EUSTIS

A 65-year-old Eustis man died Saturday following a crash not far from Magnolia Park at Lake Apopka, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A fatal four-vehicle wreck is under investigation in Lake County, the FHP says.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — As the owner of Lake County’s Chocolate Dream, Yaliz Opio is living her best life. Opio’s businesses started in her Eustis-area kitchen, making chocolate-covered strawberries during the 2020 pandemic. She has set up festivals and makes custom orders almost every day for people who want a taste of home. READ: Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet the Hispanic Trailblazers in our CommunityThe Small Business Administration reports there are close to 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses across the country, and Hispanic people own nearly 25% of new businesses. READ: ‘No other choice’: Immigrants continue to face language barriers in daily livesWATCH: Hispanic Heritage Month: Breaking Barriers Join us as we look at the struggles and successes within Central Florida’s Hispanic community.

EUSTIS, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Lake County is notifying residents near Sawgrass Lake of a blue-green algae bloom. Officials learned of the bloom after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination on Sept. 8. — Keep pets and livestock away from the waters where there is a bloom. More information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications can be found here. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

EUSTIS, Fla. — An Apopka police officer is on leave after investigators said he drove drunk in his patrol car. Officer Oscar Mayorga was on his way to work when investigators said they found alcohol in his patrol car. READ: Apopka police officer charged with DUI in marked patrol car, police sayThe officer’s arrest was captured on body camera video. Body camera video showed Mayorga almost falling during questioning. He was arrested after blowing a 3.91 and 3.85 — nearly five times the legal limit to drive.

EUSTIS, Fla. — An Apopka police officer was charged with driving under the influence in his marked agency vehicle, police said. The Eustis Police Department said it conducted a traffic stop on the officer on Monday evening. The department said it arrested the officer for driving under the influence. Once the Eustis Police Department finished its investigation, members of the Apopka Police Department responded to the scene to recover the agency vehicle and officer’s equipment, police said. The Apopka Police Department said the officer has been with the department for five years and is assigned to the uniform patrol division.

Dive teams in Lake County found the body of a boater who disappeared after an accident on Lake Yale.

The city of Eustis announced its Independence Day Hometown Celebration for Friday, July 1 in Ferran Park.

An Orlando man turned himself in to the Lake County Jail on Tuesday after being suspected in stealing 393 gallons of gas, according to an arrest affidavit.

One of six men charged with raping a 14-year-old in Lake County in 2018 was found guilty by a jury on Thursday.

VIDEO: Troopers investigate deadly Lake County crash after pickup truck travels into the wrong lane VIDEO: Troopers investigate deadly Lake County crash after pickup truck travels into the wrong lane (WFTV)EUSTIS, Fla. — An investigation is underway in Eustis following a fatal crash on State Road 44, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. According to troopers, a 2003 Ford Ranger was driving west on S.R. 44, and for an unknown reason, the driver veered off the road, overcorrected and traveled into the eastbound lanes. The front of the Ranger crashed into the side of a 2021 Ford Ranger that was hauling a trailer, causing the truck and trailer to overturn. Read: Hurricane names: Here’s why Agatha will become Alex if the storm redevelopsThe truck and trailer came to a rest on their roofs.

The crash happened around 8:30 a.m. on State Road 44 near Bottany Woods Drive.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested after being accused of calling in a false bomb threat to a Eustis Wendy’s in April, an affidavit shows.

EUSTIS, Fla. — Eustis police are trying to identify several men accused of tampering with gas pumps at a local gas station. Eustis gas pump tampering (Eustis Police Department)Read:When the manager went to look at the pumps, he noticed the “tamper tape” on one of the pumps had been removed and a device had been placed inside. Police said the thieves stole about 400 gallons of diesel worth almost $2000. Read:During the thefts, two men believed to be connected to the thefts were caught on video entering the store. Eustis gas pump skimmers found (Eustis Police Department)Eustis police ask anyone who may be able to identify the suspects or have information on the thefts to contact them at 352-483-5400.

Police are looking for four vehicles and two people accused of siphoning more than 400 gallons of gas worth about $2,000 at a Eustis gas station.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A Eustis, Florida, woman is facing an aggravated child abuse charge after the 4-year-old left in her care told authorities how he sustained peculiar injuries that landed him in an emergency room in February. >> Read more trending newsAccording to WFTV, the boy was taken to the emergency room with grape-sized bruising around his eyes as well as bruising around his ears, shoulder and lower back. Chapman, who was caring for the boy at the time he was hurt, was arrested after the boy told medical personnel that “Miss Amber” placed him in the clothes dryer with towels and he spun around, WFTV reported. The boy told sheriff’s deputies several days after the emergency room visit that Chapman placed him in the dryer, closed the door and he “went round and round.” The child said Chapmen then opened the door, closed the door again and he “went round and round,” the TV station reported. Although a Child Protection Team was unable to determine if being placed in the dryer caused the boy’s injuries, the medical report indicated that the boy’s account is consistent with the severity of his injuries, WFTV reported.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Eustis woman on Saturday following allegations that she placed a 4-year-boy who was in her care in a dryer and turned it on. Amber Chapman, 35, is being charged with a first-degree felony of aggravated child abuse stemming from an incident in February after the boy was taken to the emergency room with grape-sized bruising around his eyes as well as bruising around his ears, shoulder and lower back. According to the arrest report, the boy was taken to the ER on February 1 where he told doctors that “Miss Amber” placed him in the dryer with towels and he spun around. Read: Boy, 13, drowns in Volusia CountyChapman was released on $15,000 bail on Saturday. ©2022 Cox Media Group

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Eustis woman on Saturday following allegations that she placed a 4-year-boy who was in her care in a dryer and turned it on.

