristbands to members of the community that may require a different response from law enforcement. “We are big on community

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Man Arrested in Attempted Murder of Security Guard Wednesday

UMATILLA, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has made one in arrest in the attempted murder of a security guard during an armed robbery earlier this week. Travontae Shavar Harley, 33, of Mount Dora is accused of entering Hot Spot, 37415 State Road 19, Umatilla shortly before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday with an unidentified black male. The security guard of the internet gaming location, commonly known as “fish games” immediately engaged the pair and the security guard was shot. He was airlifted to a local hospital and his condition is unknown. The pair of robbers fled the scene in a dark-colored pickup

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LCSO Searching for 2 Suspects After Security Guard was Shot in Attempted Robbery Wednesday Night

Story has been updated with 911 calls added. DONA VISTA, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two black males who shot a security guard during an attempted robbery at an internet gaming location Wednesday night, according to newly-released information. Two black males entered Hot Spot, 37415 State Road 19, Eustis around 6:30 p.m. and fired an undisclosed number of shots, striking the security guard, LCSO Lt. Fred Jones said.  The victim was airlifted to a local hospital; his condition is unknown at this time.   The pair of would-be robbers, described only as black males, fled the scene

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One Person Shot in Attempted Armed Robbery

DONA VISTA, Florida—One person was shot Wednesday night during an attempted robbery at a popular internet gaming location, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Fred Jones. A black male entered Hot Spot, 37415 State Road 19, Eustis around 6:30 p.m. and fired an undisclosed number of shots, striking one person, Jones said.  The victim was airlifted to a local hospital. The suspect was not apprehended. LCSO, Eustis Police Department, Umatilla Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol all responded and a perimeter was set up; officers from several agencies were posted on State Road 19 and County Road 19A

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Back to School Events Around Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—The first day of school, scheduled for Aug. 10 for Lake County Schools, is fast approaching and with increased prices for gas, food and many other essential items, many families are in need of back-to-school supplies or some fun to have with the kiddos before they hit the books. We have compiled of list of events around Lake County that include supply giveaways and fun and informative events for the kids. Cities are listed in alphabetical order, scroll down until you find an event near you. Clermont Saturday, July 30, 9 a.m. to noon. Project Kid Connect presented

Back to School Events Around Lake County Read More »

Man Accused of Pointing Gun at Trio, “I’m Going to Cap All 3 of Y’all!”

UMATILLA, Florida—A man who allegedly threatened a group of people with a gun scaring a woman so much she urinated on herself, is being held in the Lake County Jail on $26,000 bond. Jeremy Forest Mitchell, 29, is accused of accosting the woman about some money she allegedly owed him Saturday, according to an arrest affidavit. The woman told a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy she was riding her bicycle with her friend on State Road 19 Saturday night when Mitchell came up on his skateboard asking about the money. Her boyfriend apparently saw the altercation, approached Mitchell, and asked, “Why

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Team Effort in Operation Sneak-A-Peek Nets Largest Fentanyl Haul in County History

TAVARES, Florida—Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell has a message for those dealing drugs in Lake County…to be continued. Announcing the largest fentanyl haul in Lake County history at a press conference Thursday, Grinnell spoke to members of the media about a 4-month operation that resulted in 27 people facing drug-related charges after detectives with multiple agencies targeted three high-level drug traffickers and their associates across the county. Cliff “Sneak” Johnson, 40, Andrew “Smurf” Woodruff, 37, and Charles, “Cuz” Carter, 50, who have collectively been arrested 75 times for felonies, were the main targets of “Operation Sneak-A-Peek” Grinnell told reporters Thursday

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Umatilla Man Accused of Hugging and Trying to Kiss Girl, 11

UMATILLA, Florida—A Umatilla man has bonded out of jail on child abuse and battery charges after an 11-year-old girl accused him of hugging her, rubbing her legs and trying to kiss her, according to an arrest affidavit. Umatilla Police Department responded to a home Monday after the girl reported to her parents Hector Laguna-Ruiz, 47, touched her. She said Laguna-Ruiz hugged her and tried to kiss her several times and she pushed him away and told him to leave, when he came into her room around 1 a.m., the affidavit states. She said Laguna-Ruiz left and returned 20 minutes later

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Motorcyclist Killed in Umatilla Saturday Morning

UMATILLA, Florida—A 64-year-old DeLand man was killed when he failed to negotiate a curve on County Road 450 Saturday morning, the Florida Highway patrol said Saturday. Shortly before 10:45 a.m., the man was traveling eastbound on a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle when he failed the negotiate a curve on County Road 450, also known as East Collins Street, near 9th Avenue, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The motorcycle left the roadway and overturned; the man was pronounced dead on the scene. He was not wearing a helmet. The crash remains under investigation.

