Lady Lake Police use drone to locate driver who fled serious crash
LADY LAKE — Lady Lake police officers used drone technology Saturday night to locate a driver who fled into a wooded area after a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 27/441.
Around 7:40 p.m., officers responded to a crash where a Chevrolet Tahoe was seen driving at a high speed before rear-ending a Ford F-150 on U.S. Highway 441 near Longview Avenue in Lady Lake. Officers found the Tahoe unoccupied and discovered ammunition, an empty prescription bottle, and personal property inside the vehicle linking it to a local man. The Tahoe’s driver had left the scene on foot, according to witnesses.
Witnesses reported seeing a man run into nearby woods. Officers searched the area and deployed the department’s drone, which detected a heat signature in dense brush. Sgt. Heather Couch and Officer Steven Johnson located a man lying on the ground. Davis appeared impaired and was treated for injuries before being transported by EMS to Ocala Regional Medical Center.
The suspect will face several charges upon his release from the hospital and pending blood alcohol testing, including failing to stop for a crash involving bodily injuries and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Chief Steve Hunt praised officers for their swift response and effective use of new department technology.
“Our officers showed exceptional professionalism during a chaotic scene,” Hunt said. “Their decision to deploy the drone allowed us to quickly locate the individual and bring this situation to a safe conclusion. This is exactly how technology enhances public safety.”
The Lady Lake Police Department is in possession of the following found or abandoned property. Unless ownership is claimed and verified, these items will be disposed of in accordance with Florida State Statute 705 on their scheduled purge dates.
If you believe any of these items belong to you, please contact the Evidence Section at (352) 751-1576 with proof of ownership.
An iPhone was recovered on October 16, 2025, on West Lady Lake Boulevard. If unclaimed, it will be purged on January 14, 2026.
A credit card was recovered on October 30, 2025, on Avenida Central. It is scheduled to be disposed of on January 18, 2026.
On December 15, 2025, an iPhone, identification cards, a passport, credit cards, and keys were recovered along U.S. Highway 27/441. These items will be purged on March 13, 2026, unless claimed.
A bicycle was recovered on December 19, 2025, on LaGrande Boulevard. If unclaimed, it will be disposed of on March 29, 2026.
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Lady Lake Police Department and the Fruitland Park helping children shop for Christmas!
Our journey brings us into the elderly category. Healthcare problems, high insurance rates, high Doctor bills, ruthless Doctors trying to build a practice. My wife has a primary doctor she was sent to, a specialist for a work up, she was OK while there the doctor said she needed some test on her legs. She was tested and the recommendation was made to close off the vein’s, that was done After many trips, her in pain, months of travel, she was getting worse, then she had a stroke in her eye, what caused that? Maybe clot from her legs? We kept going back and suddenly we realized she has two primary doctors, hmmm. We decided to cancel the second one and she was told at that she could not come back??? I think the doctor was taking clients from our small town and sending into her main off in the large city close by. I am not happy! I think we were worked at the expense of my wife health. Lot’s of procedures on her legs and they put her on a maintenance program NO IMPROVEMENT! And we are not allowed to come back! They made their money.
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I was happy that the METRO CEP Ocala Chamber Partners were commenting to me about the Ocala DownTown newspaper. They said they saw all the great CEP information in it! Thanks for the Comments. I still have not met Mark McCormick the new CEO but I will, I’m looking forward to it.
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Why did 14,000 Amazon Big Tech employees lose their jobs? Very large lay offs from New York, California, New Jersey, and Washington represents nearly half of the layoffs were engineers. Someone from Amazon said they need to get rid of the Bureaucracy in their company. That might be but, I don’t believe that! Here is what I think. Continue reading
Artificial intelligence is still a relatively new technology. Still more and more people are using it to answer questions or look up information. Bob Paxton, a FAIRtax advocate in Ocala, is a former radio personality as well as a retired computer programmer. He is the founder of FAIRtax Power Radio, a weekly podcast and video stream, who decided to ask three separate AI application services to compare the current income/payroll tax system to the FAIRtax and then choose which system they would like to live under if they were a typical American taxpayer. Not surprisingly, all three chose the FAIRtax. Below are some excerpts that Bob received from those inquiries.