A 35-year-old Florida woman is accused of placing a child in a dryer.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lake County Government is planning to pay nearly $6 million to take control of the old Eustis sand mine. South Lake Trail and Cherrylake Partnership 🌳👟🚴‍♂️ When you’re out on the South Lake Trail you may notice some newly planted trees along County Road 565A. Public/private partnerships like this are what make Lake County a great place to live, work and play! Posted by Lake County Florida on Friday, February 25, 2022“Like 400 dump trucks a day,” resident Cindy Musselwhite said. Lake County Commission Chairman Sean Parks has said he’d like to see it turned into an eco-park for recreation to complement the Lake Norris Conservation area the state already has there.

Ana and Dave Harris started the Empanadas R Us food truck in September 2021, after they recognized her cooking talents.

Eustis commissioners voted unanimously Thursday night to approve a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay for the Pine Meadows Reserve.

EUSTIS, Fla. — A proposed development in Lake County calling for more than 500 homes in the city of Eustis has some residents in an uproar. The Pine Meadows Project would go on land that was once part of the old golf course and country club. A vote on the project is expected tonight. Parts of it would border the Pine Meadows conservation area. “We don’t have the infrastructure to handle 548 additional homes.”However, city officials said it’s a good project.

EUSTIS, Fla. — A state-funded group home where a man with developmental disabilities died has closed. The operator of the group home confirmed it, too, though told us it’s not connected to Caleb Walker’s death. The Oconee group home operated by ATTAIN is nestled in a quiet Eustis neighborhood. It’s where Walker received care until he died while being restrained in November 2020. READ: Family of autistic man who died in local group home announces wrongful death lawsuitA spokesperson for the operator said the closure had nothing to do with Walker’s death.

A 3-year-old boy was burned after his father poured gunpowder into a fire pit, causing it to explode, according to the Eustis Police Department.

Mystic Ice Cream is opening its third location in Eustis.

The Lake County Board of Commissioners announced they will open cold weather shelters starting Friday, Jan. 28 through Sunday, Jan. 30 as temperatures are expected to drop.

A teenager was shot at Sunset Island Park in Eustis around 6 p.m. on Saturday, according to police.

Lake County is gearing up for Central Florida’s cold front by activating its cold weather shelters Monday and Tuesday, officials announced Monday.

LAKE COUNTY , Fla. — For one Lake County family, 2022 is already off to a good start as they were given the keys to a new home Monday. Sandra and Walter Young of Eustis had been living with their daughter and her family after suffering some hardships last year. Now thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, AgeWave Solutions and the Women Build project, the Youngs are now the proud owners of a new home. “We had to put in 200 hours ourselves, that was required, but of course we weren’t going to do just 200,” Sandra said. AgeWave Solutions Inc. is part of the Women Build project, which aims to build and repair homes, while raising awareness of housing issues facing women, their families, and the community.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Health Department has a handful of COVID-19 testing sites up and running in Lake County. The site at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis has been busy throughout Wednesday. READ: Osceola County health department warns about fraudulent pop-up COVID-19 testing sitesHealth leaders said they are seeing a lot of demand for testing and it seems to come in waves. These private facilities are offering COVID-19 testing by appointment“I tested positive last week so, you know, doing the follow-up today,” said Darvian Sanchez. He was one of dozens of people Wednesday who navigated the drive through the testing site.

Central Florida is rapidly growing with new development and businesses coming to the area every day.

A father and son pair from Eustis died Friday in a fiery wreck on State Road 46, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

When Kathryn Wilgus returned from her service as a combat nurse in Afghanistan, she experienced challenges many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. The Navy veteran did not have

Darrell Day and his wife, Lisa, are bringing their tie-dyed ice cream shop to a new Lake County community in 2022.

Supply chain issues, climate change, and planting decisions during the Great Recession have all contributed to the Christmas tree crunch.

DNA from discarded beer cans linked Stough to the death of Paquette, who was stabbed 73 times in a convenience store bathroom. It was a very gruesome, violent scene,” Orange County Sheriff’s Office Detective Brian Savelli said in a video on the case. Six years later, in 2019, Paquette’s murder became the focus of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s new cold case unit. That led authorities to the couple’s three children: Kenneth Stough Jr. and his two older brothers, Savelli said. Crime scene workers at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office swabbed the beer cans for DNA and submitted the samples to the FDLE’s lab for analysis.

