WILDWOOD

A Pennsylvania man died and his passenger was seriously injured Wednesday after their SUV was rear ended by a pickup truck at an intersection near Wildwood.

A Kissimmee man was arrested in connection with a crash on I-75 in Sumter County that killed a man from Tennessee and seriously injured his three passengers, one of whom was a 12-year-old boy, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Sonny Merrick had tears in his eyes as he talked about the young students who thanked veterans like him during Villages Honor Flight mission 52’s stop at the changing of

A child riding in a van died Saturday evening in a crash on Florida’s Turnpike near Wildwood that left two others with serious injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Floridians recently paid the most money for gas in 14 years. Russia's war with Ukraine exacerbated sticker shock at the pump that already was pinching wallets because of inflation and

Some Wildwood-area families will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Tuesday morning. SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Some Wildwood-area families will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Tuesday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will hold a food giveaway in conjunction with New Covenant United Methodist Church and the city of Wildwood. The organization with team up with Senator Randolph Bracy, Dedicated Senior Medical Center, and Promise Seeds Initiative. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

All was quiet outside First Presbyterian Church of Wildwood as a crane slowly raised the church’s new steeple to the roof of the sanctuary building.

As Colleen Brooks steps into Beyond the Walls food pantry, she finds herself surrounded by ways to help others.

A Silver Alert has been issued for Gregory Vincent Devon Heverling, 72, of Altoona, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

East County Road 462 in Wildwood is nicknamed “Church Row” for good reason. Residents can find six sanctuaries on the 1.5-mile stretch of road, and a seventh is just a

Mayor Ed Wolf predicts Wildwood will one day rank among the largest cities in Central Florida, and it is well on its way. Wildwood is growing faster than any other

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants new legislation to combat Critical Race Theory in schools and workplaces statewide.

WILDWOOD, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis will speak in Central Florida Wednesday morning. READ: Osceola County sheriff launches anti-bullying campaign after school fight video goes viralThe event will be held at the Ezell Regional Recreation Center in Wildwood. Channel 9 will livestream the news conference when it begins. READ: Central Florida becoming the Wild West of real estate scamsClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Capturing the intensity of a crowd’s adulation for Donald Trump

Presenting a wreath at a memorial service, fundraising for families who live in poverty and leading the largest American Legion post in the world are just a few examples of

A Wildwood man has died from injuries suffered in a crash with a car that happened Monday.

A 21-year-old Ocala woman died when her car collided with the rear of a Sumter County fire truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Seniors are busy hauling trusses and nailing down boards with the Construction Management Academy at The Villages High School.

NJ woman arrested Police said a New Jersey woman led authorities on an eight-hour, 80-mile chase through several cities before she was apprehended. (Jason Doly/iStock)WILDWOOD, N.J. — A New Jersey woman is accused of stealing an oil tanker last weekend and eluding authorities for eight hours and 80 miles before authorities apprehended her at a Wawa. Over the next eight hours, Wescott led police in various jurisdictions on pursuits and was involved in several crashes, NJ.com reported. Police took Westcott into custody in the parking lot of a Wawa in Wildwood at about 8:30 p.m. EDT, NJ.com reported. Wescott refused to cooperate with police at the Wawa, according to the Courier-Post.

Police say a Florida woman is dead after her her parachute malfunctioned as she was skydiving.

Waterlife off Long Island (File photo) The seagull flew away apparently unfazed after the incident. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)WILDWOOD, N.J. — A teen was uninjured after a seagull flew into her on the SpringShot amusement park ride in Wildwood, New Jersey. In the video, Kiley can be seen momentarily shocked by the impact of the bird as it lay wedged on her chest. “I knew there was no going back and it was just going to hit me,” Kiley told WTFX-TV. Kiley told WPVI that she had a tiny scratch but was otherwise uninjured.

At least one person was killed and many others were shot at a Father’s Day event in Wildwood.

WILDWOOD, Fla. — One person was killed and 10 people were shot during a Father’s Day event in Wildwood, deputies said. At about 8 p.m. Sunday, deputies said multiple shots were fired during the annual event in the Royal Park area. A 25-year-old woman from the Tampa Bay area was killed in the shooting, deputies said. READ: Woman shot in Orange County neighborhoodThe sheriff’s office said no children attending the event were injured. Body camera video shows deputies pulling Thomas out from underneath a car.

