Villages/Lady Lake
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.
The Lady Lake Farmers and Crafts Market is thrilled to announce its grand opening this fall, welcoming vendors to participate in this vibrant community event.
The market will be held every Tuesday through April starting Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rolling Acres Sports Complex, located at 250 Rolling Acres Road. The Jiffy Feet Band will perform live from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
With the goal of providing visitors with the best assortment of high-quality, homemade products, the Lady Lake Farmers and Crafts Market continues to actively seek vendors throughout the season.
The market promises to be an enjoyable experience for both vendors and visitors alike. Attendees will have the pleasure of perusing through an extensive array of fruits and vegetables, cheese, bread, local honey, art, crafts, and much more. The market is accessible by golf cart, bicycle, motorized scooter and wheelchair!
The Town invites small businesses specializing in food, art, crafts, and unique handmade items to be a part of this thriving market that attracts thousands seasonally. To apply to become a vendor, complete the vendor application on the Town’s website at or email market@ladylake.org.
New this year, visitors may sign up for Market text alerts by texting LadyLakeMarket to 38276.
The Lady Lake Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 9th Annual Business to Business Expo. 50 businesses were in attendance for this speed networking event, with a twist. Vendors had the opportunity to market to local businesses and the community, and as part of their vendor fee, they also received an updated headshot. Thank you to our event sponsors: Water Oak Country Club Estates, Merideth Nagel and The Legacy Legal Team & Concierge Title, Trustco Bank. Thank you to our headshot sponsor: Citizens First Bank.
TAVARES — Nearly 43,000 students were expected to report to Lake County Schools classrooms on Monday, Aug. 11, to kick off the 2025-26 school year.
Here’s what’s new:
A-rating: Lake is starting the school year as an A-rated district for the first time since 2008! Lake students showed improvements in all tested areas, and the district more than doubled the number of schools that earned an “A” for the 2024-25 school year compared to the year before. In 2023-24, three district-operated Lake Schools earned an A. In 2024-25, seven did. The A-rated district operated schools for 2024-25 are Cypress Ridge, Treadway, and Villages of Lady Lake elementary schools; East Ridge Middle; East Ridge and Mount Dora high schools, and Lake Virtual School. Continue reading
School Month | Student Days | ||
AUGUST | August 11 | First Day of Classes / First Grading Period Begins (Monday) | 15 |
SEPTEMBER | September 1
September 12 |
Labor Day / Student Holiday (Monday)
Non-Student Day / Teacher Professional Learning Day (Friday) |
20 |
OCTOBER | October 10
October 13 October 14 |
End of First Grading Period (Friday)
Non-Student Day / Teacher Work Day (Monday) Classes Resume / Second Grading Period Begins (Tuesday) |
8 Total Days 43
14 |
NOVEMBER | November 11
November 24-28 |
Veterans Day / Student Holiday (Tuesday)
Thanksgiving Holiday / Student Holiday (Monday-Friday) |
14 |
DECEMBER | December 19
December 22-31 |
End of Second Grading Period (Friday)
Winter Break / Student Holiday (Monday-Wednesday) |
15 Total Days 43 |
JANUARY | January 1
January 2 January 5 January 6 January 19 |
New Year’s Day / Student Holiday (Thursday)
Non-Student Day / Teacher Work Day (Friday) Non-Student Day / Teacher Professional Learning Day (Monday) Classes Resume / Third Grading Period Begins (Tuesday) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day / Student Holiday (Monday) |
18 |
FEBRUARY | February 16 | Presidents’ Day / Student Holiday (Monday)
|
19 |
MARCH | March 5
March 6 March 9 March 16-20 |
End of Third Grading Period (Thursday)
Non-Student Day / Teacher Work Day (Friday) Classes Resume / Fourth Grading Period Begins (Monday) Spring Break / Student Holiday (Monday-Friday)
|
4 Total Days 41
12 |
APRIL | April 3 | Non-Student Day (Friday) | 21 |
MAY | May 25
May 29
|
Memorial Day / Student Holiday (Monday)
Last Day of Classes / End of Fourth Grading Period (Friday) |
20 Total Days 53 |
Storm make-up days will be determined as needed | 180 |
Sept 04
Lake County Ladies Chorus
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM GraceWay Church in Leesburg
The Lake County Ladies Chorus welcomes new members. We meet at GraceWay Church which is on the corner of Radio Road and Morningside Drive in Leesburg. We practice on Thursdays with Christmas and Spring performances. Contact Bev at 352-459-1816.
Sep 05
Exploration Hike
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Ferndale Preserve in Clermont
Join staff and explore the habitats and species of Ferndale Preserve. Hike intensity: Vigorous. Reservations required.
Sep 06
Wetland Excursion
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Sawgrass Preserve in Umatilla
Join us for a fast paced, guided hike at Sawgrass Preserve to explore the diverse ecosystems within the Preserve, including the plants and animals that call Sawgrass Preserve Home. Hike Intensity: Vigorous. Reservations required.