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Umatilla Man Nabbed for Admittedly Smashing ATM

UMATILLA, Florida—A man who inconvenienced numerous people in Umatilla last month by admittedly breaking a Bank of America ATM, was picked up on a warrant for the crime Thursday, according to jail records. Several witnesses told Umatilla Police Department, a man, later identified as Michael Allen Connell, 31, punched and used pliers to hit the ATM located in the shopping center that includes Pizza Hut and Save-A-Lot on Central Avenue May 25. Connell broke the machine and caused more than $4,600 worth of damage, before he rode away on his bicycle, according to an arrest affidavit. Connell went to a

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Ray Bryant Jr., Community Leader and Volunteer, Passes Away Unexpectedly

UMATILLA, Florida—A well-known and well-loved community leader unexpectedly passed away last week. Social media posts began flooding Facebook, just a few hours after Ray “Ray Ray” Bryant, 55, died Wednesday. Bryant, of Altoona, was the owner and sensei of Central Florida Karate in Umatilla for more than 30 years and later, Central Florida Karate 2 in Mount Dora, according to his obituary. He impacted hundreds of children’s lives in the community through karate and founded Alee Academy in Eustis. Katie Mansfield, of Eustis, who trained with Bryant for five years when she was a child, told Inside Lake she was

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Jewelry Store Employee Who Admitted Stealing Nearly $2,000 in Merchandise said She Took it Home By Accident

LEESBURG, Florida—A woman who wore stolen jewelry to work at the place she stole it from turned herself into Leesburg Police Department Thursday afternoon, according to an arrest affidavit. Payton Elaine Alexander, 25, of the Marion County portion of unincorporated Umatilla, stands accused of stealing jewelry from Piercing Pagoda, located inside Lake Square Mall, while she worked there from November 2021 through February, when the thefts were discovered. In February, Piercing Pagoda’s Senior Manager of Loss Prevention emailed a Leesburg Police Department detective and asked if there were any pawn hits on Alexander and there were none. The manager sent

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Third Annual Back the Blue Walk Scheduled for Saturday

TAVARES, Florida—Hundreds of people are expected to attend the third annual Lake County Backs the Blue Walk scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at Tavares’ Wooton Park. In its third 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 ones needed to know they were appreciated,” Cook said. Cook has always had respect for law enforcement officers

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Naked Stroll through Umatilla Lands Man in Jail

UMATILLA, Florida—A nice leisurely naked stroll through Umatilla resulted in a trip to jail for a Fort Lauderdale man Thursday night. Stephen Robert Fauteux, 47, was arrested when he was found standing naked in front of Umatilla Police Department around 6: 10 p.m. Thursday. An officer was responding to a naked man walking in the area of State Road 19 and Golden Gem drive and as he left the department to respond, he was flagged down by two off-duty Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies who said the man was standing out front, according to an arrest affidavit. The officer went

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Sorrento Woman Killed in Eustis Motorcycle Crash

EUSTIS, Florida—A weekend that saw many motorcycles on the roads, especially in Eustis and Leesburg ended tragically Sunday afternoon with the death of a 28-year-old Sorrento woman. Rebekah Jo Towner was the passenger on 2006 Harley Davidson being ridden by 64-year-old Edgar Wesley Tello, of Umatilla, northbound on Grove Street, when he struck a construction sign near Pendleton Avenue, a Eustis Police spokesperson told Inside Lake—the only media on the scene. The impact threw Tello and Towner from the motorcycle and she slid with the motorcycle more than 100 feet, coming to rest at a fence in front of a

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Free Sealing and Expungement Clinic Scheduled for Saturday

TAVARES, Florida—Lake County residents with minor criminal histories have a unique opportunity to quickly and efficiently expunge or seal their record Saturday if they qualify, at the first-ever Sealing and Expungement clinic offered here. Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida is teaming up with the Lake County Bar Association and Lake Young Lawyers Division to offer this free 4-hour clinic scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Lake County Courthouse, 550 West Main Street, Tavares. Lawyers and representatives from numerous government agencies will be on hand to help participants navigate through the process, which often can be difficult

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Umatilla Man Accused of $20K Theft from Electrical Substation

UMATILLA, Florida—A Umatilla man who was already in the Lake County Jail on theft charges was served with another warrant accusing him of stealing $20,000 worth of copper materials from Duke Energy and then selling them to a recycling plant, according to an arrest affidavit. Luchious Myron Clayton, 64, of Umatilla, was arrested April 2 at his home on a warrant accusing of him of burglary and grand theft—and the victim was his cousin. In that case, the victim, Clayton’s cousin, left for work on March 28, and got an alert from his home surveillance system. He began watching the

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Man Flees Eustis Traffic Stop, Crashes

EUSTIS, Florida—A man accused of fleeing a traffic stop did not get very far when he crashed the vehicle, he was driving just a few blocks later, according to an arrest affidavit. Eustis Police attempted to stop 2005 silver Honda without a front or rear bumper for running a stop sign at Park Avenue and Eustis Street shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday. The car, being driven by Erin Tryon Dobson, 18, accelerated and fled the area when an EPD officer activated his lights and sirens, running several stop signs. The officer then terminated the stop, due to department policy, the