WILDWOOD, Fla. — One person was killed and multiple people were shot during a Father’s Day event in Wildwood, deputies said. At about 8 p.m. Sunday, deputies said multiple shots were fired during the annual event in the Royal Park area. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said a suspect is in custody. READ: Woman shot in Orange County neighborhoodNo other details were released. READ: Florida man arrested for vandalism after doing burnout through Pride street muralAircraft carrier shock test off Florida coast registers as 3.9 magnitude earthquakeSee map of scene below:©2021 Cox Media Group

Sumter County double homicide Deputies identified the teenagers as Isaiah Nelson, 17, of Wildwood, and Prestin Nixon, 16. (Sumter County Sheriff's Office)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Sumter County deputies said they have arrested a 15-year-old boy accused of fatally shooting two teens and leaving their bodies alongside a Wildwood road last month. READ: ‘Brutal and senseless’: Sumter County deputies ask for help finding person who shot, killed 2 teensHe is accused of killing Isaiah Nelson, 17, of Wildwood, and Prestin Nixon, 16, last month. Deputies said their bodies were found on the side of County Road 219 south of County Road 44A. READ: Homicide investigation underway after 2 teens found dead along Sumter County roadHaworth said the investigation into the case is ongoing.

The much-anticipated May jobs report offers evidence for both sides of the labor-shortage argument, according to economists.

A reward for information is being offered in the case of two Sumter County teens who were found dead off County Road 219 in Wildwood Wednesday.

A truck driver making stops in Wildwood came upon the bodies of 16 and 17-year-old boys Sunday morning.

Sumter County double homicide Deputies identified the teenagers as Isaiah Nelson, 17, of Wildwood, and Prestin Nixon, 16. (Sumter County Sheriff's Office)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Sumter County deputies said they believe the two teenagers who were found dead on the side of a road on Wednesday were shot and killed by someone they knew. Jon Galvin said the bodies of Isaiah Nelson, 17, of Wildwood, and Prestin Nixon, 16, were found on the side of County Road 219 south of County Road 44A after 5 a.m. Wednesday. READ: Homicide investigation underway after 2 teens found dead along Sumter County roadGalvin called their deaths a “brutal and senseless” murder. READ: Coronavirus: CDC eases mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated AmericansAnyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 352-793-2621, or to remain anonymous, Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

Deputies with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a double homicide Wednesday after the bodies of two teens were found off County Road 219.

A 77-year-old faces a felony charge after she shouted a racial slur at a Burger King worker and threw her burger at the victim, Wildwood police say.

WILDWOOD, Fla – A Wildwood mom is calling for justice for her son 20-year-old Jermonick Luther Jr., who was found dead in the back of a burned SUV on Saturday. “I pray and I’m a praying woman, God’s got the last say here,” Crystal Cummings said. Cummings says it was her son, Luther or better known as J.J., who was found dead inside the trunk of an SUV on Saturday. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, witnesses said they saw a man running away from the scene. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

WILDWOOD, Fla. – UPDATE: A missing 14-year-old Sumter County girl has been found safe, according to officials. ORIGINAL STORY: A missing child alert has been issued for a 14-year-old Sumter County girl. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued the alert for Miryah Perry, of Wildwood, on Monday. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said Miryah is considered a runaway. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 352-769-2621.

WILDWOOD, Fla. – Voters lined up early Tuesday to cast their ballots as early voting began in Sumter County. The first day of in-person voting in Sumter came after every other county in Central Florida began early voting on Monday. Throughout the day, there were lines at several polling locations across the region, with some areas experiencing wait times of more than an hour. According to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, 16,179 people cast their ballot in-person Monday. In Sumter County, there are six polling locations for early voting:Laurel Manor Recreation Center 1985 Laurel Manor Drive, The VillagesAllamanda Recreation Center 1515 St. Charles Place, The VillagesRohan Recreation Center 850 Kristine Way, The VillagesTierra Del Sol Recreation Center 808 San Marina Drive, The VillagesVillages Sumter County Service Center 7375 Powell Road, Room #102, WildwoodBushnell Annex 316 E. Anderson Ave, BushnellEarly voting in Sumter County is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Oct. 20 until Oct. 31.

