On September 19th, House Republicans voted to keep the government open and spending flat. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats made the choice to shut down the federal government.
While the political blame game plays out on national television, the facts are clear:
- Senate Democrats are pushing an alternative funding bill that includes $200 billion in healthcare coverage for illegal immigrants (which can be found on page 57, section 2141 of their proposal).
- They also want to roll back $50 billion in direct rural healthcare investments and redirect $400 billion in subsidies that go directly to insurance companies.
Keep in mind—these insurance subsidies are set to expire at the end of this year. Democrats are holding critical programs for working families hostage over a provision that doesn’t even take effect for months.
Meanwhile, our troops are serving without pay, federal law enforcement officers are risking their lives uncertain of their next paycheck, and millions of women and children who rely on WIC are seeing their nutritional benefits run dry.
This reckless shutdown is hurting everyday Americans and putting livelihoods in jeopardy. It’s time for Senate Democrats to stop playing politics and join House Republicans in passing a clean, bipartisan funding extension—the same bill they’ve supported four times before. Continue reading
As Democrats continue playing politics with your hard-earned tax dollars, let’s be clear on why we’re here.
Democrats are blocking House Republicans’ plan to keep the government open because they’re demanding radical carve-outs, including free health care and special benefits for illegal immigrants. In Subsection E of their counterproposal, they’ve explicitly requested:
- Medicaid coverage for illegal immigrants, even paying more for their emergency care than for American seniors, children, or disabled patients;
- Reinstating Obamacare subsidies for non-citizens that low-income American citizens cannot access;
- Preserving California’s gimmick to funnel Medicaid dollars into its “illegals-only” program.
That’s the real fight: Democrats are willing to shut down government services for you and your family in order to guarantee taxpayer-funded benefits for people here illegally. This is unacceptable.
Here’s what a shutdown means for Florida families, seniors, students, veterans, and small businesses.
- Social Security & Medicare
Social Security checks will still go out. Applications, appeals, benefit changes, and card replacements will continue.
Some services—like benefit verifications, third-party requests, and corrections unrelated to benefits—will pause.
Medicare and Medicaid payments will continue, but it may be harder to reach someone for help due to staff furloughs. Continue reading
Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill opened their restaurant to accommodate the Lady Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and its members. Everything was excellent, from the many delicious menu options to the fast & friendly service. If you’re looking for a beautiful view, a delicious menu, and excellent customer service for your next event, look no further than Eaton’s Beach.
Villages Community Watch was instrumental in helping LLPD make these two arrests. It is another great example of the positive working relationship we have with Community Watch.
A man and woman were arrested for felony charge for visiting a construction Site. The two in there 50’s arrested had different last names. That is all the information at press time.
The next meeting of the Lady Lake Garden Club is Wed October 1st at the Lady Lake community Building 237 W. Guava St, Lady Lake, FL. Members and guests share in refreshments at 1 PM and the meeting begins at 1:30 PM. The program will be presented by Horticulturist Elly Carroll on “How to Grow and Care for Phalaenopsis Orchids” All interested gardeners and prospective new members are welcome. If you would like more information, contact Teri Mallory, President at 781-630-2108 or terinp@verizon.net.
The Lady Lake Police Department issued 91 warnings and 59 citations during a weeklong traffic enforcement campaign aimed at reducing speed-related crashes.
From July 14–20, officers dedicated approximately 80 hours to traffic enforcement as part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s annual Operation Southern Slow Down. The campaign is a multi-state initiative involving law enforcement agencies across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee.
During the enforcement, Lady Lake police issued 39 citations and 91 written warnings for speeding, 13 citations for aggressive driving, and seven citations for seatbelt violations. No DUI arrests were reported during the campaign.
The goal of Operation Southern Slow Down is to curb dangerous driving behaviors that continue to be a leading factor in traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities across the state. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, speeding and aggressive driving contributed to 437 traffic deaths in Florida in 2023.
“This campaign gives us an opportunity to remind drivers that speeding and aggressive driving put everyone at risk,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “Enforcement is just one piece—awareness and personal responsibility are just as important.”
The Lady Lake Police Department encourages all motorists to drive within posted speed limits, wear seatbelts, and avoid aggressive behaviors behind the wheel.
A 53-year-old man was arrested on Friday after he forced his way into a 78-year-old woman’s home, attempted to steal her purse, and injured her during the struggle.
Lady Lake Police officers responded to a home on St. Andrews Boulevard around 3:28 p.m. on Aug. 8 after the victim reported that a man had knocked on her door asking for her vehicle keys. Police say he then pushed his way inside, grabbed her purse, and tried to find the keys.
The victim bravely fought to hold on to her belongings, stating “You’re not getting my car keys.” She was able to push the suspect back outside and call 911. Police responded quickly and located the suspect nearby on St. Andrews Blvd. The victim was able to identify the suspect at the scene.
The victim suffered swelling and redness to her hand.
Craig Steven Johnson, 53, who is listed as homeless, was taken into custody and charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling with battery, robbery by sudden snatching, and battery on a person 65 years or older.
Johnson told officers he had been fleeing from law enforcement when he broke into the home.
The victim sent a letter to the Lady Lake Police department thanking all five officers involved in making the arrest. “Because of their fast response and my detailed description of this person, he was apprehended within 20 minutes or so…” she wrote.
“This was a frightening and unacceptable attack on one of our senior residents,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “I am proud of the quick response from our officers, which ensured the suspect was apprehended before anyone else was harmed.”