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Women Arrested for Burglary After Being Found Naked In Homeowner’s Bathtub

UMATILLA, Florida—A Umatilla woman was arrested by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office after being found naked in a whirlpool tub by the owner of the home around 1:15 a.m. Tuesday. The victim told LCSO she awoke to find lights on in her kitchen and heard her whirlpool tub running at her home on Lake Smith Road in unincorporated Umatilla early Tuesday morning. She opened the door to her bathroom and found Amanda Nicole Toler, 32, naked, inside her bathtub. The victim asked Toler who she was and what she was doing and she reportedly said, “I’m Amanda, I have nowhere

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Man Out On Bond For Child Molestation Arrested After Firing Two Shots Near Woman Who Did Not Want Him Around Her Daughter

UMATILLA, Florida—A man out on bond for molesting a 5-year-old girl in 2020, was arrested Saturday after firing two shots near a woman who did not want him around her daughter, according to an arrest affidavit. Around 9 p.m. Saturday, Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Tropical Whisper mobile home park in unincorporated Umatilla in reference to a battery. The victim told LCSO she went to her neighbor’s house to retrieve her daughter, who was with Joshua “Boops” Leon Redmond Dudley, 28, and his girlfriend. Dudley is facing several sex-related charges involving a minor;  the victim’s daughter’s age

Man Out On Bond For Child Molestation Arrested After Firing Two Shots Near Woman Who Did Not Want Him Around Her Daughter Read More »

Teen Arrested For Throwing Brick Through Vehicle Window At Umatilla Police Department

UMATILLA, Florida—A Umatilla High School was student was arrested last week for throwing a brick through the window of a police officer’s personal vehicle In January. According to a probable cause affidavit, Umatilla Police responded to the area of Kentucky Avenue and Mitchner Street in reference to a subject matching the description of a retail theft suspect on Jan. 21. Police approached a juvenile who matched the description of the thief, and he told the officer he stole a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from a Umatilla convenience store because he wanted to go to jail. The store refused

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Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Domino’s and Delivery Driver In 2020 Death Of Pedestrian

TAVARES, Florida—A lawsuit has been filed in the death of a pedestrian who was killed while walking with her boyfriend down State Road 19 in Umatilla in 2020. Rebecca “Becky” Lynn Carpenter, 39, was walking northbound along the shoulder of State Road 19 on the south end of Umatilla near the Dollar General that had recently opened with her boyfriend, Russell “Rusty” Gibbons, when she was struck by a sedan, also traveling northbound around 8 p.m. May 30, 2020.  The sedan was being driven by Frederick Martin Cole, of Eustis who was 29 and working for Domino’s, 1936 North State

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Man Arrested Exiting Forklift He Stole From Popular Church Construction Site

UMATILLA, Florida—A Umatilla man is accused of stealing a forklift from a popular church that is under construction Sunday, but he only made it across the street, according to an arrest affidavit. Jordan Arthur Meadors, 25, was busted by Umatilla Police getting out of the forklift that was stolen from First Baptist Church Umatilla (FBCU,) just after 2:30 a.m. after someone reported a suspicious incident. Meadors told UPD he was just moving the forklift after a “guy that he had just met told him he was allowed to drive the forklift and park it across the street,’ the affidavit states.

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Umatilla Man Killed in New Year ATV Crash

UMATILLA, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal ATV crash that occurred just 30 minutes into the new year Saturday morning. A 36-year-old Umatilla man was riding an ATV westbound on Lakeview Street near Lakeshore Avenue in the area of Lake Umatilla, when he lost control around 12:30 a.m., FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. The ATV overturned and landed on top of the man. The man, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he later died. The crash remains under investigation.

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Umatilla Man Bonds Out On Child Pornography Charges

UMATILLA, Florida—A Umatilla man bonded out of jail just a day after Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) agents arrested him at his Umatilla home for four counts of possession of child pornography Thursday. Working on a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) FDLE began investigating two images of child pornography that were reportedly found in a DropBox account in July. User nighthawkinflight64200@gmail.com uploaded two sexually explicit images of two little girls who appear to be 6 years old and 10 years old with adult men, on July 18, according to a probable cause affidavit. Through its

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Inappropriate Teacher-Video Leaks Out To Lake County Students

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. [09/06/19 9:45 p.m.] UMATILLA, Florida – Due to the nature of its content, LLN is declining to publish the video itself, to avoid further mental harm to students. However, even a cropped screenshot excerpt of the leaked video reveals that the unnamed woman appeared shocked at the salacious language being used, which is the subject of the ongoing investigation by Lake County Schools. [09/06/19 4:56 p.m.] UMATILLA, Florida – Lt. John Herrell has informed LLN that the LCSO took a report, investigated the matter, and having determined that no criminal violation exists, has referred the matter

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