WILDWOOD, Fla. – A Wildwood police officer was arrested Wednesday following allegations that she misused the department’s internal computer system, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. [TRENDING: Newlywed couple killed in plane crash | Ballot for dead wife meant to ‘test system’ | FSU president tests positive for COVID-19]Agents said the Wildwood Police Department requested an investigation into Christine Reynolds' behavior in May and found that she used another officer’s credentials to access the department’s internal systems and emails, which she then downloaded and disseminated without permission. Reynolds, 48, is facing a charge of offenses against users of computers.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – A man who was armed with a shotgun while making suicidal threats was shot by a deputy in Wildwood Tuesday night, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. The witness fled the scene in order to call 911 and meet with deputies to lead them to the man’s location near State Road 44 and County Road 153, records show. A deputy shot the man as he “made a move” for the shotgun, according to a news release. The deputy who fired his weapon has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure. Authorities did not provide details on where the man was shot or his condition.

Paul Quisenberry drops his daughter Audra, 6, off at Premier Martial Arts on her first day of school Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Wildwood, Mo. The first grader will attend her classes virtually while spending her days at the martial arts studio because her school is shut down due to COVID-19. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

WILDWOOD, Fla. – An 18-year-old was shot and killed Monday in Wildwood, according to police. Officers responded to reports of a shooting along Warfield Avenue and Missouri Avenue around 4 p.m. and found the man lying in the road suffering from a gunshot wound, according to a news release. Emergency medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene, according to Wildwood police. Investigators said officers immediately established a crime scene and began conducting interviews with any potential witnesses. It was not immediately clear if police located any potential suspects or persons of interest.

Wildwood senior Marcus Niblack is the Daily Commercial 2020 Boys Basketball All-Area Player of the YearMarcus Niblack has always attracted attention on the basketball court. In that game his last with the Wildcats Niblack scored 27 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Even though his playing days at Wildwood have ended, Niblack already knows where he will compete at the next level. During the season, Niblack committed to the University of Mississippi Ole Miss where he play against some of the toughest competition in the country, including the University of Florida and national powerhouse Kentucky. Certainly, hell adapt to the college game and I think hell be very successful at Ole Miss.From there?

J.B. Bynum, who led the Wildwood Middle High School football team to the postseason in each of the past two seasons, is being replaced as Wildcats head coach. WILDWOOD J.B. Bynum will not have a chance to lead the Wildwood Middle High School football into the postseason for a third straight year. Bynum confirmed Thursday he is being replaced as Wildcats coach after compiling a 12-10 record in two seasons. Prior to Rolle and Bynums arrival, Wildwood had gone nearly four years without a win on the football field. "Certainly, the football program is in better shape now than it was before I arrived with coach Rolle," said Bynum.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – A 25-year-old Wildwood man is accused of driving away from Sumter County deputies with a child in the car, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The deputy knew Jackson had multiple warrants out for his arrest in Sumter County, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Jackson drove away from the traffic stop leading deputies on a pursuit through the city and into rural areas of Sumter County, according to investigators. Investigators said deputies found a child around the age of 4 in the car. Jackson was transported to the Sumter County Detention Center.

So Lake and Sumter counties will not be represented at the Florida High School Athletic Association state basketball championships this week and next in Lakeland. Did the level of basketball fall this season off in Lake and Sumter counties? Six boys and girls teams Wildwood (boys and girls), Eustis (girls), Mount Dora Christian Academy (boys), The Villages (boys) Leesburg (boys) reached the regional semifinals this season, with both Wildwood teams playing in regional championship games. In Class 1A, Wildwood boys and girls teams fell victim to the postseason brackets. For years now, Ive boasted that Lake and Sumter counties differ from other areas in Florida.

And during that span, area programs delivered six state championships Leesburgs boys team won titles in 2011, 2017 and 2018; Wildwoods girls earned back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018; and, the Wildwood boys won it all in 2018. Marcus Niblack, in his final game at Wildwood, led all scorers with 27 points and Buster Corbin added nine. Ricardo Wright, in his final game with the Buffalo, led all scorers with 28 points. OCP will host Ocoee Central Florida Christian Academy in Fridays regional championship game. Its losses were to CFCA in the District 10 championship game and OCP.