Oct 02
Pet Blessing at First Presbyterian
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM First Presbyterian Church Mount Dora in Mount Dora
Pet Blessing at First Presbyterian Mount Dora. Bring your beloved furry, feathered & scaly friends to receive a special blessing for their health and happiness
Oct 02
Paws for Children Pet Blessing at First Presbyterian Preschool
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Mount Dora in Mount Dora
A special Paws for Children Pet Blessing at 11:30 in front of the First Presbyterian Preschool on MacDonald street side of the building is for children …
Oct 03
Exploration Hike
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Ferndale Preserve in Clermont10/312/5
Join staff and explore the habitats and species of Ferndale Preserve. Hike intensity: Vigorous. Reservations required.
Oct 03
Exploration Hike
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Ferndale Preserve in Montverde
Join staff and explore the habitats and species of Ferndale Preserve. Hiking Intensity: Vigorous.
Oct 04
Big Sit
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM McDonald Canal Boat Ramp in Mount Dora
A “Big Sit” is a semi-competitive birding event where participants count all the birds they can see or hear within a 17-foot circle.
Oct 04
Bat Party with S’mores
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Flat Island Preserve in Leesburg
Celebrate the spooky season with us at Flat Island preserve for our Bat Party. Join staff to learn about bats. Take a short hike and finish with s’mores…
Oct 04
Fall in the Field
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Renningers Antique Center in Mount Dora10/410/5
Antique Center, Consignment, Street of Shops, The Stables, Pavilions, and Outdoors. Fall is here! Come shop a selection of vendors featuring items for t…
Oct 05
Exploration Hike
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM P.E.A.R. Park (Gateway) in Leesburg10/511/212/7
Join staff on an early evening walk while exploring nature at P.E.A.R. Park. Hike Intensity: Light. Reservations required.
Oct 05
World Communion Sunday
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM First Presbyterian Church Mount Dora in Mount Dora
World Communion Sunday at First at Presbyterian promotes Christian unity and celebrates the worldwide connection with all brothers and sisters in Christ…
Oct 05
World Communion Sunday (11am Service)
11:00 AM – 11:50 AM First Presbyterian Church Mount Dora in Mount Dora
First Presbyterian Mount Dora celebrates World Communion at a 9:00 casual café-style service and at 11:00 traditional service. The world communion servi…
LADY LAKE —The Town of Lady Lake’s Centennial this year is a momentous occasion, providing an opportunity to honor the past, celebrate the present, and envision the future of our community.
A week of Centennial events in November, planned by Lady Lake Parks & Recreation, will bring together residents, visitors, and partners to commemorate 100 years of history, culture, and community spirit!
On October 19, 1925, the Town of Lady Lake held its inaugural meeting, marking the official incorporation of the town. The area was originally inhabited by Seminole Indians and began to flourish as a settlement around 1883, with the establishment of a railway depot circa 1883-84, serving as a catalyst for growth and development. Lady Lake has a rich history as a center along a bustling railway and a purveyor of citrus and watermelon, contributing significantly to the region’s agricultural heritage. The Lady Lake Historical Society Museum offers visitors an insightful journey into the past.
We invite everyone to participate in the various events and activities planned from Nov. 3 through 8 to celebrate this historic milestone.
Lady Lake Centennial Celebration Events Week
- Mon, Nov. 3: Centennial Proclamation – Town Hall, 6 p.m.
- Tue, Nov. 4: Stroll Through History – Farmers Market at Rolling Acres Sports Complex, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Wed, Nov. 5: History Haul – Heritage Park, 3–6 p.m.
- Thu, Nov. 6: Centennial Cake Cutting – Veterans’ Park Log Cabin, 6 p.m.
- Fri, Nov. 7: Taste of Lady Lake Speakeasy – Lady Lake Library, 6:30–9 p.m.
- Sat. morning, Nov. 8: Pancake Breakfast in the Park – Snooky Park, 8–10 a.m.
- Sat. evening, Nov. 8: Centennial Celebration with fireworks – Guava Street Athletic Complex, 5–9 p.m.
To learn more about these upcoming Centennial celebrations, visit ladylakefl.gov/505/Centennial-Celebration, follow us on Facebook and YouTube at @TownofLadyLake or text LadyLake100 to 38276.
LADY LAKE — Lady Lake Police Department Sergeant Charles Gehrsitz has graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He is the first officer to be accepted into the academy from the Lady Lake Police Department, joining the ranks of 56,000 law enforcement professionals worldwide who have completed the program since its founding in 1935.
Internationally recognized for its academic excellence, the FBI National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced training in communication, leadership, and fitness. Participants are seasoned law enforcement leaders selected through a competitive nomination process. Graduates typically return to their agencies to assume senior leadership positions.
Sergeant Gehrsitz, who began his career with the Lady Lake Police Department in 2014, was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and currently supervises the department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt praised Sergeant Gehrsitz’s achievement, noting his leadership and dedication.
“Sergeant Gehrsitz has excelled as a proactive, productive, and highly effective leader in our department,” said Chief Hunt. “He has taken on responsibilities often handled by lieutenants in larger agencies, developed policy revisions, implemented technology upgrades, and represented our department in public forums. His graduation from the FBI National Academy is a testament to his hard work, professionalism, and commitment to serving the Lady Lake community.”
With Sergeant Gehrsitz’s graduation, the Lady Lake Police Department now has four National Academy graduates: Chief Hunt (Session 238), Deputy Chief Jason Brough (Session 248), Evidence Technician Scott Kolb (Session 239), and Sergeant Gehrsitz (Session 295).
The 295th session included 254 law enforcement officers from 49 states, the District of Columbia, 20 countries, six military organizations, and four federal civilian agencies.
