Villages/Lady Lake

Coffee and Connections, Morning Networking Located at The Standard Coffee, 1552 Bella Cruz Dr., Lady Lake

 

LADY LAKE – A suspect has confessed to a recent string of thefts throughout Town in October, including four e-bikes and one e-scooter. The suspect, Alfred J. Woods II, was taken into custody on unrelated charges in Marion County on Oct. 25. While behind bars, he admitted to the thefts during an interview with Lady Lake detectives.

The first theft was reported on Oct. 9 at Recreation Plantation. Additional thefts happened on Oct. 20 at the Kohl’s bike rack, Oct. 24 behind Ay Jalisco, and Oct. 25 behind Papa John’s. In one incident, a victim placed an AirTag on their e-bike, allowing them to track and find it abandoned nearby. Another victim tracked their stolen e-scooter to Recreation Plantation and was able to help police with a suspect description.

When the description went out to law enforcement, Officer Ryan O’Neal recognized Woods as someone he had previously stopped riding an e-bike on C.R. 25 A on Oct. 18 for a taillight violation.

Detectives later learned the suspect had been arrested in Marion County while riding an e-bike stolen hours earlier in Lady Lake. During an interview at the jail, the suspect admitted to the thefts and stated that his girlfriend sold the e-bikes to obtain money to support his drug addiction. Detectives are currently attempting to locate the woman involved and recover any remaining stolen property.  Continue reading

LADY LAKE – Lady Lake police arrested a man late Wednesday night after he was seen driving into oncoming traffic on U.S. Highway 27/441.

Just before 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 12, officers responded to reports of a reckless driver near County Road 25 and Griffin Avenue. Callers reported a red Ford passenger car swerving, crossing lanes and nearly striking other vehicles.

Officer Amanda Hayes soon saw the car turn onto U.S. Highway 27/41, driving south in the northbound lanes as other drivers swerved to avoid a collision. Officers Hayes and Officer Josh Higgins blocked traffic and brought the vehicle to a stop near Water Oak Boulevard.

The driver A male  44, of Wildwood, showed signs of heavy impairment and could not stand on his own. Officers observed open containers of alcohol inside the vehicle. Driver was unable to stand without assistance and gave breath samples of 0.245 and 0.236, nearly three times the legal limit.  Continue reading

LADY LAKE – The Town of Lady Lake’s Growth Management Department is moving to a new, larger and more convenient location at the Municipal Annex located at 221 W. Guava St., next to the Lady Lake Library.
During the transition, Growth Management’s office – including Building Services, Planning and Zoning, and Code Enforcement – will be temporarily closed on Tuesday, Nov. 18 and Wednesday, Nov. 19.

As always, most Growth Management services are available online, 24 hours a day by visiting www.ladylakefl.gov and clicking on Growth Management. Online services include applying for permits, information on documentation needed to apply online, making payments, and filing or searching code cases.

All the same in-person services Growth Management provides will be available at the new location beginning Thursday, Nov. 20, including land use applications, rezoning, annexations, plan review, permitting, inspections, and code enforcement. Additionally, as an added benefit to the public, computers will be available in the lobby for searching permits or filling out permit applications.  Continue reading

Lady Lake, FL — The Orange Blossom Gardens (OBG) Lions Club has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to addressing food insecurity in the region through support for the Community of Gratitude Food Pantry. As families across Central Florida face rising costs and increasing need, the Pantry continues to serve as a critical lifeline, providing essential groceries, meal supplies, and emergency food assistance to hundreds of households each month.

This November, the OBG Lions further strengthened this partnership with several contributions

underscoring the Club’s dedication to service, compassion, and community impact.

Last week, the Club donated 100 Walmart gift cards ($10 each) to assist the Pantry’s annual holiday meal program, helping local families prepare for the season with dignity and stability. Shortly after, Lions members delivered the results of the Club’s October Community Food Drive, where local residents contributed more than 500 non-perishable food items. The OBG Lions then matched this total with an additional 500 items, resulting in more than 1,000 donated goods supporting local households experiencing food insecurity.

Food insecurity continues to affect families in every part of the region, including working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and individuals facing unexpected medical or financial hardship. Community food pantries like Community of Gratitude play a vital role in bridging those gaps, ensuring that no family is left without the essentials they need to get through the week. Continue reading

Dec 02

The Longest Night at First Presbyterian: A Service of Hope & Healing

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM  First Presbyterian Church Mount Dora in Mount Dora

Evening offers a gentle, reflective worship experience with beautiful music especially for those who have lost a loved one, are grieving

Dec 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.

Dec 05

Lakeridge Lights – an Interactive Drone Show Experience

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM  Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards in Clermont12/512/6

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards will be hosting a 2 night event showcasing amazing drone shows, food, wine, and music. Tickets are $35 plus taxes and fees…

Dec 06

Wetland Excursion – Scrub Point Preserve

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM  Scrub Point Preserve in Clermont

Join us for a fast paced, guided hike at Scrub Point Preserve to explore the diverse ecosystems within the Preserve, including the plants and animals

Dec 06

Leesburg Christmas Festival & Parade

1:00 PM – 9:00 PM  Towne Square, Downtown Leesburg in Leesburg

City of Leesburg’s Christmas Festival & Parade, proudly presented by Summit Broadband Towne Square, Downtown Leesburg

Dec 07

Exploration Hike

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM  P.E.A.R. Park (Gateway) in Leesburg

Join staff on an early evening walk while exploring nature at P.E.A.R. Park. Hike Intensity: Light. Reservations required. Continue reading

LADY LAKE — The Town of Lady Lake will host a new signature event, the Taste of Lady Lake Speakeasy, on Friday, Nov. 7, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Lady Lake Library. The 21-and-over event is part of a weeklong celebration marking the town’s 100th anniversary. Guests will enjoy samples from local restaurants and caterers, a cash bar, and live music by Sofia and The Speak EZ Band. Tickets are $20 in advance and are on sale through Nov. 5. Four VIP sit-down tables that seat six are available at $180 per table.

A portion of proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization that supports Lady Lake Library programming.

The 1920s themed evening celebrates Lady Lake’s century-long journey from its early days as a citrus and watermelon hub along the railway to the vibrant community it is today. The library, which has become a cornerstone for residents, will serve as the backdrop for the celebration.

“This event is a chance for our community to come together in a fun, lively way to celebrate 100 years of Lady Lake,” said Events Coordinator Amy Alicea. “We’re proud of our history, from our roots in agriculture to becoming the birthplace of The Villages, and we invite everyone to raise a glass to our next century as a strong and vibrant community we are proud to call home.”  Continue reading

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CEP – Click to learn more

Subscribe to Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required
Newsletter and/or digital publication