Mascotte city leaders to discuss Langley Estates development project
Mascotte city leaders to discuss Langley Estates development project (WFTV)MASCOTTE, Fla. — Mascotte city leaders are set to decide on the future of a major development project that could change the face of the quiet Lake County city. Read: Small Lake County city looking to host population boom with housing and commercial developmentCity leaders say the new development could more than double the city’s population of nearly 6,800 people. Since it was announced, residents have voiced concerns on whether Mascotte could handle the population growth and if it will cost the city its rural charm. Read: Saharan dust coming to Central Florida: What to expectThe city says the earliest the project could be approved is June 17. VIDEO: Small Lake County city looking to host population boom with housing and commercial development A small city in Lake County may be on track to host a population boom.
wftv.com♿‘Maybe I should be pushing you:’ 95-year-old volunteer wheels patients around Orlando hospital
These volunteers work in different departments of the hospital, helping out with clerical work like answering phones and directing patients at the front desk. Others clean equipment and assist patients with simple errands. They may be doing different tasks, but it’s very evident they are all people-persons.
Shooting outside Central Florida day care under investigation, police say
GROVELAND, Fla. — Groveland police said they are working an active shooting investigation Thursday night outside a Lake County day care. It happened in the parking lot of We Are the Future Academy in the 200 block of Groveland Farms Road. Woman, man die after shooting in Titusville neighborhoodInvestigators said it is believed to be an isolated incident. All parties have been identified, and there is no immediate threat to the community, police said. READ: Only 25% of homicides in Orlando this year have been solved.
wftv.comSchool board to decide fate of Leesburg High band director accused of leading ‘cult-like’ group
LEESBURG, Fla. — The school board in Lake County will decide the fate of the band director at Leesburg High School. Gabriel Fielder put in his resignation after a former student accused him of leading a “cult-like” group. The school board will decide whether to accept the request. It comes after a report made to Leesburg police by a former student claimed Fielder was a member of a secret society at the high school called the Elder Council. LeesburgREAD: Leesburg band director, counselor accused of operating ‘cult-like’ secret society within schoolState records show Fielder and a guidance counselor named Leonardo Finelli started a nonprofit in 2019.
wftv.comControversial Lake County gun range allowed to use flamethrowers, denied longer hours
VIDEO: Controversial Lake County gun range allowed to use flamethrowers, denied longer hours Operators of a gun range in Lake County that has been the source of controversy for years received permission Tuesday to use flamethrowers on the property. (Jeff Deal, WFTV.com/WFTV)LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Operators of a gun range in Lake County that has been the source of controversy for years received permission Tuesday to use flamethrowers on the property. Ares operators went back to the Lake County Board of Commissioners Tuesday seeking permission to operate more days, for longer hours, and to use flamethrowers. READ: Orange County massage therapist arrested for sexual battery after patient records sessionNeighbors who fought against the range in 2019 were not happy with the request. It’s horrible.”After hours of public comment and testimony, Lake County Commissioners denied most of Ares’ requested changes, and only approved the use of flamethrowers.
wftv.comLake County offers up to $5K in mortgage assistance to those impacted by the pandemic
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County is offering up to $5,000 in mortgage assistance to homeowners who are past-due on their payments due to the pandemic. The money will be made available through the Lake County Coronavirus (CV-1) Mortgage Assistance Program. Applications are available by visiting clicking here or by contacting the Office of Housing and Community Services at 352-742-6540. 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. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.com‘Food for fines’: Lake County libraries to forgive fines in exchange for food donations
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — If you live in Lake County and held on to your library books a little too long, we’ve got news for you: The library system will forgive library card fines in exchange for food donations. During the month of May, library fines and overdue materials will be forgiven in exchange for donations of dry or canned food items, hygiene and baby products, and packaged pet food, the library said. You can drop off a donation at each of the 16 Lake County libraries during regular hours. Each unopened, unexpired item will equate to $1 forgiven for overdue library fines. Each item that you donate will be used anonymously to forgive another patron’s fines.
