LEESBURG

Charles Dickens’ beloved tale, “A Christmas Carol,” became an important part of Joseph Passarella’s life, especially for his father.

2022 is on track to being one of the warmest years ever on record for several of our reporting stations in Central Florida.

LEESBURG, Fla. — Investigators are trying to figure out what caused a fire at a warehouse in Leesburg. Firefighters were called to a storage facility around 9 p.m. Tuesday and said they found smoke and flames coming through the roof. Photos: Lake County firefighters respond to blaze inside Leesburg freezer facilityExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Lake County firefighters respond to blaze inside Leesburg freezer facilityThe fire broke out at a freezer facility located on Bradford Avenue, off McCormack Street. See: Mysterious structure unearthed by erosion in Volusia CountyLeesburg firefighters called in reinforcements from Lake County Fire Rescue and the Eustis Fire Department. “There was some difficulty because of the construction of the building,” said Leesburg Fire Chief Joe Mera.

The City of Leesburg is bringing a re-created version of Christmas markets from around the world to downtown Leesburg for two Saturdays.

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.

The Lake Eustis Kennel Club, based in Lady Lake, has marked a significant milestone by turning 50 years old this year. In honor of the group’s anniversary, Carolyn Hoppe, of

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.

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association wants to help restaurants and hotel establishments hurt by Hurricane Ian.

He still wanted Blue Skye to install the screen, but claims the company wanted an additional $4,000 upfront. Kelty’s contract with Blue Skye included an arbitration clause requiring all disputes to be settled by an arbitration panel, not in a courtroom. READ: ‘That’s not good’: Homeowners feel burned by solar power promises“And they said no, sorry you have to go to arbitration,” Kelty said. Todd Ulrich contacted managers at Blue Skye Screening. They said Kelty was offered a partial refund after expenses, he breached the contract, and the company enforced an arbitration clause that had been fully disclosed.

Six months has gone by since Wildwood resident Katrina Brooks lost her battle with breast cancer.

A motorcyclist from Leesburg is dead after being thrown from his vehicle in a crash on Saturday evening, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Publix locations in seven Central Florida counties will close early on Wednesday due to Hurricane Ian. Publix officials said locations in Sumter, Orange, Lake (717 N. 14th St., Leesburg and 1120 Bichara Blvd., The Villages), Seminole, Marion, Osceola, and Volusia counties will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Those locations are expected to stay closed through Thursday and reopen on Friday. Read: Hurricane Ian: County-by-county guide to shelter locations in Central FloridaClick here for the latest updates. Video: Last-minute shoppers find some shelves empty as Central Florida prepares for Hurricane Ian As many in Central Florida make last-minute preparations ahead of Hurricane Ian, stores are starting to fill up with last-minute shoppers.

Electric rates keep rising in Leesburg, and some homeowners said they can't afford any more hikes.

LEESBURG, Fla. — A Leesburg police officer was hurt Friday morning while responding to a disturbance at a Dunkin’ Donuts. Officers said they took the person to the ground to prevent them from being struck by passing vehicles and to conduct a Baker Act. The injured officer was taken to a hospital and is being treated for his injuries. Read: Florida sex offender acquitted of kidnapping, rape charges arrested againNo other details were released by law enforcement. 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 Fire Rescue Firefighter Blake Kocielko always aspired to save others’ lives — so he was shocked when he found out that he would have to fight for his

Federal investigators claim five men arrested for their involvement in the riot on Capitol Hill were members of a militia group that held beliefs aligned with Three Percenters.

LEESBURG, Fla. — Two weeks after a woman was found shot to death in the laundry room of her Leesburg home, police have charged the man who they say pulled the trigger. Two days later, police arrested 40-year-old Alphonza Bryant for a probation violation stemming from an unrelated battery arrest earlier this year. They confirmed at the time that Bryant was also a “person of interest” in Smith’s murder, but they hadn’t yet gathered enough information to charge anyone. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 3 Leesburg Homicide - Penn StreetOn Tuesday, police announced they’d gathered that information and had enough evidence to officially charge Bryant with Melissa K. Smith’s murder. Friends of the Smith say she didn’t deserve to be shot.

