LAKE COUNTY

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida said it has seen a double-digit percentage increase in the number of people searching for food banks in our area.

Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will are among the many counties that also offer the service in Illinois.

On Saturday, the holidays will light up along Lake Dora to kick off a month of holiday events in the city of Mount Dora.

Human remains that were found at an Indiana marsh last month have been identified as those of a woman who disappeared two years ago. Two hunters found the remains in Lake County.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — With the rise of dangerous drugs like fentanyl flooding the streets, the Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) is announcing the availability of free naloxone (Narcan-brand) nasal-spray-kits. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of being administered to a person who has overdosed. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<“Naloxone is a great tool to reduce opioid overdose fatalities. According to a news release, the kits contains two Narcan nasal sprays that can be administered even without a health care professional present. Health officials said individuals should call 911 immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering naloxone.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Thanksgiving is this week, and services and offices will be closed in observance of the holiday. Lake CountyThe following offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday:-Lake County Board of Commissioners-Property Appraisers-Supervisor of Elections-Tax Collector-Lake County Extension CenterThey will reopen on Monday. Read: Basket Brigade packs food for families in need ahead of ThanksgivingSome services will be affected by the following changes:There will be no curbside collection on Thanksgiving Day. The Lake County Animal Shelter will be closed on Wednesday through Friday and will reopen on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.All Lake County Library System libraries will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Friday. There will not be any garbage, yard waste, and recycling collection on Thursday and Friday, but curbside collection will resume on Monday.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Leesburg man on Wednesday after investigating a drug-related death from the summer. Detectives said they began investigating a home located at 4100 Holly Hill in Lady Lake back in June when they found a 38-year-old man dead. The sheriff’s office said that it initially ruled Cooper’s death as an accidental drug overdose of fentanyl, based on the medical examiner’s findings. Read: Man found shot in Brevard County backyard dies at hospital, police sayHowever, it said that after going through a series of evidence, it was able to track down a suspect. Albert Robert Springs, 33, was arrested and charged with death by unlawful distribution of fentanyl, which is categorized as a capital felony.

A 73-year-old man from The Villages was killed in a Lake County crash Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A 73-year-old man has died following a crash on State Road 44, Florida Highway Patrol said. Troopers said the crash happened around 2 p.m. Saturday in Lake County. According to a news release, a Honda was traveling southbound on State Road 44, north of Rory Lane, while a Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling southbound on the same road. The Chevrolet driver, 18, was ejected due to the force of the impact. Read: Volusia deputies, task force arrest two teens involved in recent DeLand shootingThe Honda driver was transported to Advent Health Hospital where he died.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol has arrested 59-year-old Enrique Ramirez in a hit-and-run crash that killed a Lake County teen Thursday morning. Troopers said the teen was thrown into the southbound lanes, where he was hit by a pickup truck driving the opposite way on County Road 455. He’s being held in the Lake County jail on no bond and should face a judge Friday morning. Wells was a student at nearby Lake Minneola High School, where the district had grief counselors on hand to help students and staff deal with the loss of their classmate. Video: Lake County student fatally struck by car Lake County Public Schools said a high school student was killed by a car Thursday morning.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal hit-and-run that killed a Lake County teen Thursday morning. According to the FHP, 14-year-old Owen Wells was crossing County Road 544 near Willo Pines Lane just before 6:30 a.m. when he was hit by a car driving northbound. See map of location below:Read: Lake County student fatally struck by carInvestigators said the driver of the car — a Pontiac G6 — that first hit Wells never stopped, and drove away from the scene. Read: OPD, state investigating funeral home after family complains of unlicensed activityAfter putting out a description of the car, FHP said Lake County deputies found the Pontiac they believe hit the teen abandoned nearby. Video: Lake County student fatally struck by car Lake County Public Schools said a high school student was killed by a car Thursday morning.

Charges against three Lake County correctional officer accused in the 2019 beating of an inmate have been dropped.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County Public Schools said a high school student was killed after being hit by a car Thursday morning. The deadly crash happened on County Road 455 near Willo Pines Lane in Clermont. Watch: Orlando Police Dept., state investigating funeral home after family complains of unlicensed activityOfficials said a Lake Minneola High School student was hit by a car and passed away from his injuries. School leaders said grief counselors are at the school this week for any students or employees who need their services. Read: Florida construction worker killed when crushed by 3,000-pound bundle of lumberThe crash is still under investigation.