wftv.comDeputy-involved shooting under investigation in Lake County
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Officials are investigating a deputy involved shooting that happened Monday afternoon in Leesburg. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies spotted a vehicle after a stolen credit card was used at the Leesburg Walmart and attempted a traffic stop when the vehicle fled, according to a news release. At some point during the pursuit, the deputy got out of his car and reportedly fired shots at the suspect vehicle as it drove toward him, the news release states. Two of the suspects were transported to the hospital with injuries that appear to be non-life-threatening. READ: Tyre Sampson wrongful death suit filed, claims Icon Park should have known ride was unsafePer standard procedure, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the shooting.
wftv.com1 dead in crash involving car, school bus on U.S. 27
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A deadly crash involving a car and a school bus is under investigation in Lake County. Troopers said the crash happened around 6:40 a.m. Wednesday at U.S. 27 and Great Egret Drive. The driver of the car died at the scene. READ: Here’s what dissolving Disney’s Reedy Creek could mean for taxpayersTroopers said there were 17 students on the bus. READ: Seminole County bride, caterer charged after drugs found in wedding food, making guests sickCheck back and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
wftv.comMan reported missing after canoe flipped in Alexander Springs found alive 2 days later
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A man who was reported missing after he was separated from his group when their canoe flipped, was found alive on Tuesday afternoon, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies and officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found Davidson Anjab, 39, while searching the Alexander Springs area of Altoona. READ: Deputies search for men seen on video carrying body out of Florida AirbnbAnjab was with two other people when their canoe overturned on Sunday. Two of the men were able to get back into the canoe but Anjab wasn’t able to. Deputies said Anjab was found about one-tenth of a mile into the woods from the shoreline where he was last seen.
wftv.comJob fairs to help Lake County seniors find careers after graduation
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — With graduation just over a month away, Lake County Schools is hosting job fairs this week to help seniors find careers after they graduate. Lake County Schools’ College and Career Readiness Department is partnering with the community to address the immediate labor shortage and to provide career opportunities to Lake County Schools seniors seeking employment. Interviews will be conducted “speed dating” style in 10-minute intervals. The job fairs will each be geared toward different industries, which each fair held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Agriculture Extension Office at 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares 32778. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comFHP: Grandmother dropping off family on Easter hits, kills 7-year-old granddaughter in driveway
FHP: Grandmother dropping off family on Easter hit, kills 7-year-old granddaughter in drivewayLAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol in Lake County is investigating the tragic death of a child on Easter. READ: UPDATE: 2 children killed, baby seriously hurt during fiery crash in Lake County, troopers sayTroopers said a 7-year-old Groveland girl was hit by a van leaving a home around 4:30 p.m. Sunday near County Road 48 and County Road 33. According to a report, a 70-year-old Groveland woman driving a van had stopped at a home to drop off family members. Troopers said after everyone exited the van, the driver drove forward and did not notice the girl in front of the van. READ: Medical mystery: Kids contracting hepatitis with no known cause, liver damage in US, EuropeTroopers said the crash remains under investigation.
wftv.com2 killed, 3 hurt in fiery crash on SR-46 in Lake County, troopers say
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida State troopers and Lake County deputies responded to a deadly crash Saturday afternoon. WATCH: 3 men caught on camera carrying homicide victim from house, deputies ask public for helpTroopers said a two-vehicle crash happened around 5:39 p.m. near State Road 46 and Wekiva River Road. Two people were killed in the crash and three people were taken to a hospital for treatment, troopers said. Troopers said one of the people hurt in the crash was flown to a hospital in a helicopter. READ: Pedestrian hit and killed on Florida Turnpike, troopers sayDeputies said the crash also sparked a fire.
