LADY LAKE – The Lady Lake Police Department is proud to announce the arrest of Donald Eugene Fields II, one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. Fields II was apprehended Saturday, Jan. 25, following a routine traffic stop conducted by Lady Lake Police Sgt. Michelle Bilbrey. The arrest took place at approximately 9:15 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27/441 and Rolling Acres Road.
Sgt. Bilbrey discovered that the vehicle’s license plate was not registered to the car Fields was driving. This proactive policing effort resulted in the identification and capture of Fields, who is facing federal charges of child sex trafficking and state charges of child rape. Fields had been added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in May 2023.
Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt commended Sgt. Bilbrey and the department for outstanding work. “Sometimes, an everyday traffic stop turns into a real game-changer. This is a reminder that every officer, every day, is out there making a real difference,” said Chief Hunt. “Every traffic stop is an opportunity for justice. What starts as a routine encounter can quickly turn into a pivotal moment, where an officer’s sharp instincts and dedication to service lead to a significant arrest—keeping our community and in this case, the nation, safer.” Continue reading
LADY LAKE – The Lady Lake Police Department, in partnership with American Legion Post #347, are hosting the second annual “Shred it and Forget it,” a free drive-through shredding event to help protect seniors from scams.
The event will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. (or until capacity is met) at Post 347, located at 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd. Residents are invited to drive through with a limit of two banker boxes of documents to be shredded, free of charge. The event is open to all area residents and will be held rain or shine. Last year, approximately 1,000 people attended, successfully shredding 20,000 pounds of documents.
The event is another opportunity offered by the Town in its ongoing efforts to help residents avoid scams and fraud.
“This shredding event gives residents a simple, secure way to dispose of sensitive documents and protect their personal information – especially during tax season,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “Properly shredding old financial records, medical paperwork and other confidential materials helps prevent identity theft and keeps private information out of the wrong hands.”
“Shred it and Forget it” is made possible with the assistance of Veterans Memorial Post 347, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 347, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 347, and American Legion Riders Chapter 347.
What can be shredded: Continue reading
Students from The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake were honored for their work in Lady Lakes annual Water Conservation Poster Contest during the Town Commission meeting. This year’s theme was “How I can save water for my future?” Participants included students in kindergarten through fifth grade, as well as ESE students, with 18 winners selected by a panel of judges including Lady Lake Commissioners and members of the Town’s Water Conservation Committee.
Left to right – Tracy L Hauserman of Surface Water Professionals, Commissioner Ed Regan, Mayor Ed Freeman, student Rosalina Licari, Mayor Pro Tem Treva Roberts, and Commissioner Amanda McLea.
Left to right – Commissioner Ed Regan, Mayor Ed Freeman, student Freya Rager, Mayor Pro Tem Treva Roberts, and Commissioner Amanda McLea.
SOUTH BAY, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to announce that all federally funded contracts for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir have been fully executed, marking a major step forward in accelerating one of the most critical components of Everglades Restoration.
“Today, alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, I was proud to announce that all federally funded contracts have been executed to expedite completion of the EAA Reservoir by 2029, five years ahead of the original timeline,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This milestone brings us a step closer to delivering on our commitment to restore the Everglades. The July 2025 agreement between the State of Florida and the federal government has made all this possible by cutting red tape with an all-hands-on-deck approach. This is a major victory for America’s Everglades and a testament to the progress our joint federal and state teams have made in just nine months.”
“Today will mark the day that President Trump cemented his legacy as The Everglades President, and Governor DeSantis as The Everglades Governor,” said Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. “The Everglades Agricultural Area Restoration plan is truly a modern American mega-project, possible only under the leadership of President Trump and the ‘Make America Beautiful Again’ task force, along with our great partnerships with Governor DeSantis and the South Florida Water Management District,” adding that “this project is a prime example of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’s laser focus on maximizing the ability to deliver national infrastructure, and I’m so proud to help make this happen for America and the State of Florida.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the dedication of Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport in the state’s capital city. Additionally, the governor announced the first phase of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) widening and improvement project for State Road (S.R.) 263 (Capital Circle) from Springhill Road to orange Avenue would open to drivers a full year ahead of schedule, with construction on the second phase of widening Capital Circle Southwest accelerated and now underway.
“Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport is now official,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Coach Bowden was a college football legend, and it is fitting that we honor his legacy in a way that will be seen by all who travel to and from our capital city.”
“FDOT is proud to deliver Phase One of Capital Circle improvements one year ahead of schedule and to get started on the highly anticipated Phase Two,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward initiative, this second phase is the last piece to complete the Capital Circle loop and to seamlessly connect multiple modes of travel in Florida’s capital city.”
“I spoke with my mother this past weekend, and while she is unable to attend the ceremony this afternoon, she asked me to relay her deepest appreciation for this great honor,” said State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden. “Daddy spent so many hours in the terminals of the Tallahassee airport over his 46 years in this great city, so it feels appropriate that it now bears his name. On behalf of my mother and the entire Bowden family, I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his leadership and service to the Free State of Florida, and for leading the initiative to honor our father, your Coach Bobby Bowden, in this way.” Continue reading
LAKE WALES, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a new statue honoring President Calvin Coolidge at Bok Tower Gardens, commemorating his enduring legacy, his impact on the garden sanctuary, and America’s ongoing 250th anniversary celebration. The governor was joined by members and supporters of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, which champions Coolidge’s beliefs of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and civic virtue.