The Yellow Jackets, which won back-to-back Class 6A state championships in 2017 and 2018, is one of four area teams hitting the floor on Tuesday in regional-round games. Our kids showed some maturity and were ready for another tough game in the regional semifinals.Campbell believes the Yellow Jackets are the underdogs heading into Tuesdays game. This will be the first regional road game for Wildwood since the 2018 Region 4 title game at Bell; Wildwood won that game 59-45. Class 5A-Region 2Leesburg at SebringSebring is averaging 68.1 points per game this season, while Leesburg is scoring 57.7. The Yellow Jackets are 1-3, with its lone win coming against Auburndale, while Sebring is 2-2, with both wins coming against Auburndale.

LEESBURG City commissioners Monday approved adding 1,237 acres to the city so The Villages can build 6,185 homes south of Floridas Turnpike where the retirement community is already is already expected to build 3,000 homes. That area, at County Road 470 and Floridas Turnpike, for now, is known as "Area A" of the Villages of West Lake. The Sumter County property appraisers office listed 46,559 Villages homes on its tax rolls in 2017. There were 6,857 homes in Lake County and 5,297 in Marion. Dennison, whose district lies in the new Villages area, said she got into politics eight years ago because she wanted to clean up Leesburg and make it better.

With the win, Wildwood improved to 21-7 and moves on to play at Hawthorne at 7 p.m. Tuesday for the Region 4 championship and a berth in the Florida High School Athletic Association state semifinals at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Wildwood junior Alfred Corbin led all scorers with 22 points, followed by teammate Marcus Niblack with 21. As a result, MDCA will play at Orlando Christian Prep at 7 p.m. Tuesday in a regional semifinal contest. Also in Class 4A-Region 2, The Villages topped Citra North Marion 58-50 and will host Eastside at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in a regional semifinal game. In Class 5A-Region 2, Leesburg beat Rockledge 61-56 and will travel to Sebring, the regions top seed at 7 p.m. Tuesday for a regional semifinal matchup.

Locations in Lady Lake, Wildwood and Mount Dora chose to the help the theater, home of the Bay Street Players, for their annual Lowes Heroes project. EUSTIS The State Theatre in Eustis is getting a makeover thanks to the help of three local Lowes stores. Locations in Lady Lake, Wildwood and Mount Dora chose to the help the theater, home of the Bay Street Players, for their annual Lowes Heroes project. While it is not uncommon for multiple stores to work together to compete larger projects, the Bay Street Players project is the first time these three stores have worked together. We are focusing on getting back to our roots, Bay Street Players production manager Nina Vatter said.

The Eustis High School girls basketball team lost to Wesley Chapel 54-45 on the road in a Class 4A-Region 2 semifinal game on Tuesday, while Wildwood fell 47-41 at Hawthorne in the Class 1A-Region 4 title game. The Eustis High and Wildwood Middle High schools girls basketball teams watched their seasons come to an end Tuesday, short of both teams goal. Eustis fell to Wesley Chapel 54-45 on the road in a Class 4A-Region 2 semifinal game, while Wildwood lost 47-41 at Hawthorne in the Class 1A-Region 4 championship. Wesley Chapel outscored Eustis 18-10 over the final eight minutes to break open what had been a one-point game heading into the fourth quarter. For Wildwood, a sluggish first quarter put the Wildcats in nine-point hole which they were never able to overcome.

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

Wildwood overcame a slow start to cruise past Williston in the girls basketball Class 1A-Region 4 semifinals on Thursday. WILDWOOD Wildwood Middle-High School coach Ryan Harrison watched his team overcome a slow start Thursday and cruise to an easy win in its regional-round opener. Wildwood improved to 25-2 with the win and advances to play at Hawthorne (26-2) at 7 p.m. Tuesday for the Class 1A-Region 4 championship. Four players Rainey, Tanaujeah Brown (15 points), Khaleah Douglas (12 points), and Cerina Rolle (11 points) scored in double figures for Eustis. For the girls, Hannah Pait, Karley Paulling, Alyssa Mazzuca, Noelia Rodriguez and Lina Filkin won in singles play for the Bulldogs.