wftv.comPolice: Shirtless Florida man breaks into restaurant to steal cobbler, lava cake and ice cream
Shirtless Florida man breaks into restaurant to steal cobbler, lava cake and ice cream, police sayLAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Police in Lake County said a shirtless Florida man broke into a closed restaurant and helped himself to some desserts. The business owner told police that Caster entered the restaurant through a back porch screen. Caster has a small dog and backpack with him and was caught on camera eating a cobbler dessert out of a pan, according to a report. Police said they searched Caster and found he had a stainless-steel pan with cobbler in it, a lava cake and a large tub of vanilla ice cream. The items stolen from the restaurant are worth nearly $200, according to a report.
wftv.comMelodie Gliniewicz sentenced to probation for role in financial misdeeds that prompted police officer husband to kill self
In a Lake County courtroom, the widow of Charles “Joe” Gliniewicz tearfully accepted responsibility for her part in the financial mismanagement that compelled her husband to take his life.
chicagotribune.com1 killed in Lake County shooting
Lake County shooting Lake County deputies said one person died in a shooting Tuesday afternoon. (WFTV.com News Staff)LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County deputies said one person died in a shooting Tuesday afternoon. Deputies said the shooting happened on Cagan Crossings Boulevard. Investigators said everyone involved in the shooting is accounted for. Photos: Deputies investigate deadly Lake County shootingExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Lake County deadly shooting Lake County deputies said one person died in a shooting Tuesday afternoon.
wftv.com‘Round and round’: 4-year-old placed in clothes dryer by caregiver, deputies say
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.
wftv.com‘Round and Round’ - 4-year-old placed in dryer by caregiver, deputies say
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
wftv.comHappening Friday: Farm Share food giveaway in Lake County
Families in northwest Lake County will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Friday morning. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Families in northwest Lake County will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Friday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will hold a food giveaway in Lady Lake. Farm Share is holding the distribution event in conjunction with North Lake Presbyterian Church, American Legion Post 347, and Society of St. Andrew. If you are in Florida, PLEASE follow these steps to find food near you from a FARM SHARE Food Pantry.
wftv.comLake County Curaleaf employees accused of stealing nearly $50K of marijuana from Mt. Dora dispensary
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Two employees at the Curaleaf medical marijuana dispensary in Mount Dora are accused of stealing pounds of product from the store over a matter of months.
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Lake County Government to purchase land at center of dispute with state over mining operations
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.
wftv.comCulver’s to add another metro Orlando location
ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Another Culver’s is being proposed for Lake County. Representatives with Clearwater-based One Oak Development, which is listed as the owner of the property, weren’t available for comment. Read: Report reveals that teen who died after fall from drop tower was over weight, size limit for rideThe proposed location will be on leased land, Hillen told the Orlando Business Journal. “We saw it as the best site available there.”Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.
wftv.comLake County town split on proposed massive development that would double its size
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A massive development that could double the size of a Lake County town is continuing to march along. It brings with it fears that the town of Mascotte could lose its rural identity and get swallowed up by the growing metro area 40 miles away from Orlando. If planned housing development is approved, it would bring 2,800 homes and 7,000 new residents to the community of 6,600. READ: Weather Alert Day: Tornado warning issued for Orange, Osceola countiesMascotte Lake County town split on proposed massive development that would double its size (Nick Papantonis)“My children are talking about leaving because this is not the rural community they grew up in,” resident Simon Brown said. They don’t want the developer to cut corners by counting retention ponds as open space or building up to 280 model homes.
wftv.comLake County to open cold weather shelters on Saturday
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — As temperatures are forecast to drop in Central Florida, Lake County is planning to open up its cold weather shelters to those in need. County officials said the shelters will open Saturday night for those vulnerable to the cold weather. The shelters are at Trinity Assembly of God, located at 200 Urick St. in Fruitland Park, and LifePointe Church, located at 3551 E. Orange Ave. in Eustis. READ: Scattered storms forecast for Friday before powerful cold front brings severe weatherLake County Connection will provide free transportation to riders who say they are traveling to a cold-weather shelter. 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.