EUSTIS, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis is scheduled to host a news conference in Eustis on Friday. DeSantis is scheduled to speak at noon along with Department of Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran at Lake Technical College. Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates. READ: State of Florida files lawsuit against Biden administration over COVID-19 vaccine mandatesClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is holding a news conference in Tavares Friday afternoon.

A family is looking for accountability from Eustis police after they tased their loved one with autism.

A 39-year-old man was arrested after a bank robbery at the Insight Credit Union on Highway 441 in Eustis on Tuesday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

The family of a Eustis woman killed in a hit-and-run crash is reeling from grief days after the 59-year-old died.

Troopers are searching for a driver of a red sedan, possibly a Hyundai, after a double fatal crash around 6:10 p.m. Thursday in the area of State Road 46 and Wekiva Pines Boulevard in Lake County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Journey Christian Church canceled its in-person portion of Sunday services at two of its campuses in Apopka and Lake County following a COVID-19 outbreak.

Friday night played host to the Eustis “Hometown Celebration” at Ferran Park.

The gift was made possible through Building Homes for Heroes program.

Lake County deputies arrested a 42-year-old Eustis man accused of shooting his neighbor as the victim retrieved his puppy from the suspect’s yard, records show.

One person was killed and another person was injured in a house fire that was likely caused by a cigarette Thursday evening, according to Eustis Fire Chief Mike Swanson.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – The 46th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival will welcome art lovers and artists on Saturday not just from Florida but from outside the Sunshine State as well. Ronald Weltmer, a woodwork artist who lives in Eustis, is excited to be attending the iconic festival for the first time. Organizers from the Mount Dora Center for the Arts said their priority is the public’s safety. Deborah Barnes, a jewelry artist in Mount Dora, has been part of the festival for more than 40 years and is looking forward to her first show in a year. Visitors are asked not to stroll around the festival with food or drinks to prevent them from taking off their face coverings.

EUSTIS, Fla. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy was justified in using his Taser on a Eustis High School student while trying to break up a fight on Tuesday. The video appears to show the student slapping at the deputy’s face and kneeing him, which is also described within the incident report. The video ends when both the deputy and the student get back to their feet and the deputy draws his Taser. According to the report, Brown gave the student verbal commands to stop, threatening to use the stun gun if she did not listen. According to the report, the student later apologized to Brown claiming she “blacked out” in a fit of anger.

Residents at Lake Eustis Health and Rehabilitation Center received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 13, 2021. EUSTIS, Fla. – Several residents at the Lake Eustis Health and Rehabilitation Center received the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Wednesday. Aalbrand said she couldn’t be happier to receive the second dose because this will mean more family time for her from now on. Lake Eustis Health and Rehabilitation Center is home to 71 seniors. Several staff members were also scheduled to get the second dose on Wednesday.

Officers with the Eustis Police Department said they are looking for a 17-year-old accused of shooting a woman at “Light-Up” Eustis. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Officers with the Eustis Police Department said they are looking for a 17-year-old accused of shooting a woman at “Light-Up” Eustis. A woman was rushed to the hospital after a shooting on Nov. 27, according to the police department. Eustis police the victim was shot in the arm around 9:38 p.m. on Nov. 27. The woman was standing several hundred feet from where the shooting happened and was not the intended target, according to officials.

EUSTIS, Fla. – After weeks of fundraising, the State Theatre of Eustis is no longer at risk of closing its doors at the end of the year, thanks to a generous donation. We can’t get to 76% if we only have 55 seats available.”Among those who watched the story was Grammy award-winning pianist and conductor Peter Nero. The 86-year-old acclaimed musician has called The Villages home for several years and has never set foot inside the State Theatre of Eustis. To celebrate the occasion, Jaggers and operations manager Sue Wharff surprised Mr. Nero at his house with an oversized check for him to keep. “He donated $20,000 to keep our theatre afloat,” Jaggers said.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A woman was rushed to the hospital after a shooting in downtown Eustis at the “Light-Up” Eustis event, according to the police department. [TRENDING: Video reveals huge hammerhead shark circling clueless swimmer in Florida | Florida reports latest coronavirus numbers | ‘Disturbing’ video sent to Seminole students]Eustis police the victim was shot in the arm around 9:38 p.m. on Friday. The woman was standing several feet from where the shooting happened and was not the intended target, according to officials. Investigators said she was transported to the Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford. Anyone with information is asked to contact Eustis police or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Due to the pandemic, the State Theatre of Eustis is on the brink of closing its doors. Becky Jaggers serves as president of the Bay Street Players, which has called the theatre home since 1975. “Right now, we are struggling.”“(The) Bottom line is we here at the State Theatre are in a world of trouble right now,” Bay Street Players Vice President Jim Quinlan added. As their set goes up, many worry when it’s over, the curtain will fall for good on this 98-year-old theatre. “We want to save our theatre,” Jaggers added.

