The Lady Lake Police Department issued 91 warnings and 59 citations during a weeklong traffic enforcement campaign aimed at reducing speed-related crashes.

From July 14–20, officers dedicated approximately 80 hours to traffic enforcement as part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s annual Operation Southern Slow Down. The campaign is a multi-state initiative involving law enforcement agencies across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee.

During the enforcement, Lady Lake police issued 39 citations and 91 written warnings for speeding, 13 citations for aggressive driving, and seven citations for seatbelt violations. No DUI arrests were reported during the campaign.

The goal of Operation Southern Slow Down is to curb dangerous driving behaviors that continue to be a leading factor in traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities across the state. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, speeding and aggressive driving contributed to 437 traffic deaths in Florida in 2023.

“This campaign gives us an opportunity to remind drivers that speeding and aggressive driving put everyone at risk,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “Enforcement is just one piece—awareness and personal responsibility are just as important.”

The Lady Lake Police Department encourages all motorists to drive within posted speed limits, wear seatbelts, and avoid aggressive behaviors behind the wheel.

A 53-year-old man was arrested on Friday after he forced his way into a 78-year-old woman’s home, attempted to steal her purse, and injured her during the struggle.

Lady Lake Police officers responded to a home on St. Andrews Boulevard around 3:28 p.m. on Aug. 8 after the victim reported that a man had knocked on her door asking for her vehicle keys. Police say he then pushed his way inside, grabbed her purse, and tried to find the keys.

The victim bravely fought to hold on to her belongings, stating  “You’re not getting my car keys.” She was able to push the suspect back outside and call 911. Police responded quickly and located the suspect nearby on St. Andrews Blvd. The victim was able to identify the suspect at the scene.

The victim suffered swelling and redness to her hand.

Craig Steven Johnson, 53, who is listed as homeless, was taken into custody and charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling with battery, robbery by sudden snatching, and battery on a person 65 years or older.

Johnson told officers he had been fleeing from law enforcement when he broke into the home.

The victim sent a letter to the Lady Lake Police department thanking all five officers involved in making the arrest. “Because of their fast response and my detailed description of this person, he was apprehended within 20 minutes or so…” she wrote.

“This was a frightening and unacceptable attack on one of our senior residents,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “I am proud of the quick response from our officers, which ensured the suspect was apprehended before anyone else was harmed.”

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.