The Wildwood Middle High School girls basketball teams quest for a third state championship began in earnest on Tuesday with an 83-11 win against Crescent City in the Class 1A-District 8 semifinals at the Woodshed. WILDWOOD The Wildwood Middle High School girls basketball teams quest for a third state championship began in earnest on Tuesday with an 83-11 win against Crescent City in the Class 1A-District 8 semifinals at the Woodshed. Wildwood scored 14 seconds into the game and led 7-0 before Crescent City got off its first shot. Crescent City turned the ball over 16 times in the opening eight minutes and managed only four shots. For Crescent City, Gillins poured in 11.

US President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up during a "Keep America Great" campaign rally at Wildwoods Convention Center in Wildwood, New Jersey, January 28, 2020. Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty ImagesPresident Donald Trump's approval rating has hit the highest level of his presidency 49% in a Gallup poll. Trump was boosted by increased approval among independent as well as Republican voters, according to the survey released Tuesday. The poll of 1,033 adults was conducted from Jan. 16 to 29, during Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate. Trump's approval rating among his fellow GOP voters now stands at 94% percent, 6 points higher than registered by the last Gallup poll.

President Trump speaks to supporter's at an evening "Keep America Great Rally" at the Wildwood Convention Center on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, in Wildwood, New Jersey. GettyPresident Trump held a rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, hours after his legal team concluded its defense of him in his Senate impeachment trial in Washington. Mr. Trump denied in a tweet that he had ever told Bolton that the aid was linked to probes of Democrats, "including the Bidens." Earlier Monday, Mr. Trump supporters had lined up outside the Wildwoods Convention Center, according to CBS Philadelphia, which is located in Cape May County. There was a Democratic counter-rally just off the boardwalk, but were outnumbered by supporters of Mr. Trump who heckled them.

The Wildwood Middle High School girls basketball team outscored The Villages 33-7 in the second and third quarters on Tuesday and cruised to a 59-22 win at The Woodshed. WILDWOOD The Wildwood Middle High School girls basketball team outscored The Villages 33-7 in the second and third quarters on Tuesday and cruised to a 59-22 win at The Woodshed. With the win, Wildwood improved to 16-1, while The Villages fell to 3-13. Wildwood kept the Buffalo scoreless for the first six minutes of the second quarter and built a 25-point advantage (38-13) at halftime. The Villages were led by Emily Caulkins with eight, with six coming on two 3 pointers in the opening minutes of the game.

The Yellow Jackets recorded wins in six weight classifications and topped nine other teams with 58 points in the inaugural Buffalo Invitational. The Yellow Jackets recorded wins in six weight classifications and topped nine other teams with 58 points in the inaugural Buffalo Invitational. South Sumters Alyssa Lake (second, 119), Haley Heibrock (third, 129) also scored, as did MDCAs Ui Mullen (sixth, 154). The district finals for East Ridge, Lake Minneola and South Lake, which compete in Class 2A-10, will be Jan. 24 at Hudson Fivay. Other teams with solid weeks included MDCA (3-0), Leesburg (2-0), Umatilla (2-0) and Lake Minneola (2-0).

When local fans talk about area boys basketball powers, Leesburg, Eustis and Wildwood often come to mind. Thats understandable, considering Leesburg and Wildwood have combined to win six state championships, but what about Mount Dora Christian Academy? EUSTIS When local fans talk about area boys basketball powers, Leesburg, Eustis and Wildwood often come to mind. Thats understandable, considering Leesburg and Wildwood have combined to win six state championships and Eustis has made eight trips to the Final Four. Douglas entered the game averaging 33.8 points per game, but was limited to his lowest output of the season.

With the win, Wildwood improved to 6-0 on the season, while Eustis saw its record level off at 2-2. EUSTIS The Wildwood Middle High School girls basketball team got 14 points from Kailani Lindsey and 12 from Alayna Mauger and ground out a 43-33 win against Eustis on Tuesday in the Panther Den. With the win, Wildwood improved to 6-0 on the season, while Eustis saw its record level off at 2-2. Wildwood held the Panthers scoreless for the first 2 minutes, 58 seconds of the second quarter and built a 17-7 lead. Eustis tried to get back into the game in the third quarter, holding Wildwood scoreless for nearly four minutes.