EUSTIS, Fla. – The Eustis Police Department responded to a crash Sunday that left two 14-year-olds dead and a third teen seriously injured. “At this time two fatalities have been confirmed and one is labeled in critical condition,” investigators said. Eustis police later identified the victims as Amari Traemaine Bedford, 14, who was the driver, and NY’Juan J. Hodge, 14, who was the front passenger. The third 14-year-old, Torian Harp, remains in critical condition. Friends and family of the victims held a vigil at the crash site Monday evening.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A 32-year-old Lake County man is facing charges after deputies say he stabbed another man in an argument over comments about his girlfriend. Sheriff’s deputies say the scene unfolded Sunday at a home along the 2700 block of Grand Island Shores Road in Eustis. Hays' friend told deputies he was the one who invited the two men over to the home. Deputies say Joseph Teyssier worked to break up the fight, kicking Hays away from his brother as he pushed him in the opposite direction. Deputies say Hays likely used the kitchen knife found on the dining room table to stab Pierre.

EUSTIS, Fla. – As Central Floridians prepare for Hurricane Isaias, many families are struggling to make ends meet because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts say you can still be prepared for this hurricane season without breaking your budget. We recommend seven days’ worth of food, water, and medicine.”Preparing for the hurricane season is different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Building a hurricane kit or getting prepared doesn’t have to be expensive. Carter said you can get the essentials you need for your hurricane kit for less than $30.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A Lake County nonprofit, already struggling from hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic, is dealing with another big blow. The Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis was vandalized sometime Sunday night, according to the center’s Executive Director, Eileen Tramontana. "I came into work yesterday here at the nature center and I found my doors wide open in my education building. The loss comes at a time when the center's donations are down due to classes, school field trips and environmental education programs being canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. The 230-acre property has offered walking trails and environmental education opportunities for 32 years.

The nostalgia is real for Barnwood BBQ owners Dan and Elaine Backhaus. They are also offering bulk dinners including the pig out feast with 1 1/2 pounds of pulled pork, two pint-size sides, four buns and Barnwood BBQ sauce for $29.99 or the hog wild feast with two pounds of pulled pork, two quart-sized sides, six buns and Barnwood BBQ sauce for $39.99. Substitute brisket for pulled pork for $5. Try the rib rack, meat shack and a pig to go special featuring one full rack of ribs, one pound pulled pork, one pound brisket, two quart-sized sides, six buns and a bottle of Barnwood BBQ sauce for $64.99. Barnwood BBQ, 3725 W Old US Highway 441 in Mount Dora, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

EUSTIS, Fla. – Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began, birthday celebrations have had to be canceled or changed. For two parents in Eustis, their creativity brought together a community of truck drivers and caring strangers, to celebrate their son’s fifth birthday. What the family didn’t know, is that his post would be shared by others. “The field was full of trucks and I just-- I didn’t know and they came just to celebrate him. Some of the trucks that showed were such high caliber, they were literal monster trucks, I mean, I'm just glad We were able to do it," Raley said.

Usually this time of the year, Coneys Italian Ice and Creamery in Eustis is giving away thousands of coupons for a free small Italian ice to kids who make the honor roll at a few select schools in Lake County. However, on Monday, May 4, Coneys is extending their free treats to any kids 18 and under from noon to 2 p.m.We want to give away as much as possible, owner Stephanie Wrenn-Pebbles said. Along with the free treats, their full menu will be available for order. Other sweet treats include handspun milkshakes, soft serve ice cream, ice cream sundaes, smoothies, floats, banana splits and gelati (Italian ice mixed with soft serve ice cream). Coneys Italian ice and Creamery, 24422 State Road 44 in Eustis, is open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The Combat Caf' has an almost spiritual vibe about it; the camaraderie and oft-unspoken memories going on inside that right-sized, military-themed eatery are almost palpable. Bruce and Beth's place certainly has been an ideal venue for many a' vet interview in support of LZ LAKEHAWK. I moved and changed as events happened unannounced and unplanned and thats the way it is in combat and in all of life. But rest assured that one thing that is constant in a world of change is God and His unchanging love for you and me. Join Keith Friday mornings on 1410 AM with station manager James Floyd and Air Force Vietnam veteran Bob Peters.

Its been a rough ride for Combat Cafe owners Bruce and Beth Chambers. Although the experience was frustrating, they were able to get back on their feet and re-open. They also offer their signature three-egg omelets and scrambles like the uncle ham (ham and Swiss), The Calvary (ham, onion and pepper), The Grunt (ham, bacon and sausage) and the Greka (feta, tomato and onion). These range from $6 to $9 and are served with potatoes or grits, toast or a biscuit. Combat Cafe, 1602 N Hwy 19 in Eustis, is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m Tuesday through Sunday.