A 14-year-old boy was killed in a hit-and-run crash while waiting for a school bus on County Road 455 in Clermont, officials say.

A crash has northbound State Road 33 shut down in Clermont, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Lake County, Fla. — Some Lake County residents will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Wednesday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will distribute free, fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods in Lady Lake. READ: New report shows home interest rates in Orlando highest in 20 yearsOrganizers said the giveaway will be held in conjunction with North Lake Presbyterian Christian Church. READ: Publix to serve beer, wine at these Florida locationsWednesday’s food giveaway will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will operate until 11 a.m. or until supplies run out. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County Museum of Art will present its annual Holiday Card Contest and Exhibit next week. Because of Tropical Storm Nicole, the art museum postponed the opening reception for the Holiday Card Exhibit to Thursday, Nov. 17. Read: Walt Disney World Resort ushers in holiday season with new decorationsGuests can vote on their favorite holiday card designs. The event will feature designs from Lake County elementary through high school students. Video: Deputies investigate thousands of dollars reportedly missing from Lake County art gallery The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of missing money at the Leesburg Center for the Arts.

Homeowners and businesses along the St. John’s River in Astor said they are thankful water levels this week didn’t reach as high as levels during Hurricane Ian.

A 39-year-old Tavares woman died after her involvement in a single-vehicle crash Thursday night in Lake County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The St. Johns River is rising faster than expected in the Astor area and has hit major flood stage because of Hurricane Nicole.

The St. Johns River is rising faster than expected in the Astor area, and has hit major flood stage because of Hurricane Nicole.

Lake County voters will soon get to decide on whether to keep a school safety tax in place.

In a rather short amount of time, Lake County’s C.B. Carlyle and the Desert Angels have already made their mark as one of the area’s...

Lake County detectives are investigating a shooting death that happened Wednesday.

A Lake County election poll worker has been preliminarily charged with misdemeanor battery after he struck a fellow worker in the face with an extension cord during poll set-up in Highland Monday night.

As Tropical Storm Nicole moves closer to Florida, it's important to know where you can go in the event of an evacuation.

With Election Day on Tuesday, here are the numbers for Central Florida's early voters and mail-in ballots ahead of the midterms.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Some neighborhoods in Astor are still dealing with flooding left by Hurricane Ian, and now they’re worried about the additional rain Subtropical Storm Nicole could bring. The water levels are way down in many places, but there is still some flooding in the street. READ: Subtropical Storm Nicole expected to continue to strengthen; see updated trackEven if the storm doesn’t hit Lake County directly, if the area near Saint Johns River sees much rainfall, residents say the water will flow north toward Astor. Water on the Saint Johns River is currently at moderate flood stage levels, but projections put it back close to major flood levels stage by this weekend. READ: Brevard County officials urge residents to prepare now for Subtropical Storm NicoleSubtropical Storm Nicole expected to continue strengthening The tropics are churning out another disturbance, even as parts of Central Florida continue to recover from Hurricane Ian.

Election workers across central Florida are busy ahead of the midterm.

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency declaration for 34 of the state’s 67 counties ahead of the storm’s arrival later this week.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A Umatilla man is behind bars after being caught impersonating a police officer. Joshua Mazenka, 18, is being charged with impersonating a police officer and having red and blue lights on a vehicle. Mazenka told officers that he was driving on SR-19 when he saw a dark-colored vehicle stopped on the side of the road with its hazard lights on. Mazenka told officers that he thought it was best to stop in the Winn-Dixie Plaza and wait for law enforcement. Mazenka was placed under arrest and taken to the Lake County Jail.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — One person died in a crash involving several motorists near Leesburg in Lake County. Troopers responded to County Road 44 and North Silver Lake Road around 7:15 a.m. Monday. READ: Wrong-way driver causes deadly crash on I-4, troopers sayAt the scene, they determined that four vehicles — including a tractor-trailer — were involved. As of 10:15 a.m. Monday, FHP reported roadblocks in both the eastbound and westbound lanes of County Road 44. READ: Woman shot following argument in Orange County, deputies sayInvestigators said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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

Early voting is ending in Central Florida and Supervisor of Elections are reporting low turnouts thus far, but say they are hopeful more people are headed to the polls come election day.

With vote-by-mail well underway, some counties have received hundreds of ballots with errors.

