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.

This October, the Town of Lady Lake is conjuring up a double dose of Halloween fun with two events for every age and thrill level. From scary scenes to family-friendly festivities, Lady Lake is Lake County’s go-to destination for spooky season.

Events kick off on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 7-9 p.m. when Snooky Park (120 W. Lady Lake Blvd.) is turned into Spooky Park’s Haunted Trail. Brave guests will encounter ghosts, zombies, and vampires lurking in the shadows, with Scare Team members ensuring plenty of spine-tingling surprises. Admission is just $5 per person.

For families with little ghosts and goblins, the fun continues on Saturday, Oct. 25 with the Not Too Scary Halloween Boo Bash at the Guava Street Athletic Complex (221 W. Guava St.) from 6 to 8 p.m. This free annual event is packed with fun including Halloween-themed bounce houses, a costume contest, music, and food trucks. Prizes for the costume contest are sponsored by the Lady Lake Library, with categories 4 and under, 5–8, 9 and up, and family groups. Continue reading →

Calling All Businesses, Community Groups, and Individuals! 

Join us in transforming Snooky Park into the spine-chilling Spooky Park for the Town of Lady Lake’s new Halloween event! We’re seeking creative and brave souls to sponsor a scare zone and bring their haunted visions to life.

Date: October 18

Time: 7-9 p.m. (One Night Only!)

Location: Snooky Park

Each participant is asked to create a haunted area (50’x 12’) with the Town of Lady Lake providing the outer walls. You’ll be responsible for your themed decorations, props, and staffing your designated area. Each area includes 4 electrical outlets for your use. This is a haunted trail designed to give attendees a fright, but remember, it’s a family-friendly event!

Sponsor participants will be recognized with signage and shout-outs on social media!

To participate, contact Events Coordinator Amy Alicea at 352-205-2826 or events@ladylake.org. Text LLHalloween25 to 38276 for event updates. Let’s make this Halloween unforgettable at Spooky Park!

This October, the Town of Lady Lake is conjuring up a double dose of Halloween fun with two events for every age and thrill level. From scary scenes to family-friendly festivities, Lady Lake is Lake County’s go-to destination for spooky season. Continue reading →

Lady Lake Police investigating dead body found at construction site

At 2:12 PM on Sept. 11, 2025, the Lady Lake Police Department responded to a call from construction crews who discovered a body lying in tall grass at a construction site that has yet to be developed at the corner of CR 466 and CR 100 (Cherry Lake Road).

Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of a deceased person in advanced stages of decomposition. The body has not been identified at this time.

The scene has been secured, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit is providing technical support to the Lady Lake Criminal Investigation Unit. The State Medical Examiner’s Office has been contacted and will be an integral part of the ongoing investigation.

There is no further information available at this time. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and once identification is made.

The Lady Lake Police Department is investigating two separate fraud cases reported over the weekend involving senior residents who suffered significant financial losses after being contacted by individuals posing as trusted institutions. In both cases, the victims were persuaded to transfer money under false pretenses – and in total lost nearly $72,000.

While detectives are actively investigating, police are reminding residents, especially seniors and their families, that scammers continue to use increasingly sophisticated and convincing tactics to trick victims into sending money.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported losing more than $2.9 billion to imposter scams, with older adults bearing a disproportionate share of those losses. In 2024, consumers reported losing more money to scams where they paid with bank transfers or cryptocurrency – as is the case with these instances of fraud

Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt stressed the importance of awareness and prevention:

“If someone calls, texts, or emails you claiming to be from your bank, a government agency, or a major company and asks you to move money, buy gift cards, or send funds through bitcoin or wire transfers, end the conversation immediately,” he said. “Legitimate organizations will never demand payment this way. When in doubt, hang up and call the institution directly using the number on your bank card or official paperwork.”

The Lady Lake Police Department encourages family members and caregivers to speak with their loved ones about fraud prevention. Anyone who believes they or someone they know may have been the target of a scam should contact the Lady Lake Police Department at 352-751-1560.

The Lady Lake Farmers and Crafts Market is thrilled to announce its grand opening this fall, welcoming vendors to participate in this vibrant community event.

The market will be held every Tuesday through April starting Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rolling Acres Sports Complex, located at 250 Rolling Acres Road. The Jiffy Feet Band will perform live from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

With the goal of providing visitors with the best assortment of high-quality, homemade products, the Lady Lake Farmers and Crafts Market continues to actively seek vendors throughout the season.

The market promises to be an enjoyable experience for both vendors and visitors alike. Attendees will have the pleasure of perusing through an extensive array of fruits and vegetables, cheese, bread, local honey, art, crafts, and much more. The market is accessible by golf cart, bicycle, motorized scooter and wheelchair!

The Town invites small businesses specializing in food, art, crafts, and unique handmade items to be a part of this thriving market that attracts thousands seasonally. To apply to become a vendor, complete the vendor application on the Town’s website at or email market@ladylake.org.

New this year, visitors may sign up for Market text alerts by texting LadyLakeMarket to 38276.