After more than a year of planning, building and working out all the logistics, Luigis Italian Restaurant in Eustis set their grand opening date for April 1. The first day the phones were ringing off the hook.Luigi and his family are no strangers to Lake County. Many may remember the original Luigis Italian Restaurant that was opened by Luigis parents, Pasquale and Maria Folgore, in Eustis in 1990. In 2007, I decided to follow in my familys footsteps and open Gigis, which was my nickname, because a lot of people in my family are named Luigi, Luigi said. Luigis Italian Restaurant, 2814 David Walker Drive in the Publix Shopping Plaza, is currently open 11 a.m to 8:30 p.m. for curbside pickup.

Eustis dietitian Mary Ann Kalonick is starting a free health challenge for residents of Lake County. EUSTIS Health is a big topic in the world right now thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Because of this, Eustis dietitian Mary Ann Kalonick is starting a free health challenge for residents of Lake County. Throughout the challenge, she will present 10 steps for people to get healthy and boost their immune system. In Glow Challenge, Kalonick outlines her 10 easy steps which includes eating well, moving often, being kind, enjoying music and drinking water.

EUSTIS, Fla. – The Eustis Police Department is investigating a shooting that left a person injured, according to a news release. Officers responded to Rose Lane and Johnson Avenue Wednesday at 1:30 a.m. for a report of a person shot, investigators said. Police said a victim suffering from a gunshot wound was found and taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to call police at 352-483-5400 and reference case number E20032464. It was not immediately clear if any any arrests were made, if police located a person of interest or what led up to the violence.

Authentic Greek cuisine has returned to Eustis with the opening of Gyro King, located in the same spot where Elijahs Cafe, a beloved Greek Mediterranean restaurant, once operated. I was excited to hear he wanted to open a Greek restaurant.The restaurant is filled with the sound of Greek music and offers a quaint seating area with Greek decor. They also offer their famous Greek salad with lettuce, tomatoes, greek and green peppers, feta, olives, cucumbers, beets and potato salad in a small for $4 or a large for $8. They also offer a chicken pita, pork tenderloin pita, roast beef sandwich, grilled chicken breast sandwich, hamburger or cheeseburger for $6.50 to $7.95. Dinners range from $10.75 to $14.50 and is served with a small Greek salad, pita bread and French fries or rice.

YOUR FORECAST: After a stormy Thursday, the temperatures have dropped. Expect highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend with sunny and party cloudy skies. : Fruitland Park is hosting a city-wide tournament on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fruitland Park Community Center. It costs $40 per team and there will be a cash prize for first place. DISNEY FROZEN JR.: The Bay Street Players Young Peoples Theatre presents Disney Frozen Jr. at 7 p.m Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Historic State Theatre in Eustis.

A look at whats playing, and whats upcoming, on local stagesThis weeks round up of stage performances offers a mix of plays, music and dance. The Bay Street Players Young Peoples Theatre performs the modern classic Disney Frozen Jr. Thursday through Sunday in Eustis. The romantic comedy, The Last Romance, takes the stage this weekend only at the Living Drama Theatre in Eustis. Heres a look at whats on stage this week and beyond. Disney Frozen Jr.The Bay Street Players Young Peoples Theatre presents Disney Frozen Jr. at 7 p.m. March 5-7 and 2 p.m. March 8 at the Historic State Theatre in Eustis.

The day-long event, which serves as a prelude to Leesburg Art Fest a week later, will feature students from Leesburg, Umatilla, Eustis and Tavares High Schools, who will participate in eight artistic challenges. LEESBURG Teams from four Lake County high schools will compete in the second Leesburg Art Olympics on Saturday. The day-long event, which serves as a prelude to Leesburg ArtFest a week later, will feature students from Leesburg, Umatilla, Eustis and Tavares High Schools, who will participate in eight artistic challenges, including transforming trash into fashion, making pottery and creating a product and a logo for a fictitious company. The students creations will go on display at the Leesburg center for the Arts during the 43rd annual Leesburg ArtFest on March 14-15. More information about the artfest can be found on the festival website, www.LeesburgArtFest.com.

EUSTIS Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter and Lowes extended an open invitation to women volunteers from throughout the community. The women were sought to participate in a local event for International Women Build Week. International Women Build Week runs from March 1-8 to highlight the global need for safe and affordable housing. A couple of local volunteers showed up, were handed hard hats and put to work. After all, Lozada, her husband, James Santiago, and their son, Jianluc Santiago, were the recipients of the 2019 Habitat Women Build home.

Girls soccer coaches from Lake Countys eight public high schools have compiled the public school All-County Team for the 2019-20 season. EUSTIS Girls soccer coaches from Lake Countys eight public high schools have compiled the public school All-County Team for the 2019-20 season. Girls BasketballLeesburg High School girls basketball coach Marlyn Bryant has resigned as Yellow Jackets coach after six seasons. Bryant led the Yellow Jackets to 93-59 record and two regional championship games during his tenure. Following a winless season in 2017-18, Bryant steadily rebuilt the Yellow Jackets, culminating with a 16-11 record last season.