VIDEO: ‘Person of interest’ in Leesburg woman’s murder arrested on separate charge Police say they’ve arrested a man identified as a person of interest in the murder of a Leesburg woman found shout to death in her home this week. (Jeff Deal, WFTV.com/WFTV)LEESBURG, Fla. — Police say they’ve arrested a man identified as a person of interest in the murder of a Leesburg woman found shout to death in her home this week. Records show that man, identified as 40-year-old Alphonza Bryant, was just released from state prison in October after serving nearly 20 years for an armed robbery. Police have confirmed that Bryant is a person of interest in Melissa Smith’s homicide, but say they’re still not in a position to charge anyone in that case. Smith’s friends and family say they’re thankful Bryant is behind bars, but are still hoping that whoever murdered her will be charged soon.

For a lot of Central Florida, the wet season has been anything but.

The National Conference Center in northern Virginia is currently housing 657 Afghan evacuees selected for U.S. resettlement, including 216 children, according to DHS data.

Hot with low rain chances in Central Florida.

A speeding car slammed into an SUV Monday evening in Leesburg, causing it to flip onto the side of an animal clinic nearby.

A speeding car slammed into an SUV Monday evening in Leesburg, causing it to flip onto the side of an animal clinic nearby.

A woman found shot to death early Monday at a Leesburg home has been identified, according to the police department.

LEESBURG, Fla. — Leesburg police are investigating what led to the death of a woman in the 1200 block of Penn Street Monday morning. Police responded to a suspicious incident around 2:30 a.m. after receiving a call from friends that they believed their 37-year-old friend could be dead. READ: One person shot along Old Cheney Highway east of Colonial Drive in Orange CountyWhen officers arrived at the home, they found a black female lying on the ground of the laundry room, deceased from a gunshot wound. WFTV has a crew on the way to the scene and will update as information becomes available. 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.

July is officially the hottest month of the year in Central Florida, with the average high at 92 degrees all month long and lows between 73-74 degrees Fahrenheit.

LEESBURG, Fla. — After spending most of the evening without electricity, many Leesburg residents were relieved to regain power late Tuesday night. Much of the city went dark after a lightning strike caused a fire at a power station, officials said. According to Leesburg Fire Rescue, the east power substation on U.S. 441 suffered fire damage when lightning struck Duke Florida’s transmission system around 7:30 p.m.READ: Arrest made in deadly Casselberry hit-and-run crash that killed man walking his dogThe system, which feeds a majority of Leesburg power, went offline and caused the widespread outage. About 12,600 Leesburg customers were without power initially, city officials said. Leesburg city officials did not estimate a time when power would be fully restored.

A large power outage hit Leesburg and Fruitland Park Tuesday evening, according to Leesburg Fire Rescue.

Video: Alligator gets stuck underneath Leesburg police officer's car A fleeing “suspect” got stuck underneath a Leesburg police officer’s cruiser. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)LEESBURG, Fla. — A fleeing “suspect” got stuck underneath a Leesburg police officer’s cruiser. READ: Later, alligator: Tips to safely coexist with Florida’s 1.3M gatorsPolice said they were trying to wrangle an alligator when it took off and wedged itself under an officer’s car. Officers said they were able to get the gator out safely, and the car wasn’t permanently damaged. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Calling all cars, calling all cars: we have a gator under a cruiser.

Floatin’ on a Boat Charters offers private, catered tours along the Harris Chain of Lakes.

VIDEO: Former student speaks out on ‘cult-like group’ operating in Leesburg High School Former student speaks out on ‘cult-like group’ operating in Leesburg High SchoolLEESBURG, Fla. — A former student at Leesburg High School is speaking out about the cult-like group she said formed at a local high school that involved into a secret and, at times, inappropriate society. From that, she joined a small Bible study group that involved longtime Leesburg High School band director Gabriel Fielder, who was the leader who “eventually started calling himself governor,” Hammond said. The group also included Leonardo “Lenny” Finelli, a Leesburg High School counselor who helped with the band. READ: State records shed light on ‘cult-like’ secret society operating at Leesburg High SchoolHammond said some started referring to the group as a cult shortly after it started. The district investigation shows that, at some point, members of the group started using apps so they could track each other’s movements.