Jurors returned guilty verdicts in the trial of Alonzo Campos for the 2019 murder and home invasion in the death of Mariana Castro-Tellez, 48, in the Round Lake Beach house where she lived with her parents and two children.

A Seminole County deputy was involved in a crash with a pickup truck in Mount Dora, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County deputy and another person were injured in a crash along a busy roadway in Lake County Friday morning. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was involved in a crash with a pickup truck on state Road 46 and U.S. Highway 441 near Mount Dora just after 6:30 a.m.Read: Displaced residents of Good Samaritan moving to new accommodations FridayDeputy injured in early morning crash in Lake County (WFTV)The sheriff’s office said emergency medical personnel did respond to the crash but the extent of the deputy’s injures were not known. The eastbound lanes of SR-46 were closed for several hours while troopers investigated the crash. FHP says the crash is still under investigation. See map of area below:Click 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.

Detectives in two Florida cities are seeing similarities in two jewelry store robberies.

Midterm elections are set to take place on Nov. 8, though thousands of Florida residents have been coming out to vote early or mail in their ballots. Here's how many have gotten out the vote in Central Florida so far.

Lake County prosecutors lodged five counts of felony aggravated battery against Lamont M. Bankston, whose age and address were not immediately available. On Tuesday, he was charged with one count of misdemeanor battery, and was released on his own recognizance.

A mother and two men now face charges after a 4-month-old baby died in May from an overdose of methamphetamine.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Three people are being charged with manslaughter in an infant’s drug overdose in Lake County back in May, the sheriff’s office said Tuesday. Bixler was transported to AdventHealth DeLand where he was pronounced dead, the sheriff’s office said. READ: Man in his 20s shot to death in Orange CountyToxicology results delivered a few months later revealed methamphetamine was in Bixler’s system. Results showed that his death was sudden after ingestion, likely by consuming or inhaling methamphetamine, the sheriff’s office said. Walters remains at large and is believed to be in the Highland Lakes area in the eastern part of Lake County.

Five county supervisors of elections — Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties — came together to implore people to get out and vote now at early voting locations, rather than wait until Election Day.

The father and daughter of Mariana Castro-Tellez were the first witnesses to testify in the trial of Campos, 23, a Round Lake Beach area resident who authorities said stabbed Tellez-Castro, who was 48, in the family’s home on May 17, 2019, in a dispute over a pawned video game console.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida Highway Patrol trooper and two other people were injured in a crash along a busy roadway in Lake County Tuesday morning. Trooper, 2 others injured in early morning crash in Lake County Investigators said the Chrysler changed lanes, hitting the front of the cruiser before hitting the tow truck driver and truck. (WFTV)Read: Florida’s gas tax holiday ends, impact on prices uncertainTroopers said the driver of the Crossfire, a 27-year-old male from Clermont, was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. The trooper and tow truck driver were both taken to South Lake Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Read: Protect all drivers: AAA wants to expand Florida’s ‘Move Over’ lawsThe westbound lanes of U.S. 192 were closed for several hours while troopers investigated the crashFHP says the crash is still under investigation.

Crimo’s case is expected to be a routine hearing intended to ensure attorneys are working through potential pretrial issues.

Court proceedings in Lake County continue for Robert E. “Bobby” Crimo III, who is accused of killing seven people and wounding dozens more in a shooting at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park.

In one accident, a Waukegan woman and her eight-month-old died Saturday afternoon in a collision on Green Bay Road by the Atlantic Avenue intersection near Waukegan, police said.

Florida voters make decisions in the 2022 general election.

A child who was critically hurt in a DUI crash died Sunday while in the hospital, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol said it has upgraded charges against a driver it says was drunk when he crashed into a mother and child in Lake County. Troopers said they have now charged 30-year-old Daksh Wadhwa of Tavares with DUI manslaughter after a 5-year-old boy died as a result of the crash. Troopers said Wadhwa’s BMW was traveling westbound on CR 448 when he veered into the eastbound lanes and crashed into a Honda traveling eastbound. The boy was airlifted to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in critical condition. Read: Man, 20, killed in crash involving semi-truck in Osceola CountyWadhwa is also being charged with driving under the influence causing serious bodily injury, and possession of cocaine.