Frank Scott, who produced one of the most-prolific offenses during his stint at Mount Dora High School, has been tabbed to be the next head football coach at Eustis. EUSTIS Frank Scott, who built one of the most-prolific offenses during his stint at Mount Dora High School, has been tabbed to be the next head football coach at Eustis. We are very excited that Frank Scott is joining Eustis High School to lead our football program, said Clark. Prior to taking over as head coach, Scott was the Hurricanes passing game coordinator as well as the offensive coordinator. In his time at Mount Dora, Scott transformed Mount Dora into one of the areas most-efficient offenses, producing 1,000-yard runners like Dominic Walker (1,003 yards in 2016) and Isayah Hatter (1,396 yards in 2018).

Frank Scott, who produced one of the most-prolific offenses during his stint at Mount Dora High School, has been named head football coach at Eustis. Eustis Frank Scott, who produced one of the most-prolific offenses during his stint at Mount Dora High School, has been tabbed to be the next head football coach at Eustis. We are very excited that Frank Scott is joining Eustis High School to lead our football program, said Clark. Prior to taking over as head coach, Scott was the Hurricanes passing game coordinator as well as the offensive coordinator. In his time at Mount Dora, Scott transformed Mount Dora into one of the areas most-efficient offenses, producing 1,000-yard runners like Dominic Walker (1,003 yards in 2016) and Isayah Hatter (1,396 yards in 2018).

Lake Minneola and Real Life Christian won prep baseball games Thursday, while Tavares and Eustis split on the tennis courts. LEESBURG The Lake Minneola High School baseball team evened its record at 2-2 on Thursday with a 16-1 win in five innings against Leesburg at Pat Thomas Stadium-Buddy Lowe Field. Lake Minneola added a run in the second, four more in the third and four in the fifth. Daniel Marinacci also had three RBIs, while Zach Arnold, Hunter French, Morales and Shad Smith scored two runs apiece for Lake Minneola. Lake Minneola hosted Orlando University on Friday and will play The Villages at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at Lake Minneola.

Although it starts out as a pretty quiet weekend, come Saturday, Lake County events are in full swing. For those looking for some philanthropy opportunities, check out the Give Back Day at Trout Lake Nature Center or the inaugural SPAYghetti Dinner Fundraiser for L.E.A.S.H. Heres whats on tap:Georgefest Carnival ExtendedThe city of Eustis has extended the Georgefest Carnival to this weekend beginning Thursday at 5 p.m. in downtown. Details: https://www.leesburgflorida.gov/Give Back to TLNC DayTrout Lake Nature Center in Eustis is reaching out to the community for help. Details: https://www.facebook.com/TheNewLakeSquareMallSPAYghetti DinnerThe inaugural SPAYghetti Dinner will be hosted from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Eustis Service Center, 301 W. Ward Ave. in Eustis.

Mental Mount Dora Murder Mystery DinnerIts dinner and a show Saturday with Mental Mount Dora Murder Mystery Dinner. Details: Mountdoralive.comSmooth Country BandThe Living Drama Theatre hosts the Smooth Country Band 7 p.m. Mondays. UPCOMINGDisney Frozen Jr.The Bay Street Players Young Peoples Theatre presents Disney Frozen Jr. at 7 p.m. March 5-7 and 2 p.m. March 8 at the Historic State Theatre in Eustis. Details: baystreetplayers.orgThe Last RomanceThe romantic comedy The Last Romance plays performances March 6-7 at the Living Drama Theatre in Eustis. Details: baystreetplayers.orgA Gentlemans Guide to Love and MurderThe IceHouse Players present A Gentlemans Guide to Love and Murder March 20 to April 12 at the Sonnetag Icehouse Theatre in Mount Dora.

EUSTIS, Fla. – A 71-year-old man repeatedly went to a teen girl’s work for several months, causing her to be so afraid for her safety that her coworkers would have to hide her when he arrived at the store, according to the Eustis Police Department. Police said Larry Yennior, 71, had been targeting the 17-year-old girl over the course of a year beginning in March 2019 when he noticed her at the grocery store where she works. According to documents, Yennior would go to the store and seek out the teen, even buying small, insignificant items so that he could go through her check-out lane. He’d ask the girl personal questions about her age and whether her parents would approve if they were to begin a romantic relationship, records show. Police said the behavior got so bad that employees would watch out for Yennior and when he entered the store they would say a code word over the intercom so the girl could hide.

EUSTIS, Fla. – On Dec. 19th, a Eustis police officer, Captain Gary Winheim, was shot while on the job. But while that was happening, good Samaritans sought to help law enforcement that day, and those heroes were recognized at the Eustis City Commission meeting. King said his brother ended up following the shooter, while on the phone with 911, helping to let the police know where the shooter ended up, near a junkyard. Pastor Brooks Braswell of the First Baptist Church of Umatilla said his church served as a central hub for law enforcement during the man-hunt. Pastor Braswell said it was thanks to the generosity of local restaurants, that they were able to provide law enforcement with hot meals.