HOUSE OF THE WEEK | The five-bedroom, nine-bathroom, 9,000-square-foot house, which is part of the Furnace Mountain Estates community, was built in 2006 by Kholer Custom Homes.

With several record-breaking afternoons and the majority of the month running above average, it does not come as a surprise that June ended warmer than the average June.

At least one person was transported to the hospital Wednesday afternoon following a crash on U.S. Highway 441 in Leesburg, causing delays in the area, fire officials said in a Facebook post.

A 57-year-old man was arrested Wednesday afternoon after fatally shooting another man who came up to his car on a Leesburg road, police said.

Gunman arrested at Marion County bar after deadly shooting in Leesburg, deputies sayLEESBURG, Fla. — Lake County deputies arrested a gunman after he killed a man Wednesday afternoon. Photos: Gunman arrested at Marion County bar after deadly shooting in Leesburg, deputies sayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Gunman arrested at Marion County bar after deadly shooting in Leesburg, deputies sayDeputies said the victim was driving with another person on Whitney Road when he recognized Carlton driving, and they both stopped. WATCH: Man befriended victim, shared soda and cigarettes, before deadly shooting outside IHOP, deputies sayAfter a short conversation, Carlton shot the victim in the head and fled the scene, deputies said. WATCH: Man slashed wife’s throat, played her favorite music as she died, Altamonte Springs police sayDeputies said Carlton was later tracked to a bar in Marion County, where he was arrested without incident. Carlton was booked into the Marion County Jail on a murder charge.

The 911 call made by a Leesburg man who shot one of two burglars who broke into his home was released Wednesday.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A death was under investigation Monday at an apartment complex, the Orlando Police Department said. Read: Warrant issued for person of interest in fatal shooting at DeBary IHOPPolice said they were called at about 2:15 a.m. to the Pacifico Place apartments on Don Quixote Avenue near Roberto Clemente Road and South Semoran Boulevard. Read: Leesburg homeowner shoots 1 of 2 men who tried to break into home, police say; manhunt underwayThe cause of death is unknown. See a map of the scene 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. ©2022 Cox Media Group

LEESBURG, Fla. — A Leesburg homeowner shot one of two men who were trying to break into their home on Monday morning, police said. Detectives said they are working a burglary that happened at a home on Flora View Lane. They said the homeowner shot a man as he tried to get into the home. They said he is either 5 feet, 8 inches or 5 feet, 9 inches tall and has a slim build. READ: Juneteenth 2022: What is open, what is closed on the holidayLeesburg home invasion shooting (Leesburg Police Department)The homeowner was not hurt during the incident.

A Leesburg homeowner shot one of two men burglarizing their home, according to the police department.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Are you looking for a job? CareerSource Central Florida is hosting a job fair in Lake County this week. READ: Recall alert: 1.4M breaker boxes recalled due to overheating, fire hazardThere are more than 300 job openings available. You could get an interview with AdventHealth, Lake County Transit, Lake Correctional Institution, Electrical Services, Merry Maids, Wawa and more. READ: Video shows ‘fever’ of stingrays swimming past a Florida resortIf you are interested in attending the job fair, you can click here to register.

58-year-old Kimberly Elbers claimed her $1 million prize at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. READ: State attorney’s office seeks funding to offer daycare services to employeesThe Leesburg woman got her $50 “500X The Cash” winning ticket from the Publix on North 14th Street. The game features the largest top prize ever offered on a scratch-off game in Florida. She won $1 million bucks playing the 500X THE CASH Scratch-Off game! 🕶 https://t.co/AWKP7Ebnmr pic.twitter.com/hPVMkl8CoE — Florida Lottery (@floridalottery) June 13, 2022Elbers chose to receive her winnings in a single, lump-sum payment of $820,000.

A man was killed in a crash when his vehicle rolled over several times, according to the Leesburg Police Department.

A Leesburg man went missing after driving away from the store, according to the Leesburg Police Department.

One high school graduate is making history before heading to college in the fall by being the first ever recipient honoring a member of a historic civil rights case.

Leesburg High School seniors got a second chance to walk across the stage for graduation after their first procession left them "dripping."