Shawn Sullivan, leader of Mission 823, has been working in the eastern European country for more than two decades. When war broke out as Russian troops invaded earlier this year, he was devastated, but determined to help. Sullivan and his team quickly reoriented around helping the country survive the war. Mission 823 has provided ambulances, ventilators, water filtration systems and meals to both soldiers and civilians. Central Florida man honored with Ukrainian military award for war service Shawn Sullivan, leader of Mission 823, has been working in the eastern European country for more than two decades.

A Tavares man faces charges of DUI with serious bodily injury and possession of cocaine after a crash that critically injured a child and sent another person to the hospital with serious injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that left a mother in serious condition, a 5-year-old boy in critical condition and a man behind bars. Troopers said a BMW was traveling westbound on CR 448 and a Honda was traveling eastbound on CR 448 when the driver of the BMW veered into the eastbound lane. The driver of the BMW, Wadhwa, remained at the scene and sustained minor injuries. Read: 6 people shot in early-morning shooting at Orange County nightclubThe driver of the Honda was transported to a hospital with serious injuries. The passenger of the Honda, a 5-year-old boy, was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in critical condition.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of missing money at the Leesburg Center for the Arts. Photos: Deputies investigate thousands of dollars reportedly missing from Lake County art galleryExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Deputies investigate thousands of dollars reportedly missing from Lake County art galleryNew board members reported what they said were inconsistencies in some financial documents. Watch: ‘Our yards are like a mudslide’: Astor homes still underwater from Hurricane IanThe sheriff’s office said so far, it appears nearly $2,000 is unaccounted for. “So, detectives are going to be going through a lot of financial documentation and comparing those documents against a forensic audit that is just now getting underway,” said Lt. John Herrell with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Read: Mount Dora man passes go and collects $5 million top prize in Monopoly scratch-off gameThe sheriff’s office named executive director Maria Stefanovic as a suspect.

Alan Hays, Lake County’s supervisor of elections, said voting misinformation is inviting disaster ahead of Election Day.

Following Hurricane Ian’s disastrous trek through southwest and Central Florida, the state’s Medical Examiners Commission announced that at least 125 Floridians have died due to the storm.

Elections supervisors in Florida have grappled with these and other issues as they oversaw the state’s August primary elections and prepared for the Nov. 8 general election.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — It’s been nearly a month since the St. Johns River reached historic levels because of Hurricane Ian, but some people living in Lake County are still dealing with issues. Officials said the water levels of the St. Johns River in the community of Astor broke a record dating back to 1933. Some Astor residents who don’t have the floodwater in their homes anymore have it around their homes. “Our yards are like a mudslide.”In other parts of town, residents still have water in their homes, and they’re just now dealing with insurance adjusters. Read: Hurricane Ian disaster recovery center to open in Lake CountyVIDEO: Astor residents deal with record-breaking flooding after Hurricane Ian Astor residents deal with record-breaking flooding after Hurricane IanClick 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.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A Lake County man is a multi-millionaire after winning a $5 million prize from the $5 MONOPOLY DOUBLER scratch-off game from the Florida Lottery. Mount Dora man passes go and collects $5 million top prize in Monopoly scratch-off gameKevin Heald claimed the $5 million top prize after purchasing his winning ticket from the M8M Investments LLC on North Orange Blossom Trail in Mount Dora. Read: FBI sends warning over scam involving fake customer or technical support representativesThe 61-year-old Mount Dora man chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $3,994,698. The store that sold the winning ticket will receive a $10,000 bonus commission. Read: American Airlines to remove first-class cabins on all international flightsThe $5 game, MONOPOLY DOUBLER, launched on July 4, 2022, and features more than $132 million in cash prizes.

Lake County sheriff’s detectives said that a suspicious incident at a bus stop in Clermont last week in the area of 3rd Avenue determined that is was an “ “innocent misunderstanding”.

See map of area below:The boy ran to a nearby home, where he called his mom while a neighbor dialed 911. Investigators later released a surveillance picture of an SUV they believed to have been involved in the incident. UPDATE: 16-year-old girl ID as victim of deadly shooting in Orange County, deputies sayDetectives were later able to identify the driver of the SUV, who told them he was a driver for Lyft. The driver told investigators he was in the neighborhood that morning to pick up a customer when he saw the boy. Video: Lake County deputies search for man who approached boy at school bus stop (WFTV)Click 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.

Deputies said the East Ridge Middle School student was waiting for the bus on Third Avenue at around 8:30 a.m. Oct 20, when a man in a silver SUV called his name and told him to get in.

A $5 scratch-off game turned into a $5 million win for a Mount Dora man.

