The Lady Lake Police Department is announcing the arrest or Jeremiah Ackon, 18, of Lady Lake (reference below press release for background). Ackon was arrested on June 8 by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for principal to shooting into an occupied vehicle and is currently in the Hillsborough County Jail. We’d like to thank our law enforcement partners including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and FDLE’s Special Investigations Division for assisting in his apprehension.
LADY LAKE — The Lady Lake Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted in connection with a shooting into an occupied vehicle and an armed robbery.
Investigators have identified Jeremiah Mykel Ackon, 18, of Lady Lake, as the driver of a vehicle involved in a shooting that occurred on May 19. At approximately 5:14 p.m., a maroon Nissan SUV entered the parking lot shared by Affordable Lock and Security and Vape Nation, located at 356 and 358 U.S. Highway 27/441. A male exited the rear passenger seat of the vehicle armed with a semi-automatic handgun, ran toward the roadway, and fired approximately 10 rounds at a vehicle traveling east on Griffin View Drive before returning to the SUV and fleeing the area. No injuries were reported.
The unidentified rear-seat passenger involved in the May 19 shooting remains outstanding, and detectives continue to investigate that case.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified Ackon as the driver of the vehicle. A warrant has been issued for his arrest on a charge of Principal to Shooting Into an Occupied Vehicle. The vehicle involved in the shooting has since been recovered.
During a separate investigation, detectives determined Ackon is also believed to have been involved in an armed robbery that occurred at Vape Nation, 358 U.S. Highway 27/441, on May 30. A firearm was used during the robbery and has not been recovered.
“These incidents involved brazen acts of violence that placed innocent members of our community at risk,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “We are asking anyone who knows where Jeremiah Ackon may be to contact law enforcement immediately. Do not approach him. Our priority is locating him safely and holding those responsible accountable.”
Ackon should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him is urged to call 911 immediately and avoid making contact. Anyone with information regarding Ackon’s whereabouts is asked to contact Lady Lake Police Department Investigations at 352-636-5687 or 352-705-3877, or Central Florida Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
LADY LAKE — A man wanted on felony drug charges in Marion County was taken into custody Wednesday in Lady Lake following a coordinated effort involving federal and local law enforcement agencies.
On June 10, members of the United States Marshals Service located and detained 20-year-old William Lamont Knights at a residence on East Primrose Lane in Lady Lake. Knights was wanted on an active Marion County warrant related to fentanyl possession and the sale of fentanyl. Lady Lake police officers responded to assist with the arrest and deployed their drone. Officers transported Knights to the Lake County Jail without incident.
“This arrest is another example of how strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies help keep our communities safe,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “We appreciate the work of the U.S. Marshals Service and our regional partners in locating and taking a wanted individual into custody.”
Lady Lake – The Town of Lady Lake is announcing that Commissioner Amanda McLea recently graduated from the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO), a course from the Florida League of Cities’ premier educational program designed specifically for Florida’s elected municipal officials.
Commissioner McLea completed the first level of IEMO training, which is specially designed for newly elected officials and those with less than one term in office. The comprehensive 16-hour course provides participants with an intensive academic program focusing on the numerous aspects of municipal government. Topics of the course include municipal government structure, introduction to municipal finance, council relationships, and more.
IEMO class sizes are kept small, which allows participants to network and share ideas with other elected officials in a personal group setting. By creating an environment in which challenges and best practices are shared, many IEMO graduates have been able to develop solutions to local problems. Continue reading
As Marion County prepares to celebrate Independence Day, we are reminded of the values that have long defined our nation: service, sacrifice, resilience, and opportunity.
The Fourth of July is a time for gathering with family and friends, enjoying community traditions, and reflecting on the freedoms we often take for granted. It is also an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have served our country and continue to make a lasting impact right here in the Ocala Metro.
Veterans are an important part of our community and economy. They serve as business owners, employers, educators, public servants, nonprofit leaders, and community volunteers. The leadership, discipline, and commitment they developed through military service often translate into successful careers and thriving businesses that strengthen Marion County.
At the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, we have the privilege of working alongside veteran-owned businesses and organizations that contribute to the growth and vitality of our region. Their entrepreneurial spirit reflects a belief in hard work, innovation, and service—qualities that are essential to building a strong local economy. Continue reading
Where did this picture come from? I don’t know where it came from but it is a sign! It a beautiful picture to display this time and date.
OCALA, Fla. – The O
cala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) has been recognized nationally by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), receiving an Award of Excellence in the 2026 Awards for Communications Excellence competition for its Weekly Buzz video series.
The Award of Excellence represents one of only 12 top honors presented nationwide in this year’s competition, recognizing outstanding communications and marketing efforts among chambers of commerce and economic development organizations across the country.
The Weekly Buzz serves as CEP’s signature weekly video update, delivering chamber news, event information, economic development updates, and partner spotlights in a concise, engaging format. Produced entirely in-house, the series has become a cornerstone of CEP’s communications strategy, reaching business leaders and community stakeholders through social media, email newsletters, and partner communications. Continue reading
The Star-Spangled Banner
O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Most people in Marion County already know Nick and Diana Navetta. Nick is an established business leader in our Community, serving as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments for the past twelve years and currently serves as the President of the Marion County Estate Planning Council. He also has an extensive military career — so I started asking Nick some questions. He agreed to a bio on what he is doing today and a little about his military experiences. Here is what we came up with:
Colonel Nick Navetta served thirty years in the U.S. Army, with his last duty position as the J7 Training Division Chief for U.S Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). He is branch qualified in Field Artillery; Military Police; and Civil Affairs and is a Veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia; Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Operation Enduring Freedom. Nick has commanded several units and has served in a variety of key staff positions. His awards include The Army Achievement and Army Commendation Medals; The Meritorious Service Medal; The Bronze Star Medal; and The Legion of Merit Medal. Continue reading