VIDEO: Leesburg High School set to hold graduation redo after storms soak original ceremony VIDEO: Leesburg High School set to hold graduation redo after storms soak original ceremony (Jeff Deal, WFTV.com/WFTV)LEESBURG, Fla. — Leesburg High School is about to have a graduation do-over after strong storms and lightning crashed Friday’s ceremony. It was pouring rain as graduates stood in line waiting for their names to be called. The school had moved up the start time to try to avoid the storms but decided against moving it inside or delaying the ceremony. Parents were frustrated and told Channel 9 it was just a bad experience and they wish the ceremony had been moved to Saturday. Read: Brevard County man wins $1 million after lucky lottery scratch-off winThe school is having what’s called a recognition ceremony at the gym tonight at 8 p.m. and all names will be called again.

Two Leesburg homeowners are cleaning up after storms hit Central Florida Saturday night, causing a tree to split in two and crash into a house.

Leesburg High School’s Class of 2022 graduated — but instead of sunshine and smiles, evening storms decided to rain on their parade.

VIDEO: Leesburg middle school teacher accused of inappropriately touching student Leesburg middle school teacher accused of inappropriately touching studentLEESBURG, Fla. — A middle school teacher is under arrest and out of the classroom after being accused of inappropriately touching a child. Keith Moulton, a first-year math teacher at Oak Park Middle School in Leesburg. Moulton was removed from duties at the school after the boy came forward and reported the incident to a school resource deputy. READ: Leesburg band director, counselor accused of operating ‘cult-like’ secret society within schoolMoulton initially joked with Channel 9, but the allegations are serious. Lake County deputies said the boy came forward last month to a school resource deputy his next day back at school.

A Lake County middle school teacher has been arrested amid accusations he sexually battered a student, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Hot, hot, hot!

The crash occurred on Citrus Boulevard, according to a Facebook post.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office has reported a missing minor out of Leesburg, according to a LCSO Facebook post.

A suspected DUI driver was arrested Monday nearly three years after deputies said she was involved in a crash that killed another woman.

The band director and guidance counselor at Leesburg High School resigned after an investigation began into a secret society described as a “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.

A man’s body was found near Leesburg High School early Friday, according to the police department.

Record heat possible in Central FloridaORLANDO, Fla. — Record heat is possible for Friday. READ: Leesburg band director, counselor accused of operating ‘cult-like’ secret society within schoolMake sure you wear sunscreen if you go outside. It will be very warm, with temperatures near 89 degrees. READ: Dead shark found hanging at Florida high schoolOn Mother’s Day, we’ll have lots of sun and more hot temperatures. Next week, highs will be mainly in the 80s.

VIDEO: Leesburg band director, counselor accused of operating ‘cult-like’ secret society within school Leesburg band director, counselor accused of operating ‘cult-like’ secret society within schoolLEESBURG, Fla. — A long-time Leesburg High School band director and a guidance counselor who also helped lead the band are off the job while under investigation, after allegations the band director was leading a “cult-like” secret society inside the school, according to police. Leesburg High School guidance counselor Leonardo “Lenny” Finelli Jr. once served as music and marching instructor under long-time band director Gabriel Fielder. Fielder has been the band director for almost 20 years. The student said that, after he graduated from high school, he began a sexual relationship with Fenelli and moved in with him. Video: Leesburg High School students work to build homes with Habitat for Humanity A new home is going up in Leesburg thanks to Habitat for Humanity and the Leesburg High School Construction Academy.

Ares Firearms Training Facility — a gun range with a controversial reputation — has been granted the use of flamethrowers after a Lake County commission meeting.

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.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Wolf Branch Brewing Co. plans to open a new location at 707 W. Main St. in downtown Leesburg, owner and brewer Jose Villafana told the Orlando Business Journal. The brewery will feature a five-barrel brewing system in-house. Besides beer, the taproom will offer wine, cider and hard seltzer. Read: Tyre Sampson death: Lawsuit claims that Orlando drop ride at ICON Park was ‘unreasonably dangerous’Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.

LEESBURG, Fla. — Bikers are rumbling into Leesburg for what is traditionally one of Lake county’s biggest events, Bikefest. The pandemic canceled Bikefest in 2020, then pushed it to November of last year. “I came over here for Leesburg Bikefest, which was one of the greatest three day weekends in Florida,” biker George Como said. Nobody’s here.”READ: End of Reedy Creek: Disney won’t pay more taxes, but you willThe Leesburg event in November was a success, with a full weekend of music and fun. READ: DeSantis signs bill to dissolve Disney’s self-governing powerEvent organizers understand the criticism, but point out this weekend’s event is in the same fiscal year as November’s event, and money for another full-blown Bikefest wasn’t available.