wftv.comAt least one person dead after crash in Lake County
Lake County crash Troopers say at least one person died after a crash in Lake County on Thursday night. (WFTV.com News Staff)LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Troopers say at least one person died after a crash in Lake County on Thursday night. The crash happened off County Road 437 in Sorrento near Plymouth Hollow Circle around 10 p.m.Video of the scene shows a black SUV crashed into a tree. Troopers have not released any details on what may have caused the crash. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comUnited Way donates $225K to 23 Lake, Sumter county non-profits
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties The United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties announced this week that it’s investing $225,000 into 23 local non-profits. (United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties)LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties announced this week that it’s investing $225,000 into 23 local non-profits. Officials said the investments range from $5,000 to $20,000 to programs that tackle the United Way’s three focus areas: income, education, and health. “It renews one’s faith in humanity as we see the effect of the last two years on so many families, children and Veterans and now can also see our local non-profits, serve even more needs than we can reach and utilize this grant funding to even expand their reach and existing programs for residents in both counties,” said Monica Wofford, CEO United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comConvicted Sex Offenders May have Voted in 2020
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County’s state attorney for the 5th Judicial Circuit is looking into at least six cases of possible voter fraud from the 2020 election, all of them convicted sex offenders. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<“The court system has to notify the division of elections and then the division of elections has to notify the supervisors of elections,” says Lake County Supervisor of Elections Alan Hays. “I’ve been searching for voter fraud for eight years now,” Mark Glaeser who discovered the possible casting of ballots by convicted sex offenders. For supervisors, while the number of votes is statically insignificant, it is nonetheless a problem that needs to be addressed. READ: ‘My heart is breaking:’ Local teacher with ties to Ukraine pleads for support“There are questions that need to be asked and answers that need to be found,” says Hays.
wftv.com‘We don’t have the infrastructure’: Eustis residents voice opposition to proposed housing project
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.
wftv.comFormer Mount Dora councilman charged with removing trees from African American Civil War cemetery
MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A former Mount Dora city councilman is facing charges for allegedly removing trees from a historic African American Civil War cemetery, according to a Lake County arrest affidavit. Mount Dora police met with a homeowners association board member in refence to a homeowner later identified as Rowlett. Orange County deputies search for missing teenRowlett admitted to detectives that he removed and destroyed trees in an African American Civil War historic cemetery, and that there were two tin grave markers under the refuge from the company that he hired to cut and remove the trees. Rowlett also told police he hired a tree company to remove the trees to keep them falling onto his home. City officials told him the trees do not belong to them and they were part of the HOA for the Country Club of Mount Dora.
wftv.comAccidental bill overpayments can be tough to get back
READ: Volusia County jury convicts accused serial killer of 1st degree murder for deaths of 3 womenLiles meant to pay $1,725 of her Capital One credit card bill, but she accidentally paid her CenturyLink bill. Florida Lottery says winning $1.25M ticket remains unclaimedAction gets many complaints from consumers who have difficulty getting money back after they’ve accidentally overpaid a credit card, cell or cable bill. Two years ago, an Orlando family contacted Action 9 after their elderly father accidentally overpaid his credit card by $160,000. After Ulrich contacted Bank of America, the family was able to get all their money back. Two days after Ulrich contacted CenturyLink, Liles got all her money back.
wftv.comJob fairs planned for graduating seniors in Lake County
(Getty Images/Image Source)LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — If your high school days are winding down and you’re already thinking ahead to finding a job, listen up. Lake County Schools recently announced a community partnership to address the ongoing labor shortage and provide graduating seniors with career opportunities. LCS’ College and Career Readiness department said a series of job fairs are in the works for students. See map below for location of job fairs:Seniors looking to register for a job fair, click here. Employers looking to register, click here.