“Coolidge governed as a constitutionalist, eliminated debt, balanced the budget, reduced taxes, and promoted a unified American civic tradition and culture,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today, I unveiled a statue honoring President Calvin Coolidge, who dedicated Bok Tower Gardens on Lake Wales in one of his last public appearances as President. As America marks its 250th anniversary, I was proud to honor President Coolidge with this new statue.”
“President Coolidge believed that places like Bok Tower Gardens help people connect with beauty and reflect on what makes our country special,” said Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “As Florida leads the America 250 celebration, this statue honors President Coolidge’s faith in the strong character of the American people and the natural beauty that continues to inspire our state.” Continue reading
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis signed two major pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Florida taxpayers, strengthening existing laws against DEI in Florida, and protecting Floridians against ESG and Green New Deal agendas.
“Floridians should not be forced to pay for radical climate agendas or identity politics with their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today in Jacksonville, I signed two important bills to limit government overreach and prevent local authorities from imposing carbon taxes and discriminatory DEI mandates on Floridians.”
“The bill is necessary because cities and counties have been funding and promoting divisive activities under the guise of DEI,” said Senator Clay Yarborough. “Decisions related to individuals and actions should be based on merit and, if they are not, those making the decisions need to be replaced. At a time when many Floridians are struggling to afford groceries and gas, millions of taxpayer dollars should not continue to be wasted by local governments on DEI initiatives, even more so because they are failing to do what they claim.”
“Net-zero mandates and carbon taxes increase costs on families, businesses, and consumers,” said Representative Berny Jacques. “This bill protects Floridians from higher energy prices, increased transportation costs, and other hidden junk fees caused by emissions mandates and burdensome regulations. Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ action today, decision making will be kept in our hands, and not in the hands of global elites or green new deal activists.” Continue reading
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett to announce the creation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Seafood.
The newly established office will strengthen the domestic seafood industry, support American fishermen and aquaculture producers, and expand access to markets—ensuring American seafood remains competitive at home and abroad.
Florida’s aquaculture sector supports thousands of jobs and plays a vital role in rural and coastal economies, particularly in North Central Florida. As Chairwoman of the Aquaculture Caucus, Rep. Cammack has been a leading advocate for policies that promote domestic aquaculture, protect producers, and invest in the future of American food security.
“Proud to be part of the launch of the inaugural, first-ever USDA Office of Seafood!” said Rep. Cammack. “Food security is national security which means prioritizing domestic production and strengthening our food supply here at home. From our Florida coasts to communities across the country, we’re cutting red tape, backing our fishermen, and ensuring American seafood competes—and wins—on the world stage.”
“This office will not only elevate and support commercial production, but also advance commonsense conservation so future generations can thrive in this industry,” Cammack added. “I’m grateful for the tenacious leadership driving this effort forward—Secretary Rollins, Secretary Lutnick, Secretary Hassett, Secretary Burgum—and President Trump.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Cammack (R-FL-03) introduced the Answering the Call Act of 2026, in recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This legislation strengthens the implementation of the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by ensuring it effectively serves first responders.
First responders regularly face traumatic situations that increase the risk of depression, PTSD, substance use, and suicide. Despite the availability of the 9-8-8 Lifeline, utilization among the first responder community remains limited due to stigma, lack of tailored services, awareness and concerns about confidentiality.
The Answering the Call Act directly addresses these challenges by requiring targeted outreach and strengthening collaboration with organizations that understand the unique needs of the first responder community. The legislation also expands training and public awareness efforts, while incorporating strong privacy safeguards to ensure information is handled responsibly and used solely to guide future program improvements.
This legislation ensures that a critical national resource is accessible, trusted, and better equipped to address the needs of those who serve on the front lines.
“First responders run toward danger in our darkest moments—and as the wife of a first responder, I’ve seen the reality of that sacrifice up close,” said Rep. Cammack. “The stress, the sleepless nights, and the weight they carry home after every shift is real. This bill is about having their backs the same way they’ve always had ours. By expanding awareness, protecting privacy, and delivering support tailored to their experiences, we’re making sure our public safety telecommunicators, firefighters, and EMTs have access to the care they deserve.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Capital Appeals Division secured a death sentence for Joseph Zieler for the 1990 murder and rape of an 11-year-old girl and her babysitter during a home invasion. Zieler evaded justice for decades until the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) linked him to his crimes.
“This depraved criminal managed to sleep at night for decades as he evaded justice for the rape and murder of a little girl and her babysitter,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Due to the tireless work of Assistant Attorney General Christina Pacheco, and with support from the Solicitor General’s Office, we affirmed the ultimate form of punishment, and he will never see the outside of a prison cell again.”
The Florida Supreme Court’s affirmation of Zieler’s conviction is one of the first capital sentences under Florida’s new death penalty law, Senate Bill (SB) 450, which reformed Florida’s death penalty statutes, reducing the number of jurors needed to recommend capital punishment from unanimous to a supermajority of eight jurors out of twelve. Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 450 into law on April 20, 2023.
Zieler will await his execution in the Florida Department of Corrections.