Business owners and city officials are gearing up for Leesburg's annual BikeFest.

A fatal crash is investigated in Lake County.

A 77-year-man was killed after crashing into a tree near a Walgreens parking lot Tuesday afternoon in Leesburg, police said.

READ: ‘Can this be real?’ Orlando woman worries as family waits out Russian invasion in Ukraine“Nobody slept, nobody ate anything,” Kucherova said. It was then time for Kucherova and her siblings to say goodbye to their father, who had to turn around and fight. But back here in Orlando their aunt and uncle, Dr. George Hagerty and Dr. Oksana Hagerty, were already planning to come get them. “I was a little hasty,” George Hagerty said. “We had those with us and we finally decided to make the dive and go over March 10,” George Hagerty said.

Leesburg High School students celebrated Women’s History Month by attending an important reenactment. First-year teacher Jacob Finegan learned about a women’s suffrage procession reenactment happening in The Villages, and immediately knew he wanted his students to experience it firsthand.

Tucked away in Fruitland Park is a small school with big ambitions, a place to teach children who may struggle in traditional school environments. Holy Trinity Episcopal School, a mission

A man who shot and killed his ex-girlfriend's boyfriend at a Leesburg home in 2017 will now spend the rest of his life behind bars.

LEESBURG, Fla. — A Leesburg Police officer got into a brief physical altercation with a Leesburg High School student Thursday while investigating a number of recent fights there. While speaking to the officer, police say the student became verbally aggressive, and at one point, charged and swung his fist at the officer. According to Leesburg police, the officer was able to deflect the punch and redirect the student- who is larger than the officer- to the ground. Police say the student “regained his composure” within a few minutes and the officer helped him back to his feet. READ: Student found with gun on campus arrested at Seminole High School, police sayThe student refused medical treatment for a small abrasion he received on the lip during the altercation.

Leesburg High School Leesburg High School was placed on lockdown Friday morning after police said the school received an anonymous call reporting that someone had a gun near campus. (WFTV.com News Staff)LEESBURG, Fla. — Leesburg High School was placed on lockdown Friday morning after police said the school received an anonymous call reporting that someone had a gun near campus. The lockdown was lifted by 11 a.m. after police found the call to be unfounded. Officers said they swept the school, campus and nearby neighborhoods and found nothing threatening. READ: Police: Leesburg High student arrested after gun found in backpackClick 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.

A Leesburg doctor was arrested Wednesday morning, accused of battering a semi-unconscious patient with her own hand, according to the Leesburg Police Department.

Two men were killed after their car crashed into a retention pond in Leesburg Wednesday morning, according the police department.

When deputies arrived they found one person hurt on the front porch, and one person dead inside the 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).

LEESBURG, Fla. — A Leesburg High School student was arrested Friday after police said they found a semi-automatic handgun in his backpack. Jamonte Chambliss, 18, is charged with carrying a concealed firearm and possessing a firearm on a school campus. Investigators said they received a tip on Wednesday that Chambliss had a firearm in his backpack on campus. Officers said they planned to confront Chambliss the next day and search his bag, but that he didn’t return to school. High returns to normal operations following bomb threatInside Chambliss’ bag, officers said they found a loaded teal stainless steel 9mm semi-automatic handgun.

A Leesburg High School student was arrested Friday morning after a school resource officer found a gun in his backpack, according to Leesburg police.

A man was shot in the face in a dispute over money, Leesburg police say.

Police identified and arrested a suspect Wednesday connected with a fatal shooting that occurred last Friday night in Leesburg, according to the department.

LEESBURG, Va. — (AP) — Washington Football Team safety Deshazor Everett turned himself in to a Virginia jail on an involuntary manslaughter charge after an investigation found he was speeding before his sports car slammed into trees and rolled over, killing his passenger. Everett, 29, was treated for serious injuries after the Dec. 23 crash. His passenger, Olivia S. Peters, 29, of Las Vegas, died at a hospital. Everett, a special teams captain in 2018 who was in his seventh season with the team, was placed on injured reserve after the crash. Peters, an occupational therapist from Montgomery County, Md., was his longtime girlfriend, The Washington Post reported.