wftv.comDeputies: 2 dead after shooting at Lake County home
Lake County shooting Two people died after a shooting in the Leesburg area of Lake County on Wednesday, deputies said. (WFTV.com News Staff)LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Two people died after a shooting in the Leesburg area of Lake County on Wednesday morning, deputies said. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting happened around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 800 block of Montclair Road. READ: 3 accused of sex trafficking teenagers; MBI believes there are more victimsDeputies said another person was found dead inside the home. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office or Central Florida CRIMELINE at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
wftv.comLake County to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to employees, community members, students on Thursday
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Lake County will offer COVID-19 vaccinations to district employees, community members and eligible students at an elementary school on Thursday. The event will take place at Cypress Ridge Elementary School’s Media Center from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The health department will be administering the Pfizer vaccine. READ: Despite recent drop in COVID-19 cases, experts continue to prepare for future variantsPfizer boosters also will be available for those who completed the initial series at least six months ago. Organizers said participants are asked to bring completed consent forms with them to the vaccination event to save time.
wftv.comCity of Fruitland Park employee facing theft, forgery charges
FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. — A City of Fruitland Park employee is facing several felony charges after he was arrested by Lake County deputies Monday. Jabari Hopkins, who was the human resources director for the city, is accused of theft, forgery and removing human remains from a city-run cemetery. Read: Girl missing since 2019 found aliveThe investigation into Hopkins began in January after the city’s finance director reported some suspicious transactions on city accounts. Investigators said they found gas purchases, oil changes, car washes and payments to Florida Memorial University on Hopkins’ city-issued credit card. Read: Missing man later found in Lake Ivanhoe died accidentally, medical examiner saysPolice believe Hopkins didn’t realize the urn actually contained remains.
wftv.comSilver Alert: Missing Lake County man with dementia last seen Friday afternoon, deputies say
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Silver Alert for a 72-year-old Altoona man. According to deputies, Gregory Vincent Devon Heverling left his home at 19912 Rose Road in Altoona on Feb. 11 around 11 a.m. and hasn’t been heard from since. Heverling has been diagnosed with dementia, recently suffered a stroke, and is dependent on medication for diabetes. If you have any information on Heverling’s whereabouts, please call your local police department or the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Read: Florida sheriff’s deputy fired, accused of planting drug in exchange for sex, deputies sayClick 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.
wftv.comLake County set to open cold weather shelters as cold front moves in
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — With temperatures expected to drop Sunday evening, Lake County plans to activate its cold weather shelters for those in need. Shelters are set to open their doors at 5 p.m. Sunday and close Monday morning at 7 a.m. Masks are required at all cold weather shelter locations, and the Florida Department of Health will be conducting COVID-19 screening at each shelter as well as offering hepatitis A, flu, and COVID-19 vaccinations. With temperatures expected to drop, Lake County will activate shelters Sunday, Feb. 13 for those vulnerable to cold weather. More information ➡️ https://t.co/E0PbXfPMAu — Lake County Emergency Management (@lakeemergency) February 12, 2022The CDC now also requires all riders of public busing systems to wear an appropriate face covering that covers both the nose and mouth for the duration of the ride.
wftv.comShooting, bomb threats force lockdown at East Ridge Middle School in Clermont, deputies say
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Two threats called in to East Ridge Middle School in Clermont forced the school into a lockdown Thursday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
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Small Lake County city looking to host population boom with housing and commercial development
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A small city in Lake County may be on track to host a population boom. Leaders in Mascotte are looking at a development that could more than double the city’s population. The proposed project includes a lot of homes. READ: Lake County looks to juggle influx of people while preserving natural beautyIf approved as is, the plan would include, 2,800 homes along with some commercial development. The proposed project, called Langley Estates, covers 943 acres over several parcels of land.
wftv.comLake County looks to juggle influx of people while preserving natural beauty
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — County leaders are calling it a historic day for the future of Lake County. On Monday, the county commission chairman met with managers and mayors from all 14 municipalities in the county to talk about planning for the massive influx of people expected to pour into Central Florida in the coming years. READ: Renters lost thousands on homes they never moved into after finding rats, leaks & code violationsThe idea is for the county and all 14 municipalities to work together and agree on the best ways to manage growth and still maintain the natural beauty of its lakes, hills and forests. READ: Doctors warn that melatonin can be linked to dementiaAll leaders agreed they want to try to make this happen. The county is hoping an agreement can be hammered out within the next year.
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