Only one local girls team Wildwood is unbeaten, but four teams sport only one loss. Girls teams trailing Wildwood (5-0), in terms of overall records, includes resurgent South Lake (5-1), along with Real Life Christian (4-1) and Eustis (2-1). South Lake, the surprise team of the early season, is looking for its first winning season since going 13-8 in 2012-13. A total of 25 teams made up the field, which included numerous programs from classes 2A and 1A, including defending Class 1A state champions, Panama City Beach Arnold. Cruz, lifting at 101 pounds, beat the top Class 1A lifter from a year ago, according to Boyer.

When the Wildwood Middle High School girls basketball team was winning back-to-back state championships in 2017 and 2018, its leader was Kari Niblack, the Wildcats perennial all-state player. They didnt have to look far ... freshman Kailani Lindsey Niblacks little sister. When the Wildwood Middle High School girls basketball team was winning back-to-back state championships in 2017 and 2018, its leader was Kari Niblack, the Wildcats perennial all-state player. Against the Pirates, Lindsey scored 18 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Alayna Mauger also poured in 18 points for the Wildcats, while Tyquashia Williams scored 14 and Jakeriya Thompson added 10.

The Sumter County Sheriffs Office said investigators were unsure why the 61-year-old man was in Wildwood on Saturday. Just before his body was found, police discovered his car submerged by the Lake Deaton boat ramp. WILDWOOD Sumter deputies found the body of a 61-year-old man in Wildwood they believe to be the victim of a murder, the Sumter County Sheriffs Office announced Saturday. The Sheriffs Office said investigators were unsure why Kotait was in the area Saturday. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Sumter County Sheriffs Office at 352-793-2621 or to call Crimeline anonymously at 1-800-426-TIPS (8477).

Christopher Sesler is one of four people sheriffs detectives believe are connected to the murder of retired postmaster Richard Edward Peters. A 22-year-old Wildwood man suspected in the shooting death of a retired postmaster made his first appearance in front of a judge in Ocala on Saturday morning. Christopher Sesler was denied bail by Marion County Judge Jim McCune on the charge of murder while engaged in a certain felony offense. Marion County sheriffs detectives have also charged Chase Freeman, a 21-year-old Summerfield man with principal to first-degree murder in the case. The murder victim was retired postmaster Richard Edward Peters.

East Ridge moved into South Lake territory several times, but could never get the Eagles to break. South Lake wraps up its season with a 4-6 record while East Ridge finishes at 5-5. Mount Dora 49, Umatilla 0A down season for Mount Dora ended on an upbeat note as the Hurricanes rolled to a shutout win over Umatilla on Senior Night in Mount Dora. Mount Dora snapped a four-game losing streak with the win and handed Umatilla its third shutout loss of the season. Orlando Christian 22, Mount Dora Christian 0Throughout the 2019 season, the Mount Dora Christian Academy offense could usually be counted on to put up points.

The would-be playoff teams from Lake and Sumter counties remained unchanged following Tuesdays weekly release of Ratings Percentage Index Rankings by the Florida High School Athletic Association. The would-be playoff teams from Lake and Sumter counties remained unchanged following Tuesdays weekly release of Ratings Percentage Index Rankings by the Florida High School Athletic Association. Lake Minneola, South Sumter, The Villages and Wildwood clung to berths, although there were numerous changes within the playoff brackets for each classification. In Class 1A, Wildwood remained in the Region 4 playoff field despite a 53-18 loss to The Villages. The RPI is a formula used by the FHSAA this season to measure a teams strength relative to other teams in its district, region and classification.

East Ridge, The Villages and South Sumter all win while Tavares, Mount Dora, South Lake, Umatilla and Wildwood lose. But on Friday night, it was a big defensive play that made sure Lake Minneola clinched the Class 6A-District 5 title. Devon Cole hit Trent Logan with a 27-yard TD pass early in the third quarter as Lake Minneola regained the lead 19-14. The win assures Lake Minneola of a home playoff game this season. Mount Dora scored on a long pass to trail 49-14 at the half.

Jones has played three Lake County teams this season Leesburg, Mount Dora and Eustis and have outscored the three 168-7 and won all three games. Spring Hill Springstead (8-0) at Lake Minneola (5-3)7:30 p.m., Hawks StadiumLast week, Lake Minneola lost to Ocala Vanguard 50-34. Springstead beat South Lake 42-24. South Lake (3-5) at Apopka Wekiva (6-2)7 p.m., Baptiste Orthodontics StadiumLast week, South Lake lost to Spring Hill Springstead 42-24. Next week, South Lake travels to East Ridge.

