Lake County Sheriff
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Just one week ago today, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody honored our School Resource Unit and its vape-detection canine, Samba, with the Back the Blue Award for Samba’s outstanding performance in detecting vapes and THC in our schools. Today, Samba and her handler, Erica Stamborski, who also received the Back the Blue Award, again proved Samba’s value and demonstrated why she’s deserving of such a prestigious honor!
Earlier today, K9 Handler Stamborski and Samba responded to Leesburg High School for a routine scheduled visit to proactively walk areas of the campus. K9 Samba alerted to a backpack in the media room, which was absent of any students at the time, in an area where students typically leave their belongings. A search of the backpack was conducted, and located inside was a loaded Glock 9mm handgun, which was later determined to be stolen out of Lake County. This alert led to a felony arrest of a student by officers with the Leesburg Police Department.
In addition to locating the firearm, Samba also found three vapes and a cigar in other backpacks.
We are incredibly proud of K9 Samba’s and Handler Stamborski’s efforts and their unwavering dedication to ensuring a safe learning environment for children in Lake County.
(Pictured left to right: Handler Erica Stamborski, K9 Samba, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Captain Michael Marden, and Sheriff Peyton Grinnell)
Lady Lake, FL – The Lady Lake Police Department celebrated several milestones during last night’s town Commission meeting, including the department’s annual recognition awards, the introduction of new officers, and nearly reaching full staff.
The Department proudly recognized several officers for their outstanding contributions and service to the community. Chief Steve Hunt reflected on the department’s growth and success in overcoming recent challenges.
“The department was at a crossroads not long ago,” said Chief Hunt. “Thanks to the unwavering support of Mayor Freeman, the Town Commission, and Town Manager Lawrence, we’ve been able to not only retain our valued officers but also attract top talent from across the nation. This has ensured our ability to continue providing the high level of service our residents deserve.”
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards recognizing the exceptional efforts of the department’s team, including:
Officer Joshua Higgins and Sergeant Heather Couch: Meritorious Service Award for actions that saved a life. They were able to de-escalate a situation with a suicidal caller and convinced the individual to surrender a fully loaded handgun, saving his life. Continue reading
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. 26, 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
Jan 1
Happy New Year Hike
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Wolf Branch Sink Preserve in Mount Dora
Ring in the New Year with a hike at Wolf Branch sink. Hiking intensity : vigorous.
Jan 3
Exploration Hike
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Ferndale Preserve in Montverde
Join staff on a morning exploration of habitats and species at Ferndale Preserve. Hike intensity: Vigorous. Reservations required.
Jan 4
Umatilla Garden Club
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Connect with local garden enthusiasts and cultivate your green thumb!
Jan 4
Big Sit
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM McDonald Canal Boat Ramp in Mount Dora
A “Big Sit” is a semi-competitive birding event where participants count all the birds they can see or hear within a 17-foot circle.
Jan 5
Exploration Hike
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM P.E.A.R. Park (Gateway) in Leesburg
Join staff on an early evening hike to get some exercise while exploring nature at P.E.A.R. Park. Hike Intensity: light Reservations required
Jan 6
Take Flight, Birds of Winter
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lake May Reserve in Eustis
Many bird species use Florida in the fall, winter and spring as a stop to rest and refuel on their way to some place else. Hike with staff to see if you…
Jan 8
Choo-Choo Babies
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla1/81/151/221/29 Plus More
Bring your baby, aged 0-15 months, to the library for a sweet and simple lapsit program featuring Every Child Ready to Read pre-literacy.
Jan 8
Toddler Train
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla1/81/151/221/29 Plus More
Quick-moving storytime for quick-moving toddlers aged 16-36 months featuring Every Child Ready to Read pre-literacy.
Jan 8
Water Wednesday
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Hickory Point in Tavares
Learn about wetland mammals and the ecosystems they call home. Sustainable activity: Identify and match wetland mammals with their adaptations. Reserva…
Jan 8
Kids Crafts
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Relax with crafts. After-school enrichment for KG-5th.
Jan 9
Storytime Station
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla1/91/161/231/30 Plus More
Ride the reading train into Storytime Station. This literature rich experience will bring books to life through story and song. Storytime Station is b…
Jan 10
Umatilla Literary Society
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
In Literary Society book lovers get together and discuss whatever they are reading. They compare notes, make lists of new titles to try, and encourage e…
Jan 11
Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM PEAR Park – WCA in Leesburg
Assist staff with surveying one of Lake County’s conservation lands for birds and butterflies.
Jan 11
Paddling Adventure – Lake Norris
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lake Norris Conservation Area in Eustis
One of the best paddles in Lake County, join staff for a guided tour of the Black Water Creek, part of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System.
Jan 15
Kids STEM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
Fun after-school enrichment for grades KG-5th.
Jan 16
Wildlife of Pine Meadows
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Pine Meadows Conservation Area in Eustis
Pine Meadows is composed mostly of wetland habitats which attracts a number of species which rely on these ecosystems to survive.
Jan 17
The New York Rockets – Mount Dora Music Hall
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Mount Dora Music Hall in Mount Dora
The New York Rockets are coming back to MOUNT DORA THEATER Quite possibly the best 120min of 50’s, 60’s music
Jan 17
Zeroing in on Specific Soft Skills for the Workplace
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
In this training we cover communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, customer service, conflict resolution, respect & civility.
Jan 18
Tracks and Scat
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Ellis Acres Reserve in Paisley
Who goes there and who left that? Join staff on a discovery of what animals left their signs, from bears to bugs.
Jan 19
Flatwoods of the Green Swamp
10:30 AM – 12:30 AM Pasture Reserve in Groveland
Join Parks’ staff on a hike and learn about the fire, flora, and fauna of the pine flatwoods ecosystem. Hiking intensity: Light. Reservations required.
Jan 24
Stories of Water – Scrub Point Preserve
10:00 AM – 12:30 AM Scrub Point Preserve in Clermont
Join us for a casual hike as we share the Story of Water at Scrub Point Preserve. Hiking intensity: moderate. Reservation Required.
Jan 25
Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey
7:30 AM – 11:00 AM Ferndale Preserve in Minneola
Assist staff with surveying one of Lake County’s conservation lands for birds and butterflies.
Jan 27
Growing Tomatoes IFAS/Master Gardener
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Umatilla Public Library in Umatilla
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