Bird hunters found human remains in an Indiana marsh on Saturday morning. Griffith police and state officials are investigating the case.

According to the arrest report, Oscar Leonides Jr., 28, of Apopka, an armed burglary suspect, was traveling in a stolen Chevy Silverado and entered Seminole County on State Road 419. Deputies said that the Orange County Sheriff’s Office made initial contact with Leonides and followed him into Seminole County but did not engage in a pursuit. Read: Man found shot and killed after car crash, deputies sayOnce Leonides entered Seminole County, Orange County deputies turned the investigation over to Seminole County deputies, but continued to assist and follow the subject by helicopter. Seminole County deputies said Leonides stopped on State Road 415 near Celery Avenue, bailed from the car, and jumped into the St. Johns River. State Road 415 was shut down in both directions at the Seminole/Volusia County line while law enforcement located the suspect.

An armed burglary suspect who evaded deputies Saturday has been arrested on multiple charges including drug possession and fleeing and eluding police.

The Department of Children and Families announced on Sunday that the third phase of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP, will open on Monday, Oct. 24 for Lake, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia county residents affected by Hurricane Ian.

GENEVA, Fla. — Flooding left behind by Hurricane Ian has caused a busing issue for parents who live in Geneva. The school district created a central bus stop for pickup and drop-off after Hurricane Ian. READ: Lake County deputies search for man who approached boy at school bus stopBut now that the water has gone down, parents want their original bus stops back, saying the transportation department hasn’t responded for at least two weeks. Parents who voiced concerns began getting phone calls from Seminole County’s transportation department, and at least one bus stop will be restored Monday in Geneva. Video: Lake County deputies search for man who approached boy at school bus stop Lake County deputies are investigating after a 12-year-old boy said a man tried to get him to get into his car.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A K-9 helped to apprehend a burglary suspect Friday morning, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputy Bergeron and K-9 Toki received a call at around 4 a.m. to assist the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety in finding a burglary suspect. K-9 Toki tracked down the suspect to another home, where the man was found hiding in a storage closet. At the scene, Winter was treated for minor dog bite injuries. Read: UPDATE: Forest High School lockdown ends after firearm found in bathroom, deputies sayWinter remains in custody at the Volusia County Branch Jail with no current bond.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County deputies are investigating after a 12-year-old boy said a man tried to get him to get into his car. Deputies said the East Ridge Middle School student was waiting for the bus on Third Avenue on Thursday, when someone in a silver SUV called his name and told him to get in. Watch: Man found inside crashed car in Orange County shot to death, deputies sayThe student then called his mom and ran to a nearby home to wait for the bus. Watch: Man charged in Sumter County summer shooting death of sonDetectives are still trying to figure out who that man is. Read: Tristen Nash, son of WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash, dead at 26Anyone with information about this incident is asked the call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 352-343-2101.

Lake County voters will soon get to decide on whether to keep a school safety tax in place.

Lake County deputies are looking for a man involved in a "suspicious incident" near a Clermont bus stop Thursday morning, according to a release from the sheriff's office.

We are in the prime days of fall, but that might lead to a quandary for some.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A former Lake County corrections officer accused of threatening to shoot a security guard is out of jail Wednesday morning. Watch: ‘How could this be allowed’: Homeowners furious over Florida law they say is unfairEyewitnesses told officers that Shapiro got irritated while waiting for an order at a medical marijuana facility on highway 441. Watch: ‘Like living in the 1800s’: Some residents still struggling with Hurricane Ian floodingThey said he then boxed in a security guard’s van, pulled out a badge, and pointed a gun at the guard. Watch: Argument over disciplining a child led to murder-suicide in Deltona, sheriff saysAn arrest report shows Shapiro claimed he thought the victim was posing as a security guard planning to rob the business. Click 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.

Lake County deputies are searching for a 69-year-old man who was last seen leaving his home Tuesday evening.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Federal agents say a Central Florida man took five kilos of crystal meth on a train trip to Virginia. Investigators said they got a tip about a drug trafficking organization from Lake County using Amtrak trains to carry drugs up north. Investigators said one of the suspected couriers, Kelvin Barfield, of Mount Dora, was nabbed on his trip from Orlando to Richmond, Virginia. Investigators said the drugs were distributed to Virginia, West Virginia and Massachusetts. Once in Richmond, Virginia, investigators on the other end confronted Barfield.

