Greetings! July is steeped in history that has forged our beloved Republic into the standard bearer of freedom for the world. Pivotal July military battles shaped our nation’s independence, altered the course of the Civil War, and helped break the deadlock of World War II. Since the “shot heard around the world” at Concord in 1775, 41 million Americans have served in the military, defending the freedoms and liberties we continue to enjoy present day.
Throughout our 250-year history, two enduring threads connect all who have selflessly and honorably served: service and sacrifice.
The Oath of Enlistment is a solemn pledge sworn by all enlisted personnel, committing them to support and defend the U.S. Constitution, remain faithful to the nation, and obey lawful orders. It is a binding promise with no expiration date that remains with a Veteran forever.
This means serving a cause greater than ourselves, with our actions focused on the greater good rather than personal interest. Accordingly, as we celebrate 250 years of independence this month, let us pause and reflect upon the cost of said independence as well as what it will continually take to preserve it.
See you next month!
Welcome, Silver Castle Studio! If you are looking for a photographer that also takes pet photos. Please give them a call at 815-768-9903.
Welcome to the community and welcome to the North Lake area Chamber of Commerce.
Spinlife Mobility Solutions has all of your mobility needs, lift chairs, wheelchairs, walkers, and more located at 570 N. US Highway 27/441 in Lady Lake, Florida
By Brigette Smith
Executive Director of the Republican Party
Remembering the true essence of our Independence. As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation this July 4th, it’s time to remember what this holiday is truly about. In 1776, fifty-six brave men stood together and signed the Declaration of Independence. With those signatures, they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to a dangerous idea — that a free people could govern themselves. These weren’t reckless dreamers. They were defying the greatest military power on earth — Great Britain, with the world’s most powerful navy. They had no standing army, no navy of their own, and everything to lose.
Yet they chose liberty over safety. Some paid a heavy price. Homes were burned. Property was seized. Families suffered. Richard Stockton of New Jersey was captured and imprisoned. Others lost land and wealth. But they stood firm. Their courage gave us the chance to build something extraordinary. Continue reading
Please see attached arrest report and body/dash cam video: https://youtu.be/gLT6ocO6x9Q?si=Ddnpf1wrwVvOCYFI
Under Florida’s new “Super Speeder” law, drivers can face criminal penalties for extreme speeding. If you’re caught driving 50 mph or more over the posted speed limit, or 100 mph or more in a manner that endangers others, you could face more than a fine. Penalties may include a mandatory court appearance, up to 30 days in jail for a first offense, and even license suspension for repeat violations.
Suspect David Estevan Quiroga-Salazar learned the hard way on May 31, when Lady Lake Police arrested him for driving 95 mph in a 40-mph zone on County Road 466 at Cay Avenue. He was charged with reckless driving and issued a criminal citation for dangerous speed.
LADY LAKE – Mayor Ed Freeman has been recognized with the 2026 Home Rule Hero Award from the Florida League of Cities (FLC) for his advocacy on behalf of Florida’s municipalities during the 2026 Legislative Session.
Mayor Freeman received the award in May during a meeting of the Heartland League of Cities, where he currently serves as president.
The Home Rule Hero Award recognizes local government leaders who actively engage with state legislators and help ensure that the perspectives of Florida’s cities are considered during the legislative process. Recipients are selected by the FLC’s legislative team based on their responsiveness to legislative issues and their efforts to communicate local concerns to policymakers.
According to the Florida League of Cities, Home Rule Heroes play an important role in promoting local decision-making and protecting the ability of municipalities to address the unique needs of their communities.
The award honors elected and appointed officials from across Florida who demonstrate a commitment to effective advocacy and strong local government.
LADY LAKE – Lady Lake police officers pulled over a suspect riding a tricycle motorcycle on U.S. Highway 441 and Main Street on June 13 at 9:16 p.m. The driver, who was wearing a distinctive pink suit, was found to be driving 60 mph in a 45-mph zone.
The driver, 58-year-old John Benz, had his license suspended indefinitely for faure to pay traffic fines and eight guilty pleas for driving without a license.
The trike was also not registered.
Benz was arrested without incident and cited for driving while license suspended and operating an unregistered vehicle.
A pedestrian was killed early Tuesday morning after being struck by two vehicles on U.S. Highway 27/441, and Lady Lake Police are asking for the public’s help identifying the driver of the second vehicle.
The crash occurred around 3:26 a.m. June 16 near Hartsock Sawmill Road.
When officers arrived, they found the male victim injured in the southbound lanes of U.S. 27/441 with a gray 2023 Toyota Tacoma stopped nearby.
According to the preliminary investigation, the Tacoma driver said the pedestrian was standing in the middle lane of the highway and appeared motionless before he was hit. He was wearing dark clothing, and the area was not illuminated by streetlights. The told officers she was traveling 50 to 55 mph when she noticed the man on the road. She attempted to avoid him but was unable to and struck him. The driver immediately stopped, and her passenger went to check on the man while 911 was called. Continue reading
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.