South Sumter improved to third in the region and would host Astronaut if the playoffs began this week. Fridays gamesLeesburg (2-5) at Tavares (4-3)7 p.m., Dr. Argin A. Boggus StadiumLast week, Tavares beat Mount Dora 56-34. Ocala Vanguard (4-2) at Lake Minneola (5-2)7 p.m., Hawks StadiumLast week, Lake Minneola beat Dade City Pasco 49-7. Spring Hill Springstead (7-0) at South Lake (3-4)7 p.m., Eagles StadiumLast week, South Lake lost to Orlando Edgewater 56-0. St. Petersburg (2-5) at South Sumter (5-2)7:30 p.m., Inman Sherman FieldLast week, South Sumter beat The Villages 22-21.

The hotel will be located at County Road 229 and State Road 44 just east of the I-75 Interchange in Wildwood. City, county and state officials have given the go-ahead for a Holiday Inn Express & Suites at County Road 229 and State Road 44, just east of the I-75 interchange in Wildwood. The hotel will be set open by about this time next year, maybe November or December of 2020, Holtz said. He expects the clientele will include area companies and people visiting Sumter County and surrounding communities for occasions like weddings, graduations and funerals. We want to help that part of the county and state grow, Holtz said.

Tavares, South Sumter and Lake Minneola buoyed their playoff hopes with wins against district or regional rivals, while Wildwood knocked a Class 4A program from the ranks of the unbeaten. Tavares, South Sumter and Lake Minneola buoyed their playoff hopes with wins against district or regional rivals, while Wildwood knocked a Class 4A program from the ranks of the unbeaten. Liam Murray, linebacker, Lake MinneolaIn Fridays win, Murray showed Lake Minneola is not just an offensive juggernaut. Garhett Miller, quarterback, South SumterThe juniors final throw against The Villages will be one the Raider Nation talks about for a long time. Cordell Saunders, running back, East RidgeSaunders had only nine carries for the Knights in Fridays win, but he certainly made them count.

Every time Mount Dora threatened to make it a game, Tavares just answered by putting more points in the board. The win was the first time Tavares has beaten Mount Dora since 2009. Mount Dora has given up 118 points in its last two games and falls to 2-5. Mount Dora Christian vs. Windermere PrepIn one of the stranger outcomes of the high school season, Mount Dora Christians game against Windermere Prep was halted with 3:08 left in the fourth quarter. GIRLS BOWLINGLake Minneola 3, Mount Dora 2Kayla Hand rolled a 214 for Lake Minneola.

Mount Dora fell to 2-4 and plays at Tavares next week. Eustis 23, South Lake 19Eustis hung on for its first win of the season, knocking off South Lake on Friday night to make it a successful homecoming for the Panthers. Belleview took a 21-20 lead over the Bulldogs at the half, but the second half was all Mount Dora Christian. GIRLS BOWLINGEustis 3, South Lake 0Kayla Phillips paced Eustis with a 209. Kassidy Gamer had a 153 for South Lake.

LAKANA(CNN) - At least 22 people were injured Saturday evening after a deck collapsed at a home in Wildwood, New Jersey, according to representatives for area hospitals. The deck collapse occurred in the 200 block of East Baker Avenue in Wildwood, Staeger said. All but one of the injured were initially taken to Cape Regional Medical Center in Cape May, spokeswoman Susan Staeger said. Staeger said eight patients were still being evaluated at Cape Regional, but she could not yet speak to their conditions. One person was treated at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, spokeswoman Jennifer Tornetta said, adding she didn't have information on the person's condition.

WILDWOOD, Fla. – Sumter County investigators are looking for the people who sparked panic outside the gates of a Father's Day car show in Wildwood. The video also captured a woman pulling what appeared to be a gun out of a pouch from around her waist. Sessler said the Father's Day event started more than 50 years ago, in the field across from his home. He said many of them were from outside the Wildwood area, and he said those are the people who caused the trouble. The event organizer told News 6 the violence happened outside the gates of the event, which she said were sealed when the incident took place.