TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is charging 19 individuals involved in a massive drug trafficking organization selling fentanyl throughout Central Florida. Attorney General Uthmeier, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Assistant Commissioner Lee Massey, and Orange County Sheriff John Mina announced the takedown of the criminal group at a news conference in Orlando this morning. The Office of Statewide Prosecution charged the defendants with trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl, and conspiracy to traffic in cocaine.
“There are swift consequences for those who commit crimes in Florida, and we will support law enforcement in the fight to keep deadly fentanyl off our streets,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “This operation was successful due to the SAFE Grant program, which provides additional state funding to local law enforcement to conduct investigations and combat illicit fentanyl activity. These operations save lives, and SAFE Grants are vital to these efforts.”
The joint FDLE and OCSO investigation uncovered the 19 group members selling fentanyl and cocaine throughout the Central Florida area. Authorities seized six pounds of fentanyl and four pounds of cocaine, worth a total of $1.5 million.
The operation was funded in part by Florida’s SAFE grant program. SAFE grants provide assistance to local law enforcement agencies conducting investigations designed to combat illicit fentanyl activity. The grant provides reimbursement for approved fentanyl-related investigative operations.
In the past year, the SAFE Grant Program has resulted in more than 1,500 arrests and the seizure of more than 170 kilograms of fentanyl and more than 57,000 fentanyl pills.
The following defendants have been arrested by authorities: Juan Carlos Oquendo, Luis Perez Guzman, Kendrick Butler, Jose Rodriguez, Wilfredo Hernandez, Denniz Andino, Jr., Edward De La Cruz Perez, McKenzie Debardeleben, Anamaria Carrasquero, Luis Galarza, Herman Toledo, Xuxa Sanes, Brian Nazario, Molly Wilson, Juan Gonzalez, Nolan Lavery, III, and Jose Ortiz.
The following defendants are still outstanding: David Santana and Valerie Multari.
Assistant Statewide Prosecutor David Gillespie will handle the case.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Attorney General James Uthmeier congratulated thirty-six law enforcement members for being named the Attorney General’s inaugural Law Enforcement Team of the Year. These men and women from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are being honored for their courageous and coordinated response that led to the apprehension of the alleged suspect involved in the attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump.
“The men and women of this team exemplify the very best of law enforcement—swift, selfless, and steadfast in the face of unimaginable danger,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “They upheld the rule of law when it mattered most. Florida proudly honors them as our inaugural Law Enforcement Team of the Year.”
The team is being recognized for their exceptional response on September 15, 2024, apprehending Ryan Routh, the alleged would-be assassin of then-former President Donald J. Trump, while he was golfing at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The suspect fled the scene but was later captured in Martin County, thanks to the coordination and decisive action of the individuals recognized today. Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a conviction for an illegal alien who held a critical role within a criminal enterprise of illegal aliens. Jonny Pinzon Rios was convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering and two counts of Dealing in Stolen Property.
“This criminal illegal alien conspired with a theft ring to sell stolen Rolex watches that were taken during burglaries of Floridians’ homes,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to our brave law enforcement and Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Eric Ross and Briana Zupko, he was convicted of his crimes and faces serious criminal penalties. We do not tolerate theft in Florida, and we will continue to work with the Trump administration to get these criminals out of our state and nation.”
Pinzon held an essential role within a criminal enterprise of illegal aliens who victimized business owners and their families by committing high-end residential burglaries and selling the stolen property that was taken from the victim’s homes. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the criminal enterprise stole over $1,600,000 worth of personal property from the victim’s homes. Continue reading
PENSACOLA, Fla.— Today, Attorney General James Uthmeier joined Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., to sign a Memorandum of Agreement between the Attorney General’s Office of Parental Rights and the Florida Department of Education. This agreement brings the agencies together to protect students in Florida’s education system from unlawful abuses by school systems, protect parents’ God-given rights to direct how their children are educated, and maintain close involvement in such processes. The Memorandum of Agreement is available here.
“With this collaboration between the Office of Parental Rights and the Florida Department of Education, we are putting the power in parents’ hands,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “The rights of parents are non-negotiable in Florida, and they deserve an education system that works for them without an inappropriate, politically driven agenda. It was an honor to sign this important agreement with Commissioner Diaz.”
“Florida is the Parental Rights state, and I am proud to work with Attorney General Uthmeier to enhance the power of Florida parents,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “I am proud to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with the Attorney General’s Office today to further bolster our efforts to support the rights of parents and to protect Florida’s children.” Continue reading
Jun 01
National Day of Prayer Chapel Open First Presbyterian Mount Dora
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM First Presbyterian Church Mount Dora in Mount Dora
June through August at First Presbyterian. We meet in the Sanctuary for a traditional worship with choir and organ. Communion is given on July 13.
Jun 01
Summer Worship at First Presbyterian
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM First Presbyterian Church Mount Dora in Mount Dora
June through August at First Presbyterian. We meet in the Sanctuary for a traditional worship with choir and organ. Communion is given on July 13. Start…
Jun 02
Lake County 4-H Junior Bug Camp (5-9yrs)
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM UF/IFAS Extension Lake County in Tavares
Fun, creative outdoor activities for youth ages 5-9. Engage in activities like swing netting, bug collecting, bug crafts, and bug races.
The Orange Blossom Garden Lions Club celebrated the new location for their Friday night bingo. Join them every Friday starting at 4 PM at NorthLake Presbyterian Church.
Leahi Health celebrated their grand opening in Lake Sumter Landing with a Hawaiian themed event. The restaurant serves plant based food and delicious smoothie options.
The Florida building material association, celebrated their relocation to Lady Lake with a ribbon-cutting at their new office on Teague Trail.
‘A Pivotal Time For Our Organization’
By Tamara Fleischhaker
It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as Interim CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership. As I step into this role at a pivotal time for our organization and the region we serve, I am reminded of the enduring values that have guided the CEP’s work for over a decade: bold vision, collaborative spirit, and an unwavering commitment to being the catalyst for a prosperous community.
Right now, it’s not about starting over—it’s about staying focused on what’s working. Our mission, our momentum, and the strong partnerships we’ve built have all played a key role in moving us forward. Staying on track means sticking with the priorities that have helped make the Ocala Metro one of the most vibrant communities in Florida and beyond. It also means continuing to invest in the relationships that truly make a difference—whether with small businesses, major employers, local governments, schools, or community groups. These connections aren’t just part of our progress—they’re at the heart of it. Continue reading
May 18–24, 2025
Theme: “People, Purpose, Presence”
The Town of Lady Lake proudly recognizes the incredible efforts of our Public Works team during National Public Works Week!
At the May 19 Town Commission meeting, Mayor Ed Freeman presented an official proclamation to honor the dedicated Public Works professionals who keep our community running smoothly—from maintaining roads and facilities to ensuring clean water and reliable infrastructure.
These behind-the-scenes heroes are essential to our health, safety, and quality of life. Their work touches every part of our daily lives, and this week we say THANK YOU!
Join us in celebrating the purpose, presence, and people of Public Works who make Lady Lake a better place to live!