YOUR FORECAST: It's going to be chilly this weekend. Expect sun on Sunday, but it wont get warmer than 75 degrees. CELEBRATING GEORGE: The 118th annual Georgefest festival in downtown Eustis has an entire weekend line-up in honor our nations first president. Details: facebook.com/EustisGeorgefest/MUTTS GONE NUTS: Dogs and their trainers will perform the show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Clermont Performing Arts Center. Details: clermontperformingartscenter.com

Eustis police captain honornedPublished: February 20, 2020, 11:17 pmThe Eustis police capatain was honored tonight after his bravery durring an incident in December 2019.

Not since 2003, in fact, when Eustis won the Class 3A state title has a local program raised the state championship trophy. The Bulldogs lost that contest 2-0 and Hillsborough went on to win the state title. Leesburg (1970, 1971, 1977, 1983, 1985) leads the way with five Final Four appearances, including one state title. In addition, five other area programs advanced to the state championship game in their respective classifications, only to end up as runners-up. Montverde Academy was the last area team to reach a state championship game, when it advanced to the Class 2A title.

An instrumental concert with Pavlo, featuring Mediterranean music takes the stage Saturday in Mount Dora. Enjoy some toe-taping old school soul, doo-wop and Motown music with Michael Russo at the Historic State Theatre in Eustis on Saturday. Also of note, the Melon Patch Theatre has replaced the show Chorus Line with Cabaret opening March 20. Pavlo in ConcertThe Mount Dora Community Center welcomes Pavlo in Concert at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Mount Dora Community Center. Details: clermontperformingartscenter.comUpcomingDisney Frozen Jr.The Bay Street Players Young Peoples Theatre presents Disney Frozen Jr. at 7 p.m. March 5-7 and 2 p.m. March 8 at the Historic State Theatre in Eustis.

A popular Eustis bartender went missing Sunday following a music festival in Boca Raton. The search continued Wednesday as the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office scoured the area with dogs and drones. BOCA RATON A popular Eustis bartender went missing Sunday night following a music festival in Boca Raton, leaving both his car and phone behind. Eastwoods step-sister, Chelsea Smith, said the family started Wednesday searching at Sunset Cove Amphitheatre in Boca Raton, where Eastwood was last seen around 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Hotels in Boca Raton are already expensive, but spring break season has hit, and prices have skyrocketed as hotels have closed their last vacancies.

A popular Eustis bartender went missing Sunday following a music festival in Boca Raton. BOCA RATON A popular Eustis bartender who went missing Sunday night following a music festival in Boca Raton was found dead Wednesday afternoon. As the search went on, members of Eastwoods college fraternity dedicated themselves to aiding searchers and raising money for Eastwoods family. Kevin Kersey, a member of Alpha Gamma Rho, organized a GoFundMe for Eastwoods family which raised over $2,000 within the first 24 hours from more than 30 donors. Eastwoods family and friends, including his mother Tami Stephens, had been using social media to keep community members updated.

Eustis Nehemiah Cook blasted a two-run homer in the sixth inning and Ty Van Dyke scattered six hits over six innings Tuesday in a 6-5 win against South Lake. With the win, in its season opener, Eustis improved 1-0 on the season, while South Lake fell to 1-1. Cook's blast, which easily cleared the left-field fence, came off South Lake reliever Robert Tracy. He allowed five runs three earned in six innings before departing after hitting Davenport to lead off the seventh inning. Jackson Bakich came on in relief and pitched a scoreless seventh inning for his first save of the year.

Six boys basketball teams from Lake and Sumter counties will continue towards next months state finals in Lakeland later this week when regional play begins. Six area boys basketball programs begin play Thursday in the Florida High School Athletic Association regional playoffs, based winning district tournaments and rankings. Wildwood and The Villages will host opening-round games as district champions in classes 1A and 4A, respectively, while Leesburg, Eustis, Mount Dora Christian Academy and First Academy of Leesburg earned at-large bids based on MaxPreps computer rankings. The four highest-ranked teams in each region which did not win district titles earned at-large bids. A win would catapult Wildwood in the regional finals against Pahokee or Hawthorne (21-3).

It's a special occasion for Joe as today marks the 100th airing of his popular program, "Getting to Know You." Clarence Rank and retired Army Nurse Corps Lt. Col. Gloria Corbet. (CHC) Bob Haines, USN (ret):Jesus let us know that "you will hear of wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6)." World War I, it turned out, was not the war to end all wars. Join Keith Friday mornings on 1410 AM with station manager James Floyd and Air Force Vietnam veteran Bob Peters.

TALLAHASSEE A local police captain received a formal tribute in the Florida House of Representatives this week. By the grace of God, Captain Winheim both survived and is back at the Eustis Police Department serving our community again, Sabatini said on the House floor. The driver, 38-year-old Jayson A. Colvin, got out of the vehicle and shot Winheim in the ear. Captain Winheim displayed exceptional professionalism and dedication in an exemplary and highly professional manner while showing unwavering support to the community on December 19, 2019. Captain Winheim is an American hero THANK YOU for keeping Florida safe!On her Facebook page, Sullivan posted a photo of herself with Sabatini, Winheim and Eustis Police Chief Gary Calhoun.