CoPilot:
“If I were an American taxpayer weighing the income tax system against the FAIRtax, I’d lean toward the FAIRtax – for some compelling reasons, though without caveats, if you’re someone who values economic freedom, simplicity and transparency, the FAIRtax is attractive. But if you prioritize stability, predictability and targeted redistribution, the income tax feels safer. Continue reading
By TomL
Some years back I went to a senior fishing derby to take pictures for my Seniors Voice of Ocala newspaper.
It was being held at Lake Tuscawilla and seniors were out in force. Every body had a spot and they would maneuver to get where they wanted to fish. Here is what happened. The lady that was coordinating the fishing Derby back then was Mary Filer one of the Parks and Recreation employees. I started taking pictures and went to interview Mary Filer and as I ask questions she said this might be the last Senior Fishing Derby My sponsor for the Derby said they will not be doing it any more. I ask how much does it cost to put on a fishing derby. She explained different ways of feeding the seniors. I went out and priced a few things. I went to a restaurant supply place and price the big all beaf hotdogs, chips, drinks, worms for bait. Then I find out that the Florida Game Commission loaned the fishing poles over a hundred. The price fit my budget!
I called Mary and ask do you still need a sponsor? She said yes I said thats me! The first one we had I had so much fun that I ask how about having two per year. She got back to me and said as long as you want to sponsor it YES! I ask the members of Ocala Business Leaders for door prizes. BJ Trophy’s came in with three trophy’s, I would go to Walmart and buy three to six fishing poles for grand prizes We bought the fishing worms there also. After that I sponsored 17 Senior Fishing Derby. Dianne Leaf was the supervisor for thee Senior Center, she is also known for her work with Charity’s. When Mary Filer retired her super took over with the help of Grace Huff on the fishing derby. Continue reading
Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Marion County Animal Servicesat 352-671-8727.
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Marion by calling 352-629-0137.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Marion County Animal Servicesat 352-671-8727.
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Marion at 352-629-0137.
Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center brought the magic of the 1950s back to life at this year’s vibrant Sock Hop fundraiser. From poodle skirts and saddle shoes to leather jackets and slicked-back hair, guests stepped into a night of pure nostalgia—all for a meaningful cause.
with casino tables, silent auctions, a Chinese auction, and raffles—all set to the timeless hits that defined the decade. Attendees filled the dance floor with swing, twists, the hand jive, and plenty of laughter. The energy was contagious, fueled by themed beverages (including the crowd-favorite Sour Betty), delicious treats, and an impressive array of auction items generously donated by community supporters.
But beyond the excitement, the heart of the evening centered on Stirrups ‘n Strides’ mission: empowering individuals with disabilities through the healing power of horses. For many riders, these horses offer more than a lesson—they provide balance, strength, confidence, and emotional connection. The rhythmic movement of the horse mimics the human walk, helping riders build core stability, while the bond between horse and rider fosters trust, independence, and joy. It’s a partnership that changes lives in ways no classroom or clinic can replicate.
Thanks to the incredible support from attendees, sponsors, and devoted volunteers, the event was a tremendous success, raising essential funds for the horses, programs, and riders who rely on Stirrups ‘n Strides every day. It was truly a Happy Days evening—one filled with joy, generosity, and community.
So many wonderful photos were taken during the event and are still being processed by Julie Bartoli, All About You Photography! The link below is from Rachel Doeberl Photography, Every Memory Matters Photobooth! She was a blast to work with and captured so many incredible moments. The photos are amazing, and her energy made the night even more fun. If you were a part of the event and would like to share photos, please send to Brandi at 352-286-2519.
Stirrups & Strides and Gala of the Royal Horses are joining forces for a very special collaboration!
On December 27th, our show will not only bring the magic and beauty of the horses you love — it will also help spread awareness and raise funds for the incredible work Stirrups & Strides does within our community.
This performance is filled with heart, purpose, and holiday spirit… and it also makes the perfect Christmas gift for the horse lovers in your life.
Join us for an unforgettable night that supports an unforgettable cause.
https://galaoftheroyalhorses.com/
Buy Tickets Now!