The trio were killed early Sunday when the Jeep in which they were traveling struck some trees along Grand Avenue and caught on fire.

This week on ‘Black Men Sundays,’ host Corie Murray interviews Lt. Fred Jones, a Public Information Officer for the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

It’s pumpkin time, and Southern Hill Farms is bringing its seventh annual Fall Festival to Clermont.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County residents impacted by Hurricane Ian will soon be able to get help at a new FEMA disaster recovery center opening Friday. READ: Assisted living residents evacuated due to Hurricane Ian flash floods still not homeLake County residents impacted by the storm will also be able to get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans. The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opens tomorrow at the First Baptist Church of Astor. The DRC will be open daily from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. to help residents with questions about programs, understand FEMA letters, & more. pic.twitter.com/ewjyuKlKUN — Lake County Emergency Management (@lakeemergency) October 13, 2022Click 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.

Lake County is set to open a Disaster Recovery Center in Astor starting Friday as flooding from Hurricane Ian continues to plague the area.

Pig on the Pond festival will be returning for three days of family fun this weekend to Waterfront Park in Clermont. Events will be held on Friday, Oct. 14. from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — People in communities on the Lake County-Orange County line are up in arms about a foul smell they say is becoming unbearable. The mayor of Mount Dora said last month that she could smell it in downtown, about 3 miles from there and that it’s unacceptable. Meisha Santagata said her beautiful neighborhood, Sullivan Ranch, and other neighborhoods near Mount Dora and Tangerine are dealing with a foul smell. Read: Questions raised over permit for Mount Dora medical marijuana plant producing ‘atrocious smell’“It permeates into the house, and then the smell stays there all day. Read: ‘Deplorable’: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks outAnother neighbor said it’s been really bad for the past week.

According to police, it appears that a female family member of the boy was moving a car in a driveway in order to make room so children could play basketball.

Following Hurricane Ian’s disastrous trek through southwest and Central Florida, the state’s Medical Examiners Commission announced that at least 119 Floridians have died due to the storm.

Central Florida residents who need housing help because of Hurricane Ian are eligible for assistance from FEMA.

Here is a list of all the pumpkin patches you can visit to snap a new profile pic, or just grab some pumpkins for Halloween carving and really feel like you’re experiencing the stereotypical fall that everyone romanticizes.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers told News 6 its team is setting up a visit to the town of Astor as soon as possible to study possible methods to prevent future flooding from storms.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Relief is coming to people living in the devastated area of northeast Lake County. The nonprofit has been delivering food and water for those who can’t get out of their neighborhoods. The nearby food and water station set up by LASER, the county and Kroger has been a godsend for some residents. READ: Fort Myers man rode out Hurricane Ian on boat“Anything is helpful, especially water,” Astor resident Lloyd Winfield said. “All the wells are pretty much inundated right now.”Residents in Lake County are also now eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA for things like temporary housing and basic home repairs.

Volunteers in Lake County hosted a food drive on Wednesday to benefit people impacted by rising waters caused by Hurricane Ian.

Marion County detectives are seeking information on a man who attempted to force a girl into a car at an Umatilla bus stop nearly two weeks ago.

As the Nov. 8 general election approaches, the state of Florida has important deadlines in place to make sure each vote is counted.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County is hosting a drive-thru food giveaway on Wednesday. The event for Lake County residents will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Butler Street Boat Ramp parking lot. The parking lot will be closed Tuesday afternoon for prep. Lake County is hosting a food giveaway for residents tomorrow, October 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Butler Street Boat Ramp parking lot. This food giveaway is a drive-thru event.

Lake County is working with local groups to host a food drive for victims of Hurricane Ian who may need assistance.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Residents in Astor are dealing with record-breaking flooding following Hurricane Ian. National Weather Service records show the water level on the St. Johns River was higher over the weekend than the previous record set in 1933. READ: ‘They didn’t care about us’: Orlo Vista residents frustrated with county’s response to Hurricane IanWhile the water level has dropped a little over the last couple of days, residents said that’s happened before, then suddenly it rises again in the low-lying community. FEMA and the National Weather Service have also surveyed the area. Cloud days after Hurricane Ian'The worst I've seen': Volusia County officials rush to repair seawall damage from Hurricane Ian Even with the sun shining over the ocean waves, there are lingering signs of the impact of Hurricane Ian in Daytona Beach.