There’s no need to travel to New Orleans when the Mardi Gras party is making its way to Central Florida.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Sunday will be cool and damp throughout the day. Additional showers will be possible throughout the day on Sunday. Read: Late night party turns deadly; Central Florida teen shot and killed, deputies sayThe vest chance of rain will fall on our northern zones. Read: Person dies after being shot several times in Leesburg, police sayMonday will be drier, and we will see some peeks of sunshine. Chief meteorologist Tom TerryClick 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.

Leesburg police are asking for tips after a man was found shot multiple times Friday night and later died at a hospital, according to a news release.

Person dies after being shot several times in Leesburg, police sayLEESBURG, Fla. — Police in Leesburg are looking for a gunman after a person was shot and killed Friday night. READ: Late night party turns deadly; Central Florida teen shot and killed, deputies sayOfficers said they arrived around 11:09 p.m. to the 2200 block of Waitman Avenue after reports that someone had been shot. Police said they found a victim who had been shot several times lying in the roadway. The victim was taken to UF Health in Leesburg and subsequently to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where they died. Anyone with information about this deadly shooting is asked to call the Leesburg Police Department at 352-787-2121 or Central Florida Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

LEESBURG, Fla. — A new home is going up in Leesburg thanks to Habitat for Humanity and the Leesburg High School Construction Academy. WATCH: Lake County family starts off new year with new homeThese two groups held an event today to honor the students’ hard work and marked the half-way point for the project. WATCH: Florida citrus farmers brace for cold-weather fight to save their crops“This is our third house with Habitats for Humanities, so it’s been a wonderful partnership,” said Dr. Monique Griffin-Gay, assistant principal at Leesburg High School. They give back and they also learn a valuable skill.”READ: Next generation of space tech being designed by UCF researchersGriffin-Gay also shared that the house is going to a Leesburg High School student. Students in the class said they plan on building another house next year, right next door.

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.

With a moderate La Nina in place, once again Central Florida joined the past six years for being one of the warmest years on record.

A man accused of fatally shooting a 34-year-old man in August was arrested in Ohio Friday, according to the Leesburg Police Department.

The end of 2021 hasn’t meant the end of labor shortages. For recent college graduates, that means increased opportunity.

The 15-year-old boy also was ordered to be placed on the sex offender registry at a hearing Wednesday in Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, a step the judge said she had never previously ordered in a juvenile case. But Judge Pamela Brooks said she felt compelled to do so after reviewing psychosexual and psychological evaluations of the boy conducted after he was found guilty of the assaults. The case became a touchstone for an array of incendiary cultural and political issues last year in Loudoun County, where the assaults occurred. After the first one occurred in a school bathroom at Stone Bridge High School in May 2021 the boy was allowed to attend nearby Broad Run High School while he awaited trial in juvenile court. The Associated Press is not naming the boy or the girls because it generally doesn’t identify underage defendants or victims of sexual assault.

A northern Virginia teenager found guilty of sexually assaulting two female classmates at separate schools was ordered Wednesday to attend a locked, residential treatment facility until he turns 18. The 15-year-old boy also was ordered to be placed on the sex offender registry at a hearing Wednesday in Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, a step the judge said she had never previously ordered in a juvenile case.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — An Ocala man was arrested after deputies said he broke into a home and sexually battered a teenager. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 19-year-old Tylor Moreno forced his way into a home of an acquaintance around 2 p.m. Wednesday. Tylor Moreno (Marion County Sheriffs Office)Deputies were able to locate Moreno with the help of a sheriff’s helicopter and placed him under arrest. Investigators said Moreno admitted to assaulting the victim and taking away her cell phone to keep her from calling 911. Read: Police: Caregiver, husband fatally shoot woman, 89, in Ponce InletMoreno — who is being held without bond — was booked into the Marion County jail on charges of burglary, sexual battery and tampering.

Police say they have identified a Leesburg man as one of the two men responsible for starting a fire that damaged the Southernmost Point Buoy, a landmark and tourist attraction in Key West.