The partnership was officially celebrated Wednesday morning with the gathering of Lake County and Eustis officials at the Eustis Memorial Library. EUSTIS Since 1982, Lake County has aimed to unite local libraries by forming a cooperative to create a stronger, unified county system. The partnership was officially celebrated Wednesday morning with the gathering of Lake County and Eustis officials at the Eustis Memorial Library. This is the closing of the loop as we welcome Eustis back into the fold.The cooperative Lake County Library System allows all residents of Lake County to access materials by using their specialty library card at any of the 16 establishments. Together, we are a better and stronger library system, Lake County Library Director George Taylor said.

It must be festival weekend with all the options in Lake County this weekend. The tour will take competitors through many of the countys most beautiful lakes including Lake Harris, Dora, Eustis and Griffin. Details: https://www.facebook.com/LakeridgeWines/Central Florida Toy ShowIts toys, toys and more toys at the Central Florida Toy Show hosted at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 2101 N County Road 452 in Eustis, on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details: https://www.facebook.com/thevillagesballoonfestivals/Leesburg Night MarketTown Square is sure to be full of unique treasures and fresh produce at the Leesburg Night Market on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Break out your lawn chairs and enjoy live music while sampling a variety of local food trucks, including a few new ones they just added to the line up.

The swing was donated to the city early last year after 441 Thrift Store owner Mark Stapleton saw a video on Facebook of a handicapped child on a wheelchair swing giggling. LEESBURG The city unveiled its newest feature at Rogers Park on Monday: a wheelchair swing. Leesburg city officials, locals who helped purchase the wheelchair swing and Koltins family watched as he swung with a big smile on his face. He was so inspired that he began a community fundraiser to bring such a swing to Rogers Park. Travis Rima, the citys recreation director, said the wheelchair swing is another great play option at the park for children with disabilities.

EUSTIS, Fla. – A friend of a man found dead alongside his 13-year-old nephew says she’s heartbroken and searching for answers while a double homicide investigation is underway in Lake County. A white full-size 2001 GMC Sierra pickup truck being towed away on County Road 437 in Lake County. “(The deputy) looks in the bed of the vehicle and that’s when he notices a body and then he notices two bodies in the vehicle,” Lake County sheriff’s Sgt. Deputies said the victims lived in Apopka and investigators are trying to determine why they were in Lake County. Investigators are asking anyone who saw the white 2001 GMC Sierra truck between Friday at 9 p.m. and 3:20 a.m. Saturday to come forward and call Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477.

LEESBURG The Leesburg High School girls weightlifting team won six of 10 weight classifications and won the Class 1A-Region 5 championship on Friday in the Hive. Wins on Tuesday and Thursday would mark MDCAs first unbeaten regular season since 2015-16 when the Bulldogs went 25-0 in the regular season. College BaseballAfter opening the season with three victories, Lake-Sumter State College dropped two straight games, including a 15-3 loss to Polk State College on Sunday in Winter Haven. LSSC played Indian River State College in Fort Pierce on Monday and will travel to Avon Park to play South Florida State College on Wednesday, before home at 3 p.m. Friday to play Eastern Florida State College. Next up for LSSC, which evened its record at 2-2, is a doubleheader against Polk State College at 5 p.m. Tuesday in Winter Haven.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies with the Lake County Sheriffs Office are investigating a double homicide at the intersection of County Road 437 and County Road 44A in Eustis. Deputies said around 3:20 a.m. Saturday a deputy pulled behind what he thought was a disabled vehicle on the side of County Road 437. When deputies walked up to the full-size pickup truck, they discovered two Hispanic males in the bed of the truck deceased. The victims have been identified as 26-year-old Jesus Pantoja and 13-year-old Christopher Gutierrez, both of Apopka. All he wanted to do was be able to provide for them, to give them a better life,” said Rodriquez.

YOUR FORECAST: Expect a cloudy sky and a high around 75 Friday. The temperatures will drop Saturday and Sunday with highs in the high-60s and lows in the 40s. Showers are expected Saturday morning and Sunday will be sunny. MOUNT DORA ARTS FESTIVAL: The best of the best artists from around the country will show their work at this massive community event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in downtown Mount Dora. 'THE FANTASTICKS: The Bay Street Players in Eustis are presenting The Fantasticks until Feb. 16.

EUSTIS, Fla. – A Eustis police captain who had to have a bullet removed from his back after a suspect shot him in the neck is back on the job less than a month after he was released from a hospital. The Eustis Police Department posted a picture on its Facebook page showing Capt. “Ladies and gentlemen put your hands together and let’s welcome back Captain Winheim to full duty,” the caption read. Colvin pulled over his truck down the road -- even though Winheim did not have the lights activated on his unmarked patrol truck -- then got out and shot Winheim, according to authorities. He was killed in a shootout with authorities after they found him hiding under a canoe near a lake in Umatilla.